Chickpeas Child Care Center Inc

Chickpeas is a parent-run cooperative preschool established in 1981. We offer a full-day program for children between the ages of two years, nine months and five years in one multi-aged group. Children may attend three, four or five days a week. The day starts between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. and runs until 3:00 p.m. Extended hours until 6:00 p.m. daily are available as needed, for an extra charge. Chickpeas has three full-time teachers and an after-school assistant.

Chickpeas offers universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) to eligible children through a contract with the New York City Dept. of Education. Children are eligible for UPK if they turn four by the end of the calendar year in which the school year starts.

Our curriculum reflects important aspects of the Bank Street philosophy, which maintains that young children can best satisfy their curiosity and develop their potential through play in an unhurried, supportive setting. Rather than guiding children to produce the same work, our teachers make opportunities for the kids to work independently or to join together to create projects of their own choosing.

Painting, drawing, collage, clay, dramatic play and water table activities, along with reading, creating and listening to stories are all a regular part of the day. Music and movement sessions, guided by Chickpea parents, take place weekly. The kids also are given ample time to play in the backyard, in all but the foulest weather.