In our 10- and 12-month preschool programs, the Ames Center utilizes a developmentally appropriate curriculum which supports children’s learning and development. This approach incorporates each child’s learning style, interests, preferences, personality, skills, and talents and prepares children for their school years by promoting creativity, pre-academic skills, socialization, and independence. Each of our classes adheres to the New York State Learning Standards.

The Ames Center offers three class settings based on student – teacher – teaching assistant ratios providing general instruction and to meet the needs determined by the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) of children requiring special education. We offer 20:1:2 integrated classrooms and 10:1:2 and 6:1:2 special education classes. Several of our classrooms are bilingual (English / Spanish).

The Ames Center provides a spacious, well equipped, fully air-conditioned modern facility. We provide children with two outdoor play areas and a summer swimming program with a certified lifeguard.

Children at the Ames Center go on several field trips throughout the year as we help them explore the world around them and grow.

We offer various services to meet the needs (as determined on IEPs) of each child. Supportive services include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and counseling.

Our teachers and staff work with each family to keep them aware of their progress and to help parents understand how to ensure their growth and development outside of school. We additionally provide family support to those who need it.

In addition to our preschool classes, the Ames Center provides child care services from 7:30 am – 6 pm daily. We are a licensed NY State-approved child care center.

The Marion and George Ames Early Childhood Learning Center is an approved New York State Education Department preschool special education program and is under contract with the Westchester County Department of Health and the New York City Department of Education to provide educational services to preschool age students with disabilities, as well as with the Yonkers School District to provide Universal Pre-Kindergarten services. The Ames Center is accredited by the National Association for theEduacation of Young Children (NAEYC). Our classroom teachers and teacher’s assistants are certified by New York State.

The Ames Center is one of three preschools run by Rising Ground. Rising Ground is a leading nonprofit human services organization that provides children, adults, and families in the greater New York City area with the resources and skills needed to help them rise above adversity and positively direct their lives. As an organization, we work to provide families with any resources they need to thrive. Through our Centralized Access & Referral department, we connect families with our own programs, as well as our hundreds of community partners across New York City.