Embrace Play-Based Learning at Maple Street
Maple Street School uses a play-based, emergent curriculum which encompasses deep studies that derive from classroom discoveries. The focus is to develop critical thinkers and problem solvers, while supporting students’ social-emotional well-being. We strive daily to create a deeper connection to oneself, family, the classroom and the community at large. We celebrate and recognize that we are all different, different learners, but we are all together in learning, growing and caring for each other.
Program Options
We offer flexible scheduling to meet diverse family needs:
Full-time and part-time options
Universal Pre-K For All participation
Tuition assistance programs
Core Day Programs
Our Multi-Age Approach
At Maple Street, we embrace the power of multi-age learning environments where children grow and develop at their own pace. By thoughtfully combining age groups, we create natural opportunities for leadership and cooperation while carefully attending to each child's individual developmental needs, interests, and challenges. This approach builds a vibrant community of learners where children develop confidence, creativity, and a genuine love of learning that will serve them throughout their lives
Individual Growth & Assessment
Throughout the year, teachers and parents collaborate to track each child's development through thoughtful observation and assessment. This partnership ensures every child receives the support they need to thrive in our program.
We offer age-specific activities at the Maple Street School based on each student’s needs and learning goals. Children develop skills and interests at different times throughout the school year. As a staff, we look at the whole child and seek to support each child’s individual educational experience.
Developmental Assessments are performed by parents and teachers throughout the year to ensure you child is meeting their milestons and receiving the best support possible.
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For our youngest learners, we create a nurturing environment that supports their natural curiosity and developing independence. Through simple, engaging projects, children explore sensory experiences like finger painting, play dough manipulation, and hands-on art. Physical activity is essential at this age, so we provide plenty of opportunities for climbing, dancing, and running. We gently encourage developing communication skills and self-help abilities, from putting on coats to using the bathroom independently.
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Our three-year-olds engage in increasingly complex projects that connect them to their community and themselves. Neighborhood studies might involve observational walks that inspire collective art projects, while self-reflection activities lead to creative self-portraits and family storytelling. Through cooking, planting, drama, and exploration both in and outside the classroom, children develop a deeper understanding of their world.
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Four-year-olds bring enthusiasm and creativity to their learning journey. In our language-rich environment, children create their own stories, engage in dramatic play, and participate in child-initiated studies ranging from insects to architecture. While preparing for kindergarten, we maintain our focus on fostering a love of learning through play, friendship, and discovery.
Extended Day Programs
After School
Program Overview
At Maple Street, our after school program (3:30-6:00 PM) is available to current families and the lager community, it embraces our core belief in the power of multi-age learning. Children of different ages learn together, fostering leadership, nurturing relationships, and creating a vibrant community of learners. Our program has earned the nickname "The funkiest preschool on earth!" for its creative approach to arts, play, and community engagement.
Daily Schedule
Each afternoon follows a thoughtful rhythm that includes circle time, healthy snacks, and intentional arts activities. Children participating until 6:00 PM enjoy additional choice time and open play opportunities. Our weekly themes enhance these daily activities:
Weekly Special Themes
Music Mondays
Nature Tuesdays
Movement Wednesdays
Theater Thursdays
Language Fridays
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After School runs daily from 3:30-6:00 PM, with flexible pick-up options at 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. Families can choose between our Z-Train program at 21 Lincoln Road or our Owls program at 626 Flatbush location.
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We operate on a monthly enrollment system. Around the 15th of each month, families receive sign-up forms for the following month. Registration must be completed by the month's end to ensure appropriate staffing. All MSS families can participate in After School, regardless of their day school schedule. Upon successful registration, families receive a confirmation email and monthly welcome letter.
Drop-in Options
While we encourage monthly registration, we understand the need for occasional drop-in care. These requests are subject to availability and require advance contact with the school via phone or email. Once approved, families must complete our drop-in form to finalize attendance.
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Early Pick-up & Extensions: Families may pick up their children early without advance notice, though this might affect participation in ongoing activities. For those needing to extend their time from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, we offer same-day extensions for a $10 fee. Please notify the school and complete the extension form.
Late Pick-up Guidelines: We maintain strict pick-up policies to respect our staff's schedules. No grace period is offered for late pick-ups. After 5:00 PM, families incur a $10 fee for extension to 6:00 PM. Pick-ups after 6:00 PM are charged at $5 per minute. We ask families to call the school immediately if running late.
Attendance Communication
Clear communication helps us maintain program quality. Please notify administration and your child's head teacher as soon as possible regarding any absences from After School. This allows us to adjust staffing and accommodate potential drop-in requests.
Early Drop Off
We offer early Drop off at 8:00 AM daily for families with early commitments, or childrens who woudl benefit from quiet 1-1 transition time to school. Early drop off is in you child’s regular classroom before your teacher’s prep period. This allows you child ot have quiet time before the day begins with their teachers, in their regular classrom. Early drop off is enrolled monthly, but drop in dates may be available
Emergent Curriculum
Our carefully planned emergent curriculums engage and build upon the child’s current knowledge, and based on the interests of the children. This demands a high degree of trust in our teacher’s creative abilities, and sees the child as a learner who is actively seeking knowledge. At Maple Street we get to know students and their interests. We think about what we know about our interest and what we would like to know. We ask big questions and do research as a class.
Outdoor Play
Weather permitting; we have outdoor play every day. We go to the Imagination Playground with all children, and to Lincoln Road Playground or Prospect Park with Children over 2.9 years old.
Hands-on activities
Flexible environments allow teachers to be responsive to the interests of the children, freeing them to construct knowledge together. We embrace our studies through Art, Music, Movement, Math, Social Emotional Development, Self, Family, Friends and Community.
Engage their
growing curiosity
Maple Street School uses a play-based, emergent curriculum which encompasses deep studies that derive from classroom discoveries. The focus is to develop critical thinkers and problem solvers, while supporting students’ social-emotional well-being. We strive daily to create a deeper connection to oneself, family, the classroom and the community at large. We celebrate and recognize that we are all different, different learners, but we are all together in learning, growing and caring for each other.
