About Us
Nurturing Young Minds Since 1955
At the Medical Center Nursery School, we are committed to the value play provides children in learning about their world. For over six decades, outstanding teachers have created a program that consistently provides children with extended, uninterrupted time for pursuing their interests as individuals and in small groups.
Our Philosophy
As a progressive, constructivist school, MCNS follows the principles established by John Dewey. Children learn how things work through active, hands-on exploration of materials and concepts. Their knowledge expands as they continue playing, and they are able to imagine and implement more complex ideas. Our teaching practice is also informed by the theories of Lev Vygotsky who emphasized that collaborative, pretend play allows children to develop higher order thinking skills within a social context.
“A child’s greatest achievements are possible in play, achievements that tomorrow will become her basic level of real action . . .”
Lev Vygotsky, Mind in Society, 1978
Our Approach
Attentive educators structure classroom experiences to facilitate each child’s physical, verbal, cognitive and social development. Throughout the day, children practice valuable skills such as listening to the ideas of others, resolving conflicts verbally, and the ability to identify and articulate their feelings. Through forming meaningful relationships with teachers and peers, the children become a strong community of enthusiastic learners.
The Value of Play
We firmly believe in the fundamental power of play in early childhood development. Our classrooms are places where:
- The environment is intentionally created to reinforce innate imagination and creativity
- Uninterrupted time with open ended materials allows for deep engagement and discovery
- Children make sense of their world during pretend play
- Collaborative play leads to collaborative problem solving
- Attentive teachers support social development and interactions
not the production of correct answers, is the measure of educative growth
something hardly less than a revolution in teaching would be worked.”
― John Dewey, Democracy and Education, 1916
Our History
The story of MCNS began in 1955, born from a vision of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. What started as a small parent cooperative program has evolved into a renowned early childhood education center.
1957
Opened our doors to our first class of 17 children
1963
Granted charter as an independent school by the NY State Board of Regents
1971
Established affiliation with Columbia University and moved to our current home at Haven Avenue
1994
Recognized as “One of the 10 best day-care centers in the country”
Today, we continue to build on this rich heritage, reinforced by neuroscientific research which continues to emphasize the value of play in child development.
Our Facilities
Inspiring Learning Spaces
Our three spacious classrooms offer breathtaking views of the Hudson River and George Washington Bridge, creating an endlessly fascinating backdrop for daily learning. Each room features:
- Abundant natural light
- Dedicated areas for different types of play and learning
- Child-sized bathrooms promote independence
- Well-curated materials that spark creativity
Thoughtfully Designed Areas
Every classroom includes:
- Block building space for engineering and collaboration
- Dramatic play areas for imaginative exploration
- Cozy reading nooks for quiet reflection
- Art materials for creative expression
- Sand and water tables for sensory experiences
Outdoor Adventures
Our rooftop playground provides a safe and exciting space for enhancing physical strength, balance and coordination through:
- Challenging climbing structures
- Imagination Playground Blocks
- Trikes, scooters and wagons
- Planters for gardening and nature studies
Faculty & Staff
MCNS staff collaborate to foster engaging, supportive learning environments, tailoring curriculum to children’s interests and social dynamics while exceeding New York City licensing standards for early childhood educators. Teachers with expertise in Science, Music, Art, and Spanish enrich the program through specialized classes and classroom projects. With a commitment to emotionally responsive and reflective teaching, the faculty participates in ongoing professional development, including certification in Positive Discipline and studies of educational texts like Michael O. Weiner’s Interpreting and Responding to Classroom Behaviors: A Guide for Early Childhood Educators. Further details on professional growth are available on the FAQ page.
Tricia Pool
Director
MSEd, Early Childhood General Ed, Bank Street College, 2006
MAT, Integrated Language Arts, Webster College, St. Louis, 1987
BA, English, University of Texas at Austin, 1982
Tricia became the Director of MCNS in July 2019, brining 30 years of experience with preschoolers, both in the classroom and in administration. Tricia’s philosophy and practice as a progressive educator are informed by the works of John Dewey, Lev Vygotsky, Jonathan Kozol, Erik Erikson, bell hooks, Michael O. Weiner, Lesley Koplow, and The 10 Principles of Burning Man.
Veronica Vazquez
Explorers Group Teacher
Ed.M, Teachers College, 2022 Dual Certification Early Childhood, Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Veronica has extensive experience with toddlers and preschoolers in an emotionally responsive, play based environment. Prior to joining the MCNS faculty, Veronica spent over 10 years as a teacher of two, three and four year olds at The Weekday School, where she also assisted children an atelierista trained in Reggio Emilia. She taught kindergarten for two years at Amber Charter School in East Harlem.
Diomara Perez
Explorers Assistant Teacher
When Diomara joined the MCNS faculty in 2019, she already had over ten years experience with 2 and 3 year olds, and additional experience with elementary students. Diomara holds a Play First certification from Fairy Dust Teaching.
Aliyse Fernando
Explorers Assistant Teacher
Aliyse spent several years as an aide and an assistant in the Tendercare program at the West Side YMCA. She provided support to students in a DOE Learning Lab for the children of essential workers prior to joining MCNS in the spring of 2021.
Patty Lederer
Pathfinders Group Teacher
MSEd in Early Childhood from Bank Street
A master gardener as well as master teacher, Patty enjoys introducing children to the natural world through outdoor education as well as the art studio. With nearly 15 years experience as a lead teacher of 2, 3 and 4 year olds, as well as several years as a Kindergarten teacher at Calhoun, Patty’s deep understanding of child development enhances the school experience for children individually and collectively.
Araralie Calcano
Pathfinders Assistant Teacher
AAS, Hospitality, Monroe College, with continuing coursework in Early Childhood at CCNY
Ara spent several years in childcare on the Upper West Side before joining the Pathfinders classroom in 2020. We were excited to mark her 20th year as a teacher in 2021.
Fei Zhu
Trailblazers Group Teacher
MA Early Childhood Education, California State University, Los Angeles
Fei began her career in Early Childhood Education in the Bay Area. She has been a lead teacher in preschools for over ten years in New York City, and was the founding director of a child care center in Queens. Additionally, Fei worked for many years as a bilingual mental health worker providing support services to families recently immigrated from China. She has a lifelong interest in literature and literacy.
Louise Rogers
Trailblazers Group Teacher, Music Specialist
Bachelor’s in Music, University of New Hampshire; Masters in Early Childhood in process at CCNY
A creator of Be-Boppin’ Tots, and co-author of Jazzy Fairy Tales:A Resource Guide for Introducing Jazz Music to Young Children, Louise joined the MCNS faculty as the Music teacher in 2010 after working as a teaching artist in elementary schools. She is the early childhood coordinator for the Jazz Education Network. Louise’s book on Miles Davis, So What?, will be published in the fall of 2024.
Sheila Sevilla GonZales
Assistant Teacher, Late Day
Sheila is finishing her degree in Early Childhood Education at BMCC. Before joining the MCNS faculty in 2023, Sheila worked with elementary students privately and as a camp counselor. She has a natural affinity for very young children and forms genuinely warm, playful relationships with the children.
As a Columbia Affiliated program, the MCNS faculty is part of the Columbia Community Health Compact.
Photo Gallery
Experience the joy of learning at MCNS through our gallery of magical moments.
