Corlears Toddler Program in NYC: Wonder, Exploration, and Discovery

A toddler brings the pom-pom materials to the sensory table and drops them into the water. They look up, eyes wide, curious as to what their teacher will say. They are met with a meaningful response:

"Wow, the pom-poms are in the water! They are getting wet. What an interesting idea. I wonder how they feel? Let’s find out."

The child feels secure and confident in their actions. They know their ideas are valued. And so they begin to joyfully investigate the new experience they have created. This is where learning begins.

Located in Chelsea, Manhattan, Corlears School's Toddler Program provides a nurturing, play-based early learning experience for children ages 12–24 months. Through two developmentally appropriate program options, children are encouraged to explore their environment, follow their curiosity, and build confidence through meaningful relationships and discovery.

Children are here to wonder, teachers are here to guide, and caregivers are welcomed as partners in understanding how learning unfolds.

We believe young children are curious, capable, thoughtful learners with ideas worth following.

Serving families throughout New York City, Corlears offers flexible early learning experiences that support children from caregiver participation through gentle separation, honoring each child's unique developmental journey.

Explore our Toddler Program curriculum and admissions process

How Our Toddler Program Encourages Curiosity and Learning

Driven by their own curiosity and wonder, children investigate the world around them, creating authentic experiences along the way.

Through meaningful connections, teachers build upon each child's interests, offering guidance that strengthens their cognitive, social-emotional, language, physical, and creative development. Small moments, like looking up at the sky, become opportunities for big learning:

A child gazes up at the sky with their teacher.

"Look at the 100 clouds in the sky."

"Wow, it does look like 100 clouds in the sky! Let’s try counting to 100 together.

Actually, let’s MAKE 100 clouds!

That’s a lot of clouds. How can we make 100 clouds?

100 marshmallows!"

At Corlears, curiosity becomes the foundation for learning. Through exploration, conversation, and collaboration, children develop problem-solving skills, confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Play-Based Toddler Classrooms Designed for Exploration

Young children are natural explorers. They can spend extended periods of time with a material—holding it in their hands, observing it closely, turning it over again and again.

We intentionally design classrooms that are safe, thoughtful, and centered on learning. Within these spaces, children become empowered to make their own decisions about their learning and play.

Our open-ended materials are within children’s reach, safe to touch, and ready for exploration, allowing children to investigate how things work, move, fit together, feel, and sound.

Through these hands-on experiences, toddlers build early learning skills while developing creativity, independence, and confidence. Providing opportunities for exploration supports a more holistic understanding of the world around them, leading to deep, meaningful, and purposeful learning.

Explore our Toddler Program learning environment

VIDEO: Take a Peek Inside Our Toddler Program (from NY Family Magazine)

Guiding and Extending Your Toddler's Learning, Together

In our classrooms, children, caregivers, and teachers are co-learners. Together, we slow down and pay attention to the small, meaningful moments that capture your child’s interest, like pom-poms in water or clouds in the sky.

“Wet!” the child at the table exclaims.

“Yes, the pom-poms are wet. How do they feel? They feel squishy. Let’s pick them up. What happens to the water when we squeeze the pom-poms? It’s dripping! The water is dripping down. The water is dripping down from the wet, squishy pom-poms.”

Observing the interaction, another child runs up to the sensory table with a handful of dry pom-poms. They too, toss them into the water, offering a joyful giggle. The two children engage in purposeful play at the table together, scooping and pouring the water and pom-pom creation over and over.

These experiences become opportunities for connection and conversation. We hold space for all of your children’s ideas to grow, evolve, and take shape into meaningful learning.

At Corlears, teachers and caregivers work together to understand each child’s unique interests, strengths, and developmental journey.

Post last updated: July 20, 2026