Good Shepherd Early Childhood Center's mission is to support children’s natural sense of curiosity, initiative, engagement, persistence, and creativity and to develop the critical thinking skills necessary to become independent and successful life-long learners.
GSECC holds the distinction of being accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). We are the only preschool in the Rivertowns area – Hastings, Dobbs Ferry, Ardsley and Irvington – to hold this highest mark of quality. We follow the child-centered model of early childhood education. It is accepted that for young children learning and knowledge is best acquired through the experience of exploration and discovery. Our non-profit, non-sectarian program is based on the Common Core Foundational curriculum of New York State and promotes learning through play.Good Shepherd is housed in the extensive facilities of the Irvington Presbyterian Church. We have five spacious and well-equipped early childhood classrooms. The expansive secure outdoor facilities include two shady playgrounds, a generous "wheeled toy" riding area, and a very large grassy field.
All this makes for healthy, all-season outdoor exploration and play. Additionally, we have a large all-purpose room in which to enjoy indoor gross motor activities as well as all-school meetings, gatherings, and fairs.Classes are taught by a Staff Head Teacher and an Assistant Teacher. Our experienced and qualified teachers create an intentional, meaningful, interest based and purposeful learning environment built upon developmental needs and best practices in early education.
The morning consists of playtime (learning through play), group time, snack time, and gross motor activity. Our Extended Day program begins with free play time. Children then eat the lunch they brought from home while chatting away with friends and staff. A brief quiet time then allows children to rest up before being involved in an enrichment activity (creative dramatics, art, music, cooking, movement or science). The day ends with outdoor play. We also offer additional art classes during the afternoon.GSECC offers programs in music, yoga, sign language, and nature studies during the morning sessions. The music specialist meets with the children twice a month. The yoga specialist meets with them once a month. The American Sign Language program meets twice a month with the four year olds. The environmental outreach program, The Nature of Things, brings live specimens to the students five times a year.
To schedule your personal tour of our beautiful facility contact the Educational Director, Mandy Landivinec 914.591.4104 mandylandivinec@irvingtonpresbychurch.org