PlayTogether NYC Helps Children Build Confidence Through Play

PlayTogether NYC, a certified preschool, opens its doors on the Upper West Side, offering a play-based program for toddlers, with half-day and full-day options.

Nyla Kamlet, LCSW, believes that kids develop self-esteem through positive social interactions with their peers. With that in mind, the educational therapist made play the main focus of the curriculum she designed for PlayTogether NYC, a program for tots ages 2-4 that began as a playgroup about three years ago and will open its doors as a certified preschool on the Upper West Side this month.

The school's 1,200 square feet of space allows all students to play together at the same time, Klamet says, encouraging kids to learn how to initiate play, take turns, and engage in pretend play. On the academic side, though, the school uses small, individualized groups to teach students how to write their names, recognize numbers and letters, and learn about nature through hands-on projects.

The school's Facebook page keeps parents up to date on what their children are learning each day, Klamet adds, so they can talk about it with their kids and expand on the curriculum at home.

PlayTogether NYC offers a flexible schedule-children can attend two, three, or five days per week.

Parents are welcome to schedule a personalized visit of the school at any time, and admission is ongoing. The school is located at 84th Street and West End Avenue.