The Gardner School is thrilled to open our Cambridge, MA, location this winter. Home to Harvard and MIT, this historic city is well-known for prestigious higher-education institutions that pursue innovative research and world-changing initiatives. This also makes it an ideal setting for the developing young minds of The Gardner School’s students.
The city of Cambridge is also dedicated to supporting early childhood education, so it’s an ideal spot to raise a family. To complement the education children are getting in preschool, we’re highlighting a few of the early education initiatives available for your family in Cambridge.
1. Let’s Talk!
A program supported by the Cambridge Agenda for Children Literacy Initiative, Let’s Talk offers literacy home visits, playgroups for all ages, classes, resources, tips, and more. There’s even a special program for dads to help foster friendships between fathers with young children.
2. Harvard Center on the Developing Child
While it’s primarily a research-based organization, Harvard’s CDC provides resources to young families that help explain brain development in the early years of childhood. Their Brain Architects podcast is definitely worth a listen, and parents can follow their YouTube channel for even more tips on parenting and childhood development. Additionally, their resources page has a wealth of infographics and interviews to help you understand your child’s development.
3. Cambridge Public Library
The Cambridge Public Library is a city gem, with six branch locations that have an abundance of programming for the under-6 crowd. Preschoolers can enjoy storytime, sing-alongs, and checking out all the picture books their hearts desire! If you’re visiting the main branch, don’t miss the Cambridge Library Playground and Joan Lorentz Park, an oasis right in the middle of the city.
4. Cambridge S.T.E.A.M. Initiative
The Gardner School prioritizes S.T.E.A.M. learning for all of our students, and that’s a priority for Cambridge parents, too! The Cambridge STEAM initiative is a joint initiative of the City of Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs, the Cambridge Public School Department, and the Cambridge Public Library. Together, these three entities organize programs, activities, and classes for students of all ages. Check out their resources for at-home activities to encourage scientific thinking in your preschooler.
5. Boston Social Thinking
The services that Boston Social Thinking offers are available for children of all ages—including preschoolers! Through classes and social play groups, children learn to practice empathy, helping them understand their peers’ thoughts or feelings. Attendees can learn new social approaches through this valuable organization and gain concrete social skills to facilitate friendships.
Continue Exploring at The Gardner School
The Gardner School encourages hands-on, experiential learning for all ages, from infants to preschoolers. Our program nurtures each student’s emerging sense of self through a balanced curriculum, qualified and caring teachers, creative play with friends, and a supportive environment designed for exploration. Contact us today to learn more about our Cambridge preschool.