What type of program is Little Learning?

Little Learning is a multi-year early childhood development program with a focus on literacy. We work with children throughout early childhood, ages 16 months to 6 years old. Children are introduced to a gently structured small-group learning environment during our 90-minute classes that meet once per week. Additionally, we are known as an exceptional parent and family resource for all things child development. For more details concerning each level of our program, please visit our Program Information page.

How does enrollment work?

Little Learning runs on the Academic Year calendar (September-May). Our admissions period starts in the late winter/early spring. Current families and siblings of past children are offered priority enrollment. We then offer spaces for children on our waitlist. We require a full academic year’s commitment.

Can my child join midway through the year?

Yes. Admissions is rolling, and should we have space, we are able to offer late enrollment. Please complete our Admissions Application, and our Admissions Office will reach out with more details.

What makes Little Learning unique?

The small-group, 5:1 or 5:2 student:teacher ratio allows us to get to know our students not only as individuals but also as learners, in a way that is just not possible in a large group environment. We have them “under a microscope,” so to speak; we track every facet of their development (social/emotional, cognitive, physical, etc.). Our founder Karen McLaughlin believes very strongly in a collaborative approach with parents. As children are turning 4, we also provide an academic rigor that they may not be getting in their preschool programs. Our multi-sensory approach to academics is a perfect complement to play-based preschool.

I feel like it may be too much with pre-school and his/her other activities. What are your thoughts?

The once-weekly frequency of our classes is really the “sweet spot” in that they are provided with a challenge that is presented in a fun, magical way that is “just right”-- Our program is so highly individualized, all children are kept within their zone of proximal development with the goal of acquiring more advanced academic and life skills over the three to four years they are with us. Children’s experience here at LL is entirely different from their experience at pre-school. This also holds true for parents, as well.

What experience do your teachers have?

Karen’s belief that experienced K-3 teachers trained in human development from the ground up are critical to our success. Our Directors hold Masters Degrees in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Literacy, and our teachers are extensively trained in the Little Learning Method by Karen personally. Most of our teachers have classroom experience in the K-12 independent schools in New York City, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C., public schools across the country, as well as private schools in the U.K.

At what age can my child join Little Learning?

Most children begin with us between 16 months and 2 years old. We see children from this young age until they enter kindergarten at age 5 or 6, depending on whether they are a summer birthday. Many children stay with us through elementary school in our 1:1 program until they successfully transition from learning to read to reading to learn, which happens at some point at the end of 2nd grade/beginning of 3rd grade.

Do you assist with applying out?

Throughout the three to four-year period families are with us, it is inevitable that we become a highly valuable resource for parents on the journey of choosing preschools and K-12 schools. We know how each child learns, their temperament, etc., which allows us to provide insight essential to these important decisions.

How often do parents have contact with teachers?

Karen’s strong belief that every child’s development and education is a partnership with parents drives all of our communication. We’ve been referred to as the ‘411 for anything child development related’. Just like with our students, our goal is for every parent to feel heard, accepted, and emotionally safe in our space. In addition to an open line of communication, parent conferences are offered once per year, and we strongly recommend that all parents schedule and attend. In the parent conference, we provide each family with a comprehensive review of their child’s/children’s growth and progress per our observations here at Little Learning. We speak in detail to every area of early childhood development (cognitive, social-emotional, physical, moral and behavioral, and speech and language) as well as each child’s strengths and areas for improvement.

My child has never separated before. How do you facilitate that?

Karen loves the separation process! Respect for the child as a human being is at the center of everything we do, which includes the process of separation. Our philosophy is that children are central to the separation process, and so we empower them through fostering independence in the classroom from the very beginning and speaking honestly with them about separation.

What is Little Learning Summer Voyage?

Little Learning Summer Voyage is our June cultural awareness program for children ages 2 to 5. The program is themed around global travel in order to expose children to different cultures in fun, relatable ways. Summer Voyage runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 am-12:00 pm. Children can enroll for individual weeks at a time.