Brooklyn City Schools opens Early Childhood Center to serve 3‑year‑olds

Brooklyn City Schools on Tuesday highlighted the new Brooklyn Early Childhood Center, which district staff said is enrolling children starting at age 3 and providing a mix of typical and special education services.

District staff described the center as a community resource that pairs early learning with family supports. “It's getting our youngest learners into the program starting at age 3,” said a staff member who spoke about the center’s intake and services. Staff described parent coaching and a range of therapies—speech, occupational and physical—offered on site.

The district framed the center as a way to improve kindergarten readiness. A staff member said classroom teams work interchangeably so children experience continuity of care: “if someone new came in the classroom, nobody would even know, like, who's the lead teacher, who the assistants are, because we all just kind of interchange,” they said, adding that the arrangement helps children transition into kindergarten more easily.

Staff emphasized social‑emotional learning alongside academics, saying the center’s environment—designed for preschool routines and play—is intended to support motor skills and regulation as well as early literacy and numeracy. The presentation noted the center includes services tailored to 3‑, 4‑ and 5‑year‑olds and that district staff and specialists work with families to reinforce learning at home.

Superintendent Dr. Ted Kularis opened and closed the presentation by linking the center to broader district investments, saying recent upgrades and programs are part of a commitment to student success.