Center status711 Manida Street: Checking…1054 Intervale Avenue: Checking…

Programs & services

Comprehensive early childhood education — and everything that surrounds it.

At La Peninsula, we provide comprehensive early childhood education and family support programs designed to nurture each child's development and strengthen the families we serve. Our work is grounded in evidence-based practices, cultural responsiveness, and bilingual service in English and Spanish.

Teachers and toddlers playing with wooden blocks during classroom activity time

Program

Early Childhood Education (Ages 3–5)

High-quality, developmentally appropriate instruction using The Creative Curriculum. Each classroom is staffed by a certified teacher and teacher assistant, and children receive 1,020+ hours of planned classroom instruction each year.

  • Language and literacy
  • Cognitive development
  • Early math and science understanding
  • Social and emotional skills
  • Physical well-being and motor development

Program

Head Start Services

La Pen has a long-standing history of delivering comprehensive Head Start services focused on meeting the needs of the most vulnerable families in the South Bronx. Our holistic approach ensures children are academically, socially, and emotionally ready for kindergarten.

  • High-quality preschool education
  • Health and developmental screenings
  • Nutrition services
  • Family support and parent engagement
  • Mental health consultation
  • Individual Education Plans (IEP)

Program

Health & Wellness

Child well-being is at the center of our mission. Our team includes a registered nurse, mental health specialist (Dr. Pat Riley), and a Program Dietitian (Leah Galitzdorfer, MS, RDN, CCNP). Children receive routine screenings, developmental evaluations, and referrals for additional services when needed.

  • Routine health and developmental screenings
  • Brigance developmental screenings
  • TS GOLD ongoing assessments
  • Vision, hearing, and dental referrals
  • One-on-one nutritional counseling for families

Program

Family Support & Advocacy

Our Family Support Program ensures parents and caregivers have the tools they need to support their children's success. Family advocates maintain small caseloads, allowing for individualized support.

  • Basic needs assistance
  • Housing and crisis intervention
  • Connections to community partners
  • Goal-setting and family development plans
  • Referral follow-ups to ensure services are received

Program

Nutrition (CACFP)

Children enrolled in Head Start receive free breakfast, lunch, and a snack daily, served family-style. Meals are designed to meet children's daily nutritional needs and to teach lifelong healthy habits. Our nutrition program participates in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

  • Free breakfast, lunch, and snack for all enrolled children
  • Family-style meals that build social and self-help skills
  • Weekly classroom nutrition activities
  • Individualized nutritional assessments
  • Attention to special dietary and feeding needs, including for children with disabilities

Program

Program Quality & Continuous Improvement

La Pen uses multiple assessment tools to maintain high program quality and guide teacher development — keeping classrooms engaging, supportive, and aligned with early childhood best practices.

  • ECERS environmental ratings
  • CLASS observations
  • NAEYC accreditation standards
  • Ongoing TS GOLD assessments
  • ASQ developmental screenings

Ready to enroll your child?

Enrollment is free. Priority is given to families that meet federal Head Start income eligibility guidelines.