Business Details
11 Years
experience
Multilingual Early Childhood Education in Nature-Based Setting
Morningside PlayCare was founded in 2015 by educator Gail Foster with a vision to harness the linguistic potential of young children through immersive, play-based learning. Our program integrates Mandarin and Spanish immersion with a nature-focused curriculum inspired by Waldorf education and yoga principles. We collaborate with Columbia University-affiliated families to create a nurturing environment where children aged 10 months to 7 years develop multilingualism, resilience, and cross-cultural communication skills.Our team combines expertise in early childhood education, linguistics, and nature-based learning to deliver a unique educational model grounded in neuroscience. We prioritize cultural and economic diversity among families and staff while maintaining a commitment to safety, creativity, and holistic development through play and outdoor exploration.
Services
Mandarin Immersion Program
Spanish Language Acquisition
Nature-Based Curriculum
Yoga Integration
Outdoor Kindergarten
Play-Based Learning
Early Childhood Education
Homeschool Support
Language Development
Cultural Diversity Programs
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer 95% Mandarin and Spanish immersion through play-based learning
- Our curriculum combines Waldorf education, nature exploration, and yoga
- Founded in 2015 by educator Gail Foster with Columbia-affiliated families
- Specialized in cross-cultural communication skill development
- Nurturing environment blending safety, creativity, and outdoor learning
Services
Mandarin Immersion Program
Our Mandarin Immersion Program teaches children through interactive play and daily activities. Using 95% Mandarin instruction, we develop natural language acquisition while integrating cultural elements. This approach builds cognitive flexibility and communication skills in a nurturing environment.
Nature-Based Curriculum
Inspired by Waldorf methods and Flying Deer Nature Center, our nature-based curriculum connects children with the environment. Through seasonal exploration and science activities, we foster ecological awareness and hands-on learning in forest classrooms.
Yoga Integration
Yoga integration combines movement, breathing, and mindfulness techniques for children. This practice develops body awareness, emotional regulation, and physical coordination while complementing academic learning through somatic experiences.
Play-Based Learning
Our play-based learning model uses child-directed activities to develop social-emotional skills and creativity. Through structured and unstructured play, children explore concepts organically while building foundational academic and interpersonal abilities.
Outdoor Kindergarten
The Outdoor Kindergarten program operates in natural settings year-round. Children engage in hands-on learning through environmental exploration, developing resilience and problem-solving skills while meeting educational standards through nature-based pedagogy.
People
Gail Foster
Founder/Educator
Gail Foster established Morningside PlayCare in 2015 after consulting childhood education experts. With Columbia University affiliations, she developed a neuroscience-based immersion program combining language acquisition, nature exploration, and yoga principles for early childhood development.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children aged 10 months to 7 years with specialized programs for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary students.
What languages are emphasized in your program?
Our curriculum focuses on Mandarin and Spanish immersion, with 95% of instruction delivered in these languages through play-based learning.
Is your curriculum play-based?
Yes, we use play-based learning as our core pedagogy, combining structured and unstructured activities to develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills.
Do you offer outdoor classroom experiences?
We provide outdoor kindergarten programs in forest settings year-round, integrating nature exploration with academic learning and physical development.
How is yoga incorporated into daily activities?
Yoga principles are woven into our daily routine through movement exercises, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices that support emotional regulation and physical coordination.
What educational philosophies influence your approach?
Our program combines Waldorf education principles, Flying Deer Nature Center's experiential learning methods, and yoga practices to create a holistic early childhood curriculum.
