April 12, 2013 Important notice regarding Vernon Avenue Children’s School & Metropolitan Child Services, Inc.

It is with great sorrow that with this letter, that we at Vernon Avenue Children’s School & Metropolitan Child Services, Inc. must formally notify you of our intention to close our Head Start program & our Universal Pre-Kindergarten program as of June 30th, 2013. It has been our absolute pleasure to work with the Administration for Children & Families Office of Head Start over the past 10 years as well as with the Department of Education’s UPK Division over the past 10 years. More importantly, it has been our absolute pleasure to serve the children and families of our community.

We have valued this opportunity greatly and the entire staff at Vernon Avenue Children’s School & Metropolitan Child Services Inc. has received far more satisfaction and reward by working with our families, than we have given to them; again, it has been our pleasure.

For more information on your local Head Start program, please visit: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices

For more information on the Universal Pre-Kindergarten program, please visit: http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/PreK/Publications/default.htm

Our Philosophy

As a school we hold steadfast to the Philosophy that all children are unique with an capacity to be lifelong learners provided that they receive the best that we have to offer during their time with us. As a school we have connected our Philosophy to the song  "The Children are our Future"

"I (We) believe the children are our future"

We believe each and every child has the potential to bring something unique and special to the world. Our goal is to provide children with the environment that will help children to develop their potential by believing in them as capable individuals. We strive to assist children in discovering who they are, so they can express their own thoughts and nurture their unique ideas. Our vision is of a world where people will respect, accept, and embrace the differences of all cultures, as the core of what makes the world a fascinating place.

"Teach them well and let them lead the way"

Our program presents a unique community of learners that varies not only in abilities, but also in learning styles. Our role as educators is to give children the tools with which to cultivate their own knowledge. To accomplish this goal, We teach to the needs of each child so that all learners can feel capable and successful. As we integrate our Creative Curriculum we will ensure that activities are modified and involves the interests of the children to make learning fun and relevant to their development. We will incorporate themes, integrated units, projects, group work, individual work, and hands-on learning in order to make children active learners. Finally, We will tie learning into the real world community to help children become responsible, caring and active members of society.

"Show them all the beauty they possess inside" "Give them a sense of pride to make it easier"

Our School is a caring, safe, and an equitable environment where each child can blossom and grow. We allow children to become responsible members of our school community by using strategies such as group/circle time, positive discipline, and democratic principles. In showing children how to become responsible for themselves as well as their own learning, we give them the tools to become successful in life, to believe in themselves, and to love themselves.

"Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be"

Educating ourselves is a lifelong learning process of new philosophies and new strategies; Learning from the parents and community, learning from colleagues, and especially learning from the children. Children have taught us to open our minds and our hearts to the joys, the innocence, and the diversity of ideas in the world. Because of this, we will always remember how to smile with the new, cherish the old, and laugh with the children.

"Everybody's searching for a hero" "People need someone to look up to........"

What is a hero? The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word as "a person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life". Our staff are not by any stretch of the imagination famous or legendary soldiers — yet they have improved the lives of all of the children that they touch, making them feel more secure in the world. Their weapons are their creative ideas, determination and a deep belief in their power to make a difference in the lives of the children and each other. Our children need these types of heros and people to look up to in their lives.

Our Mascot was developed and based upon the philosophy and Program Mission

Vern the Penguin is a symbol of all we believe we need to adhere to our philosophy and our mission.

A penguin symbolizes strong bonds,...is very caring and loving to his or her child. Penguins build strong relationships.... a penguin is very strong willed and wil do anything for its family- WE ARE THE EXTENDED FAMILY TO ALL OUR CHILDREN

Learn More