PROGRAM OVERVIEW
A Strong Start for Every Learner.
Finding the right preschool for a child with learning or developmental differences can feel overwhelming. At Stephen Gaynor School, early intervention is not only key, it is transformational.
An Innovative Model of Early Intervention
Stephen Gaynor School’s Primary Division is a unique and research-informed model for students ages three to six. By combining the joyful experiences of early learning with evidence-based special education practices, the Primary Division helps children build academic, social, physical, and emotional foundations for lifelong success.
Learning Through Play and Purpose
In Primary, every experience, from building with blocks and drawing to listening during story time, nurtures curiosity, confidence, and independence. In our warm, engaging classrooms, students follow directions, collaborate with peers, and participate in hands-on learning that feels like play.
Individualized Learning and Expert Support
Just like in our Lower and Middle Schools, every Primary student benefits from an individualized curriculum tailored to their pace and strengths. A dedicated team of teachers, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists collaborates daily to support each child’s growth across all areas of development.
Designed for Discovery
Created in collaboration with Gaynor’s expert faculty and consultants, the EC environment is purposefully designed to inspire exploration, skill-building, and joy. Highlights include:
-
A child-friendly kitchen where students plan and prepare healthy snacks, reinforcing math and fine motor skills while learning collaboration and nutrition.
-
A cozy book nook designed exclusively for Primary students, complete with a lending library to foster early literacy, responsibility, and a love of reading.
-
An on-site sensory gym designed by occupational therapy experts to refine gross and fine motor skills through guided play.
-
Center-based classrooms equipped with thoughtful lighting, acoustics, and technology that create an optimal environment for young learners.
“When we first started in this process, I remember thinking, as a physician and as a surgeon, I fix things. I was so helpless with Ethan because I couldn’t fix his challenges. But Gaynor taught me that I wasn’t here to fix my son, I was here to help him focus not on the things that he couldn’t do but on the things that he could do.”
– Angela, mother of Ethan
