About Our UPK
We are thrilled to share that The Heart and Mind STEM Center, which opened its doors in July 2024, has had a truly successful inaugural year. This milestone reflects the dedication of our team, the enthusiasm of our students, and the support of our wonderful families. We take great pride in the achievements and progress we’ve seen at Heart and Mind and are excited to continue building a bright future together with the Hicksville and Bethpage School Districts.
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Welcome! Maximizing Children's Potential and Instilling a Desire to
Grow, Learn and Succeed
We realize that preschool is an exciting time in your child’s life. Preschool children are natural born curious explorers who want a sense of independence and self belonging. Our preschool program can help prepare your child for success in school and in life.
In preschool, play goes far beyond simple recreation; it is a purposeful and powerful way for children to explore, discover, and make sense of the world around them.
Here are some key reasons why play is essential for learning in preschool:
1. Cognitive Development
Through play, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Activities like building with blocks, solving puzzles, or engaging in pretend play help children experiment with concepts like cause and effect, spatial awareness, and sequencing.
2. Social and Emotional Growth
Play provides opportunities for children to interact with peers, share, take turns, and collaborate. These interactions help build empathy, communication skills, and the ability to resolve conflicts, laying the foundation for healthy relationships.
3. Language Development
Imaginative play, storytelling, and games involving conversation encourage children to expand their vocabulary, improve their listening skills, and articulate their thoughts. Role-playing scenarios, such as playing “store” or “doctor,” also help in understanding real-world situations.
4. Physical Development
Climbing, running, or dancing, enhances gross motor skills, while activities like drawing, cutting, or manipulating small objects refine fine motor skills. Both are critical for overall physical development and readiness for tasks like writing.
5. Creativity and Imagination
Play nurtures creativity by encouraging children to think outside the box, invent new games, and use everyday objects in innovative ways. This imaginative process is essential for cognitive flexibility and problem-solving.
6. Emotional Resilience
Through play, children learn to navigate challenges, handle frustrations, and build confidence in their abilities. They experiment with emotions in a safe and supportive environment, which helps develop emotional resilience and self-regulation.
7. Connection to STEM Learning
Play-based activities like building structures, exploring nature, or experimenting with materials introduce STEM concepts. These experiences encourage curiosity and lay the groundwork for future academic success.
Grow, Learn and Succeed
We realize that preschool is an exciting time in your child’s life. Preschool children are natural born curious explorers who want a sense of independence and self belonging. Our preschool program can help prepare your child for success in school and in life.
In preschool, play goes far beyond simple recreation; it is a purposeful and powerful way for children to explore, discover, and make sense of the world around them.
Here are some key reasons why play is essential for learning in preschool:
1. Cognitive Development
Through play, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Activities like building with blocks, solving puzzles, or engaging in pretend play help children experiment with concepts like cause and effect, spatial awareness, and sequencing.
2. Social and Emotional Growth
Play provides opportunities for children to interact with peers, share, take turns, and collaborate. These interactions help build empathy, communication skills, and the ability to resolve conflicts, laying the foundation for healthy relationships.
3. Language Development
Imaginative play, storytelling, and games involving conversation encourage children to expand their vocabulary, improve their listening skills, and articulate their thoughts. Role-playing scenarios, such as playing “store” or “doctor,” also help in understanding real-world situations.
4. Physical Development
Climbing, running, or dancing, enhances gross motor skills, while activities like drawing, cutting, or manipulating small objects refine fine motor skills. Both are critical for overall physical development and readiness for tasks like writing.
5. Creativity and Imagination
Play nurtures creativity by encouraging children to think outside the box, invent new games, and use everyday objects in innovative ways. This imaginative process is essential for cognitive flexibility and problem-solving.
6. Emotional Resilience
Through play, children learn to navigate challenges, handle frustrations, and build confidence in their abilities. They experiment with emotions in a safe and supportive environment, which helps develop emotional resilience and self-regulation.
7. Connection to STEM Learning
Play-based activities like building structures, exploring nature, or experimenting with materials introduce STEM concepts. These experiences encourage curiosity and lay the groundwork for future academic success.
You're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!
-Dr. Seuss, Oh the Places You'll Go!
-Dr. Seuss, Oh the Places You'll Go!