The Core Learning Program
The heart of Harlem Little Learners is our daytime early learning program. Children ages two to three participate in Montessori-inspired activities. They engage in early literacy, hands-on materials, and structured social play.
This portion of the day is designed to help young children build the early skills that support preschool and Pre-K readiness.
Safety and care are embedded throughout the program. Children are closely supervised in a calm, predictable environment, and materials are thoughtfully chosen, developmentally appropriate, and introduced with clear expectations so children can explore safely and with growing independence.
A Typical Day at Harlem Little Learners
Harlem Little Learners provides a warm, structured environment where children feel safe, valued, and ready to engage. Each day follows a predictable rhythm that builds security and confidence, while balancing learning, care, movement, and rest. Grounded in Christian values, the program respects each child’s individual needs within a calm, nurturing setting.
Learning experiences include:
Early literacy and language-rich activities
Music, movement, and sensory exploration
Practical life skills that build independence
Early numeracy through hands-on materials
Seasonal themes and age-appropriate exploration
Guided social interaction and cooperative play
Outdoor play at onsite, fenced parks
Program Year
Our program year is aligned with the New York City Public Schools calendar, giving families a familiar school-year structure. The program operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. A full calendar is shared in advance each year so families know important dates, holidays, breaks, and closures.
Extended and Overnight Care for Working Families Program
Our overnight shift provides safe, reliable care for families who need support during nontraditional work hours. Children are cared for in a calm, secure, and closely supervised environment designed to support rest, comfort, and consistency throughout the night.
Overnight Care is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 p.Safety and comfort are top priorities; children are cared for in a calm, closely supervised environment with security cameras in place to support added peace of mind.m. to 7:00 a.m., for families needing care during nontraditional hours.
Program Rhythm
Arrival & Settling
Children are welcomed into the space and supported as they transition from home, with quiet activities that encourage comfort and ease.
Morning Learning & Exploration
Children engage in hands-on activities that support early literacy, communication, problem-solving, and independence through play and guided exploration.
Meals & Care Routines
Meals and snacks are incorporated into the day as opportunities for nourishment, routine, and social interaction.
Rest & Quiet Time
Children are given time to rest and reset in a calm setting that supports individual needs and self-regulation.
Afternoon Activities & Transitions
The day continues with age-appropriate activities, movement, and quiet play before pick-up, helping children transition smoothly back to their families.
Menu
Harlem Little Learners participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Meals served meet federal nutrition standards.
CACFP Meal Pattern Requirements
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
email:
Program.Intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
BREAKFAST
| Component | Ages 1–2 | Ages 3–5 |
| Milk (unflavored) | ½ cup | ¾ cup |
| Fruit or Vegetable | ¼ cup | ½ cup |
| Grain | ½ serving | ½ serving |
- Grain must meet serving size equivalents (½ slice bread, ¼ cup cooked cereal, etc.).
- At least one grain per day must be whole grain-rich.
- Flavored milk not allowed.
Lunch/Supper
| Component | Ages 1–2 | Ages 3–5 |
| Milk (unflavored) | ½ cup | ¾ cup |
| Meat / Meat Alternate | ¼ cup | ½ cup |
| Grain | ½ serving | ½ serving |
| Vegetable | ||
| Fruit |
- Vegetable and fruit must be served as separate components.
- Meat alternates include beans, yogurt, cheese, eggs, tofu.
- Yogurt must be ≤ 23g sugar per 6 oz.
- Juice is limited (best avoided entirely).
Snacks (A Selection of 2 Different Components)
| Component | Ages 1–2 | Ages 3–5 |
| Milk (unflavored) | ½ cup | ¾ cup |
| Meat / Meat Alternate | ½ oz | ½ oz |
| Grain | ½ serving | ½ serving |
| Vegetable | ⅛ cup | ¼ cup |
| Fruit | ⅛ cup | ¼ cup |
- Must serve 2 different components.
- Fruit + Vegetable is allowed.
- Cannot serve two of same component (fruit + fruit not allowed).
Juice may only be served once per day and must be 100% juice (again, best avoided).
Contact Us
Harlem Little Learners
45 W 139th St
NY, NY 10027
929-814-8161
harlemlittlelearners@gmail.com
Reach out to learn about enrollment, schedule a tour, or ask about availability. We respond promptly to friendly inquiries to support your family needs.
Harlem Little Learners 