Child Care and Preschool

A guide to child care at Columbia University is prepared and published by the Office of Government and Community Affairs.

For more information, please visit their website.

Medical Center Nursery School

The Medical Center Nursery School provides a nurturing and child-centered environment where a diverse group of students and teachers plays, learns and grows together.

  • Eligibility Requirements: Ages 2 to 5 years at time of enrollment; preference given to children from families affiliated with Columbia University, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital or the New York State Psychiatric Institute
  • Fee(s): Application fee and tuition
  • Registration/Application Deadline:Applications are accepted at the beginning of September for the following year
  • Address: 60 Haven Avenue
  • Phone: 212-304-7040
  • Fax: 212-544-4243
  • Email: information@mcns.org
  • Website: www.mcns.org

Barnard Center for Toddler Development

The mission of the Barnard Center is to provide a warm, positive first school experience for parents and children, and a forum for parents and caregivers to discuss and learn about the development of toddlers; to conduct research on early development and parenting; and to educate students about toddler development.

  • Eligibility Requirements: Must be born between October 1, 2008 and January 31, 2010 for the 2011-2012 school year
  • Registration/Application: Visit our website for admission guidelines.
  • Address: 3009 Broadway
  • Phone: 212-854-8275
  • Website: www.barnard.edu/toddlers

Barnard Babysitting Agency

This student-run service acts as a clearinghouse, matching families with full-time students at Barnard for sitting gigs. It’s an affordable option, with just a $30 registration fee to cover outside of the sitter’s hourly rate (average $15/hour)—though payment is handled entirely between sitters and parents, so be sure to discuss the details before hiring. Sitters interested in a family’s posting receive the full listing at the agency office, allowing them to contact the family. Parents must apply for regular sitters in advance of the coming semester, but sporadic jobs may be posted at any time. See more information here!

Children's Learning Center

The Children's Learning Center provides a relaxed, friendly and nurturing environment that promotes children's growth in all developmental spheres. The school believes children learn best through play at their own individual rates. Teachers plan and facilitate developmentally appropriate curriculum, encouraging children to discover and interpret their world through cooperative and independent play.

  • Eligibility Requirements: Ages 6 months to 5 years
  • Fee(s): Tuition varies; $50 application fee
  • Registration/Application Deadline:Applications are accepted until the first week of December
  • Address: 90 LaSalle Street, New York, NY 10027
  • Phone: 212-663-9318 
  • Fax: 212-600-4870
  • Website: www.clc-nyc.org

Columbia Greenhouse Nursery School

Columbia Greenhouse is an independent, not-for-profit, and non-sectarian part-time early childhood school. Their student body reflects the diversity of the University community and of the neighborhood.

Family Annex

The Family Annex is a parent co-op that offers full-time and part-time enrollment for child care. The Reggio Emilia approach is used to encourage creative thinking for children and encourages both teachers and children to be researchers. The children are engaged in discovery through the use of materials, discussions and possibilities which the teachers explore with the children.

  • Eligibility Requirements: 1.8 to 5 years
  • Fee(s): Tuition fee; financial aid is available
  • Registration/Application Deadline:Applications are accepted more than one year in advance; enrollment is for September to July
  • Address: 560 West 113th Street
  • Phone: 212-749-3271
  • Email: info@familyannex.org
  • Website: www.familyannex.org

Hollingworth Preschool, Teachers College

This program, run by Teachers College, provides a developmentally appropriate curriculum for three-, four-, and five-year-old children and their families. The children, who attend the school five half-days per week, participate in a classroom community that nurtures all aspects of their development.

Red Balloon Day Care Center

Red Balloon provides a safe, creative, and nurturing environment where very young children can learn by making their own choices and exploring through hands-on activities and through play. The center serves the Morningside Heights and Harlem communities.

The Rita Gold Early Childhood Center, Teachers College

The Rita Gold Early Childhood Center, an infant, toddler, and preschool early care and education research practicum site, serves to promote the growth and development of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families.

  • Eligibility Requirements: Only children of Teachers College, Columbia University, and Barnard College faculty, staff, or students accepted
  • Fee(s): Tuition fees vary depending on the child's schedule; 25% non-refundable deposit, $75 application fee applies
  • Registration/Application Deadline: Varies by year
  • Address: Teachers College, 525 W. 120th Street (Thorndike Hall, second floor)
  • Phone: 212-678-3013
  • Fax: 212-678-3048
  • Website: www.tc.columbia.edu/centers/ritagold

Tompkins Hall Nursery School and Child Care Center

Originally a parent coop nursery, this preschool program encourages parents to play an important role in the school experience. Tompkin's Hall strives to integrate each child's individual development with the experience of belonging to a group.

  • Eligibility Requirements: 3 months to 2 years 8 months for child care center; 2 years 9 months to 5 years for nursery school
  • Fee(s): Tuition, application fees; financial aid is available
  • Registration/Application Deadline: Nursery school: December 31; child care center: January 31
  • Address: 21 Claremont Avenue
  • Phone: 212-666-3340
  • Email: info@tompkinshall.org
  • Website: www.tompkinshall.org