(845) 735-2737
Welcome to
Good Shepherd Creative Play
Serving Rockland and Bergen Counties for over 50 years
Our goal is to enhance your child's world by building on their potential to imagine, create and participate in a loving environment.
At Creative Play we are continuously building community by maintaining tradition while embracing the future.
Keep reading to learn more!
Creative Play Story
Good Shepherd Creative Play is a non-profit organization
At Good Shepherd Creative Play, we’re proud to provide a caring and safe environment for your children. By following our mission, vision and values, we create a nurturing, stimulating and welcoming learning environment for all children.
Creative Play is a cooperative preschool. The cooperative aspect of our program allows us to keep the tuition at a competitive rate and allows you to be fully engaged in your child's school experience.
We provide our students with the tools they need for future happiness and success. Our unique programs incorporate a variety of educational theories, while always keeping the child’s best interests in mind and allowing for hands-on, experiential learning.
We can't wait to welcome you into our family!
Registration 2024-2025 School Year
Applications for the new school year 2024-2025 will be sent home with your current enrolled child if applicable beginning January 2, 2024.
We will accept the return of your child’s application as follows:
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Registration for Alumni & Church Members begins: January 16, 2024
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Registration for New Members begins: January 31, 2024
If you would like to register your child for a program for the next school year, please stop by the office to pick up an application. To best assure placement in your preferred class, please apply by January 26, 2024. After this date we open enrollment to new members. Please keep in mind, as in the past, we fill our classes on a first come first serve basis.
For the 2024-2025 school year the following classes will be available to your family providing we have the minimum enrollment required to proceed with each of the classes:
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Time for Two Classes (call for available days)
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1 day a week Toddler Classes (meets on Tuesdays or Wednesdays)
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2 day a week Toddler Class (2 hours, 9:45am –11:45am, either Mon & Thurs or Tues. & Thurs.)
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2-day 3-year-old classes (2.5 hours, 9:30am – 12:00pm, Tues. & Thurs.)
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3-day 3-year-old class (3 hours, 9:00am – 12:00pm, Mon., Wed. & Fri.)
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5-day 3-year-old class (2.5 hours, 9:30am – 12:00pm, Mon. – Fri.)
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5-day 4-year-old classes (3 hours, 9:00am – 12:00pm, Mon. – Fri.)
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Morning & Afternoon UPK (Universal Pre-Kindergarten) classes (TBD)
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Creative Creations, Enrichment afternoon classes (Summer Registration)
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Summer Camp (Registration in February)
For the school year 2024-2025 we are again making available to all families an
"opt-out" choice. By selecting this "opt-out" choice, you will pay a predetermined amount, to cover some or all your workdays in the classroom. The office will arrange to have your workdays covered after speaking with you and determining your needs. We understand many families who would love to attend Creative Play, but due to work and other obligations cannot participate in the cooperative workdays.
We have traditionally relied on families to help share the information regarding our school, we would appreciate you continuing to help us by sharing the above information with family and friends. While our classrooms will continue to reflect our mission of play with a purpose, we are excited to incorporate some new opportunities as well!
If you have any questions regarding registration, please feel free to speak to me.
Be well, be safe, and be happy,
Renee Bucci
Director
Resources
Information, Fun and Learning is a click away!
Mindful Kids: Thank you for being here 💜🙏🏼 This calming study music is great to improve your concentration, memory and focus.
Binaural Beats: Increase Brain Power, Focus Music, Reduce Anxiety, Binaural and Isochronic Beats
Binaural Beats: Focus Music, Binaural Beats Concentration Music for Studying, Super Intelligence
Kinetic Sand: Kinetic Sand Drop & Squish, Scooping, Crunchy Cutting, Smashing, Squishing and more! Satisfying Compilation
Learning Through Play (why play is so important in the life of a child and how they are learning while having fun!)
Education.com (online pre-school games)
Jr. Brainpop (interactive and preschool appropriate)
Noggin (free trial, tested learning app for Nick Jr.)
Cosmic Kids Yoga on You Tube (yoga and mindfulness with active screen time)
Highlights Kids (Read, play games and conduct experiments)
GoNoodle (movement and mindfulness videos, check out banana, banana, meatball video!)
Americas Test Kitchen (Checkout the kids link for cooking, do and discover activities)
Scholastic Learn at Home Free resources with exciting articles and stories, videos and fun learning challenges.
Little Bins for Little Hands (hands on science experiments as well as STEM challenges that use supplies you probably already have! Check out LEGO animal challenges for kids)
PBS Kids (videos & games with favorite characters, daily activities and tips to help kids play and learn at home)
Jack Hartmann (edcuation and fun entertainment for pre-schoolers)
Talking is Teaching (When you talk, read, and sing with your child—even before she can use words—you’re building her brain and helping to prepare her for success in school and in life.)
Teacher Videos
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Our Programs
As a cooperative school we pride ourselves on being connected to our families, we understand how important and challenging it is for parents to find the right school for their child's needs. We strive to provide a process that is both supportive and transparent.
Over time, we’ve designed and adapted programs to meet the high standards of today’s world of education. By providing a supportive environment, we make sure each child receives exactly what they need.
Time for Twos / Toddlers
Celebrate Childhood
Introduce two year old children to socialization and the routine of an early childhood setting. The children will engage in group play; story time; art activities; music; movement and so much more. The children will be introduced to "circle time". The teacher, through dialogue, song, finger plays, stories and flannel board presentations will help the children develop multiple skills. Throughout the class time children will begin to focus on name recognition, identifying colors and shapes, following direction and social interaction with peers.
The goal of these classes are to offer an environment where children and parents can learn and play together.
3 and 4 year old classes
It's Their Future
Beginning preschool is an exciting milestone of childhood. Preschool provides a foundation for learning both socially and academically.
It is our goal that your child will develop a love of learning and school as they become increasingly independent. We understand social interaction is an important component of a preschool. At Creative Play we give all children the opportunity to learn through play.
We offer a variety of classes to help your child develop the knowledge, skills and approaches to learning they will need for a successful preschool experience.
UPK (Universal Pre-Kindergarten)
We Are What We Believe
Applications for this program are available through your School District
UPK is a voluntary program for both districts and children. Parents and/or guardians may choose, but are not required to enroll their children in a UPK program. In New York State UPK is lottery based. Upon enrollment, the school district's attendance policy must be applied.
Our program will be contracting with Pearl River and South Orangetown School Districts for the 2023-2024 school year.
Creative Play does not have any influence on your application.
Summer Camp
Meet Your Best Friends Today
Join us for some fun indoor and outdoor adventures during the month of July. Summer camp is a great way to introduce your preschooler to new activities, skills and structure. We offer an exciting and active program with weekly themes, arts & craft projects, games, music, water play, exploration, stories and more! At the end of each week the children receive themed giveaways.
You may register for an individual week, multiple weeks or all four weeks depending on availability.
Program Payments
Make a Tuition or Program Payment Here
You can choose to mail a payment by check or money order to:
Good Shepherd Creative Play
112 N. Main Street
Pearl River, N.Y. 10965
or pay by Paypal/Debit or Credit Card here
If you choose to pay through paypal you must add a 2.8% fee to your payment ~ Thank You
Please complete information in the "add a note" field: what program you are paying for, your child's full name and the month you wish for your payment to apply.
(we need the above to credit your payment properly)
Note *This is a temporary means of payment while we are working on a better solution, we appreciate your cooperation and patience during these unimaginable times. The link will read "Donate" but with your note, we will know that this is a payment and not a donation.
~Thank you in advance for your payment
Applications
All applications MUST be submitted in person unless you were directed to send by mail.
Applications will not be accepted by e-mail. We apologize for any inconvenience this may bring you.
Along with the Toddler, 3 year old and 4 year old application, you must attach a copy of your child's birth certificate, the Enrollment Agreement and Allergy Form (Search for both buttons to print each document please) as well as you must submit the Registration Fee.
Please use the correct Enrollment Agreement for your application.
For those interested in Time for Twos classes, you do not need to fill out an application, simply call the office at 845-735-2737
Summer Camp Application
Child must be 3 years old by December 1st to 6 years old
Enrollment is based on availability at the time of your registration submission.
The application must be submitted no sooner than the date set and must be submitted with supporting documents and the first week's payment in full.
Please contact the office for more information 845-735-2737
Have questions or concerns? Contact our admissions office today.
Accepted Student Information
All families registered with Creative Play are expected to read the following content
Allergy Awareness Policy
Key Info
You must read our school policy in regards to Allergy Awareness and act accordingly to help keep all our children safe.
Creative Play Guidelines
Need to Know
These guidelines are established by our Governance Board and need to be read by every member of Creative Play. All members are expected to act in accordance with our Guidelines.
Creative Play Handbook
Need to Know
Every family is required to read this literature to become familiar with the expectations of a cooperative program and to be informed about the foundation of our program.
UPK Guidelines (Creative Play Specific)
Need to Know
These guidelines are established by our Governance Board and need to be read by every member of Creative Play who received a UPK placement with us. All members are expected to act in accordance with our Guidelines.
UPK Handbook (Creative Play Specific)
Need to Know
Every family who received a UPK placement with Creative Play is required to read this literature to become familiar with the expectations and foundation of our program.
Family Responsibilities for 3 year old parents/guardians
Need to Know
When you choose Creative Play for your child's preschool, you are choosing to be an active participant in your child's education.
Family Responsibilities for 4 year old parents/guardians
Need to Know
When you choose Creative Play for your child's preschool, you are choosing to be an active participant in your child's education.
10 Things Every Parent Should Know About Play
Parent Resource
Don’t underestimate the value of play. Children learn and develop:
cognitive skills – like math and problem solving in a pretend grocery store
physical abilities – like balancing blocks and running on the playground
new vocabulary – like the words they need to play with toy dinosaurs
social skills – like playing together in a pretend car wash
literacy skills – like creating a menu for a pretend restaurant
Creative Play Health Policy
Need to Know
Please be aware of the health policy of our program. We ask that all families abide by our policy in order to keep everyone as healthy and happy as possible.
NYS School Health Examination Form
Medical Form
NYSED requires a physical exam for new entrants and students in Grades Pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11; annually. We need a completed and most up-to-date medical with immunzation records on file for each student that is registered with us.
Plan Of Action - English Version
Key Info
FARE's Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan, formerly the Food Allergy Action Plan, outlines recommended treatment in case of an allergic reaction, is signed by a physician and includes emergency contact information.
Plan Of Action - Spanish Version
Key Info
FARE's Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan, formerly the Food Allergy Action Plan, outlines recommended treatment in case of an allergic reaction, is signed by a physician and includes emergency contact information.
Pick-Up Authorization Form
The following adults are authorized to pick up my child.
Use this form if someone other than yourself will be picking up your child from school sporadically or consistency. We will keep on file, the names and coordinated information for these individuals.
Parking Lot Diagram
Creative Play Parking Lot
Our parkig lot is unique and takes patience to navigate during arrivals and dismissals. Please review the diagram to becaome familiar with our lot and always abide by the rules for safety!
Fundraisers
Our non-profit organization is actively trying to create solutions.
It is our hope to continuously improve our facility and what is available to your children inside and outside of the classrooms as well as provide all the special assemblies that have become Creative Play's traditions.
At Creative Play we offer a competitively low tuition in order to best serve our community members. When our enrollment fluctuates, so does our ability to fund our programs.
We offer a variety of paths to help fund-raise for our school. Below you will find a few of those connections.
We strive to maintain quality in every aspect of our school. With your assistance from your contributions we will be able to achieve our goals.
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Thank you for your donation and your community support!
Additional Information
In addition to strengthening socialization skills-how to compromise, be respectful of others and problem-solve -- preschool provides a place where your child can gain a sense of self, explore, play with her peers and build confidence.
Play With A Purpose
What is play?
Children get involved in many different kinds of play in preschool. As they move from one activity center to another, they adjust the level of interaction with others, assume roles, negotiate problems and reflect preferences.
light, brisk, or changing movement (e.g., to pretend you're a butterfly)
to act or imitate the part of a person or character (e.g., to play house)
to employ a piece of equipment (e.g., to build with blocks)
exercise or activity for amusement or recreation (e.g. to play tag)
the action of a game (e.g., to play duck-duck-goose)
First Aid and CPR Certified
Good Shepherd Creative Play Staff
The entire staff of Creative Play is First Aid/CPR/AED certified in Child, Infant and Adult health & safety. The staff is required to maintain their certifications and participate in classes every two years.
Allergy Awareness
Peanut and Tree Nut Aware
The school policy is not to allow any products with peanut or tree nuts to be served by our school. We understand there may be cross contamination through-out the building since we share the facilities with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Although we cannot provide an allergen-free environment due to the risk of accidental exposure (allergens may be present whether in food other students bring from home or food packaged in factories) we will remain as diligent as possible when keeping our student with allergies safe. Protecting a student from exposure to offending allergens is the most important way to prevent life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Our Mission
Good Shepherd Creative Play is an outreach program of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. We are a non-profit, non-denominational cooperative preschool. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national & ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies and other school administration programs.
Testimonials
My oldest daughter went through 3 years at Good Shepherd and is thriving in elementary school thanks to the preparation she received here. Good Shepherd never loses sight of what matters most in a pre-school. (socialization, following direction and learning age appropriate academic fundamentals) The staff is phenomenal-and they all work tirelessly to insure a safe, fun and educational program! I recommend them to all my friends and family!
Tina Albin
All four of my children had their wonderful first school experience there. The teachers, staff & administrators were fantastic and you felt like family. My kids were all extremely prepared for kindergarten & still talk about their fond memories there. I'm always recommending Creative Play to everyone with youngsters even to this day! xoxox
Lily Corelli
Good Shepherd Creative Play has afforded the ultimate preschool experience for my four children. Each child is different and each experience unique to that child. What remains consistent at Good Shepherd is the overall goal to have a child learn and grow as an individual. If it is your first child, the fear of letting go is quickly replaced, thanks to the entire staff, by the anticipation of what each new day will bring.
When you walk in the doors, you are greeted with a smile from the office staff, which is ever present for the children and parents alike. The teaching staff is dedicated to providing a wholesome environment while educating the children, age appropriately. If it is you last child, returning to the school is like visiting an old friend over a fresh pot of coffee, while wearing your favorite outfit.
When your days at Good Shepherd come to an end, your child will be well prepared for kindergarten and you will feel abundantly blessed by the experience you received as a parent who wants the best for their children.
Gina, Mom of 4, Pearl River
A school in touch with the needs of the community. When I needed help Good Shepherd lend a helping hand. A school with a heart and a strong belief in God. Thank you very much to the staff. I will never forget your kindness.
Girlie-Kenneth Masaganda
Contact Us
Interested in learning more about Good Shepherd Creative Play? Please feel free to get in touch, and a staff member will get back to you as soon as possible.
112 N Main St, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
(845) 735-2737
