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Daycare & Preschool FAQ for FiDi NYC Parents

Everything you need to know about programs, tuition, enrollment, and daily life at Golden Minds Prep.

General Information

Ages, hours, meals, and daily routines

We welcome children ages 2 to 5 years old, offering age-appropriate programs that focus on early childhood development at our Financial District Manhattan daycare center.
We offer several Monday–Friday schedule options:
ProgramHours
Extended Day8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Full Day8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Half Day8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Afterschool2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
We also offer drop-in care for enrolled and visiting families (Full Day, Extended Day, Half Day, and Afterschool), based on availability.
Yes. We're a full-time 5-days-a-week program, but you can choose our Half Day schedule (8:00 AM–1:00 PM) or enroll in our Afterschool Program (2:30 PM–5:30 PM). We don't offer 1–4 day weekly plans, but do provide flexible and scheduled drop-in options upon request.
Yes, Golden Minds Prep is fully licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Our luxury preschool meets and exceeds all regulatory requirements for early childhood education centers.
We maintain small class sizes with low ratios for personalized attention:
1:6Toddlers (ages 2–3)
1:10Preschoolers (ages 3–4)
1:12Pre-K (ages 4–5)
Golden Minds Prep operates year-round with no long seasonal breaks. We are closed on weekends and major holidays. For families who need extra support, weekend or holiday care may be arranged through our concierge service at standard drop-off rates, based on availability.
📅 View School Holiday Calendar
Yes! We provide organic snacks and meals 4 times daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack) that meet dietary guidelines for young children. All meals are freshly prepared.
🥗 View Weekly Sample Menu
We accommodate all allergies and dietary restrictions. Please inform us during enrollment so we can make the necessary adjustments to your child's meal plan.
Yes, Golden Minds Prep is a private daycare and preschool that operates on a monthly tuition basis. We do not participate in the government-sponsored NYC 3-K or Pre-K programs.

We have limited availability for families using HRA or ACS vouchers, and please note that these programs may require an additional family copay if your child attends beyond 2:30 PM. We're always happy to talk through your situation and help you understand your options.
We provide dedicated rest periods appropriate for each age group, with comfortable individual sleeping mats and bedding. Children who don't nap are offered quiet activities while respecting others' rest time.
We work collaboratively with parents on toilet training, following the child's developmental readiness and your family's approach. Our toddler classrooms are equipped with child-sized facilities to support this important milestone.

Curriculum & Activities

Educational approach, enrichment classes, and languages

Our curriculum blends Montessori principles with the theories of Vygotsky and Piaget, and incorporates the Kumon system for mathematics and language development. This comprehensive approach supports the whole child — socially, emotionally, and intellectually — while building a strong academic foundation.
📚 View Our Class Schedule
Our program goes far beyond standard government early childhood education. We incorporate advanced math, language development, STEM activities, and a rich variety of specialized classes — including yoga, karate, tennis, soccer, cooking, art, music, robotics, vocal training, and cultural studies — all taught by dedicated tutors who truly love working with young children.
Children engage in a full daily routine including:

Language & Early Math — storytelling, songs, counting, and patterns.
Creativity & Sensory Play — art, music, and hands-on exploration.
Nature & Culture — outdoor play, gardening, and global awareness.
Active Play — karate, soccer, yoga, and daily outdoor fun.
Life Skills & Science — basic robotics, cooking, and etiquette.
📅 View Sample Class Schedule
Yes — all three are part of our core program at no additional cost.

Language Programs: Children are immersed in English, Russian, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese through classes, play, and daily routines.

Enrichment & Physical Education: Our program includes 18 weekly specialized classes — karate, soccer, yoga, dance, cooking, art, robotics, music, and more — providing a rich, well-rounded experience for every child.

Health & Safety

Protocols, illness policy, vaccinations, and security

We follow strict hygiene and safety procedures, including daily deep cleaning, regular handwashing routines, and wellness checks upon arrival. At drop-off, our team carefully observes each child's behavior and overall appearance, and we may check temperatures when needed.

Our center features secure entry systems, continuous staff supervision, regular safety drills, background-checked employees, and comprehensive health protocols. All staff members are certified in pediatric first aid and CPR.
Children must be symptom-free for at least 24 hours before returning to preschool after an illness. In some cases, a doctor's clearance may be required. We follow strict health protocols to minimize the spread of sickness and promptly inform parents of any health concerns in the classroom.
We require all children to be up to date on vaccinations, in accordance with New York State childcare regulations.
Our facility has secure entry, surveillance cameras, and trained staff ensuring constant supervision and a safe environment for every child throughout the entire day.

Enrollment & Fees

Tuition, discounts, enrollment process, and policies

Enrollment is simple:

1. Schedule a tour (in person or virtual)
2. Complete the enrollment form
3. Submit required documents
4. Complete the child assessment
5. Pay first and last month's tuition to secure your spot
Full-Time Programs (5 days/week):
ProgramHoursMonthly
Extended Day8:00 AM – 7:00 PM$3,480
Full Day8:00 AM – 5:30 PM$3,380
Half Day8:00 AM – 1:00 PM$2,980
Afterschool2:30 PM – 7:00 PM$2,980
Drop-In Care (per day, based on availability):
OptionHoursPer Day
Full Day Drop-Off8:00 AM – 5:30 PM$250
Extended Day Drop-Off8:00 AM – 7:00 PM$280
Half Day Drop-Off8:00 AM – 1:00 PM$230
Afterschool Drop-Off2:30 PM – 7:00 PM$230
All tuition is all-inclusive and covers organic meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack), all specialized classes and activities, and educational materials.

For details or to discuss your family's needs, email Admin@GoldenMindsPrep.com or call Daniel at (888)847-8529.
Yes! We're happy to offer several ways to save:
10% OffFirst 2 months for new families
$500 CreditRefer a friend who enrolls
5% OffEach additional enrolled sibling
We're always happy to help you combine the best options for your family's situation.
We require a 30-day notice for withdrawal, and tuition is non-refundable unless special circumstances apply.

Still Have Questions? Come See Us!

Schedule a tour — in person or virtual — to learn more about our curriculum, facility, and enrollment process.

📧 Admin@GoldenMindsPrep.com  ·  📞 (888)847-8529  ·  📍 2 Gold Street, Financial District, NYC 10038