Frequently Asked Questions About Happy Day Play

What is Happy Day Play?

Happy Day Play is an early education company focused on revolutionizing how education starts in the home. We offer various online assets to families worldwide and also provide in-person “Grown Up and Me” style classes in partnership with the community to provide a transformative learning experience for both children and adults. All of our assets and in-person classes are rooted in family life education principles — the only program of its kind in the NYC area!

What age group does Happy Day Play cater to?

Happy Day Play is primarily tailored for families with children aged 0 to 5, focusing on foundational years of development. Our online content and in-person program is designed to cater to the unique needs of both parents and young children within this age range since this is seen as the most formative years for families and sets up the trajectory of outcomes for the rest of your child’s life. We also cater to the supportive family members who are major figures in your little one’s life. However, our expertise and training encompasses the entire lifespan, starting at family planning and preconception to adolescence, grandparenthood, and transitioning from Earth side.

How does Happy Day Play approach family education?

At Happy Day Play, we approach family education holistically, tending not only to the developmental needs of children but also nurturing the overall well-being, adapting to changes, enhancing communication, and understanding the dynamics that naturally evolve with the addition of another human being into the mix. We achieve this through the creation of diverse digital content formats that resonate with and reach the modern family. Our digital content serves as a toolkit, providing empowerment tools and trusted information that families can seamlessly integrate into their daily lives. These resources act as both preventive measures and planning aids, ensuring positive relationships and growth within your family.

In our in-person class program, our grown-up and me classes are meticulously structured around the core principles of family-life education and childhood development. We go above and beyond by offering dedicated family classes within each subject area, including play, music, sensory art, STEM, and pre-and early literacy. This ensures that every aspect of our program is intricately designed to support the wholesome growth and flourishing relationships within your family.

What topics are covered in Happy Day Play’s program and how are they covered?

In our in-person program, we've curated standardized subject areas reminiscent of traditional grown-up and me classes commonly found across the US, encompassing play, music, and art. However, we go beyond the conventional by seamlessly integrating STEM and pre-and early literacy into our standard offerings. We recognize the intrinsic value of these subjects and have woven them into the fabric of our curriculum.

What sets us apart is not just the subjects we offer, but how we teach them. Our teaching methodologies are innovative and modern, a departure from traditional play-based and standard learning models. If your family has experienced other grown-up and me style classes, rest assured that our approach brings a unique perspective and insights that diverge significantly from the norm.

Our commitment to Family Life Education principles is evident in our broad curriculum, covering holistic family wellness, societal contexts, lifespan development, interpersonal relationships, resource management, parent education, legal and ethical considerations, and innovative teaching methodologies. Rooted in these principles, our large and diverse staff brings a mix of expertise and backgrounds, ensuring a rich and multifaceted learning experience for every family.

Is Happy Day Play exclusive to JCC-members only?

While Happy Day Play is in partnership with the JCC of Staten Island, our classes are opened to the entire community (with JCC members receiving a discounted rate per class). It is important to note that Happy Day Play is not an exclusive in-person program to the JCC and is a separate S Corporation.

Is Happy Day Play a play-based enrichment program?

Not solely. Happy Day Play distinguishes itself through a holistic learning approach, cutting-edge methodologies, and an unwavering dedication to the well-being and development of each family member, providing robust support for your little one. Our program transcends the boundaries of conventional education and popularized play-based enrichment introduced by German educator Friedrich Froebel in the19th century and has served as the primary model for global franchises like Gymboree Play & Music for decades.

Instead, we craft a transformative and captivating learning experience that immerses families in a journey of holistic development and growth that includes a combination of multiple learning methodologies (including playing!) paired with the latest global insights in family and child development — all rooted in Family Life Education principles.

Is Happy Day Play a preschool?

Happy Day Play is not a preschool.

Is Happy Day Play a drop-off program?

Our current programs focus on an immersive experience for child and their grown up and is not conductive for a drop-off model. We do not provide independent programs without the presence of a caretaker. We are also not a daycare.

Is Happy Day Play a NYC DOE program?

Happy Day Play is not part of any NYC DOE programs. We are not a preschool or drop-off program.

Is Happy Day Play inclusive to special education?

Absolutely. Happy Day Play is dedicated to fostering a warm and inclusive environment for all families. We take pride in having program leaders on our staff with both professional expertise and personal experiences in special education, ensuring a supportive and welcoming space for everyone.

Does Happy Day Play offer birthday parties or events?

At this time, Happy Day Play does not offer birthday parties despite having incredibly fun classes! We conduct our classes in partnership with community organization(s) and not at an independent facility of our own in order to host parties. However, if you are interested in having Happy Day Play come to your private birthday party or educational event, please contact us at hello@happydayplay.com with “Event” as the subject line.