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Three-Year-Olds Program in Astoria, New York

Here at The Day School of Astoria, our free Department of Education program follows The Creative Curriculum.
The Creative Curriculum is a research-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum designed to support the learning and growth of young children through hands-on, meaningful experiences. It focuses on all areas of development—social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language—through engaging, play-based activities that are rooted in children’s natural curiosity and interests.
For 3-year-olds, play is not just fun—it’s how they learn best! At this age, children are building foundational skills by exploring their environment, asking questions, and trying things out. The Creative Curriculum encourages learning through purposeful play, where teachers guide and extend children’s thinking as they play with materials, interact with peers, and make choices.
Through learning centers like blocks, dramatic play, art, and sensory tables, children develop early math, literacy, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills. They also build confidence, learn to communicate with others, and start understanding routines and expectations. Whether they’re pretending to cook in the play kitchen or building towers with friends, 3-year-olds are constantly learning through experiences that feel joyful and meaningful to them.
In short, the Creative Curriculum nurtures the whole child by turning everyday play into powerful learning.