pre-k prep in hoboken

at the little play co

their very first drop-off. let's make it magical.

There's a moment every parent of a 2 or 3 year old knows is coming — the first time you hand your child to someone else and walk out the door.

It's exciting. It's a little heartbreaking. And it's one of the most important moments in your child's early life.

Our Pre-K Prep program at The Little Play Co was built entirely around that moment — and everything that comes after it.

For 8 years, we've been welcoming Hoboken's youngest learners into our warm, small, joyful space for their very first drop-off experience. We've watched dozens of children wave goodbye to mom or dad for the first time — and come home at noon bursting to tell them everything they did.

what makes us different

this isn't a school. it's something better.

5–6 children. That's it. Your child is never just a face in the crowd here. Our teacher knows every child by name, by personality, and by what makes them light up on a Monday morning.

3 hours of intentional, joyful morning time — art, music, storytime, imaginative play, circle time, and snack. Every day is warm, structured, and genuinely fun.

No pressure. No homework. No losing your 2-year-old in a classroom of 20.

Just a child who comes home excited, proud, and already asking when they get to go back.

And the families? They become real friends. By June, you won't just be picking up your child — you'll be making plans with the other parents too.

details

Ages: 2–3 years old
Hours: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Class size: 5–6 children maximum
Days: Choose 2, 3, or 5 days per week
Schedule: September through June (40 weeks)

— Fall semester: September 8 – December 22 (16 weeks)
— Winter semester: January 4 – March 26 (12 weeks)
— Spring semester: March 27 – June 25 (12 weeks)

A typical morning at Pre-K Prep:
→ Morning welcome + circle time
→ Themed arts + crafts
→ Music + movement
→ Storytime
→ Imaginative play
→ Snack time
→ Free exploration

Your child does not need to be fully potty trained to enroll.

what they'll grow into

By the time your child completes our program, you'll see something shift. The child who clung to your leg in September will be the one leading circle time in June.

Along the way, they'll build:

→ The confidence to try new things — and be okay when it doesn't go perfectly
→ Friendships with children their own age — often their very first real friends
→ The ability to follow a routine, listen to a teacher, and be part of a group
→ Fine and gross motor skills through art, movement, and hands-on play
→ Early language, creativity, and curiosity — nurtured every single day

These aren't just "school readiness" skills. These are life skills. And they happen naturally, joyfully, in a space your child will love.

enrollment is open for 2026

We enroll a maximum of 5–6 children per year, and spots fill quickly — especially for families who've been with us before.

If you have a 2 or 3 year old who will be ready for their first drop-off experience this September, we'd love to meet them.

We can't wait to meet your little one.

view tuition + register here