named programs · 7 · from sources
What they call their work
Aftercare
Extended-day program from 3:00–5:45 p.m. for enrolled students, offering flexible scheduling and drop-in options
Enrichment Classes
Weekly classes in Art, Bodies in Motion, STEAM, Growing (gardening/nature), Music, and Library for all student groups
Kindergarten
Curriculum aligned with NYS Learning Standards and inquiry-based learning, preparing children for transition to elementary school with individualized academic and social support
Miss Jilly’s Art Camp
Specialty summer art program for children entering Pre-K through 1st grade, focusing on creative expression through painting, crafts, and nature-inspired projects
Saplings (4s/5s)
Multi-age classroom encouraging exploration and personal choice, with hands-on curriculum in literacy, math, science, and the arts within a nature-based setting
Sprouts (3s/4s)
Program for youngest learners focusing on peer relationships, self-confidence, and foundational school skills in a safe, supportive environment
Summer Camp
Ten-week summer program for ages 3–6 featuring themed weeks in science, art, outdoor education, music, and creative movement, with full-day and half-day options
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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After-School Academic and Enrichment Programs 1 activity
- After-school care programOperates an aftercare program extending the school day from 3:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, for enrolled students during the academic year.
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Special Education Support Services 1 activity
- Individualized student support coordinationSupports students with individualized education plans by coordinating with external service providers to ensure continuity of care during the school day.
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Onsite & Outreach Environmental Education Programs 1 activity
- Outdoor and garden-based learning experiencesProvides outdoor learning opportunities including hiking, playground play, and garden-based education as part of its experiential curriculum.
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School-Specific Educational Support 1 activity
- School operations and developmentEstablished and operates a nonprofit elementary school, including developing curricula, securing facilities, hiring faculty, fulfilling legal requirements, and relocating to a four-acre campus in Slingerlands, NY, which supports over 90 students across early childhood programs.
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Student-Led Community Service Programs 1 activity
- Student-led service projectsEngages students in service projects as part of annual programming, fostering community involvement and civic responsibility.
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Summer Day Camp Programs 1 activity
- Summer camp programs for young childrenOffers themed summer camp sessions for children ages 3 to 6, including programming in Science, Art, Outdoor Education, Creative Movement, and Music. Provides 10 weekly sessions with unique themes such as Nature’s Builders, Garden Magic, and Space!, and also offers specialized camps like Miss Jilly’s Art Camp for children entering Pre-K, Kindergarten, or 1st grade.
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Play-Based Early Childhood Education 1 activity
- Year-round progressive education for early childhood studentsProvides experiential, child-led, multi-age education for children ages 3 through Kindergarten, with a focus on nature, wisdom, and wellness. Programs operate year-round, including during the academic year and summer months.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$1.71M
Contributions & grants$81K5%
Program service revenue$1.61M94%
Investment income$3K0%
Other revenue$10K
expenses
Total expenses$1.76M
Program expenses85%
Admin / overhead15%
Fundraising1%
Salaries & benefits$1.35M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$988K
Cash$218K
Investments$0
Liabilities$928K
Net assets$60K
Liquid reserves1.5 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue -3.3%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERIN PRUCKNO | Executive Dir. | 40 | $97K |
board members · 17
- AIMEE KRAFT — Director
- ALLISON KENNEY — Director
- AMANDA O'DONNELL — Director
- ANDREA STUPP — Vice President
- BRIDGET GRIFFIN — Past President
- BRYNN ROCHE — Secretary
- ISABELLE LESKO — Director
- JACQUELINE SWENSON — Director
- JASON RAYNOR — Director
- JEN NEVINS — Director
- JULIE DARLING — Director
- KATHRYN MABEY — President
- KEVIN GUTMAN — Director
- MATT WILEY — Director
- MEGAN DECKER — Director
- RACHEL CLEARY — Treasurer
- TESS MCGRATH — Director
relationships · 13
Who they work with
- Bethlehem Children’s School Network — Nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status governed by a volunteer board of directors.
- Catskill Wheelhouse Partner — Former employer of the Trailblazers teacher, suggesting experience in creative, hands-on learning environments.
- Growing Circle Montessori Partner — Former employer of the Trailblazers teacher, indicating professional connections in early childhood education.
- High Meadow School Partner — Former employer of the Trailblazers teacher, reflecting experience in progressive early childhood education environments.
- Kite’s Nest Partner — Former employer of the Trailblazers teacher, indicating connections to community-based arts and education programs.
- Lucy Brate Barn Partner — Host venue for the annual Fresh Air Affair fundraising event.
- Mead Family Farm Partner — Location host for the annual Fresh Air Affair at its property in Delmar, NY.
- Mohonk Preserve Partner — Former employer of the Trailblazers teacher, reflecting experience in nature-based educational settings.
- National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Network — Participates in a financial assistance program developed in collaboration with NAIS through School and Student Services.
- Next Generation of NYS Learning Standards Government — Aligns Kindergarten curriculum with the Next Generation of NYS Learning Standards.
- School and Student Services (SSS) Partner — Partners with SSS to process financial aid applications using standardized financial analysis.
- Seed Song Farm Partner — Former employer of the Trailblazers teacher, indicating ties to farm-based or nature-integrated early education.
- Zen Mountain Monastery Partner — Former employer of the Trailblazers teacher, suggesting integration of mindfulness practices in early childhood education.
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Experiential, Child-Led Learning for Holistic Developmentmethodology: child_led_experiential_learningBy using a multi-age, experiential, and child-led approach where teachers act as guides, the school supports holistic child development across cognitive, physical, creative, and social-emotional domains because hands-on exploration and autonomy foster deeper engagement and integrated growth.
- Mindfulness and Social-Emotional Integrationmethodology: mindfulness_based_educationBy integrating kindness and mindfulness practices into daily instruction, the school supports social-emotional development because consistent, reflective routines build self-awareness, empathy, and classroom cohesion.
- Mission-Aligned Community Formationmethodology: mission_aligned_admissionsBy using a deliberate admissions process that includes observation and family engagement, the school builds balanced classroom communities and ensures alignment with its educational philosophy because intentional fit between families and the school strengthens continuity of values and supports cohesive learning environments.
- Nature- and Arts-Integrated Educationmethodology: nature_and_arts_integrationBy embedding nature-based experiences and thematic art instruction into the curriculum, the school deepens learning and creative expression because connections to natural environments and artistic exploration activate multisensory, meaningful engagement.