named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Early Arrival Program
Supervised early drop-off starting at 8:30 am for enrolled families, providing care before the official 9:00 am start time; offered year-round with flexible enrollment
Explorers (2s and Turning 3s) Program
Two- or three-day morning program for children ages 2 and turning 3, designed to support gentle separation and early independence through a play-based, phased-in start to school
Extended Day Program
Optional program for children 3 years and older that extends the school day until 2:45 pm up to two days a week, allowing for deeper exploration of classroom themes in small groups
Kindergarten Exmissions Support
Guidance program where the school director advises families on independent and public school applications, including timelines, interviews, essays, and school fit
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Admissions Outreach and Enrollment Support 1 activity
- Facilitate enrollment and admissions outreachConducts mandatory virtual information sessions, optional 'Stay and Play' classroom visits, and virtual community chats with current teachers, parents, and board members to support prospective families during the enrollment process.
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Children's Play and Motor Development Spaces 1 activity
- Maintain enriched indoor and outdoor learning environmentsOperates five renovated classrooms with natural light and views of the outdoors, a large outdoor play yard with climbing structures and tricycles, and a naturalistic play space featuring loose parts, a mud kitchen, and classroom pets such as guinea pigs and bunnies to support sensory and caregiving experiences.
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Play-Based Early Childhood Education 1 activity
- Operate early childhood nursery school programsProvides play-centered early childhood education for children ages 2 to 5, emphasizing discovery, purposeful play, and collaborative exploration through teacher-facilitated learning. Offers two-day, three-day, and five-day morning programs with phased-in entry to support adjustment and build trusting relationships.
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Before and After School Childcare 1 activity
- Provide extended day and early drop-off care optionsOffers an extended day program until 2:45 pm for children aged 3 and older up to two days per week, and an early drop-off option starting at 8:30 am to support family childcare needs.
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Summer Day Camp Programs 1 activity
- Run summer camp program for enrolled childrenOperates a summer camp program in June and July featuring outdoor exploration, creative arts, water play, gardening, and community excursions. The program is divided into three 2-week sessions with flexible enrollment and differentiated schedules for Junior Campers (3 or 5 days/week) and Senior Campers (5 days/week).
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Family-School Engagement Programs 1 activity
- Support parent engagement and community buildingEngages parents as partners in their child’s development through collaboration, documentation of learning journeys, and opportunities for involvement. Maintains a Parent Association that sponsors events, raises funds, and fosters community among families.
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financials · form 990 · fy2023
revenue
Total revenue$1.52M
Contributions & grants$114K8%
Program service revenue$1.37M90%
Investment income$38K2%
Other revenue$597
expenses
Total expenses$1.51M
Program expenses89%
Admin / overhead7%
Fundraising4%
Salaries & benefits$1.28M
Grants paid out$105K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$1.92M
Cash$802K
Investments$1.01M
Liabilities$788K
Net assets$1.14M
Liquid reserves14.4 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2023 · YoY revenue -3.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2023
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| RENEE MEASE | DIRECTOR | 40 | $164K |
board members · 7
- ALICA STOLLER — BOARD MEMBER
- DAVID DUTTENHOFER — TREASURER
- JEANNETTE COREY — SECRETARY
- KATIE COOPER — BOARD MEMBER
- MARISSA ZALK — BOARD MEMBER
- MIGNON MOORE — CHAIRPERSON
- STAN MONK — VICE-CHAIRPERSON
relationships · 10
Who they work with
- Columbia University Government — Long-standing affiliation with Columbia University, with the Office of Work/Life serving as the primary liaison since 2006.
- Columbia University Government — Maintains a long-standing relationship with Columbia University, which has provided classroom and office space and supported initial operation costs.
- Columbia University Network — One of the early childhood programs affiliated with Columbia University.
- Columbia University Partner — Affiliated with and supported by Columbia University; school is located inside two Columbia University buildings.
- Greenhouse teachers Partner — Teachers take turns supervising the early drop-off program in the play yard.
- Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York Network — Member organization that sets admissions notification dates followed by Columbia Greenhouse Nursery School.
- Lillian Katz Network — Referenced as a renowned early childhood expert whose ideas inform the school's educational philosophy.
- Renee Mease Partner — Director of Columbia Greenhouse Nursery School
- The School at Columbia University Partner — Feeds students into kindergarten at The School at Columbia University.
- parents and families Partner — Collaborates with parents and families in supporting each child's development and self-esteem
strategies · 3
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.
- Child-Led Inquiry with Intentional Guidancemethodology: child_led_inquiryBy initiating educational projects based on children's interests and questions, and using observation and reflection to guide them, the school deepens engagement and learning because children are more motivated and invested when they direct their own exploration.
- Developmentally Grounded Relational Learningmethodology: developmentally_appropriate_practiceBy structuring schedules, class placements, and adult-child relationships around developmental readiness and emotional security, the school supports holistic growth because young children learn most effectively within stable, nurturing relationships that honor their evolving capacities.
- Reggio Emilia-Inspired Environmental Engagementmethodology: reggio_emiliaBy integrating the Reggio Emilia approach—emphasizing child-led exploration, natural materials, and collaborative learning through expressive modalities—the school fosters deep cognitive and emotional development because children construct understanding through sustained, meaningful interaction with their environment and peers.