Along the Bronx side of the Harlem River, BronxWorks has opened its third early childhood learning center, expanding access to affordable childcare in a rapidly developing area of the borough with a high need for services.
Located on the ground floor of the Bronx Point development across from Mill Pond Park, the center is part of a larger complex that includes more than 500 units of housing, positioning it as both an educational hub and a community resource.
The full-day program serves children ages 2 to 5 and provides meals prepared through BronxWorks. Inside the bright, newly built classrooms, educators use play-based activities to build early literacy, social, and developmental skills. Inside of the bright, newly built classrooms children reenact everyday experiences —like running a grocery store or visiting the doctor— using props and role-play to mirror real-life interactions.
“Everything we have here is connected to the Creative Curriculum,” said Tyler McCormick, chief of staff and strategy at BronxWorks. “So it’s all about skill building, but within play.”
Each classroom follows a three-teacher model —one lead teacher and two assistants— allowing for small-group instruction and more individualized attention. Classrooms are organized by age group to ensure lessons are developmentally appropriate.
“Because many children we’re seeing now, especially after COVID, have delays or challenges, that one-on-one support is very important in smaller settings,” said Melinda Barr, associate vice president of younger youth programs at BronxWorks.
The program currently accepts families using HRA and ACS childcare vouchers, along with a limited number of fee-based slots starting at about $180 per week —significantly lower than many private childcare options in New York City.
Beyond the classroom, BronxWorks emphasizes “wrap around” support for families. A dedicated family worker helps parents navigate services ranging from childcare vouchers and job assistance to immigration support and housing resources. The organization also provides meals, developmental screenings, and parenting workshops focused on nutrition and early learning.
The location offers additional advantages. Its proximity to Mill Pond Park gives children access to outdoor space, while nearby institutions like the Bronx Children’s Museum and the Bronx Hip Hop Museum present opportunities for future partnerships and cultural programming.
For parent Amarie Gago, the center has been both a convenient and supportive option for her son, Zayden. She initially struggled to find a 3-K program that would accommodate him due to certain requirements, before realizing BronxWorks operated a center in her own building.
“They were very welcoming and very organized. Everything has its place, and he’s learning a daily schedule,” Gago said. “That daily schedule helps me at home and helps him learn in school.”
In the short time he has been enrolled, she has seen significant progress in her son’s development. Zayden now uses bigger words and fuller sentences and learning how to share.
The location has also made a significant difference in her daily routine.
“It’s much easier having him downstairs where I live,” Gago said. “I can just wake up, take him downstairs, and I’m aware that he’s there. You know, even if I don’t work near the area, I know where he’s at.”
The BronxWorks Early Childhood Learning Center is currently enrolling children ages 2 to 5 and plans to serve up to 51 students.
Reach Marina Samuel at msamuel@schnepsmedia.com. For more coverage, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!
