Early Learning Programs Offered By The Salvation Army Put Childcare Within Reach of Many New York Families

It’s no secret that what children learn in their first few years of life can have a long-lasting impact on how they grow into adults, which is why finding high quality childcare is so important. The problem is, if you are a working parent in New York, finding quality childcare – and being able to afford it – can put early learning out of reach.  

But not if you qualify for childcare services at The Salvation Army’s highly regarded early learning centers in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens, which currently have openings.  

“Our mission is to create an environment where children enjoy learning,” says Cecil Hodge, former Educational Director for our Child Care Center in the Tremont section of the Bronx. “We want children to become life-long learners, and our mission is to cultivate excitement in the learning process to prepare children for the future.” The Salvation Army operates 6 childcare centers in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. We offer free childcare to families, providing a tailored program that can help [children to develop] between the ages of 2 and 5.

We strive to create an environment where children can learn how to become critical thinkers and are given opportunities to participate in fine arts, educational exercises, and field trips. The purpose of these activities is to teach colors, shapes, letters, numbers, and to gain new and exciting hands-on learning experiences. Children are encouraged to explore the world around them to develop their independence and expand their imagination.

Early Childhood Education is essential to development. Image Credit – Laura Rivera

“A lot of the teachers are from within the same community as our students,” continues Hodge. “We have a lot of veteran teachers that have been in the field for a very long time who have a passion for educating children.”

The Salvation Army, the leading provider of social services in the United States, offers a unique opportunity for families to also benefit from our network of food pantries, soup kitchens, after school programs, senior programs, and holiday assistance programs.

Tom Tauchert

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,000 centers of operation around the country. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of "America's Favorite Charities" by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.