Gentle Separation is an independence building program for young children and their adults in Manhattan.
Our Gentle Separation program is a toddlers and twos program in NYC which encourages young children to take steps to learn to navigate social spaces on their own.
Children separate gradually from parents in a nurturing and enriching environment via a safe, structured process.
Kids at Work’s preschool prep classes can help children prepare for school and/or other social settings where their trusted adult may not be present.
Gentle Separation Classes for Toddlers and Twos in NYC
Ages: 18 mos – 2.7 years
Schedule: 2 Days Per Week for 2 Hours
Gentle separation classes allow children to begin to experience independence from their parents while they explore enjoyable age-appropriate activities. Class activities span a wide range of interests toddlers and twos have and include but are not limited to: messy art, sensory play, meeting time, music (including guitar!), cooperative play, cooking, and snack.
Each child and their adult spend two days a week for two hours together in our classroom in the Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan.
Adults stay in the physical space for 2 – 8 weeks, and then are gradually removed to a separate, blind waiting area. Adults are required to remain at the location for the duration of class, even after separation occurs.
Our curriculum is emergent and child-led. Gentle separation classes are limited to 10 students (a 3.5 student/teacher ratio.)
A typical day at our preschool prep program in NYC:
Messy & Active Play!!
Children work on decision-making skills and mastery of fine and gross motor centers during structured group and 1:1 activities led by a teacher.
Art/Science Provocation!
In gentle separation classes, an age-appropriate and sensory-based art experience is included for those children that are interested. Others may read books or observe the activity.
Sitting still is never “required” for our nearly and early twos; however, coming together as a community is encouraged!
Meeting Time
The schedule and theme for the day is discussed using hands-on visual aids during our welcome ritual.
Snack!
Kids at Work provides a snack for all children which consists of WASA multi grain crackers and fruit such as bananas or apples. We make note of all allergies; we are nut and seed free. We wash children’s hands before and after each snack.
Free Play!!
Toys, manipulatives, mini-world objects, dress up and play kitchen. Children develop conflict resolution skills via our teachers’ simple and repetitive language and prompts.
Music!
Our gentle separation classes include lots of movement, live guitar, and instruments. Children develop executive skills and come together as a community through well-known as well as new activities.
Wrap up and goodbye song!
Children always participate in a quiet lullaby or bubbles, and wrap up before our goodbye and happy reunion with grown-ups!
Communication is a priority during Gentle Separation
We know that the process of teaching your toddler or two year old to separate from you can cause anxiety. Gentle separation classes help parents as their child learns to become more independent, and helps students through the process, too!
Kids at Work offers a full suite of communication during Gentle Separation via:
- Private pictures and videos through our partners at StoryPark
- Beginning of year home visits
- Twice a year family meet-ups
- Full access to parenting support with our director and lead teacher
- Parent teacher conferences during the fall and spring.
- Weekly newsletter – View a sample weekly newsletter here!
Class Schedule
We offer Gentle Separation for toddlers and two-year olds at our West 24th location in Chelsea Manhattan throughout the year (Fall, Winter-Spring, Full Academic year, and Summer semester options).
Gentle Separation/Preschool Prep Classes are offered two or four days per week*:
- Monday/Wednesday 9:15am-11:15am
- Tuesday/Thursday 9:15am-11:15am
Participants enroll by semester or have the option to enroll for the full academic year (up to $1000 discount).
How much does preschool prep in NYC Cost?
The Kids at Work Preschool Prep Gentle Separation Program is a full year program; however, we also do accept semester-based enrollment. Each session requires a deposit of $1200 to hold your child’s spot.
2026-2027 Preschool Prep Pricing
Full Year
Choose from M/W or T/TH
$8860
($500 discount)
4 Day Enrollment
M/W/T/TH
$16,720
($1000 discount)
Fall 2026 Semester-Based Option
- Mon/Wed Group – $3770
- Tues/Thurs Group – $3640
- 4 Day enrollment – $7010 ($400 discount)
Winter-Spring 2027 Semester-Based Option
- Mon/Wed Group – $5590
- Tues/Thurs Group – $5720
- 4 Day enrollment – $10,910 ($400 discount)
No-interest monthly payment options are available (one time $75 set up fee). A payment link will be sent to you upon registration.
Join us for a virtual open house
for our Preschool Prep/Gentle Separation Program in NYC!
Reservations are required; a Zoom link will be emailed to you on the day of the event.
Meet Julie, owner of Kids at Work, and discover how we can help your little one gain confidence, independence, and the skills they need to succeed in preschool!
This virtual session is perfect for NYC parents who are interested in learning more about enrolling in preschool prep for Summer 2026, Fall 2026, or the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year.
Register now — spaces are limited!
Register for Gentle Separation classes in NYC
- Schedule an intro call with our director by filling out the form below.
- During your intro call, we will explore other ways to learn more about the program, such as a classroom observation.
- After the call, we will send you a link to register. Registration is first come, first served.
- After enrollment, our full on-boarding process begins for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gentle Separation
How does gentle separation for toddlers and twos work?
In the Kids at Work Preschool Prep Gentle Separation Program, children separate gently at their own individual rate. This usually occurs within 6 weeks of starting the program. For instance, during the second week we may separate 1-2 children, and then 1-2 more the third week, and so on. After separation is complete, our work is just beginning with our community!
When separation occurs is a team decision between teachers and family. Once separation occurs, we do not bring adults back into the room. Our separation philosophy is discussed in depth at your introductory parent meeting.
We do not offer drop off. Adults must remain in a blind waiting area with camera feed into the classroom even after separation occurs.
Is this a drop off or daycare program?
Gentle Separation is not a drop off program or daycare program in NYC. Adults must remain in the waiting area even after separation occurs.
During the summer, Kids at Work DOES offer a fully licensed drop-off summer camp program in NYC for children aged 2-3 years, located off site in a nearby preschool.
Kids at Work does not offer drop-off of any kind in its main location, within classes or Preschool Prep.
Is Kids at Work always closed when the Preschool Prep Gentle Separation program is closed?
Kids At Work may still be OPEN when the Preschool Prep Separation Program is closed! Feel free to attend a drop-in class! Check our schedule!
What if I need to miss class due to vacation, illness, or observing a religious holiday?
If students ever need to miss a class due to the observance of a religious holiday on the actual holiday, you’ll receive 2 regular drop-in classes as make-ups. Otherwise there are no make-ups, refunds or transfers for missed days of gentle separation due to other commitments, vacation, or illness.
Why is the Preschool Prep Gentle Separation Program running on the Jewish high holy days and other religious holidays?
Due to the fact that many of these holidays occur at the beginning of our time with the children, taking them as “off days” for the entire group can impede on the children’s overall ability to acclimate to the program. Since our preschool prep program only runs twice per week, we really need to run it every day that we can if we are to do the work we set out to do with the community. We mean no disrespect to our Jewish families and families of other faiths!
Do you offer a summer preschool prep program for toddlers?
Our summer preschool prep is FULL for 2026; however, we do offer preschool preparation classes during the summer time!
Families may choose to enroll in for a total of 11, 12, or all 13 weeks of the summer semester. “Away weeks” must be communicated by the start of the semester. The group is consistent throughout the 13 weeks, with some children taking “weeks off” meaning there would be a smaller group those weeks.
Groups are Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday.
- 13 weeks – $3380
- 12 weeks – $3240
- 11 weeks – $3080
“I could not have found a better place for my son than Preschool Prep at Kids at Work. When he walks in the door he is happy to be there and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. I have been impressed with the quality of care, diversity of activities, and compassion Julie and her team show the kids. In particular, I want to highlight what a gem the Preschool Prep teachers are — they are high energy, motivated and thoroughly involved.
One of the biggest compliments you can give someone is to trust them with your child. Separation has been smooth because the teachers are kind, friendly and always available to answer any questions.
Lastly, I appreciate the weekly Preschool Prep reports via email along with pictures of our children in action. I could go on and on, but when my son enters his classroom and he and his teachers all squeal with delight when they see each other, well, what’s better than that?”
– Michael K.
Preschool Prep Class Calendar
- NO CLASS – Monday, May 25, 2026 – Memorial Day, Kids at Work closed.
- Monday and Tuesday, June 1 & 2, 2026 – Preschool Prep Graduation
- Wednesday and Thursday, June 3 & 4, 2026 – Last day of Winter-Spring semester and 2025-2026 full year program
- Monday and Tuesday, June 8 & 9, 2026 – First day of Summer 2026 Semester-Based Option
- Wednesday and Thursday, September 2 & 3, 2026 – Last day of Summer 2026 Semester-Based Option
- NO CLASS – Monday – Thursday, September 7 – 10 – No Preschool Prep classes; Labor Day Break, Kids at Work open for regular classes September 8-11
- Monday and Tuesday, September 14 and 15 – First Day of Fall 2026 Semester-Based Option, First Day of Full Year 2026-2027
- NO CLASS – Thursday, November 26 – Thanksgiving Kids at Work closed
- Monday and Tuesday, December 21 and 22, 2026 – Last Day of Fall 2026 Semester-Based Option (full year students continue Jan 4/5)
- NO CLASS – Wednesday, December 23 – Thursday, December 31, 2026 Kids at Work open for regular classes, dates TBD
- Monday and Tuesday, January 4 and 5, 2027 – First Day of Winter-Spring 2027 Semester-Based Option (full year students return)
- NO CLASS – Monday, May 31, 2027 – Memorial Day Kids at Work closed
- Wednesday and Thursday, June 2 and 3, 2027 – Preschool Prep Graduation, Last Day of 2026-2027 full year program and Winter-Spring 2027 Semester-Based Option