Morningside PlayCare

Morningside PlayCare has a big vision: Model how Americans can achieve multilingual citizenry in six years or less - simply by doing what we know works! The school cultivates the language genius, open-mindedness, and wonder-filled hearts of young children. They do this by providing nurturing care as they immerse children in the Mandarin and Spanish languages through play, authentic creative activities, yoga and exploration of nature. Their mission is to help create a generation of distinguished young Americans who will serve as bridge builders, peacemakers, and citizen diplomats. They envision young adults who are globally and academically competent, multilingual, fluent in Chinese and Latinx culture, living in loving connection with nature, confident in their ability to build and create, and aspiring to a planet where all have the opportunity to realize their potential.

Leaders in the Field: One of the few programs nationwide giving parents an opportunity to make their children multilingual from infancy.
Full Immersion in Two Languages: Native Mandarin and Spanish speaking teachers immerse the children in the target languages leading to native level fluency in the children.
Targets Critical Years: Serving ages 6 months to 6 years, while children’s neurological capacity for language acquisition is at its prime.
Combines Childcare with Language Learning: Monday - Friday, 8 am to 6pm.
Neuroscience Based: Curriculum designed around leading-edge neuroscience on the linguistic genius of the young brain. See TED Talk below.
Demonstrated Effectiveness: First graduate class is now fluent in Mandarin at ages 5 and 6. Spanish comprehension acquired by students in their first year.
Highly Regarded by Peer Schools: Graduates aggressively recruited by the top immersion elementary schools in New York City.
Leader, Scholar, and Author in the Field: Dr. Foster is regularly recruited to present her school’s achievements at national language conferences and her bilingual storybook, Would You Help Me Choose A Pet?, has received multiple accolades.

• By raising capital on NextSeed, Morningside PlayCare’s goal is to ensure they have the continued ability to provide their critical services to the children and families they serve.
• The total project cost is estimated to be $400,000 with the NextSeed raise providing $250,000. The uses of these funds will go towards working capital and renovation of their new location.

Gail Foster, CEO
Dr. Gail Foster is a decorated educator with a 20+-year history as a successful educational entrepreneur developing frontier programs in her field. A graduate of Columbia University's Teachers College, her experience includes service as a school administrator, consultant to education start-ups, and published research contributions to the field for major education think tanks. She has won numerous civic awards for her service to children and families, including an invitation to the White House.

Sheree Palmer, Founder & CEO of Cambria Center for the Gifted in Queens, NYC.

Claudia Stedge, Founder & CEO of Partnership for Education in Columbia County NY.

Tuesday Brooks, owner of Ajoy Enterprises accounting firm in New York, NY.

Todd Ruffins, experienced start-up assistant and facilities operations person in Suffolk County, NY.