Children are more likely to thrive in a school environment where they feel comfortable trying new things and are encouraged by loving staff. Lightbridge Academy of Hoboken – Willow Avenue, located at 1414 Willow Avenue, is celebrating its one-year anniversary after having opened its doors to the families of Hoboken with the goal of creating the go-to childcare center in town. Providing a safe space for children to explore as they learn and grow, Lightbridge Academy has become a staple in the uptown neighborhood of Hoboken. Keep reading to learn more about the school and the experience it creates for young students.
Convenience + Comfort for the Entire Family
Owned by husband and wife team Jean Pierre and Ann Alvarado, Lightbridge Academy of Hoboken – Willow Avenue is geared to be convenient for parents and welcoming for kids. With one of the earliest start times in Hoboken, Lightbridge Academy’s 6:30AM opening makes it easy for working parents to drop their children off and meet the demands of a busy schedule. Lightbridge Academy is also conveniently located across the street from a bus stop into New York City.
“We know the challenges you face and recognize that in addition to your child needing a high-quality education and nurturing care, you have needs, too,” Assistant Center Director Carmen DeMichele told Hoboken Girl. “For this reason, we developed industry-leading programs including ParentView® Internet monitoring and an e-Communication app providing a real-time and ongoing connection throughout the day.”
Thanks to the Lightbridge Academy gold standard for health + safety, parents experience extended hours, back-up care options, and most importantly, peace of mind. When it comes to what families need in childcare, Lightbridge Academy has thought of everything from nutritious snacks + meal plans, to extracurricular activities, to the occasional babysitting for parents to enjoy a night out.
A Program for Every Child: Infant to Pre-K
Lightbridge Academy provides full-time and part-time child care options for children 6 weeks to 5 years old. The classes are broken into age groups: the Infant program, the Toddler program, the Preschool program, and the Pre-K program. Enrollment is currently open in all four programs.
The infant curriculum creates a solid foundation for each little one’s future growth and development. By creating strong bonds, learning through play, and stimulating their five senses, even the youngest student is encouraged to explore the world around them in a safe and nurturing environment. Primary caregivers introduce a theme-based curriculum which is enhanced with enrichment programs such as Singing Sprouts and Spanish Sprouts.
The toddler curriculum builds autonomy through the exploration of math, science, problem solving, vocabulary and the arts. Teachers watch for a child’s social and emotional cues to advance their development and communication. Learning areas are filled with fun and age-appropriate puzzles, games, and toys.
The proprietary Seedlings Early Childhood Education Curriculum used for the preschool program utilizes theme-based lessons to strengthen their emerging skills in reading, writing, science, technology, and math. Pre-K readiness is fostered using a multi-sensory approach to learning. Teachers encourage discovery through guided instruction and child-led exploration focused on effective communication, the ability to follow instruction, and how to work cooperatively with peers.
Kindergarten readiness is fostered using a multi-sensory approach to learning and discovery. Enrichment programs such as Spanish Sprouts, Signing Sprouts, Singing Sprouts, Yoga + Mindfulness, and Handwriting Without Tears® expand on key building blocks that support the multi-sensory approach at Lightbridge Academy.
Students learn through a variety of methods thanks to the proprietary Seedlings Early Childhood Education Curriculum and experience early learning in the ways that are most developmentally appropriate for their age. Great minds in early childhood education like Maria Montessori, Howard Gardner, and Loris Malaguzzi all influenced the key learnings used in the Seedlings curriculum.
The goal of Lightbridge educators is to encourage children with a “learning is fun” philosophy through play + positive reinforcement and build upon skills acquired at various stages of development. Classrooms are designed with learning centers to offer children the ability to engage in teacher-led activities, child-led interests, and individual play.
Lightbridge Academy is located at 1414 Willow Avenue in Hoboken and is currently open for enrollment. You can call 201-963-6700 to schedule a tour or reach out to hoboken_nj_willow@lightbridgeacademy.com with questions.
