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Nutrition

Good nutrition is an essential part of our services. Children in our Early Childhood programs enjoy two hot meals and snacks everyday. Not only do we make sure children eat well, we frequently offer classes in healthy food preparation to mothers and parents of children enrolled in our day care and Head Start programs.

Starting Early

Numerous studies have shown how critical early childhood education is for cognitive and social development. Starting education and intervention at such an early age has long-lasting preventative effects. Young children who are in stimulating, educational environments like those provided by Grand St. Settlement are far less likely to develop behavioral problems, need special education services, and are much more committed to staying in school until graduation.

Early Childhood Services

Making a Difference from the Start

Operating five early childhood sites (four in the Lower East Side and one in Bushwick, Brooklyn), Grand St. Settlement helps meet the emotional, social, cognitive and physical development needs of hundreds of low-income children annually. Programs provide a safe and nurturing environment for our youngest participants to grow to their full potential under the supervision of caring and dedicated teachers.

Early Head Start

Early Head Start for pregnant women, infants and toddlers to age 3, offers both center-based and home-based services. There are individualized prenatal services for expectant families, support groups, recreational activities, and referrals to other support services, including Early Intervention or other services requested by parents. Assistance with transition to preschool, opportunities for parent involvement through volunteering and participation in program decision-making. For children diagnosed with a developmental delay, early intervention is welcome. Assistance with transportation may be provided to eligible participants.

Eligibility requirements: Residents of Community Board 3 (Lower East Side). Fees based on sliding scale according to income.

Location: 80 Pitt Street, New York, NY 10002

Hours of Operations: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

For more information: contact Lynne Kenny, Early Head Start Director, (646) 201-4201 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Head Start Program

Pioneered at Grand St. Settlement in 1965, Head Start (for ages 3 to 4) serves families with out-of-work parents. Services include early intervention program consisting of educational services, nutritional services, parent involvement, and social services. Fees based on sliding scale according to income.

Location: 294 Delancey Street, New York, NY 10002

Hours of Operations: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

For more information: call (212) 777-0656

Grand St. Settlement Child Care Center

This site offers day care for children ages 2 through 5, with a Head Start collaboration program, including services to children with disabilities. The Center services low-income families who qualify per the Administration for Children Services (ACS) guidelines. Children are served breakfast, lunch and snack.

Fees based on sliding scale according to income.

Location: 300 Delancey Street, New York, NY 10002

Hours of Operations: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

For more information: contact Janet Obregon, Day Care Center Director, (212) 228-8240 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Essex Street Early Learn

Location: 60 Essex Street, New York, NY 10002

Hours of Operations: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

For more information: call (212) 677-6990

Grand St. Settlement's Bushwick Early Learn

Collaborative Head Start and day care services are provided with basic programming and operations to facilitate quality enrichment and family supportive services. Offering pre-kindergarten childcare for children up to age 4. Our Bushwick Early Learn partners with BushwickIMPACT.

Fees based on sliding scale according to income.

Location: 319 Stanhope Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Hours of Operations: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

For more information: contact Rebeca Rodriguez, Center Director, (718) 381-8900 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.