Park Avenue United Methodist Church

Park Avenue Methodist Day School (PAMDS), located on the Upper Eastside of Manhattan offers 75-80 pre-school children and their families an opportunity to embark on an educational path completely focused on the child's growth and individual talents. In a warm and exceptionally caring community, experienced and dedicated teachers support the child as he or she develops a sense of how to succeed in a community. PAMDS's warmth, inclusiveness and emphasis on partnership with parents are distinguishing characteristics that have greatly enhanced the early development of hundreds of young children. This first school experience helps build the foundation for the next phase of their lives. Park Avenue Methodist Day School welcomes children to either a morning or afternoon session for the school year, from mid-September to the end of May. There is also an eight week Summer Camp in June and July. PAM Day School occupies space on the fourth floor of the Church's parish building. It has one very large classroom divided into two sections and a common area for play and block building. Each morning and afternoon a group of three-year-old children and a group of four- and five-year-old children gather in their assigned area for various activities. Each group routinely visits a small but inviting library and a large well equipped play area on the roof one floor above. The Church also provides a part of a parishioner's hall for meetings, play on rainy days, and admissions receptions. Finally, there is a large room in the basement adapted as a play area available to the children. By New York standards, PAM has generous multi-use space. The classroom is cheery, well maintained and filled with inviting learning materials and toys. Children each have a coat cubby and space in which to keep their belongings. In light of the fact that all of the teachers and children operate in this space, children quickly learn the importance of order and cooperation. A visit to the room quickly demonstrates that there is a sense of purpose and joy pervading the facility. Everyone shares, waits their turn and helps out. PAM's facilities are in good repair, inviting to children and adults alike, and meet the needs of the current enrollment and program.