Welcome! This page is for our ongoing Early Childhood Programs. Single day early childhood programs can be found on our Weekend Programs page when available. Please click on the program you want to view or scroll down to find it.
Sunny BunniesAges 3-4 years (drop-off) |
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Let’s get ready for Pre-K! APEC provides a unique educational experience and prepares children for the preschool classroom. Each session incorporates motivating science lessons, hands-on learning experiences, and school readiness skills like letter recognition, shapes, numbers, counting and much more. Live animals, nature walks, and great children’s literature create an immersive learning environment. Children bring lunch to enjoy at the end of the program.
Children must be able to use the bathroom independently to participate. No diapers or pull-ups. New Students must attend a "meet the teacher" session prior to the first class. Classes are not offered individually. Spots are limited.
Children must be able to use the bathroom independently to participate. No diapers or pull-ups. New Students must attend a "meet the teacher" session prior to the first class. Classes are not offered individually. Spots are limited.
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
*Some dates in range may be excluded for holidays; see registration page for the full list of dates.
Lil' HoppersAges 3-4 years, with one adult |
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Is your little one ready to take their first steps toward the classroom but not ready to leave their parent? This class is designed specifically for 3 and 4-year-olds to build confidence, curiosity, and social skills they’ll need for their next classroom experience. There will be a nature inspired craft, a guided walk, and story time. They will meet and pet a live animal in every class! Space is limited. Only one parent per child. No siblings except babies in a carrier or car seat.
Sundays
Toddler TimeAges 2-3 years, with one adult |
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Satisfy your toddler’s curiosity with fun nature-themed lessons at APEC! Listen to stories, enjoy nature activities, enjoy a walk along our trails, and meet live animals.
One parent per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Space is limited.
One parent per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Space is limited.
Saturdays
Interested in joining out Toddler Time classes but not available during the week? Join us for this special 4-week program on Saturdays.
Tuesdays
*Some dates in range may be excluded for holidays; see registration page for the full list of dates. The lesson is the same for the Tuesday and Thursday class. Please register for only ONE program so other families may participate in the program.
Thursdays
*Some dates in range may be excluded for holidays; see registration page for the full list of dates. The lesson is the same for the Tuesday and Thursday class. Please register for only ONE program so other families may participate in the program.
Wee SproutsAges 18-23 months (with one adult) |
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Wee ones are invited to join this hands-on program to explore the wonders of nature. Children will engage with nature-themed toys, sing songs, and enjoy animal story time. Little ones will be introduced to nature items like pinecones, feathers, and pelts, all designed to spark interest about the environment. Live animal guests will be part of every class, too!
One parent per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Space is limited. Registration is offered as a one-month program. Classes are not offered individually.
One parent per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Space is limited. Registration is offered as a one-month program. Classes are not offered individually.
Saturdays
*Some dates in range may be excluded for holidays; see registration page for the full list of dates. The lesson is the same for the Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday class. Please register for only ONE program so other families may participate in the program.
Tuesdays
*Some dates in range may be excluded for holidays; see registration page for the full list of dates. The lesson is the same for the Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday class. Please register for only ONE program so other families may participate in the program.
Thursdays
*Some dates in range may be excluded for holidays; see registration page for the full list of dates. The lesson is the same for the Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday class. Please register for only ONE program so other families may participate in the program.
Registration Policy:
Pre-registration is required for all programs.
When registering for a program, please note the required ages for children. If your child’s date of birth does not fall within the required age range, the registration system will not allow you to register for the program.
Waiting List:
If it appears that you will be closed out of a particular class, please put your name on the waiting list online. Additional classes may be added. You will be notified if that occurs.
Missed Classes:
FOR ONE-TIME CLASSES:
No refunds or credits will be given for any missed programs. If APEC is notified within one week that the registrant cannot attend or if APEC cancels the program, a registration credit for the amount of the class will be applied to your account to be used for future APEC program registration.
FOR MULTI-SESSION CLASSES:
No refunds or credits will be given for any missed programs. If you decide to cancel your registration before the program starts or withdraw from the class, refunds will only be applied if your spot is filled by another student. If the spot in the program is not filled, a credit will be applied to your account. A $25 cancellation processing fee will be deducted from the total refunded or credited.
Make-up Policy:
There are NO make-up classes for single session programs. Each fall, winter, and spring, one make-up class will be offered for students in Toddler Time and Sunny Bunnies. There will be a limited number of spots in the make-up class. Parents should speak to their APEC teacher to sign-up for the make-up class. Extra make-up classes are not offered at this time.
Age Requirement:
Your child MUST reach the required age for a particular program either before or during the month that he/she begins that program. All programs are drop-off unless otherwise noted. Parents must bring their child to the classroom for their drop-off program. Participants in drop off classes must able to use the bathroom independently (No pull-ups or diapers). Due to space constraints in our classrooms, one parent per child is permitted in parent participation classes.
Trial Classes:
APEC does not offer trial classes. Try one of our one-time weekend programs! They are an accurate representation of how we run our weekly programs.
The environmental center is located in Alley Pond Park, surrounded by lush nature trails where visitors can enjoy NYC's natural landscapes. Guests are welcome to attend one of APEC's many nature oriented programs for all ages and visit the center's animal ambassadors. Please explore our website to learn more and register for programs.
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229-10 Northern Blvd.
Douglaston, NY 11362 |
MAIN: (718) 229-4000
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Email Us
[email protected] |