
Phone: 914-844-2065
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300 Dalmeny Road
Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
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Little Hands, Little Feet Preschool
Deborah Spruck
Deborah Spruck
Founder & CEO
Founder & CEO
Our school provides a warm and nurturing atmosphere in which children thrive. Children grow when they are free to observe, explore and engage in a variety of activities. We recognize that most, if not all children learn through play. Each child is treated as an individual. The staff understands each child and their separate needs from the other children, including their learning styles and personalities. The staff plans a variety of activities and learning experiences that reflect children's particular needs.
An essential element of our program is our flexibility and individualization, which relies on our continuous and progressive observation of each child's interest and readiness levels. Based on our observations, the child will either work on a one to one basis with the teacher or as a member of a small group. During this special time, we will be using a wide variety of games and activities in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere.
Another aspect of our program is the utilization of a multi-sensory approach in presenting our varied units and themes. We offer opportunities in arts and crafts, drama, cooking, physical education, language experiences and music.
The world of play and childhood dreams are enhanced as we head outdoors to our spacious playground. A child can jump on a sea saw with friends and build lots of memories, visit our play houses or even stop and have a snack on our picnic tables. We also have a large play structure which provides ample opportunities for sliding, climbing, tunneling and meeting in a niche for conversation with friends.
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Our inside gym offers our hot racer space for crusining on bikes, scooters and cars. One can dribble a ball down the court or join some friends in a game of catch and play with our parachute. Laughter, fun, games, dancing and much more can be enjoyed during our gym period.
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Our preschool’s mission is to educate children and support families. We are committed to developing the whole child mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally.
Children grow and learn when they are free to observe, explore and actively engage in activities at their own developmental levels. The staff recognizes that children learn through play and interaction. We will provide a warm, nurturing environment in which children will be able to thrive as well as to grow intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically. We treat each child as an individual, respecting their needs, learning styles and personalities. We believe that learning should always be fun! Your child is on a journey of discovery about themselves and the world around them.
Objectives:
- Intellectual creativity and curiosity
- Large and small muscle control
- Positive attitude towards learning
- Language expression
- Art, science and music exploration
- Pre-math and math skills
- Eye and hand coordination
- Pre-reading and reading skills
- Self-discipline
- Independence in solving problems
- A positive self-image
- Strong social skills
Tom Portman
Tom Portman
Head of Advertising
Head of Advertising
STAFF

Deborah Spruck
Director, Head Teacher 4's class
Miss Debbie is the Director at Little Hands, Little Feet Preschool as well as the teacher for the 4's class. She has been a director for the past 18 years and teaching for over 20! She attended Pace University and received a BS in Elementary Education and Special Education. She also received a Master's Degree in Reading from Iona College. Miss Debbie always uses a multi-sensory approach to learning. She loves watching each and every child learn and develop into incredible little children. Miss Debbie believes teaching is the best job because you watch children grow.
Miss Debbie has been married to her husband, Ricky, for 28 years and together they share three beautiful girls; Nicole, Jennifer and Stephanie. Miss Debbie enjoys spending time with her family as well as enjoying scrapbooking and gardening.
Miss Jen
Head Teacher 2's class
Jennifer Hickey is the head teacher in the two's classroom. She is a proud mother of two, both taught by Miss Debbie. She has a BA in Psychology and a Masters Degree in social work. She has worked with children and families in a variety of settings for over 12 years. Jennifer loves working with this age group as she feels it is rewarding and fun to watch the children's personalities and minds grow. Jennifer enjoys leading her daughter Girl Scout troop, spending time with her family, friends and reading books in her spare time.
Miss Cassandra
Assistant Teacher 2's class
Cassandra Girao is an assistant in our two year old program. Cassandra went to school for early childhood education has has always enjoyed working with children. She has worked in school districts, daycares and as a nanny. She is a proud mom of a son who was taught by Miss Debbie. In her spare time she loves to spend time with her family, workout, play with her dog Jake and bake vegan cookies.
Miss Mehvish
Head Teacher 3's Class
Mehvish is the head teacher in our three year old classroom. She has always wanted to be in a teaching environment, especially among young adorable kids! That's why after completing her Bachelors in Arts with a specialization in Education, she immediately entered the teaching profession! She is grateful for having spent 16 years teaching young kids in different parts of the word, especially in Dubai. She taught first grade for over 9 years in Dubai. She has also spent 2 years working as a School Administrative assistant. Miss Mehvish believes it is an honor and a joy teaching and watching the children grow at Little Hands, Little Feet!
Miss Svetlana
Assistant Teacher 3's class
Svetlana LoBello is an assistant teacher in the three's class. She has been working in the school for many years. She lives in Mount Pleasent with her husband for 29 years, Stephen and their two daughters Gabriella and Stefanie. Both of Svetlana's children feel blessed having attended the school. Svetlana is originally from Omsk, Russia, where she attended a Polytechnical Institute with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Engineering. Svetlana loves working with the children and watching them grow and become friends. She also enjoys working with the staff, as they are all very caring and loving individuals.
Miss Paula
Assistant Teacher 4's class
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Paula Barberan is the assistant to our adorable four's class. She grew up in the beautiful town of Medellin, Colombia. Miss Paula always had a creative side. She earned her Bachelor's and Masters in Architecture and practiced for years before having her children. For the past 26 years, she has lived a happy life here in Northern Westchester along her loving husband Johnny. She is the proud mother to three children, Anthony, Nichole and Sophia. After raising her kids, Miss Paula knew that children were her calling and decided to dedicate her time to being a nanny. Following this passion, she joined our family at Little Hands, Little Feet, continuing to educate and guide the young minds of the future.
Miss Sarah
Assistant Teacher 4's class

Ready to take a private tour? Contact Us.
300 Dalmeny Road
Briarcliff, NY 10510
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Phone: 914-844-2065
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