Welcome to Young Einsteins
A Reggio Inspired Preschool
Where play and learning happen at the same time.
Sauquoit, NY
Young Einsteins is a half day preschool program for children ages 3-5 years old.
At Young Einsteins the child is seen as competent, capable and intelligent. Children are encouraged to make their own decisions, work in collaboration with peers and in coordination with the teachers.
What the children are experiencing, thinking, planning and creating is the focus and intent in the classroom with minimal focus on rules and routines. We know children have a great deal to offer the classroom, teachers listen to the children’s ideas and encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas. We also value their dislikes and concerns.
Young Einsteins is a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool located in Sauquoit, NY on several acres of land.
Children are given the opportunity for gardening, caring for chickens, caring for birds, observing pond life creatures in the natural habitat and being outside in touch with the natural world.
Young Einsteins believes in active education. Through valuable conversations with children, I, the teacher, act as a researcher, carefully observing and then curating items to put in the classroom to enhance their experience. By doing this, the classroom acts as the third teacher, intended to stimulate thinking.
Discover The Child: Maria’s Tedx Talk:
“Give the child time to be intentional and they will show you the learning.”
- Maria Lallier, Owner, Young Einsteins
I am a playworker for children. As experiences activate their thinking, I am there to witness, then orchestrate the environment with the flow of the activation.
I hold a high standard in the classroom that emphasizes the quality of dialog, collaboration and relationships.
Children have the opportunity for experimental learning at Young Einsteins as they practice good citizenship, create solutions and have the space to understand themselves and the world around them.
“When looking for a preschool, we felt instantly connected with Maria and her program. Our two children had an authentic learning experience, which has greatly benefitted them in many ways. Maria encouraged them to bring their own interests to the classroom and explore through project-based learning. In each of their three years with her, they never did the same curriculum twice. Now in kindergarten and second grade, our boys are thriving in school. Their current teachers have told us that they are leaders amongst their peers and set a great example with their independence. We truly feel a big piece of their success is owed to Maria Lallier.”
— Amanda Sullivan
“Young Einsteins is a preschool where my daughter gained the growth and experience to prepare for kindergarten. Maria helped to encourage her confidence and build the foundation to find joy in learning. The environment at Young Einsteins put my daughter in a community driven learning space that is so unique to other preschools. She holds on to the practices of observation, exploration, and play that was instilled with Maria. My now kindergartener, succeeds in the classroom curriculum and feels the confidence to both lead as an individual and support her fellow classmates. She always asks when she can be a part of Young Einsteins again so we always look forward to Summer Camp opportunities. Young Einsteins has been such a huge impact on her life, her transition into kindergarten, and we cannot thank Maria enough for her journey there.”
— Janelle Bonagurio
“I cannot say enough about the experiences we have had with Maria Lallier at Young Einsteins Preschool. Maria’s approach to working with children and teaching is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced and we have been completely floored time and time again. We’re excited for our 5 year old to move on to the next phase but it’s bitter sweet because we’re sad to see her leave such an enriching environment. I highly recommend Maria’s Preschool..”
— Sara Miller
