Preschool at the Free School
A Strong Start Begins Here.
Fall Preschool Program | Albany’s South End | Beginning October 2026
A safe, engaging, and nurturing preschool environment where children can learn, explore, build relationships, and grow.
NOW ACCEPTING INTEREST & ENROLLMENT INQUIRIES
Email:
encouragementandenrichment@outlook.com
Call:
347-701-3315
At a Glance
Location
8 Elm Street
Albany, NY — South End
Start Date
October 2026
Ages
3.5 – 5.5 years
Program Hours
8:45 AM – 3:30 PM
Program Type
Preschool
Tuition
Contact us for tuition information
Enrollment
16 slots available
A Place to Learn, Grow & Discover
Preschool is an important first step in a child's educational journey. Our program provides a warm and supportive environment where children can learn through exploration, meaningful relationships, play, creativity, and hands-on experiences.
At Encouragement & Enrichment, we believe children thrive when they are encouraged to discover, ask questions, express themselves, and develop confidence in who they are.
We create opportunities for children to develop:
Academic readiness and early learning skills
Social skills through play and positive interactions
Emotional development and self-awareness
Communication and language skills
Creativity through art, music, movement, and exploration
Independence and age-appropriate responsibility
Positive relationships with teachers and peers
Confidence as children discover what they can do
Our fall preschool program builds on the welcoming, engaging environment families experienced through our summer program.
A Day at Preschool
Every day provides opportunities for children to connect, explore, learn, and grow.
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Morning Welcome
Time to settle in, connect with teachers and friends, and prepare for the day.
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Learning & Exploration
Age-appropriate experiences encourage curiosity, early learning, problem-solving, and discovery.
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Creative Activities
Children have opportunities to express themselves through creative, hands-on experiences.
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Play & Social Development
Through play and interaction, children practice communication, cooperation, friendship, and independence.
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Meals & Snacks
A monthly menu will be provided to families.
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Closing & Reflection
Children have an opportunity to transition from the day's activities, reflect, and prepare for dismissal.
Daily activities and schedules may vary based on the finalized program schedule.
What Makes Our Program Different?
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Learning Through Exploration
Children learn by asking questions, playing, creating, experimenting, and discovering the world around them.
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Whole-Child Development
We support children's academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development as they grow.
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Community Connection
We value relationships, belonging, and community. Children are encouraged to develop meaningful connections with the people around them.
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A Strong Foundation
We help children build the skills, confidence, independence, and positive attitudes that support their transition to kindergarten and beyond.
Meet Our Program Team
Children thrive when they are surrounded by caring adults who know them, support them, and believe in their potential.
Sharese E. Vanterpool
Owner & Lead Teacher
Sharese E. Vanterpool is the Owner and Lead Teacher of Encouragement & Enrichment, bringing 10 years of experience working with children and families to her role in early childhood education and youth development.
Throughout her years of working with children, Sharese has developed a deep passion for creating safe, nurturing, and encouraging environments where children feel valued, supported, and confident. Her experience has given her an understanding of the importance of meeting children where they are and providing opportunities for them to learn, explore, create, and grow at their own pace.
Sharese believes that early childhood is a critical time for building confidence, independence, positive relationships, and a love of learning. Her approach centers on the whole child, supporting academic readiness while also nurturing children's social, emotional, creative, and spiritual development.
As the Owner and Lead Teacher, Sharese is committed to creating a preschool community where children feel a strong sense of belonging and families feel welcomed and supported. Her goal is to give each child a strong foundation for kindergarten and beyond while encouraging them to discover their unique strengths and abilities.
“Every child deserves to be encouraged, supported, and given the opportunity to discover how much they are capable of.”
Sharese E. Vanterpool
A Glimpse of Our Community
Our summer program gave children opportunities to learn, play, create, and build connections. These moments offer a glimpse into the kind of environment we're creating for our preschool students this fall.
Interested in Enrolling?
We're currently connecting with families interested in our Fall Preschool Program, beginning October 2026.
Complete the form below and a member of our team will contact you with additional information about the program, enrollment, tuition, and next steps.
Prefer to speak with someone directly?
Call:
347-701-3315
Tuition & Enrollment Information
We want families to have the information they need to make decisions about preschool enrollment.
Registration Fee
$25
Tuition
Contact us for current tuition information.
Payment Schedule
Payments are due every Monday.
Financial Assistance
We accept DSS, grant, and sliding-scale fees.
Accepted Payment Methods:
Zelle
Cash App
Money orders
Checks
Venmo
Credit cards
Questions About Tuition?
Contact us to learn more about tuition, enrollment requirements, payment options, and available financial assistance.
Call: 347-701-3315
Ready to Get Started?
We're excited to welcome families into our preschool community this fall.
Beginning October 2026
Fall Preschool Program
Learning. Growing. Belonging.