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Imagine Early Learning Centers recently opened at 560 Riverside Drive and welcomes children ages 2–5. The center is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
The brand-new center brings a fresh space to Morningside Heights, with bright classrooms and dedicated areas for learning, movement, building our brains, and, of course, play. And don’t worry, we can guarantee it will be fun, because at Imagine, play is serious business. Families will find a large indoor gym, a library and art space, an outdoor play space, and plenty of room to explore.
Center Director Keeron Thomas brings 15 years of early childhood education experience and a simple goal for every family who walks through the door: feel at home. “I want families to feel welcomed, comfortable, and confident from the moment they arrive. Families should know their children are safe, valued, and seen, and that play is a joyful and purposeful part of learning.”
At Imagine, play is intentional. Teachers follow children’s curiosity and look for the learning happening in everyday moments. A conversation between friends builds communication. An art project becomes an experiment. Building, moving, pretending, problem-solving, and asking “why?” all become learning opportunities.
That’s the thinking behind Imagine’s Reggio Emilia-inspired approach and proprietary BLOOMING Curriculum Framework: start with what sparks a child’s interest, then build from there, developing confidence, independence, communication, and friendships along the way.
The investment in children also extends to the educators caring for them. In January 2026, Imagine became 100% employee-owned and the nation’s first and only fully employee-owned multi-site child care company. Teachers, directors, and staff share ownership in the company they help build, giving them a financial stake and a voice in its future.
For families, this means the people caring for their children every day are invested in the classrooms, centers, and communities they are helping build. Because investing in quality child care also means investing in the educators who make it possible. Great education starts with great educators.
For 25 years, Imagine has evolved alongside the children, families, and educators it serves. Morningside Heights is the latest chapter: a new center, a growing community, and another opportunity to show what child care can look like when we invest in great spaces, great educators, and the power of play.
Imagine Morningside Heights is now enrolling, with full-time and part-time care available for children ages 2–5. The center serves Columbia students and faculty as well as families throughout Morningside Heights, the Upper West Side, Harlem, Central Harlem, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Come see it for yourself. Schedule a tour at 560 Riverside Drive to meet the educators, explore the classrooms and play spaces, and learn more about joining the Imagine Morningside Heights community.
