THE YORK AVENUE FACULTY 

Our teaching teams are dedicated early childhood educators who collaborate regularly to maximize the educational experience for your child. Our lead teachers hold Masters degrees in Education and related fields. Our assistant teachers are equally devoted educators, some of whom also hold degrees in Education. Our entire staff is certified in CPR and First Aid.

Our teachers continue their education by attending workshops and participating in professional development throughout the year.

Our specialty teachers are experts in their fields and bring years of experience to their curriculum. Our Gym coaches are USA Gymnastics and USAIGC certified which ensures safety in a fun-filled environment.

VICTORIA VERSACE McLAUGHLIN

EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR

As the educational director for Gymtime, York Avenue Preschool and The Eastside Day School, Victoria works with our teachers to create innovative and comprehensive preschool curricula.  She is a constant presence in our classrooms, modeling best practice, forming relationships with the teachers and children and ensuring that their individual needs are being met.

Victoria has been part of our community for over 10 years. She has many years of practical experience teaching two- and three-year-olds and inspiring the professionals who work with them. She spent more than a decade at Teachers College maintaining a classroom practice at the Rita Gold Center Lab School, training teachers and teaching undergraduate and graduate seminars in early childhood development and theoretical foundations of early childhood education.

She holds a Masters of Education (M Ed) from Teachers College, Columbia University in Early Childhood Education with a focus on Theoretical Foundations of Development.

KARYN ALSTON
Assistant Director

Karyn has been an early childhood educator for nine years. Prior to teaching 3’s and 4’s at Early Learning Foundations, she was a head teacher at Montclare Children’s School (formerly Claremont Children’s School) on the Upper West Side.

Karyn’s interests include promoting diversity in education and implementing an integrated early childhood curriculum. Having recently completed her third degree (School Building/School District Leadership), Karyn is an avid learner, who continues to attend conferences and workshops throughout the tri-state area. Working at Early Learning Foundations has helped Karyn make a positive impact on the lives of young children and has given her the opportunity to grow as an educator. Becoming the Assistant Director of York Avenue reiterates her passion and commitment to children while expanding her efforts to support the professional growth of her colleagues, initiate effective marketing strategies, and work hard to support parent/school relationships.

 “Children are our new resources and hope for the future.  In order to keep our future alive, we as educators must provide them with all the knowledge and support they need to tackle life’s wonders.”

NANCY BALDARO

ADMISSIONS DIRECTOR

Upon earning her degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Nancy had a career in the fashion field for fifteen years. She changed careers by joining York Avenue Preschool and is going into her twenty-fourth year at the school. Being part of the school’s growth has been especially fulfilling and has allowed her to continually challenge herself. Nancy values working in an environment of talented educators that provides her the opportunity to be constantly learning. She holds a certificate as a Child Development Associate.  Nancy looks forward to meeting new families and welcoming back returning students each year.

BECKY LAIRD

DIRECTOR

Becky has been an early childhood educator for over 15 years, nine of those with York Avenue Preschool. In addition to her time as a classroom teacher, she was a Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT) and the Director of the Eastside Day School.

At York Avenue, Becky's focus is on the teachers, the students, and the families.  She puts her years of experience as a director, teacher, and parent to use in helping to shape the school as a center for growth, exploration, and independence.

Becky holds her New York State teaching certification in Early Childhood Education.  Her undergraduate degree is in Psychology from Carleton College.  She received a dual M.S.Ed in Early Childhood General and Special Education from Hunter College. 

NANCY BALDARO

Welcome to York Avenue Preschool!  As Admissions Director, I look forward to meeting you at one of our informative school tours. From the warm welcome you get as you enter our beautiful facility, you will realize York Avenue Preschool is a very special place for young children.

You will see happy, engaged children in bright and colorful classrooms. Each classroom is child-centered and provides a stimulating environment for learning. 

I am excited to share our school with you and get to know your family through the admissions process!

Warm regards,

Nancy Baldaro, Admissions Director