History of How We Were Born

It all began as a connection between two teachers; ideas shared between two adults comfortable among young children. Valerie and Laura worked together in a local parent-cooperative for three years. They spent many hours discussing ways to ensure the greatest quality of care within the school environment, and the importance of a child-directed philosophy. The idea of this school for 3 to 6 year-olds began as a small dream that they shared with a few parents, and grew into a beautiful place for teachers to work and for children to learn.

In 2002 life at Corner began. We are licensed in New York State as a Group Family Day Care according to the regulations set by the Office for Children and Family Services.​

“I wanted a school where everyday I felt immersed in a community of artists of all ages. A community where people worked together, relied on each other, believed in each other and inspired each other. A place where hearing a guitar was as common as hearing a story being read; where an art studio was open for the children to make art whenever it pleased them; where children could go outside in all kinds of weather; where projects are messy and spontaneous, and where all kinds of dancing and music from around the world can be seen and heard. I think it is important to work together with people to provide as many stimulating and creative experiences for children as possible. My hope is that children not only feel confident and happy about what they create, but that we are able to instill in them a true love for the arts and in themselves.”
​
—Laura Graham, founder and teacher at Corner of the Sky (2002-2006)

Joy, Purpose, & Community

“During my first visit to Corner of the Sky (as a TC3 student), I became attached to the nurturing and creativity I saw there. While interning there, I was inspired by Laura and Valerie's loving interactions and mindful experiences with the children. Now, working at Corner of the Sky, I enjoy the challenge and freedom of creating a learning environment that gives children joy, purpose, a sense of community, creativity and a thirst to know more.”
​
—Liz Henry, intern and teacher at Corner of the Sky (2004-2010)

“Mira has been at Corner of the Sky for more than 2 years now. She joined when she was three, and now she’s five and a half. It’s been a match made in heaven. Corner of the Sky has been a place where she feels safe, loved, celebrated, accepted, and encouraged in positive, child-friendly ways. She has really grown, and happily so, in her time there. Mira’s experience seems typical of Corner of the Sky kids--it’s simply a magical place.”
​
—Catherine, mother of Mira.