A Brooklyn playschool built around the way young children learn best.
Giocare was founded with a simple idea: young children need time, space and support to learn through play.
The school began when founder and early childhood educator Ellen Cerniglia was searching for a preschool experience for her own young son. Drawing on her background in early childhood and special education, she envisioned a program that combined the warmth and family involvement of a neighborhood playgroup with the thoughtful pedagogy, consistency and expertise of a high-quality early childhood program.
Giocare began in her Brooklyn home and grew alongside the families it served, eventually moving into its own school space in 2016. Through that growth, the heart of the school has remained the same: a joyful, nurturing environment where children can explore, build relationships and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Today, as part of the Vivvi network of schools, Giocare continues that tradition while entering its next chapter with the same commitment to play, community and exceptional early childhood education.
Our Approach
The name Giocare comes from the Italian verb meaning “to play” — and play is at the center of everything we do.
We believe young children learn best when they are actively engaged with the world around them: experimenting, imagining, creating, moving, asking questions and connecting with other children and trusted adults.
Our approach is intentionally child-centered and grounded in early childhood development. Teachers create thoughtful environments and experiences that invite exploration while providing the consistency, guidance and relationships children need to feel secure and confident.
Rather than rushing children toward the next milestone, we meet them where they are and give them the space to grow socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually at their own pace.
A School Built Around Community
Giocare has always been about more than what happens inside the classroom.
Families are an important part of our school community, and we believe strong relationships between children, educators and parents create the foundation for an exceptional early learning experience. That sense of connection has been part of Giocare from its earliest days and continues to shape the warm, welcoming community families find here today.
As Giocare grows as part of the Vivvi network, we’re proud to carry forward what has made this school special from the beginning: learning through play, thoughtful teaching, meaningful family involvement and a deep respect for childhood.
School Leadership
Ellen, Ed.D.
Head of School
Ellen holds an educational doctorate from Teachers College Columbia University and a Masters degree from New York University. She also completed an Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Leadership at Bank Street. For more than 15 years she was an Associate Professor of Education at Touro College’s Graduate School of Education, teaching classes in early childhood education and early childhood special education. In addition, she has worked with children from birth through young adult in various formal and informal education settings for more than 15 years. Ellen is a professionally certified teacher in early childhood general and special education, music and theater and holds a professional school building leader certificate. She has presented at several national and state conferences on topics in early childhood and has been published several times in peer-reviewed journals. She lives in the neighborhood with her 3 children.
Jessica, M.S. Ed.
Education Director
Jessica has been in the educational field for 20 years. She has been with Giocare since 2014, where she began teaching 3-4 year olds while also acting as the first Program Coordinator. At the time, Giocare was growing from a small home-spun program, with only 6 teaching staff. Jessica is proud to be the Educational Director supporting a growing community of families and teachers. She has a background in creative writing and a BFA in Theatre Arts. She has always had a passion for working with children alongside the importance and magic of imaginative play. Jessica earned her M.S in Childhood Education from Hunter College, teaching in public and private settings, preschool and elementary level throughout NYC and New Jersey. Jessica has earned additional Masters level certifications in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Students with Disabilities from Touro College. Jessica has been living in Brooklyn since 2016. She happily gave birth to her son in the summer of 2020, Danny. He now attends PS 130.
Dinelle, M.S.Ed.
Assistant Head of School
Dinelle has worked at Giocare since 2012 (the first employee!) and has worked with all age groups. She is currently the Assistant Head of School with plans to move to the Head of School role in June. She has her Bachelors from City College in Early Childhood Education and holds a Masters Degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education from Touro College. She holds her professional teaching certification in Early Childhood. She also has served as a summer camp co-director for many years. Dinelle likes to go on vacations with her family, hiking, eating out, painting, decorating for parties and doing events for her church. Dinelle is mother to one daughter, Jadelle (also working at the school) and a son Daniel.