The Successful Partnership Between Little Scholars and DOE: A Model for 3K/Pre-K Excellence

Nationwide (USANews.com) Strong partnerships between public agencies and private institutions are essential for high-quality early childhood education. A standout example is the collaboration between Little Scholars Preschool and the Department of Education (DOE) as a Community-Based Organization (CBO) for the Universal 3K/Pre-K initiative. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to equity and excellence, led by Nick Kats, the business visionary, and Mariana, the educational architect. Their combined leadership has helped create a sustainable, high-quality program that benefits children, families, and the broader community.

Building a Visionary Partnership

Founded by Nick Kats, Little Scholars Preschool has been recognized for its holistic approach to early childhood education. When the DOE expanded its Universal 3K and Pre-K programs, Nick saw an opportunity to align the school’s mission with the city’s goals, ensuring more children had access to quality early learning. Becoming a DOE CBO partner required rigorous planning, regulatory compliance, and operational restructuring. While Nick managed the business and administrative challenges, Mariana led curriculum development and teacher training, ensuring the program met DOE’s high standards.

Leadership That Drives Success

The success of this partnership is rooted in the complementary expertise of Nick and Mariana.

Nick Kats: The Business Leader

Nick ensures financial stability and operational efficiency by:

Securing funding for expansion and long-term sustainability.
Managing DOE compliance and regulations.
Overseeing enrollment growth and facility improvements.

"Running Little Scholars isn’t just about balancing budgets—it’s about creating an environment where educators can thrive and children can flourish," says Nick.

Mariana: The Educational Architect

Mariana’s leadership in curriculum development and teacher training ensures:

A child-centered, play-based curriculum aligned with DOE standards.
Ongoing teacher professional development.
Family engagement through parent workshops and individualized support.

"Every child deserves a place where they feel safe, inspired, and supported," says Mariana. Their combined leadership has allowed Little Scholars to not only meet but exceed DOE requirements while maintaining a nurturing, high-quality learning environment.

Exceeding DOE Standards

Little Scholars’ success as a DOE partner is based on exceptional program quality, operational efficiency, and strong community engagement.

Curriculum & Instruction – A research-backed, play-based curriculum supports literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning.
Operational Excellence – Nick has streamlined compliance and expanded enrollment while maintaining high standards.
Family & Community Engagement – Mariana has developed parental involvement initiatives, including conferences, cultural events, and workshops.

Overcoming Challenges with Innovation

Like any public-private partnership, challenges arose, but Nick and Mariana tackled them effectively.

Navigating DOE Bureaucracy – Managing complex reporting and funding processes required streamlining operations and ensuring compliance.
Scaling Without Compromising Quality – While demand grew, Mariana maintained teacher and curriculum standards, and Nick secured funding for expansion.
Adapting During COVID-19 – Implementing safety measures, remote learning, and family support strengthened trust within the community.

Their ability to adapt and innovate has been key to the continued success of Little Scholars. A Lasting Impact on Families and the Community The Little Scholars-DOE partnership has delivered meaningful benefits for families and the community:

Expanded Access – More children, regardless of background, now have access to affordable, high-quality early education.
Economic Growth – By creating jobs and providing childcare, the program strengthens the local economy.
Stronger Families – Parental engagement initiatives empower families to support their children's learning at home.

Looking Ahead: A Growing Vision

Nick and Mariana are committed to expanding their impact with plans to:

Open Additional Locations to meet growing demand.
Enhance Curriculum with bilingual education and technology integration.
Deepen Community Engagement through expanded parent workshops and events.

Setting the Standard for Public-Private Partnerships

The collaboration between Little Scholars and the DOE serves as a model for how private and public institutions can work together to provide high-quality early childhood education. The strategic leadership of Nick and educational expertise of Mariana have created a program that not only meets DOE requirements but sets a new standard for excellence. Their story highlights the importance of:

Visionary Leadership – Balancing business efficiency with educational innovation.
Collaboration – Open communication and a shared commitment to quality.
Community Investment – Ensuring early childhood education benefits families and local economies.

Conclusion

The Little Scholars-DOE partnership is proof that investing in early childhood education creates a brighter future. Through Nick and Mariana’s leadership, Little Scholars has become a model CBO, enriching the lives of countless children and families. As they continue to grow, their success story serves as an inspiration for future public-private collaborations in education. For more information about Little Scholars Preschool, visit www.littlescholarsnyc.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.