NYC Kids Project, Inc.
We teach all children to embrace and nurture inclusion, belonging, and respect for all through puppetry. Together, we can build an inclusive society where all are valued for who they are!
At NYC Kids Project, we believe that early exposure to and interaction with characters of diverse backgrounds, identities, and abilities helps children see the richness of the world, become curious about the differences and commonality that are an essential part of the human experience, and empathize with those who are different from them.
The organization was originally established in 1981 by the NY State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. Over our 30-year history of collaborating with schools and communities, we have developed a robust interactive program made up of characters who have a diverse representation of ethnicities and abilities and who are around the same age as the students. To date, more than one million children in all five boroughs have participated in the puppetry experiences.
In the wake of state government budget cuts in 2011, NYC Kids Project turned to private fundraising. Through the dedication of lead teaching artists Cecilia Arana and Mindy Pfeffer, NYC Kids Project became an independent non-profit and received 501c3 status in 2014. Over the past 10 years, NYC Kids Project has visited over 100 classrooms per year, along with libraries, museums, and community centers. Prior to COVID-19, we were serving 8,000-10,000 children annually, and we are gradually returning to those numbers. We have also expanded to digital programming platforms as well with the ability to reach many more children online.
Programs
Making Friends
Grades Pre-K through 1
A playful, interactive classroom presentation introducing differences and disabilities using dolls or small hand puppets, adaptive equipment, song, storytelling, and American Sign Language. Early learners discuss what it means to be a friend, help a puppet character navigate feelings around being teased, and learn that everyone is connected by the need for friendship and inclusion.
Puppet Show
Grades 2 through 5
A theatrical puppet show with large, multicultural kid-sized puppets and smaller sock puppets. The show focuses on inclusion, differences/disabilities, and character development. Student audiences interact directly with the teaching artists in engaging, honest discussions, leading to a deeper, more personal understanding of belonging.
Residencies
Small Groups, Grades 2+
Multi-week residencies for individual classes featuring simple puppet creation, puppetry techniques, improvisation, and storytelling. Weekly exercises allow students to explore issues with their puppet characters including identity, community, bullying, and gender. As students develop their characters, creativity, cooperation, and empathy are encouraged.
Volunteering + Events
Volunteer at In-School Programs
We are looking for volunteers to join our teaching artists at in-school programs to take photos, collect feedback from teachers, and spread the message of NYC Kids Project