History of Ya Ya
2008
2011
2012
2021
Mandarin Seeds was founded with two Mommy & Me Mandarin music classes (now called Bao Bao Singalong) for babies and toddlers in a yoga studio.
The first Ya Ya class, a 100% Mandarin immersion class for two-year-olds, began as a small home pod in a Tribeca home.
Ya Ya immersion program, offering a part-time schedule for ages 2 to 4, was launched in Tribeca and became a popular preschool alternative program.
Ya Ya Preschool was established as a a full-day nursery school. All of Mandarin Seeds enrichment programs now offered here.
It began in 2008...
The story began in 2008 when two mothers met in New York City and created Mandarin Seeds for their toddlers to learn Mandarin through music and play. In 2011, the first Ya Ya class began with six 2-year-olds in a Tribeca home and opened to the public a year later. For more than a decade, the Ya Ya curriculum and teaching model have earned a reputation for offering the most effective Mandarin learning experiences, winning the hearts of countless children and their families.
Founding of Ya Ya Preschool...
In 2021, Ya Ya Preschool was founded by Sarah Liu, the Taiwanese founder of Mandarin Seeds, and Yufei Hsu, a mother whose children benefited greatly from the original Ya Ya Immersion program. Sharing a passionate vision for creating a full-day preschool based on the Ya Ya curriculum and teaching model, they launched Ya Ya Preschool. It is now a Department of Health-licensed nursery school offering full-day schedule options.
What sets Ya Ya Preschool apart from other preschools?
What sets Ya Ya Preschool apart from other programs is our commitment to teaching all activities 100% in Mandarin. Unlike programs that divide instruction time between English and Mandarin, we immerse children fully in Mandarin throughout the school day. This approach maximizes Mandarin language acquisition, especially during the critical early childhood years before children transition to full-time English schooling. By dedicating the entire school day to Mandarin, we significantly boost the likelihood that children achieve a meaningful level of fluency. Meanwhile, they naturally pick up English outside of school, where it is commonly used in their broader environment. This method not only fosters strong Mandarin skills but also supports balanced bilingual development.
Ya Ya graduates become bilingual & ready for Kindergarten
At Ya Ya Preschool, children develop essential skills to prepare them for Kindergarten and beyond while becoming bilingual in Mandarin and English naturally. In our loving, nurturing environment, we support their cognitive, physical, and social-emotional growth, fostering a love of learning and an appreciation for diverse cultures.
A home away from home ...
The positive, warm energy at Ya Ya Preschool radiates from every staff member, creating a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere as soon as you step through the door. Our directors, administrators, and teachers are passionate about what they do, and their genuine care and enthusiasm set the tone for a loving community. This, combined with our clean, well-prepared, and thoughtfully organized environment, provides children with a steady, calm setting that encourages focused learning and growth. It’s a space where children feel secure, supported, and at home away from home.
Charm of a small school...
The charm of our small school lies in its close-knit, personal touch. Our directors are deeply engaged in the classrooms and readily available to parents, cultivating a strong sense of community. In this welcoming environment, children and families form meaningful connections that offer mutual support, building a nurturing network where everyone feels valued. This heartfelt support enriches the early childhood experience, ensuring that both children and families thrive together.
Come visit us—we can’t wait to welcome your family!