A room full of comfortable and welcoming seating

Daily Life at 
the Center

At the Montefiore Einstein Center for Children’s Mental Health, children experience a safe, structured and supportive daily routine consisting of therapeutic activities, academics and recreation, accompanied by compassionate staff to help your child feel understood, cared for and engaged.

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Bed and shelves in a room at the Center

Bedrooms

Your child will stay in a safe, comfortable room (mostly single-occupancy) with essential furnishings, designed to promote rest, privacy, recovery and, when shared, appropriate social interaction and peer support.

Sitting area at the Center

Common Areas

The common area offers a welcoming space for supervised therapeutic groups, relaxation, socialization, games, and activities. It helps children practice communication, build social skills, and engage positively with peers and staff within the therapeutic community.

Tables located in the Dining Area at the Center

Dining Areas

Meals are served in a supervised, community dining space that supports healthy routines and social skill-building. Dietary staff accommodate preferences, allergies and cultural needs to ensure your child feels cared for and comfortable.

Classroom tables and chairs at the Center

Classrooms

Certified teachers provide daily lessons in a structured classroom setting, helping children stay engaged academically. Classes are individualized to match each child’s level and ensure continuity with their community school.

Gym with basketball hoops at the Center

Gym

The gym provides a supervised physical activity space that supports healthy movement, emotional regulation and positive peer interactions. Children participate in structured recreation that promotes teamwork, confidence and stress relief.

Playground with play equipment at the Center

Playground

The outdoor playground offers a safe, supervised space for fresh air, movement and play. The outdoor area supports social development, sensory regulation and healthy coping through fun, age-appropriate physical activity.

Daily Life

Daily life is designed to help children feel safe, engaged and understood.

Children can expect:

  • A consistent daily schedule that promotes predictability and comfort
  • Individual, group and milieu-based therapies
  • Academic instruction from certified teachers
  • Supervised recreation, outdoor time and creative activities
  • Meals and snacks in a supportive community

Staff are present at all times and trained in trauma-informed care and crisis prevention to ensure that every child and family feels secure, cared for and respected.

Meals & Nutrition

Meals and snacks are provided daily and served in a supervised, community dining area that helps children build positive social and daily living skills.
 
If your child has dietary restrictions, food allergies, or specific cultural or religious preferences, please share this information with staff during admission. Our dietary team will work with you to ensure your child’s needs are respected and met.

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