The Rita Gold Early Childhood Center is open to all families affiliated with Columbia University as employees or currently enrolled students. There are no exceptions to this requirement. Click here to view the list of affiliated institutions.
We have a small program with minimal turnover in enrollment. Most families must wait some period of time before a space is available for their children.
To begin the application process, families first attend an initial visit, which is scheduled in early fall and/or spring. After touring, interested families are invited to register their children on our waiting list. A non-refundable $75 fee provides children a place on the list, but does not guarantee a space for them in the program. When an opening becomes available, we contact the most eligible candidate. In our selection process we carefully consider a number of criteria, such as sibling priority, gender, age, diversity, and special needs.
To register for a tour, please fill out the form below. We will be in touch with you in September for October tours. In March/April we do not tour all families, but we will contact you for a tour if a spot is available for your child's age. If you did not receive a tour, you will be notified in September of fall tour dates if you have signed up for a tour.
If you're having trouble with the form below, please contact us at ritagoldcenter@tc.edu.