GIRAFAS Play & Learn, a Portuguese Immersion school for children ages 0 to 12, was founded by NYS certified early childhood educator Mônica Rocha. Over a decade of work with children and parents revealed that there was a special opportunity to enhance the learning potential of the Brooklyn youth through a language driven approach. In 2010, GIRAFAS launched a Portuguese immersion playgroup, which allowed children and parents to connect and develop stronger relationships through safe, fun, engaging activities, in a supportive and nurturing environment. The program have expanded since 2011, and in 2014 GIRAFAS became the first and only full-time Portuguese Immersion Preschool in NYC!