Community Nursery School

COMMUNITY NURSERY SCHOOL 2325 Mass. Ave., Lexington (781) 862-0741, info@cnslex.org, www.cnslex.org

Director: Sisy Thomas Staff: 2 co-teachers/class, 1 Director, 1 Community Coordinator, 1 Business Manager Age Range: 2.9 to 5+ years

Hours and Schedule:

● Morning program: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (M-F). 3s attend 2 or 3 mornings; 4s and 5s attend 4 or 5 mornings. ● Lunch bunch: 12 p.m.-1 p.m. (T-F). ● Afternoon Program 12 p.m.-3 p.m. (T-F) . 36 weeks. Early drop-off available. ● Summer program runs for 6 weeks and is open to all children age 3-5 years.

Class Information: 3 classrooms, 2.9 to 3.9 years, 12 children daily.

Facilities: New building opened September 2011. Three classrooms, two-acre playground, a studio space housing the kitchen and an open space, a separate welcome area and library, and a wide range of high-quality materials for exploration and self-expression.

Program/Philosophy: CNS is a Reggio-inspired cooperative nursery school, owned and run by a Parent Board of Directors, an Educational Director, and a professional teaching staff. Children are given an opportunity to explore and create and grow together in a nurturing, stimulating and noncompetitive environment. There is a wide range of developmentally appropriate activities available to the children on a daily basis. Children’s interest and sense of wonder drive the curriculum and teachers pay close attention to the way in which they construct knowledge. The focus is on each individual child and his/her social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth as s/he becomes an important member of the group. There are music and creative movement activities daily and ample time to play in the large outdoor area. Monthly yoga and music enrichment specialists complement the rich curriculum. The cooperative arrangement allows for strong partnership between parents and teachers.

Enrollment Process: Parents arrange a visit and meet the director. Upon seeing the school and receiving explanation of cooperative nature of school and program philosophy, parents take application. Priority given to returning families.

Parent Participation: Parents help in classrooms (about 1 morning/month); serve on committees or Board of Directors; raise funds; and provide help on one of three scheduled maintenance work days.