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The Nursery School Program, San Marino Community Church
Established in 1953 as a state-licensed, non-profit school that is open
to any child, regardless of race, religion, or national ancestry, the
School provides a planned program offering young children opportunities
for social and emotional growth as well as preparation for kindergarten.
Our philosophy is based on what is developmentally appropriate for each
individual child and how we can help children reach their potential
socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically. Children ages three,
four, and five learn through active play, exploring their environment,
and interaction with others. The teachers are guides who create an
environment that encourages exploration, creativity, discovery, and
problem-solving. Nursery school should be a place of joy and laughter
where each child is met with unconditional positive regard.
Accreditation
The school is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. To obtain accreditation, the Nursery School has voluntarily undergone a comprehensive process of internal self-study, has invited external professional review to verify compliance with the Academy’s criteria, and has been found to be in substantial compliance with the criteria.
Staff
San Marino Community Church Nursery School is staffed by a Director and teachers who are trained and experienced in Early Childhood Education. A maximum student-teacher ratio of 7:1 is in effect.
Class Options
Tues & Thurs: 3 years old on or before December 2 of the year of enrollment
Mon, Wed & Fri: 3 years old on or before July 1 of the year of enrollment
Mon, Wed, & Fri: 4 years old on or before Dec 2 of the year of enrollment
Mon thru Fri: 4 years old on or before Oct 1 of the year of enrollment
All classes are held from 9:00 AM until Noon.
Parent Participation
The Nursery School believes in communicating regularly with parents and provides an array of opportunities for parents to appreciate the development of their children. Fall Class Coffees and Fall and Spring School Coffees provide important information about curriculum, school policies, and procedures. Each parent observes his or her child for a half an hour in November. There is a scheduled conference with the teacher in the spring. A parent may request additional observations and conferences by making arrangements with the Director.
Tuition
The Nursery School is a non-profit organization and all tuition fees are applied to the costs of staff, equipment, supplies, and other operating expenses. If it is necessary to withdraw a child during the school year, parents are asked to give written notice as far in advance as possible, but no later than two weeks prior to withdrawal. Two weeks notice is necessary for the refund of any previously paid tuition. Tuition is due and payable at the beginning of each semester. Each year the Nursery School awards a limited number of scholarships.
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Tuition 2007 - 2008 |
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2 days/week |
$210 per month |
$945 per semester |
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3 days/week |
$295 per month |
$1,330 per semester |
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5 days/week |
$505 per month |
$2,275 per semester |
Admissions
When the Nursery School has more applicants than available positions, students are admitted based on the following priority system:
• Returning students whose parents are active members of San Marino Community Church
• Other students returning from the previous school year
• Children whose parents are active members of San Marino Community Church
• Children on the previous year’s waiting list
• Children whose siblings have attended San Marino Community Church Nursery School
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Children whose parents have attended San Marino Community Church Nursery
School
• Applicants of the community at large
A non-refundable registration fee is submitted with each application
($40.00)
Nutrition
The Nursery School wants to reinforce habits of good nutrition by providing wholesome snacks for the children. In order to do this, the Nursery School asks that each family provide the snack, for the entire school, twice during the year.
Picnic Day
Picnic Days are an extension of the School’s program on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons from Noon-3:00 PM. A maximum of 22 children stay at school for lunch, a short rest, play, and additional creative learning experiences. Children pay a per afternoon fee
($15.00) to attend Picnic Days.
Health
Health forms are mailed with the letter of acceptance and must be returned before school starts. Children with illnesses are asked not to attend Nursery School until they are well. Communicable diseases must be reported to the Director.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is planned for the children in a way that is age appropriate. Children are encouraged to ask questions and to do their own problem-solving. Self-esteem is enhanced as children are free to choose from a wide array of activities provided by the teachers. Group time is a time for singing, stories, games, sharing, and listening. Children are exposed informally to the written word through stories and poetry. They explore mathematical concepts by manipulating materials, sorting, counting, and comparing. Hands-on science experiences correspond to daily life activities requiring children to use all five senses. Cooking, mixing, and observing changes are all part of this process.
Transportation
The Nursery School takes no responsibility for transportation to and from school.
Clothing
The Nursery School encourages play clothing that allows a child freedom of movement.
Toilet Training
Children are expected to be toilet trained at the time they begin Nursery School.
What is a high quality early childhood program?
A high quality early child program provides a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children. Accredited programs provide such an environment.
In accredited program, you will see:
• Frequent, positive, warm interactions among adults and children
• Planned learning activities appropriate to children’s age and development, such as block-building, painting, reading, stores, dress-up, and active outdoor play
• Specially trained teachers
• Enough adults to respond to individual children
• Many varied age-appropriate materials
• A healthy and safe environment for children
• Nutritious meals and/or snacks
• Regular communication with parents who are welcome visitors at all times
• Effective administration
• Ongoing, systematic evaluation of the program
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