About the Nursery School

We at United Church Nursery School (UCNS) are dedicated to pre-school education.  In a nurturing environment, our staff facilitates the social, physical, intellectual and emotional growth of every child in our school.  We work closely with parents to ensure each child develops age appropriate skills through play and exploration.

Our facility includes three large, well furnished classrooms and a large playground complete with swings, play structures, a sandbox, slides, and other outdoor equipment appropriate for the pre-school child.

UCNS encourages parental participation in school activities and close, honest communication between teacher and parent.  Our school is operated under the guidance of the UCNS Board.  This board, comprised of UCNS parents and church members, work in cooperation with the staff and church in managing the school.

Our school was founded in 1966 as an outreach program of the United Church of Rowayton to serve the children in our community.  We have provided a quality pre-school education for over 750 children in its 40-year history. We are licensed by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Public Health under Connecticut Child Care Center Regulations.

Our Objectives and Philosophy

Young children naturally learn through their own activity and discovery. The UCNS classroom is designed with this in mind.  Children learn through active exploration and interaction with adults, other children, and materials that are developmentally appropriate.  Throughout the school year, our objectives are the social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional growth of your child.  We offer a curriculum that:

• Develops socialization and listening skills
• Increases the development of fine and gross motor skills
• Promotes sound health, safety, and nutritional practices
• Enhance cognitive skills based on individual readiness
• Develops a child’s problem solving abilities
• Stimulates imagination
• Promotes creative expression in art, music, and dramatics,
• Improves self esteem and independence

We strive to provide these things in a setting where your child feels loved and safe.

In addition, we know that family involvement in a child’s school is an essential ingredient in optimizing a child’s education.  We promote your family’s involvement by:

• Holding conferences twice a year in November and May for the Threes and Fours.
• Sending home monthly newsletters describing what we are doing in the classroom.
• Asking that you consider serving on our Parent Advisory Board (PAC), or volunteer on as needed basis.
• Holding special events for families and parents.

Encouraging you to visit at any time.  Join in our fun!

Our Program

Eligibility

UCNS is open to all children regardless of race, religion or creed, who may benefit from our type of program.
        
Children enrolled must attain their class age by December 31.  The UCNS Board reserves the right to withdraw any child who doesn’t meet the requirements for functioning effectively in a group setting.
        
UCNS, licensed by the State of Connecticut, requires that children enrolled in the Threes, Fours and Extended Day programs be toilet trained.  UCNS is not licensed to change diapers.

Twos  
This program is a “hand in hand” program.  There are three classes of eight children, accompanied and supervised by a parent, or other caregiver.  They meet one morning a week under the guidance of one teacher.  Children must turn 2 by December 31st.

Threes
Two sessions of nine children each meet three mornings a week.  One teacher, plus an assistant, supervises each class. On Wednesdays, the two Threes classes are combined, and the eighteen children are supervised by two teachers.  Children must be 3 by December 31st.  Children entering this program must be toilet trained.

Fours
The class meets 5 mornings a week.  There are 18 children in the class with 2 teachers.  Children must turn 4 by December 31st.  Children entering this program must be toilet trained.
        
A brief orientation for child and parent will occur prior to the start of school.  This allows the child time to visit “their school,” meet their teachers and acclimate to their new classroom. Parents will have an opportunity to talk to their child’s teacher, and remit all required paperwork.

Extended Day
This afternoon program is offered to children enrolled in our Threes and Fours classes.  Eligible children who are not enrolled at UCNS may also attend with permission from the UCNS Executive Board.

Enrolling in Our School

Enrollment Priority

Enrollment priority is as follows:

1. Current students
2. Siblings of current or former students
3. Children of church members
4. New students

• UCNS will consider the boy/girl ratio when placing children.
• For families of new students not affiliated with the school or the church, inquiries regarding the following school year will be considered on or after October 3rd, and applications will be mailed in early January, as space is available.
• In December of the current school year, current students, siblings and children of church members will register for the following year.