Summary
Contact Info
Burr Cooperative Nursery School
64 Hancock Street
Newton
, MA
02466
www.burrcoop.org
Tel:
(617) 332-0886
Director:
Barb Day : Director
director@burrcoop.org
General Approach to Learning
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Play-based with some structure |
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| Predominantly teacher-led instruction |
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Co-op |
Application Information
| Applications accepted |
After a phone conversation with the appropriate person at the school |
| Deadline for applications |
Rolling |
Key Statistics
| Student/teacher ratio |
5:1 |
| Age cutoff for enrollment |
3 years |
| School year |
9/12/2008 - 6/5/2009 |
| Summer Program |
-1/-1/-1 - -1/-1/-1 |
Parent Ratings
| Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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| Quality of teaching |
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| Development of social skills and work habits |
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| Home-school connection |
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| Parent community |
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| Discipline |
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| Facilities |
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| Health |
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| Safety |
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| Handling of separation |
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Survey Information
Number of parents surveyed:
10
Director survey: Yes
Savvy Source survey: Yes
General Info
Basic Stats
| Student/teacher ratio |
5:1
|
% of teachers with:
| - Teaching credentials |
2%
|
Transportation and Drop-off Policies
Transportation
Dropoff Procedure
Features of the Preschool
| Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program |
No
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| Affiliated with a religious institution |
No
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| Some experience serving children with special needs |
Yes
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| • We work in conjunction with the local school districts to modify curriculum and give support to students with special needs. Consultants are also used through the Newton Community Partnerships for Children. |
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Accreditation, Membership & Awards
| Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children |
Yes
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Facilities
| CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (3.8) |
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| Building, bathrooms, hallway |
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| Classroom equipment and furniture |
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| Outside play equipment |
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Facilities Include:
| Classrooms (with bathroom attached) |
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| Classrooms (with kitchenette attached) |
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Indoor Gross Motor Space
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Playground
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Director's Comments
Question to director: Do you have any additional thoughts on what parents should consider when looking at your school? Is there any advice that you would like to provide to prospective parents?
Above all, we are a parent cooperative school, where parents are not only welcome, but are intimately involved in and out of the classroom. The cooperative nature of the school bridges the gap between home and school, and gives parents a greater understanding of their child?s experience in nursery school. Being a part of a cooperative nursery school is a wonderful experience for the children as well as the parents. Children enjoy the community of parents and their special parent help days, and parents contribute their own enthusiasm to the school and get to know other families through their work together.
Parent responsibilities include being a parent helper in the classroom 7-10 times/year, and taking on a family job (either serving on the Board of Directors, or on a supporting committee). Each year we have a diverse group of families, with varying schedules and other commitments. We work with each family to find the right committee position or board position, that will fit well with the other commitments in a family?s life. The involvement of our families is a large part of what makes Burr Cooperative so special.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Burr Co-Op is a warm and nurturing nursery school in Newton MA. It is a terrific community of teachers and parents who are focused on the social and emotional development of students. Kids have FUN at school and they love their time there!
Parent #2
Because of a few moves, we've had the experience of three nursery schools. We were fortunate enough to spend two years at Burr Cooperative. Burr Cooperative is a wonderful place for children to experience their first schooling. The School was essentially an extension of our family.
Parent #3
The teachers are warm, caring, and understanding. The cooperative model means that both parents and children are part of a close-knit community. I love being parent helper in the classroom, and being able to my son play and learn at school.
Parent #4
We loved that it is a co-op which builds a strong, close-knit community of families. The school provides a nurturing environment where my child is able to interact with children of different age groups. This helped to instill a natural big sisterly/brotherly attitude towards the younger classmates. Being a co-op also means parents have a more vested interest in the school. Don't choose this school if you're looking for an impersonal place to leave your kids for a few hours, where you hardly get to know any of the other parents. DO choose this school if you're looking for a warm, nurturing, supportive community of families who go the extra mile for the school and by extension, your child.
Parent #5
Strengths include: regular parent involvement in the classroom, which is the heart and soul of the program; emphasis on nurturing children's curiousity, love of learning, exploration, socialization, and building of self-esteem. Another strength is the community building process, which is nurtured by the non-profit Board of Directors -- alll of whom are parents in the program. The Board organizes and facilitaties play dates, special programming for the children, and other opportunities for the children and parents to participate. Additionally, the teacher/student ratio is excellent.
Parent #6
The teachers at Burr are endlessly patient and caring. They have many years of experience working with this age group and it shows. The program is play-based and child-led, so when kids show an interest in a particular subject, the teachers can adapt and delve further. Being a cooperative, parental involvement is key, and the Burr community is warm and welcoming. I could not imagine a better fit for my children and family.
Parent #7
Burr cooperative is a warm, caring and intimate environment - perfect for a child's first school experience. The fact that parents get to help out in the classroom on occasion only enhances the experience for the child. My daughter gets so excited on my "parent help days" because she loves sharing what she does in school with me, and I love it too. The teachers are extremely creative and the kids are encouraged to play and explore their interests. My older daughter attended first and is currently thriving in kindergarten. Her younger sister now loves it as much as she did. I'm so happy we've found this school.
Parent #8
The strengths of the school are the teachers, the community, and the child-centered, play-based curriculum. The only drawback to the program is that we are a single classroom; therefore, a small community, and it is difficult to get the word out to others about what a wonderful school we have.
Parent #9
The atmosphere at BCNS is one of a close, supportive environment where everyone works together to create a great classroom experience for the children. The cooperative aspect of BCNS allows the parents to really feel a part of their child's nursery school experience. The staff is experienced, enthusiastic, warm, and energetic. By the time our third child has graduated from BCNS we will have been involved with the school for nine terrific years!
Parent #10
For a Coop to work effectively and smoothly parent involvement is important. the parents and teachers at BCNS are committed to keeping the school going. A weakness, for me, is there is alot of free play but the positive side of that is the kids are learning cooperative play and social skill building and teachers are always around and interacting with the kids.
School Philosophy & Day in the Life
School Philosophy and Mission
Burr Cooperative believes that preschool children learn best through play and active exploration of their environment. Being a cooperative, parents play an active role inside and out of the classroom. Staff work in partnership with parents to provide a nurturing and enriching experience for children in order to give them the confidence and social and emotional base needed for later learning. Staff use the interests of the children to plan long term themes and projects and set up the environment to facilitate the physical, cognitive and social development of each individual child.
Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School
9:00 Arrival
9:10 Morning Meeting
9:20 - 10:20 Free Play
10:20-10:45Clean-up, Toileting and Handwashing
10:45 Snack
11:00 Quiet Book/Activity Time
11:15 Circle
11:30 Playground
Quality of Teaching
Teachers Are:
| OVERALL RATING: (4.9) |
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| Full of energy and seemingly happy in job |
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| Patient and affectionate with children |
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| Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her |
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| Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior |
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| Provides feedback on what my child does during the day |
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| Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate |
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| Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses |
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| If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off |
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| Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute |
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| Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them |
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| Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn |
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| Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts |
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| Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children |
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Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching
Individualized Teaching
Description of how teachers work with children who are
"behind," "excelling" or "different" from the majority of students
I think that teaching in a mixed-age classroom encourages teachers to individualize their curriculum and teaching. Staff are nurturing and supportive of each child - and work to help them develop the next level of skills. Our student/teacher ratio allows us to work with individual children on special areas of interest to them and/or on areas where they may need extra support.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
the school brings in a variety of specialists including the local librarian, basketball instructions and music teachers
Parent #2
The teachers are BCNS are wonderful. They really connect with the kids, right from the first moment they walk in the door. They are always aware of what is happening with each child in the classroom and are able to encourage without pressuring and help without criticizing. Our children absolutely loved all their teachers at BCNS and our ten-year-old still loves to return to the school with his younger siblings for social events, etc. to see 'his' teachers!
Parent #3
The teachers at Burr Cooperative are creative, energetic, and wonderful! They have a love for preschool aged children and they have become my close personal friends. Because we are a one-room school and a parent cooperative, there is a strong bond between parents and teachers.
Parent #4
Without equivocation, Burr Co-Op teachers are the cream of the crop.
Home School Connection
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (4.5) |
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| Conducts an open house at start of school year |
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| Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year |
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| Conducts regular parent teacher conferences |
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| Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year |
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| Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year |
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| Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools |
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Director's Comments
Parents are provided with a handbook upon entering the school, parent orientation night is held at the beginning of each new year. Curriculum, philosophy and parent help responsibilities are discussed at this orientation. Ongoing updates concerning curriculum and emergent themes are provided through regular classroom "newsletters". Parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year to give feedback on individual children's progress and to set goals. Individual portfolios with photos and artwork document each child's learning and are given to families at the end of the year. Information on outside services and activities are provided to families via general bulletin board and to individual families as needed during conference time. Teachers and director are available to meet at any other times during the year as well.
Separation
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-
Home visits by teachers
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-
Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
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Small group sessions
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Parents in classroom early on
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Abbreviated schedule at start of school year
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Director's and Parents' Comments
Director's Comments
We work with families on an individual basis to provide support through the initial transition process. Staff offer strategies to help with separation and give one-on-one support to children who may need extra attention at this time.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
While it is not encouraged for parents to 'drop-in' at school, since BCNS is a cooperative nursery school, all families have the opportunity to spend time in the classroom on a periodic basis as parent helper. This is a fantastic experience and gives us the unique opportunity to see our children interact with their peers in an environment that is different from home, play dates, etc.
Parent #2
The home-school connection is an integral part of the cooperative model and Burr Cooperative maintains this connection extremely well.
Parent #3
The home-school connection is vital to the staff at Burr Co-Op. Each year, the teachers conduct home visits for every child, both new and returning to the program. One of the best things about this school is the community of teachers, parents and kids all together. My kids still speak fondly of their preschool experience and ask about their former teachers and classmates, even though they are both in elementary school now!
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (4.9) |
Parents:
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
Discipline, Health and Safety
Discipline
| OVERALL RATING (5.0) |
|
| Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children:
are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another
| |
Overview
Director's Description of Approach Toward Discipline
Discipline is constructive and part of the everyday curriculum of the school. Our goal is to provide children with problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Conflicts that may arise are seen as learning opportunities and a chance for children to practice their burgeoning social skills. Teachers enlist children's help in settling conflicts thereby giving them responsibility and ownership of the solutions.
Director's Response to a Sample Discipline Scenario
Description of how teachers handle the following scenario: Child A and Child B are good friends and usually play together. One day, Child A decides to play with Child C and tells Child B, 'I don't want to play with you today. I'm playing with Child C instead.'
If Child B seems upset by this situation, the teacher would first acknowledge the child's feelings. "I bet that made you feel sad." Then the teacher might offer some strategies: tell Child A that hurt your feelings, ask if you can play with them, find someone else to play with... Circle discussions and story books are used at the time and at other times to illuminate this issue and to practice non hurtful language. Also to emphasize that friends can play with other friends and still like you.
Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
The teachers handle discipline in a way that gives the child a bit of control. They definitely step in if situations are dangerous and/or disruptive.
Parent #2
Though the school is in the basement of a church (like many preschools) the staff does a great job of making it bright, cheery and comfortable. The playground is great and purposefully does not include swings as they can be hazardous.
Parent #3
You will not find "high gloss" at Burr Co-Op. It's all about the kids' experience in the classroom and the priority is on child-centered learning in a warm environment. Sometimes a tattered old (but safe!) toy is kept in the classroom because it is simply a favorite...even if it doesn't have the appeal of a Pottery Barn Kids catalog.
Health
| OVERALL RATING (4.7) |
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| Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable |
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| Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided
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| Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly |
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Food Allergies
Medications
Safety
| OVERALL RATING (4.8) |
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| Screen and identify all visitors
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| • Massachusetts CORI and Background Records Checks on all staff and parents who will be helping in the classroom. |
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| Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others |
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Ages, Schedule & Tuition
Ages, Class Size, Days & Tuition
| Ages |
Class Size |
Days |
Tuition |
From
3 years
to
5 years
|
16 |
|
$4700/Year |
From
3 years
to
5 years
|
16 |
|
$4350/Year |
From
3 years
to
5 years
|
16 |
|
$3550/Year |
From
3 years
to
5 years
|
16 |
|
$0/Year |
Extended Care
Notes on Schedule and Extended Care
Notes
Extended day is available from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00.
Families may choose to send thier children 3, 4 or 5 days a week. Every effort is made to accomodate parents' choice of which 3 or 4 days.
Calendar Year
School Year
Summer Program
Kindergarten Placement & Tips
Parents' Admission Tips
Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions
Parent #1
This program is based on first come first serve after returning families have committed.
Parent #2
Personal meetings with the teachers at the school. Classroom visits, etc.
Parent #3
Slots fill in mid fall. Definitely visit school in fall. Sometimes there are limited slots available during the school year.
