Summary

Contact Info

Children's Cooperative Nursery School
848 Beacon Street
Newton , MA 02459
Tel: (617) 527-8539

Director: Judith Samson

General Approach to Learning

Play-based

Play-based with some structure

Predominantly teacher-led instruction

Montessori

Waldorf

Co-op

Reggio-Emilia

Application Information

Applications accepted

After a face-to-face meeting at the school

Deadline for applications

Rolling

Key Statistics

Age cutoff for enrollment

3 years

School year

09/2008 - 06/2009

Parent Ratings

Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents.

Quality of teaching

Development of social skills and work habits

Home-school connection

Parent community

Discipline

Facilities

Health

Safety

Handling of separation

Survey Information

Number of parents surveyed: 1

Savvy Source survey: Yes

General Info

Transportation and Drop-off Policies

Transportation

- Located close to public transportation

- Parents bring their children to and from school

Features of the Preschool

Provide a third year

No

Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program

No

Affiliated with a religious institution

No

Accreditation, Membership & Awards

Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children

Yes

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (3.0)

Building, bathrooms, hallway

Classroom equipment and furniture

Outside play equipment

Facilities Include:

Classrooms (with bathroom attached)

Classrooms (with kitchenette attached)

Music room

Art room

Library

Playground

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

Our aim is to provide a setting for each child which will encourage his or her independence, promote creativity, foster self-confidence, and encourage learning through interaction with other children and adults. We have a developmentally appropriate program, putting primary emphasis on social-emotional growth. Learning takes place during free choice activity time as well as more structured activities of art, music, science and literature. The classroom environment supports fine and gross motor development through manipulatives, sand, water and blocks. The school provides a non-sexist approach to role exploration and dramatic play. We promote respect for cultural diversity. Outdoor play is a daily event when weather permits.

Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source

Curriculum & Teaching Approach

General Approach to Learning

Play-based

Play-based with some structure

Predominantly teacher-led instruction

Montessori

Waldorf

Co-op

Reggio-Emilia

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (4.7)

This school has increased my child's:

Ability to listen and follow directions

Ability to sit still for longer periods of time

Ability to be a part of a group of children

Self-sufficiency and independence

Awareness of others’ feelings

Cooperation with other children

Curriculum and Teaching Approach


Language					YES
Oral language	-		-	-	n/a
Nursery rhymes, poems, songs	-	-		-	n/a
Storybook reading	-		-	-	n/a
Emerging literacy skills	-		-	-	n/a

Cognitive Development					n/a
Math and number sense	-		-	-	YES
Time & space	-		-	-	YES
Sci. reasoning/physical world	-		-	-	YES
Music	-	-		-	YES

Visual arts	-		-	-	-
Physical activity	-		-	-	YES

Other subjects taught					n/a

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (4.8)

Full of energy and seemingly happy in job

Patient and affectionate with children

Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her

Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior

Provides feedback on what my child does during the day

Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate

Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses

If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off

Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute

Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them

Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn

Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts

Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children

Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Parents are encouraged to share their talents with the class; two parents have done music and exercise classes with the kids, one parent came in and taught them how to hula. This is a pretty diverse group of families, too.

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (4.7)

Conducts an open house at start of school year

Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year

Conducts regular parent teacher conferences

Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year

Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year

Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools

Separation

OVERALL RATING (5.0)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Abbreviated schedule at start of school year
- Home visits by teachers
- Small group sessions

Director's and Parents' Comments

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
This is the greatest preschool around. The focus is definitely on social skills, as opposed to rigid academics. My daughter blossomed here, in a way that she did not develop at a previous preschool. The sense of community is also amazing; we made longstanding friends with many families. It is definitely warm & fuzzy. The staff has very little turnover and they have a variety of interesting degrees in higher education. An awesome place!

Drop-in Policy

- During school parents are welcomed as the school has an open door policy

General Parent Education

-This preschool does conduct parent education classes

-This preschool potentially connects parents with services and activities that can help you help your child develop better at home

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (5.0)

Parents:

- Hold social events at the school to build community

- Fundraise

- Are able to visit the school anytime we want

- Go on field trips

- Volunteer in the classroom

- Hold social events outside of the school (with and/or without children)

- Schedule family field trips

- Encourage play dates out of school

- Shares information on matter related to our children (e.g. babysitter lists, pediatricians, extracurriculuar classes, etc.)

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

- Notes

- Phone Calls

- Voice Mail

- Special Meetings

- Two or More Regular Conferences

- Drop-Off

- Pick-Up

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Social gatherings, parent-helper days, cooperative 'chores'

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (5.0)
Parents' Opinions
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

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
There was an issue with a bully one year and I was thrilled that my daughter had her first exposure to a bully in this safe environment. The teachers did a GREAT job of making the kids feel safe.

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.3)

Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable

Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided

Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

Safety

OVERALL RATING (3.5)

Screen and identify all visitors

Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others

Ages, Schedule & Tuition

Ages, Class Size, Days & Tuition

Ages	Class Size	Days	Tuition
From 4 years to 5 years	16		$4820/Year
From 3 years to 4 years	14	Mon 9am - 12pm Tue 9am - 12pm Thu 9am - 12pm Fri 9am - 12pm	$4450/Year

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

Early drop-off at 8:30 is available for $4 per day with a 10 week session contract or $5 per day without contract.
Extended days Monday, Wednesday and Fridays until 2:30: fee is $17/day with contract, $20/day without contract
Extended days Tuesday and Thursdays until 1:30: fee is $10/day with contract, $15 without
Extended days include lunch and extra play time.

Calendar Year

School Year

09/2008 - 06/2009

Application & Admissions

Application Process

Applications are accepted: After a face-to-face meeting at the school

Parent visits tours are: Mandatory (in order to receive application)

Child interview process: None

Parent interview process: Director-parent

Deadline for applications: Rolling

Application fee: $45

Admissions Process

Acceptance criteria: Acceptance is based on a first come, first served basis with priority given to (1) siblings and (2) members of the church which leases spaces to the Coop. We try to balance each class with respect to age and sex. A space is guaranteed to families whose child is accepted upon our receipt of a signed enrollment contract and a deposit of the tuition payment

Notification occurs: Rolling

Financial aid is available.

Age/Child Requirements

Child must be 3 years to enroll.

Child must be potty trained to enroll.

Inquiries accepted from September -1 onwards.

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Director and Parents have not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source.

Parents' Admission Tips

Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions

Parent #1
I applied early, although some years they end up having late openings.