RE-INTRODUCTION TO NURSERY SCHOOL PROGRAMS
“NURSERY SCHOOL IS A GREAT OPTION FOR FAMILIES LOOKING TO PROVIDE THEIR CHILD WITH SOME SOCIALIZATION AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES…OFTEN TIMES THE PROGRAMS ARE SMALLER AND THEREFORE GIVE TEACHERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE MORE ONE ON ONE LEARNING FOR THE CHILDREN”
– Grosvenor Nursery School
Over the summer months, nursery schools from across London-Middlesex-Elgin shared their expertise and professional knowledge in relation to nursery school programs, what makes them unique, and what they have to offer our community!
WHAT MAKES NURSERY SCHOOLS UNIQUE…
“A nursery school program has time to focus more on play and less on the routine aspects of the day due to the short duration”
– Tiny Tots
Here are some key elements of Nursery School programs:
Follow school year calendar, meaning they’re closed during summer months (July/August)
Offer a variety of part-time schedules
Offered in unique settings in your communities, examples: churches and schools
Nursery school programs are licensed under the Ministry of Education and uphold the same requirements as other childcare centres including ratio, scheduling, and creating programs based on How Does Learning Happen?
WHAT ARE THE RATIO REQUIREMENTS?
Toddler – 1:5
Preschool – 1:8
HOW ARE THE FOUR FOUNDATIONS SUPPORTED IN NURSERY SCHOOL PROGRAMS…
“Through rich play experiences with other children and committed educators the four foundations are supported. Children will gain a sense of belonging in a small, familiar environment where they have a voice, allowing them to express themselves through art, play and connections with others. Their well-being is supported through routines and independence. Quality materials, provocations and educators that follow the lead of the children will ensure a happy, healthy, engaged classroom.”
– Tiny Tots
GET TO KNOW YOUR LOCAL NURSERY SCHOOL PROGRAMS…
Grosvenor Nursery School
Grosvenor Nursery School is located in central London and offers programming for children ages 2.5 – 5 years.
Grosvenor Nursery School offers four different programs
3 Day morning program (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) from 8:55am – 11:30am
3 Day afternoon program (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) from 12:55pm – 3:30pm
5 Day morning program (Monday through Friday) from 8:55am – 11:30am
J.K. program (Monday through Friday) from 8:55am – 11:30am
Tiny Tots
Tiny Tots is located in Rodney, Ontario.
While majority of the children who attend Tiny Tots are around the age 30 months (2.5 years), the mixed age ratio programming allows 20% of the children to be between ages of 24 – 30 months (2 – 2.5 years).
Tiny Tots offers families with the option of attending one to three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) from 9:30am to 12:00pm.
Calvary Nursery School
Calvary Nursery School is located in South London and offers programming for children between the ages of 18 months to 4 years.
Calvary Nursery School offers morning programing from 8:30am – 11:30am with the option of 2 days per week (Tuesday and Thursday, 3 days per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) or 5 days per week (Monday to Friday)
WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT WORKING IN A NURSERY SCHOOL PROGRAM…
“There is typically less turnover for staff creating positive, close relationships. The short duration of the daily program allows staff to stay fresh and inspired.”
– Tiny Tots
“The flexibility of being able to work in a part time program. The ability to still form relationships with families that are meaningful. Having a great staff that have been dedicated to the school for a long time and therefore are invested in the success of the program.”
– Grosvenor
FROM A SYSTEM LEVEL…
“St. Thomas-Elgin is fortunate to have two Co-operative Nursery Schools in our Municipality. They are licensed by the Ministry of Education, offering high quality learning experiences for toddler and pre-school children. Nursery School programs are a wonderful child care option for families who want flexibility in part-time care.
Educators at co-operative nursery schools have unique relationships with parents/guardians, the children, and the community. Sometimes one, or more generations of families have attended the same nursery school program!
Working in a co-operative allows parents/guardians to assist in the nursery school responsibilities while reducing operating costs and keeping fees down. In addition to the financial benefits of a co-operative, parents/guardians have the opportunity to be directly, or indirectly involved with their child’s early learning experiences.
We are pleased that families have several options available to them in terms of child care, and/or early learning experiences so they can choose the program that best suits their needs.”
-Sheri Spriggs, RECE,
Quality Initiatives Coordinator,
St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services