Classes
There are classes for 2, 3, 4, and 5-year-olds, which meet from 9 a.m. until 12 noon 2, 3, or 5 days each week.
3, 4 and 5-year-old children must be toilet-trained before entering school.
Teachers: Each class has a qualified teacher and assistant, providing a student/teacher ratio of 1 teacher for approximately 7 children. The teacher/student ratio in the 2-year-old classes is 1/4. Our teachers are required to have a college degree with a strong background in early childhood development, and are certified in infant and child CPR. Our school is accredited by NAEYC.
Activities
Children develop motor, perceptual, and cognitive skills during creative play through hands-on experience. Creative play also provides time to nurture social skills such as sharing, and an opportunity for children to make their own decisions in selecting activities.
Daily music and creative movement activities develop children’s sense of rhythm, music, and self-control. In addition, each class meets weekly with the specially trained creative movement and music teachers.
Curriculum
Each class has a carefully designed developmentally appropriate curriculum, hands-on materials, and toys to enhance social, emotional, and cognitive development. Each day the children learn responsibility during clean-up time as they put away toys and art materials.
Snack-time offers the children a chance to relax and renew spent energy. It is also a time to enhance language development and math readiness as children and teachers talk about the day. Our snacks are mostly non-sweet, healthful foods.
Playground and outdoor play is part of the daily schedule. The playground and indoor large motor play areas provide the time and space for the children to master large motor skills and channel their energies.
Field trips are scheduled throughout the year to develop children’s awareness of the world around them.
Faith
The Shadyside Presbyterian Church Nursery School, as a ministry of the Shadyside Presbyterian Church, provides children with a pattern for Christian living and exploration of the wonders of God.
Optional Programs
In addition to the regular program, Shadyside Presbyterian Church Nursery School offers programming designed to enhance the school experience for both the children and their parents.
Wonderful Wednesdays
This program is designed for children who will be attending kindergarten the following year. It stresses cognitive enrichment and school readiness skills. Wonderful Wednesdays are held from noon to 2:30 p.m. and are available to children who will attend Kindergarten the following year (note: not all children who are 4 by September 1 will go to Kindergarten the following year.) Enrollment is limited. Cost is $515 annually.
Lunch Bunch
Children may lunch with their friends in a supervised setting from noon to 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The availability of this program is based on student interest. Cost is $170 per day (annually).
