Eligibility
In the threes program, children must be 3 by August 31st the year the program. Our morning threes program meets five half-days a week. In the afternoon threes program, you also have a choice of two, three or five half-days a week. We find that continuity of days works best for this particular age group, so afternoon threes classes meet on consecutive days (Mon/Tues/Wed or Thur/Fri). Classes meet for 2 1/2 hours and include a snack.

Each child has a unique blend of physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs and abilities. Therefore, each day we offer a wide range of activities that helps develop these different aspects of your child. We place a particular emphasis on social development. We get to know each child and help him or her to develop a positive self-image, and to feel competent and independent. The range of regular activities include Circle Time, Storytelling, Music, Art, Block Building , Puzzles, Playground Time and Role Playing. We often have week long units where we focus on certain subject areas: Food, Farms, Winter, Plants, Bugs, Dinosaurs, Tools, the Senses, Space, the Body, etc. Of course, routines and rituals such as putting on coats, washing hands, lining up, and cleaning up, play an important role in a child’s development. MCNS also offers extra enrichment programs that vary from year to year. In the past, we’ve had regular visits from music teachers, nature specialists, dentists, storytellers, yoga teachers, movement instructors and the fire department. The children truly enjoy these special events.

Schedule: The 4s Programs each meet five half-days each week, either morning or afternoon. Our morning 3s Program meets five days each week as well. In the afternoon 3s Program, you have the choice: two, three or five days per week. We find that continuity works best for this particular age group, so the afternoon 3s classes meet on consecutive days (Mon/Tues/Wed or Thur/Fri). Classes meet for 2 ½ hours and include a snack.

Staff: Each class is staffed with three adults: two teachers (a head teacher and an assistant teacher) and a participating parent. We meet national adult/child ratio recommendations. In addition to a full time Director, we have an Assistant Director at the Toddler Center and an Office Manager at MCNS.

Facility: Our 3s & 4s Programs each meet at MCNS in the education building of the Mamaroneck United Methodist Church . Our school is a tenant of the church and has no religious affiliation. Each program has its own classroom (or suite of classrooms), with age appropriate furniture and equipment. We also have a beautiful outdoor playground, which each class uses separately year round.

Parent Participation: We offer you the unique opportunity to help out in the classroom. If you choose to participate, you (or your spouse, grandparent, caregiver, or other loved one) will be scheduled to be in the classroom (and bring a simple snack for the day) about once every 4 to 6 weeks. If you choose to be a non-  participating parent, you will pay supplemental tuition and will not be responsible for any snack or classroom participation. Of course, there are other ways to participate in your child’s preschool experience: serving as class parent; joining the cooperative’s Board of Directors; helping out at special events and fund-raisers; hosting parent get-togethers; and attending, speaking at or hosting parent workshops given throughout the year.                                                                                       

Developmental Issues:

Separation: For many children in the 3s Program, and even some in the 4s, Nursery School will be their first regular activity away from home and parents. For these children almost everything will be “new”: the teacher, the children, the surroundings, the equipment, and routines. All of the children will need the support and understanding of their parents. But some will need the physical presence of their parents longer than others. This is normal. We have years of experience helping parents and children separate for the first time. Know that you are encouraged to stay, in the classroom at first, out in the hall as things progress for as long as it takes: minutes, days, even weeks.

Toileting Concerns: We have no requirements when it comes to children in diapers. Children reach toilet readiness at their own pace, so some children will wear diapers; others won’t. Soiled diapers will be changed by a staff member adhering to health codes; children who use the toilet will be escorted to the bathroom as needed. Please update teachers as to toileting particulars. We will work with you to help your child through transitions.

Snack: Snack time is an important part of our day both nutritionally and socially. Participating parents are responsible for bringing in a simple snack; our parent handbook provides guidelines. MCNS policy requires that all snacks be healthy; we also ban foods and food products that could cause life-threatening allergic reactions in our students.

Communication: We believe that communication between the teacher, the school, and your family is the key to a positive preschool experience. We offer two scheduled parent/teacher conferences each year as well as an open door policy should additional questions or concerns arise. Teachers send home regular activity plans to keep you informed as to what’s going on in the classroom. Periodically, the Director sends home letters and announcements via our convenient “school bag mail system.” Teachers, staff, and parents contribute to our school newsletter several times a year. We also provide you with a Parent Handbook that details our school policies.

Registration & Tuition:  Priority registration is given each year to those children who are currently attending MCNS Nursery School classes, to the siblings of Nursery School alumni, and to children of members of both the Mamaroneck United Methodist Church and St. John’s Lutheran Church . Remaining spots are offered to new students as space allows. No priority is given to those attending MCNS Playgroup or Kids’ Club Programs. We offer a 10 percent sibling discount (on the lesser tuition) when two or more family members are enrolled in Nursery School at the same time.