Learn through play: Through play in the classroom, children test facts, define and redefine human relationships, and explore their creativity and imagination, all while guided by skilled teachers. Children learn through investigation, experimentation, taking initiative, making choices and interacting with other children and adults. Creativity is encouraged, focusing not on the product, but on the process of creation.
A climate of caring, respect and trust: CCNS is dedicated to the “divine right of childhood” (Stella Shelvin, first director, 1945-52). The adults who guide children maintain the integrity of the individual while at the same time leading children toward an awareness of a responsibility to others.
Parent participation: Parents become partners in their child’s first school experience — easing the transition from home to school, enabling parents to know what really happens in the school, giving children special time with Mom or Dad (without siblings present) and enriching the programs. Parents share their knowledge, their talents, their laps, and their love.
Community involvement: Children learn that they are valuable members of their community by taking part in a variety of school events, reinforcing a sense of interconnectedness. CCNS is truly a “Community Nursery School,” routinely giving back to the community from which it has benefited, through providing scholarships, organizing food drives, Bicycle Safety Day, Mayfair, visits to a local nursing home, visits to local points of interest and the Summerfest Parade. Likewise, there are visits to the school from community members, such as firefighters, police personnel and musicians.
Cooperative spirit: Parents giving their time, thinking, energy and enthusiasm has played a vital role in making CCNS vibrant— from raising money to maintaining the building and grounds, to serving on the committees and the board. Parents, teachers, and children are integral parts. CCNS is a cooperative nursery school owned by all, managed by all and succeeding only with the help of all.
School as a learning community: Adults as well as children benefit from the collective learning environment that CCNS provides. The school offers a closely-knit, friendly group of parents, who share joy in their children’s development, and face similar challenges of child-rearing. Parents learn through observing teachers and the interaction of children, and through cooperation may even discover hidden talents. Teachers learn from each other, from parents, and of course, children, while continually renewing and sharpening their skills through attendance at workshops and seminars.
Education of the “whole child”: In addition to cognitive development, children are free to fulfill their growing needs—physically, socially, emotionally. CCNS provides children with a gradual introduction into a world away from home, a relaxed atmosphere in which they are accepted for their true worth. Classes contain a group of children their own age with whom to work and play, an abundance of play materials, and trained teachers to guide, nurture and support them.
Continue the legacy of the Bank Street School: Also known as the “Developmental-Interaction Approach,” this philosophy focuses on child-centered education and improving the quality of classroom instruction. In this way, thinking and emotion are seen as not separate, but interconnected spheres of development. CCNS’s program is based upon sound developmental principles and learning through experience.
Encourage confidence and independence: The goal of CCNS is to instill in children a strong sense of autonomy and individuality, along with a strong sense of identity, the ability to act on their own and to make choices, to take risks, and the ability to accept help. Along with this is the development of social-relatedness—the ability to care for others, being able to form friendships, and learning to feel part of large social groups.
Foster a life-long love of learning: The focus of the program at CCNS is not on attaining specific goals or achievements, but on the process of growth. Children are encouraged to become as competent as possible in all areas of development, becoming motivated to use their abilities to their fullest potential. CCNS expands upon children’s innate curiosity to foster good learning skills. Graduates leave CCNS with a solid and well-rounded foundation, confident and well-prepared to meet the challenges facing them in elementary school.