First United Methodist Nursery School
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First United Methodist Nursery School
42 Cross Rd
Stamford, CT 06902
We provide a developmentally appropriate early childhood experience for three and four-year-olds and a play-based kindergarten. We focus on nurturing the “whole child” socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively and creatively with respect to each family’s beliefs, customs and culture.
Philosophy:
- FAMILY PARTNERSHIP: It is important that teachers and parents communicate regularly and share information, concerns, ideas and talents. Families are the primary caregivers and educators of their young children; therefore, children grow and develop best when parents and teachers interact and communicate on a regular basis. Parent involvement sends a positive message about the importance of learning to a child.
- INCLUSIVE EDUCATION: Young children are capable and competent and show individual differences in learning styles, rates of development and a range of skills and competencies in the various areas of development. We promote a developmentally appropriate, diverse learning environment that nurtures every child. Recent legislation mandates that all students with special needs have the right to be educated with their peers. It is our experience that an inclusive classroom can be beneficial to all students.
- RESPECT OF CHILD: We nurture respect for all children, teachers and families by modeling tolerance and empathy and providing opportunities to practice acceptance and caring behaviors. By honoring differences and respecting the culture customs of each family, the overall development of the child is enhanced. We believe that character development is just as important as cognitive development.
- SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT BEFORE ACADEMIC LEARNING: We offer children opportunities to practice the pre-academic skills that they need before they can begin academic learning. Our environments encourage students to play and teachers guide children in their play to develop these pre-academic skills so they are prepared for when they enter Kindergarten or 1st Grade. Children are encouraged to become self-directed, self-confident and emotionally secure so they can develop at their optimum level.
- TOTAL CHILD: Since development is multidimensional and interrelated, it is important to provide program experiences that nurture the development of the total child. Wholeness comes when curriculum experiences provide opportunities for social/emotional, language, physical, cognitive and creative development.