ACCREDITATION
THE IMPORTANCE OF NAEYC ACCREDITATION
Today, NAEYC Accreditation represents the mark of quality in early childhood education. Founded in 1926, The National Association for the Education of Young Children is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children. NAEYC has nearly 90,000 members, a national network of over 300 local, state, and regional affiliates, as well as a growing global alliance.
Since 1985, NAEYC has offered a national, voluntary accreditation system that helps early childhood programs meet high professional standards and helps families identify high-quality programs. Over 7,000 child care programs, preschools, early learning centers, and other center–or school-based early childhood education programs are currently NAEYC Accredited.
We have been accredited by NAEYC for 25 years. In fact, we were one of the first programs in Wellesley to attain accreditation, which is a national benchmark of quality in early childhood education. In 2005 we were among the first 100 programs nationwide to become accredited through a newer and more rigorous system, and are proud to say that we are in the process of doing it once again in 2011-2012.
MISSION
We provide developmentally appropriate opportunities for three and four year old to progress academically, emotionally, physically and socially within a warm and nurturing environment. We are a non-profit, non-sectarian school sponsored by the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church. The facilities include four large classrooms and a well equipped outdoor play area. It is licensed and approved by Early Education and Care and the fire and building inspectors of the town. The Wellesley Nursery School in the Hills will not discriminate on the basis of cultural heritage, disability, marital status, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion or sexual orientation when enrolling children into the program.
CLASSES
Class Schedule
School is in session five days a week starting the week of September 10th, 2012 and concluding May 31st, 2013. Morning classes meet from 8:45 to 12:00. We offer extended days Tuesday and Thursday from 12:00 -1:30 or 2:30. An optional one or two week 5 day summer program is offered the weeks of June 3rd and 10th, 2013.
Class Choices
1. Morning 3 year old class
(2.9 by Sept.1) 3, 4 or 5 days
2. Morning 4 year old class
(4 by Sept.1) Monday-Friday
3. Extended Day Program
(12:00 noon-1:30 or 2:30)
Tuesdays and Thursdays
PROGRAM
Our curriculum follows the Massachusetts Department of Education standards, encompassing the areas of: Art, English Language Arts, Health Education, History and Social Science, Math and Science. This is a flexible and varied program, including music, games, stories, creative activities and imaginative play, designed to develop a strong foundation for learning. Nutritious snacks are served. Weather permitting; outside play is a daily event. Separate programs and facilities are scheduled for each class.
A typical day allows for a balance of structured and unstructured time. The structured times are: "Greeting-Meeting" where attendance is taken and the planned presentations for the day are discussed, "Circle Time," where the children listen to stories, sing, and participate in creative movement activities and share important information, and our specialists' presentations. The unstructured time is: daily "Open Choice Time" where children are free to become involved in the various areas of the classroom and on the playground. "Open Choice Time" continues to have children supported by their teachers, helping each child to be emotionally, socially, and academically involved.
Your child receives a well-rounded, developmentally appropriate curriculum that allows them to develop at his or her own pace with teachers' continuing guidance and support. We encourage parents to speak directly to the director or to the teachers regarding specific daily academic objectives and goals. We are happy to share information to help all to understand our developmentally appropriate curriculum presentation.
STAFF
The school employs a director, Ms. Virginia Smith Alterio and lead teachers and/or assistants for each class. There are two 3-year-old morning classes and two 4-year-old morning classes with extended day options on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Drama, creative movement, music and science specialists provide program enrichment as well.
FAQ
What is the average tenure of your staff?
We are proud to say that many of our staff members have been here for more than 15 years. Avoiding staff turnover is of prime importance to the preschool administration.
How do I apply?
Please call the office at 781-237-9137 to request an appointment for a tour, or find out about upcoming Open Houses.
Does my child have to be toilet trained?
No, toilet training is not required. As a school that prides itself on providing a developmentally appropriate program, we honor the individual level of children in all realms of development.
Do you have a transitional kindergarten class?
We are hoping to have an inaugural TK class in the fall of 2012, based on interest. This class will be specially designed for children who would benefit from an extra year of preschool prior to entering kindergarten. Our transitional kindergarten class will serve children who, in essence, would benefit from the gift of time. For some young children this time is essential to practice more sophisticated social skills, grow emotionally, learn about their world, and become confident as they move to the next level of academic achievement. Within this framework they will be challenged academically as well, in an individualized way that is developmentally appropriate for each child.
Wellesley Nursery School in the Hills
207 Washington Street
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
ph: 781-237-9137
Accepting students now for September 2012 entrance!