Why We’re Committed to Part-Day Programming
Nursery School Model
Families Together Cooperative Nursery School (FTCNS) is a “part-day” nursery school. The length of our core classes is approximately half of a typical school day, about 2 ½ or 3 hours long. In contrast, full-day preschools typically offer 6 to 7 hour school days and full-time child care centers are typically open 10 or 11 hours per day. Currently, FTCNS is licensed by the State of Illinois for part-day programming only, which means a child may attend up to 5 hours per day.
The 2 ½ to 3 hour time period has been our core class structure since FTCNS was founded more than 25 years ago. Historically, this part-day “nursery school” or “day nursery” structure has been a mainstay of early childhood education in the US for more than 100 years.
The 2 ½ to 3 hour class session is believed ideal for early learning because it is long enough to allow for a mix of free play, snack, large motor or outdoor play, and teacher-facilitated activities (such as reading a story). At the same time, a part-day session is also short enough that children are able to fully participate without getting overly tired. The part-day structure also benefits children who are learning to spend time away from their families for the first time and/or children who may experience separation feelings.
Benefits of Part Day Programming: Pacing and Staffing
The part-day structure enhances the quality of our programming in two significant ways: Pacing and staffing.
Part-day class sessions allow for a mix of free play, snack, large motor or outdoor play, and teacher-facilitated activities. There is no “down time” when learning does not take place. Teachers plan for and supervise a rich combination of experiences that support children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. A half-day spent learning and playing at school is a balanced complement for other activities in a child’s day, such as rest time and family time.
Part-day programming also means that the entire class period is supervised by credentialed teachers. In contrast, full-day programs usually rely heavily on support staff to meet adult-child ratios. At FTCNS every minute of our core classes is led by a team of highly qualified and credentialed educators.
Families Together Classes:
Junipers 2-DAY & Junipers 3-DAY
Junipers classes are for our youngest students who are often experiencing school for the first time. Learning to be in a group setting, playing together, and negotiating social interactions are all important elements in Junipers. Students can enroll in 2, 3 or all 5 mornings of Junipers.
Willows
Willows is a mixed age class meeting 4 mornings a week. Younger and older children work together to scaffold learning with a large emphasis on social emotional development and community building. To support our older ages, we introduce skills that will ready our students as they progress to kindergarten.
Oaks
Oaks meets 4 afternoons a week and tends to be mostly children who will attend kindergarten the following year. This class starts to introduce more structure and longer group activities and discussion. There is an emphasis on building literacy (including journaling and story creation and math and science skills).
Nurturing the development of social, intellectual, language, creative and physical skills, while meeting each child’s emotional needs in a safe and secure environment is our goal. Read more about our educational philosophy HERE. At Families Together, we believe in the inclusion of children of all abilities and developmental levels. We strive to create an environment that is appropriate and healthy for all children. School is in session early September through late May.
Each core class has two highly qualified teachers and one assisting parent/caregiver. FTCNS classes have between 16 and 18 students. Our low adult:child ratio allows teachers to know each child and to make their first school experience one that builds self-confidence, encourages respect for others and instills an enthusiasm for lifelong learning. Children are encouraged to pursue what they love while being introduced to new and exciting learning opportunities.
Each classroom schedule includes:
- Opening Group/Circle Time includes songs, group games, group literacy, art, math, or science activities, discussions, and daily class routines.
- Gross Motor Time features outdoor play in our beautiful outdoor spaces or play time in the gym during inclement weather.
- Classroom Play Time includes a variety of centers are set up with rotating themes throughout the classroom. Children choose their activities while teachers intentionally guide and extend play and lead special projects.
- Snack Time features a healthy non-processed snack is served family-style to promote social skills and manners.
Lunch Bunch
Lunch Bunch, our popular mid-day program, runs Monday through Thursday during the school year from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students bring a nut-free lunch and water bottle from home. In addition to lunch, the program includes games and puzzles, active play in the gym, art, and rotating play experiences. Registration in a core class (Junipers, Willows or Oaks) is required to enroll in Lunch Bunch. Find out more information HERE.
See Us in Action!
Take a look at our Admissions Video to see what makes Families Together A Preschool Where Play Matters!