Wayzata Community Church Nursery School

Our Philosophy stresses the growth and development of the individual child. To help each child gain confidence and self-esteem while learning to function in a group, we plan for both individual choice making and group interaction.

Our Program includes social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth experiences. We believe that children learn through their play situations, as well as through a structured environment. Each day, teachers design learning experiences to meet the needs of the individual child as well as the entire group.

Our Curriculum includes opportunities for creative art, music, science, creative dramatics, cooking, language arts, dramatic play, cognitive development, large and small muscle development and outdoor play. A copy of WCCNS curriculum goals is available in the NS office.

Each team of teachers plans activities that are especially suited to the age and ability level and interests of their class (Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum). A typical daily schedule includes:

Approximately an hour of free choice time (learning center time) during which the children make their own decisions about their activities and companions (during that time, some materials are always available, e.g., blocks, puzzles, books, dramatic play area, sensory table, and free art table; some materials are changed frequently, e.g., creative art media, art/craft projects, dramatic play themes, science and cooking projects, workbenches, and various manipulatives); A group time with story and discussion; sharing of information A snack time offered during free choice time or at mid-morning or mid-afternoon includes crackers, cheese, yogurt, cereal, a variety of prepared foods (pizza, pudding, tortillas, nachos, pasta), milk or water, fresh fruit and vegetables and some birthday treats. We ask that special birthday snacks be healthy, nutritious foods and be approved by the classroom teachers. NO CANDY or sweet treats, please. Snack menus are posted on the bulletin board with the weekly curriculum. Music time including singing, playing rhythm instruments, moving to music and listening to music; approximately 30 minutes per week in music, movement, and art with our music and movement teachers, Mary Coats or Nan Beard. Large muscle activities, both structured and unstructured, either on the playground or in our large muscle room; Approximately 30 minutes per week in Spanish with our Spanish teacher, Lynne Gonzales. This includes only the afternoon PreK classes (Treehouse, Schoolhouse, and Butterfly). A daily time schedule and weekly curriculum for each class is posted on the room bulletin board for parent observation. Notes by Staff and a monthly newsletter, CUBBIE NEWS, published by the Nursery School Advisory Board help to keep parents informed. WCCNS Staff supervises children at all times and parents are required to follow our rules and policies for drop-off and pick-up to help keep children safe.

Two conferences per year (fall and spring) are offered to parents to discuss the child’s intellectual, physical, social, and emotional progress. Other times during the school year, parents may request a conference with classroom teachers or the Director if they have concerns regarding their child(ren).

Program records and documentation are kept in the child’s file in the Nursery School. The childcare plan is available to parents for review on request. Parents are welcome to visit our school and are encouraged to consider the many volunteer opportunities available throughout the program year.

A room visit with classroom teachers is made before school starts in the fall. For example, toddlers visit The Sunshine Room" before the first day of class.