Learning Through Play
Children learn best through play! Research has shown just what children have known all along: the best way to nurture young thinkers is to support meaningful play experiences. What does this look like in a nursery school? In the large block area, children learn mathematical concepts and how to work cooperatively. In the dress-up area, they develop their imagination and cultivate language and emotional skills. At the water table and other sensory centers, children learn science—the properties of water, volume, or gravity. In the reading corner and writing center, children cultivate oral and written literacy and fine motor skills. Playing outdoors, children develop gross motor, social skills, and knowledge of the world around us. After having played at UCNS for a year or two, your child will emerge well-rounded and ready for kindergarten, and have had a lot of fun along the way!
“Play is the highest form of research.”
— Albert Einstein
Why a Parent Cooperative?
At UCNS, families and teachers work in partnership to support the growth and development of the children. Children greatly benefit from family involvement in their school. Every day, our two teachers and our classroom helper(s) work together at UCNS. The teachers design and implement the school curriculum, while the main job of classroom helpers is to play with the children! These days are fun days for the children and create special memories that you will always share.
We believe that a parent cooperative preschool supports the needs of our students, but also greatly benefits families, staff, and broader school community. Parents who are new to the cooperative model are often amazed at how much they learn each day at UCNS! The teachers and staff at UCNS view themselves as learners too, growing and learning each day along with the children and families. Our close knit community has developed many friendships that have lasted for years!
