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Our History Westminster Nursery School was established in 1971 under the auspices of the Westminster Presbyterian Church. It is a non-profit organization and licensed by the state of New Jersey. Children of all religious faiths and nationalities are welcome and encouraged to share their varied cultures. Given the opportunity to make discoveries about himself and his world, in a secure comfortable environment, a child is better able to develop positive self esteem and life-long enthusiasm for learning. Philosophy Westminster Nursery School was founded with the purpose of providing a high quality, weekday nursery school for children in Berkeley Heights and surrounding communities. The school seeks to promote a child's social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth within a caring and supportive environment. All curricula and programs are designed to foster this growth in a developmentally appropriate manner. Each child is seen as an individual and is encouraged to appreciate and respect himself/herself as well as others. Parents, through their involvement, are helped to better understand and observe their child's development. Westminster always seeks to provide a positive first educational experience for each and every student. Accreditation In addition to required state licenses and accreditation, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recognizes the nursery school nationally through its accreditation process. This NAEYC accreditation validates the staff's belief that Westminster Nursery School provides a developmentally appropriate program. Only one out of seven early childhood programs is accredited by NAEYC. Facilities Classes meet in attractive sunny rooms. Each room is arranged with learning centers including a book nook, writing table, paint easel, art table, and carpeted block and floor play area. An ever-expanding library of children’s books offers the classics and the newest in children’s literature. The 2 1/2 hour program offers a daily large motor playtime. Our outdoor playground is supplied with early childhood equipment and is surfaced with certified playground wood chips. During inclement weather, children use our indoor playroom equipped with a kitchen area, sand box, large block area and large-motor game area. Schedule There are opportunities for 2 1/2, 3 and 4-year old children. Varied daily class schedules are available for most ages. Morning sessions meet from 9:00 to 11:30. Afternoon sessions meet from 12:15 to 2:45. Class Options
Music and Movement Our movement and music program is offered as a balance of spontaneous and guided activities which help children develop many life skills. Through the use of games, music, props and developmental equipment, the children are encouraged to explore, express, create and joyfully participate in their development. Lunch Bunch An afternoon program is offered from 12:00 to 2:30 for 3 and 4-year old children enrolled in school. Through this program, the children are able to meet different friends from their regular classroom and participate in activities possibly not offered in the morning sessions. Children bring lunch with them on these days and eat at school. Sign-up sheets are posted one week in advance. An additional fee is charged for this program. Activities During September, the children get to know each other and the school. The 4 year olds start October off with a field trip to the pumpkin/apple farm. The Nursery School Open House gives parents a chance to take a peek into a day at Nursery School through a digital slide presentation. Science activities abound in October and November for all children as they see what is inside an apple and pumpkin, observe squirrels gathering acorns for winter, and watch the leaves change color and fall. November and December is time for sharing and caring as the children bring in baby food to share with those less fortunate via a food bank and celebrate Thanksgiving with a "sharing" fruit salad. January and February bring units on space, the day/night sky, bears and, of course, Valentines. As springtime approaches, the children are busy creating masterpieces in anticipation of the art show and reception at the Berkeley Heights Public Library. Each child's artwork is on display for the month of April. Spring also brings our Mother's Day celebrations. The children make gifts, bake goodies for the celebration and practice our special Mother's Day songs. At the end of May, the entire Westminster Nursery School family (including moms, dads and siblings) marches in the Memorial Day parade. Before we know it, June has arrived and the school year is over! |