 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
THE
FIRST STEP NURSERY SCHOOL (part-time) For 2.9 to 4 years old
ACT First Step Nursery Program has been gently introducing children like yours to a world of learning two mornings a week since 1987. Working with you, it nurtures strong bonds and sound beginnings. AT SCHOOL ON MY OWN
The first goal of both First Step Nursery Classes is to help your child gain the confidence and sense of security needed to be at school on their own, and to help you trust that he or she will be fine. We take a flexible approach with each family because each family is unique. Our relaxed attitude is less stressful for all and leads more quickly to success THE TRUE FUNDAMENTALS You want your child to love learning and to love coming to school. Both are an important accomplishment in the nursery years. The emotional wellspring created now will be there to draw on for all the Septembers to come and by possessing it a child is already way ahead. You want your child to learn about friends. To make new ones and to share and treat others gently and with kindness. You want your child to expect and receive gentleness and kindness in return. So do we because the social and emotional growth youngsters accomplish with friends are key to a love of learning and school. WHAT WE STUDY We aim to enrich and stimulate by encouraging
your child to experience many materials and activities first hand.
Pursuing a desire to know more about the self, the family and each
other, children explore the five senses, feelings, likes and dislikes,
growth, and the world of nature on the Cathedral grounds. Here we
might search for peacocks, squirrels, insects or worms, gather leaves,
twigs or pebbles for an art project, plant bulbs or popcorn, or
examine a world of flowers and birds. Over the school year your
child will master basic school skills and rituals, moving from activity
to activity, making choices, taking out and putting away toys, listening
to a group story, singing together, taking turns when talking, listening
to each other and walking with a partner. We also tackle life skills
THE CLASS For the young, small is beautiful. Our class –
of no more than twelve – is kept that way so we can be certain there’s
will be time to get to know – and nurture – each child. A small
group and low teacher/child ratio make it possible to be there when
children need help taking turns, playing together and resolving
squabbles. It also gives us the freedom and the flexibility to respond
to individual needs and interests. .
Preschool is an important steppingstone on the way to formal schooling and all that lies beyond. So finding the right preschool for your child is vital. ACT’s well-rounded, hands-on Preschool program encourages independence, creativity, curiosity and exploration while providing basic knowledge preschoolers need to succeed. THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT On-grounds explorations are made richer by the
return to the classroom where group discussions, observation charts,
organized games, art projects, song, dance, dramatic play, and story
all play a role. The power and usefulness of the written word and
number are experienced first hand. Throughout the day each child’s
discoveries, thoughts, and insights are recorded. Graphs and charts
provide chances to predict, compare, count and measure. Printed
words and picture make songs and poems easier to remember. Dictated
stories enliven drawings and paintings. The Job Chart encourages
name recognition while assuring fairness and keeping track of who
leads the line or holds the door. Pictures and labels identify cubbies
and cots and help classmates take care of the toys and room they
love. Children eagerly contribute to the “Alphabet Museum,” which
focuses on recognizing letters and identifying their sounds. Students
learn to write their names and those of friends and family. Many
begin to print on drawings and to “write” in journals. And, of course,
there are fiction and nonfiction stories to be read, discussed and
reenacted. Most children “read” to themselves and each other. Whatever
the degree of sophistication, all are encouraged. Accomplishment
is celebrated at all levels. Our certified, caring teachers create a warm and comfortable atmosphere, allowing a community of learners to emerge and thrive. Small class size (up 12 students) and low teacher/student ratio assure that teachers can give every child the time and attention they need while they also help youngsters create and deepen friendships and strengthen group camaraderie. THE GROUNDS The Cathedral of St. John the Divine’s 13 idyllic acres make possible our unique encouragement of your child’s curiosity and desire to explore. Learning about the homes and habits of the squirrels and peacocks living on the grounds, raking leaves, digging for worms and making them a home, planting bulbs, tending plants, harvesting vegetables, observing and drawing the flowers of spring, gathering art materials from nature, picnicking on lovely days, sledding and building snow people in winter, are just some of the things we’ll do as your child learns about learning and the great big beautiful world. THE FACILITY Our cozy classrooms features a built-in loft for dramatic play and blocks, and a child-sized bathroom and sink. Its walls are covered with children’s artwork and dictated stories, class-made graphs and charts, and the illustrated songs and poems that are sung and recited by the group. Conversation flows during snack and lunch. Our kitchen is big enough for the many cooking projects we’ll be doing. The matted gym anticipates the days when rain or cold keep us from the on-grounds playgrounds. The gym is equipped with slides, tunnels, tricycles, scooters, ride-on toys, a seesaw, balance beam, rocking boat, soft blocks, balls of all kinds and sizes, hoops, hockey sticks, bowling pins and more. So, rain or shine, your child will get the “outdoorsy” play she/he craves. The on-grounds playground features rubberized surfaces, a sandbox, two climbers, and several standing spinners. CLASS For the young, small is beautiful. Our class limit is twelve so we can be certain to have time to get to know and nurture each child. A small group and a low teacher/child ratio provides the freedom and the flexibility to respond to individual needs and interests. THE TRUE FUNDAMENTALS You want your child to love learning and to love coming to school. To have friends, to make new ones and to share and treat others gently and with kindness. To expect – and receive – gentleness and kindness in return. Friends are at the heart of every preschooler’s enthusiasm. Playing together, friends learn to express themselves more clearly, to share and negotiate, to set and respect limits. As friendships thrive and deepen and the pleasures of including playmates is experienced, children learn to care about each other. A preschooler’s excitement and enthusiasm for learning and school is his or her most important asset. Building upon it is our most important, far-reaching goal. We are dedicated to helping you to create the strongest of educational foundations for your child, one that sustains him or her in the years ahead. We want your child to keep up with the best of them, know how bright and creative she is, and to possess the insight into of his own feelings, talents, likes and dislikes – and those of others. This is what true success demands. EXPANDING OUR BOUNDARIES The Nursery Program is not a purely "classroom" experience. Once every other month, the class visits their elderly friends across the street at Amsterdam House. In warm weather, they venture outside to the lovely green grounds of the Cathedral to explore nature. Parents, caregivers, and friends are welcome to introduce their careers, hobbies, or interests to the class during Community Theme Month. A recent presentation featured a Hungarian baker from the neighborhood who taught the children how to "fold" the dough instead of mixing it for the best cake this side of town. ADMISSIONS Committed to a first come, first served admissions policy, ACT accepts registrations until the class fills. Plan to come for an in-class visit before signing up. There is no better way to know if a school is right for your child. We don’t require testing as a prerequisite. FINANCIAL AID Our limited financial aid is used to promote economic diversity and only applies to full time preschool candidates. Awards are made on a first come, first served basis. Register early if you plan to apply for aid. * Check our Calendar for the days ACT is closed. * Call for more information at (212) 316-7530. |
||||
| |
||||
Your
little one’s getting bigger and telling you in many ways that it’s
time for the challenges and pleasures of school. New friends, exciting
things to do, and that very special first teacher. You want a school
full of warmth and caring just like home. And you want time so that
the two of you can enjoy being together. Because you know that for
every child Mom and Dad are the first and most important teachers.
young
children use to judge themselves capable and competent: wash hands,
put on socks and shoes, don coats, hats and mittens, set out snack
cups, plates and napkins, pour juice, pass food, and wipe up spills.
The long road to “academic readiness” is pursued without disturbing
the relaxed, pressure-free atmosphere of play so necessary to effective
early learning. Names are magical for the young (If I know your
name, I know you: it’s that simple and powerful.) Your child’s picture
and printed name will be featured on his or her cubby, painting
display, and personalized snack place mat. Teachers often supplement
paintings and drawings with dictation or record what each child
has to say about on-grounds explorations. Many of the group games
and songs and toys on the shelf support early number skills, color
and shape identification, and the development of language. 
Preschoolers
thrive on adventure. Unendingly curious, they are ready for new
friends and activities. Ready to garden, cook, paint, draw, sculpt,
build with blocks or create fantasy. Ready to know more about the
world and the people around them. With help of parents’ we visit
elderly friends across the street, take trips to the local library,
and visit willing parents at work. We welcome parents sharing special
hobbies or skills, a favorite book or song, or family customs. 
