The preschool years are times of tremendous growth for all children. Throughout both the 3 and 4-year-old programs, the teachers at the Clarence Co-operative Nursery School use techniques that allow for the children to learn core concepts while engaging in fun, hands-on activities. Circle time lessons and their complimentary activities work together to teach letter and number identification and writing, sound-to-letter matches (early phonics), early math concepts, counting with one-to-one correspondence, recording numeric data, patterns, proper pencil grip, and using scissors properly. A combination of music, messy play, purposeful crafts, science experiments, puzzles, math manipulatives, and sign language all foster fine and gross motor skill development, while simultaneously reinforcing the lesson of the day. Early social studies concepts and art projects are woven into the core curriculum. Active play, whether in the indoor “choice room” or on the playground, rounds out the school day by encouraging socialization. All of these elements combined make for a beautiful child-centric program that will thoroughly prepare your child for kindergarten.
Every-day classroom learning is enhanced by including the families that make up the Co-op. Each student, on a rotating basis, has the opportunity to be “kid of the day” where their parent(s) can attend class with them, their birthday can be celebrated, and a show-and-tell item can be brought to share with the class during circle time. The students also celebrate their moms and dads during Dad’s Night and the Mother’s Day Tea. Students and their parent(s) can also attend optional field trips to the dentist, fire department, and local farms.
3-Year-Old Program
- Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am until noon. There is one teacher, one teacher’s aide, and one parent helper present.
- Maximum of 12 students.
- Students build appropriate classroom behaviors, such as raising their hand and waiting to be called upon, sitting for circle time, being a good listener, speaking in front of a group, and answering questions.
- Students learn to follow directions and anticipate transition in the daily classroom schedule by participating in a predictable and familiar routine.
- Students take turns being “Kid of the Day” and learn about responsibility by proudly performing special classroom jobs.
- Fine motor skills are developed, not just through using tools in the classroom, but also through play with small manipulatives (i.e. Legos, constructive materials, 3-D building).
- Early reading skills are established through probing story comprehension questions in relation to read-aloud stories and books on tape.
- Early math skills and number recognition are taught through fun activities that involve counting items/objects/events.
- Social studies concepts, such as learning about self, family, and the community, are expanded through reoccurring classroom themes. A sense of community is reinforced by having parent helpers in the classroom, as well as by visiting local businesses and service providers during field trips.
- Music is regularly incorporated into the circle time lessons, and a music enrichment class will be offered once each week.
4-Year-Old Program
- Meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:30am until noon. There is one teacher, one teacher’s aide, and one parent helper present.
- Maximum of 16 students.
- Printing skills are developed through the “letter of the day” activities and name writing.
- Fine motor skills are developed, not just through using tools in the classroom, but also through play with small manipulatives (i.e. Legos, constructive materials, 3-D building).
- Students learn early reading skills through phonics-based classroom exercises, and it is reinforced with homework that includes building letter-sound correspondence.
- Early writing skills are developed through Writer’s Workshop and a classroom word wall, which allow the children to use inventive spelling to spell and write words. Writer’s Workshop also brings out the storyteller within each child!
- The foundations of early math are laid throughout the day and during circle time through fun and interactive activities.
- Social studies concepts, such as learning about self, family, and the community, are expanded through reoccurring classroom themes. A sense of community is reinforced by having parent helpers in the classroom, as well as by visiting local businesses and service providers during field trips.
- Tae Kwon Do is an optional once-per-week enrichment program where the students learn self-discipline, self-control, and the importance of physical fitness.
- To enhance kindergarten readiness, Lunch Bunch is offered as an optional extended day program on Wednesdays beginning in January. The students bring in a bagged lunch to enjoy after the regular school day. They practice opening and closing their lunchbox, opening food wrappers and drink containers, and socializing with friends while they eat.
About CCNS
The Clarence Co-operative Nursery School is a dynamic and nurturing place for learning and growing!
Get In Touch
- clarencecoopns@gmail.com
- (716) 408-0498
Our Location
9675 Main Street
Clarence, New York 14031
Clarence Cooperative Nursery School 