Curriculum

The nursery school program provides a child-centered, developmentally-appropriate early childhood environment that supports children’s emerging language, literacy, cognitive, physical and social skills. The teaching staff engages in weekly planning sessions to construct a creative and stimulating curriculum based upon the individual needs and interests of the children. The school day provides a balance of quiet and active play, both indoors and out, through a blend of individual, whole group and small group activities. A mix of teacher-led and child-directed activities support the intellectual and emotional development of young children. The daily schedule also offers opportunities for creative expression in literacy, drama, the visual arts, music and movement.

Our enriched classroom environment builds upon children’s knowledge and experiences, with an appreciation for the uniqueness of each learner. Adults provide a nurturing, emotionally safe and responsive environment. Teachers demonstrate a strong understanding of current child development theory as they design and implement teaching strategies which accommodate a range of learning styles and needs. The nursery school adheres to the principles set forth in the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Code of Ethics, and all adults model respect for the diversity of each child and recognize the importance of each child’s family and home culture.

To read what current nursery school families are saying about our program click here!

Three-Year-Old Program

The Nursery School's three-year-old program provides children who turn 3 on or before December 1st a wonderful environment for developing social relationships and early learning skills. The program accepts a maximum of 12 children. Some of the program's features include:

• Daily interaction with peers and adults
• Opportunities for expression through music, dance, art and yoga
• Integrated theme-based curriculum developed according to children's needs and interests
• Emphasis on forming social relationships with peers and adults and developing appropriate social skills  
• Monthly field trips incorporated to support classroom themes
• Opportunities for families to participate in various classroom activities
• Participation in Spanish classes
• Visits from Andy the Music Man (http://www.andysings.com/)

The three-year-old program runs from 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. Families may choose to send their child 3 or 4 mornings per week. Families are given choice when selecting which days their child will attend school when possible .

Pre-Kindergarten

The Nursery School @ The College of Saint Rose offers an afternoon Pre-Kindergarten program for children who turn 4 or 5 by December 1st. The afternoon class accepts a maximum of 14 children. Children in the afternoon program:

• Develop complex problem solving and social skills
• Learn through a variety of child-centered and teacher-directed activities developed from an integrated theme-based curriculum
• Explore various classroom center areas to to expand their understanding of math, science, social studies, and literacy concepts
• Engage in opportunities for expression through music, dance, art and yoga
• Investigate the outdoors using various tools and spaces
• Participate in monthly field trips to support learning based on classroom themes
• Participate in physical education and Spanish classes 
• Enjoy visits from Andy the Music Man! (http://www.andysings.com/)

The afternoon program runs from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. At this time families may choose to send their child 3, 4, or 5 afternoons per week. Choice in which days your child attends school is given when possible based on enrollment.

Universal Pre-Kindergarten

In 2008 the Nursery School @ The College of Saint Rose became an agency partner with the City School District of Albany's Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program. In order to be elligible for this fee-based program the following criteria must be met:

* You must live in the Albany City School District
* Your child must turn 4 by December 1st of the current year
* Your child must attend school 5 days per week

To learn more about the UPK program and your family's eligibility please contact the director.