United Church on the Green, UCC


			Nursery School History The United Community Nursery School (UCNS) was founded in 1962 as a community outreach program of the United Church on the Green. The church provides, in its parish house, the physical space for the nursery school and continues to provide scholarship support and guidance. UCNS believes that a child who is secure and confident will find the world inviting, and seeks to provide both a supportive and a stimulating preschool environment. United Community's non-sectarian program serves a wide variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Most families reside in New Haven or the surrounding towns, but each year there are some whose native homes are many miles away. UCNS also has a long tradition of service to children with special needs. Thus, United's children have a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow with a broad cross-section of a larger community. Philosophy We believe that a preschool should be a place where young children can begin to: Find out about themselves and the world around them. Build constructive relationships with other children and with adults. Try out thoughts in a situation that is wider than home or neighborhood. Develop a sense of community. Gain confidence and build self esteem. Experience a sense of wonder. Make choices and take responsibility. The school provides a balance of activities: Structured/unstructured Informative/creative Active/quiet Indoor/outdoor Observing/participating Alone/in groups Our unique location near the historic New Haven Green enables us to take advantage of many interesting places and events. Our proximity to downtown businesses makes it convenient for working parents to stop in to visit. Parents are Always Welcome. The School Community Since 1988, United Community Nursery School has been accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. UCNS became the second school in the city and the twentieth in the state to meet the Academy's strict accreditation standards in this voluntary, nationwide program. Each of the UCNS's teachers has a personal commitment to fostering the development of young children, as well as the necessary professional preparation and experience. Teachers complement one another to achieve a well-balanced whole. United maintains a high teacher to student ratio. The school seeks to complement and enhance the parent-child relationship through mutual support, understanding, and ongoing communication regarding the child's needs. Regularly scheduled parent-teacher conferences supplement day-to-day informal conversations regarding the child's well-being. Other opportunities for involvement include: Parent/staff workshops Pot luck suppers Picnics Parent support groups Periodic newsletters School clean-up day Parent advisory committee Family-oriented fundraising events A Typical Day Arrival and free play Various activities are available such as paint, clay, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play. Cleanup Meeting and music Snack Outside Time (weather permitting) Activity Time Teacher-directed activities including cooperative games, cooking, woodworking. Units geared to the group's special interests such as "outer space", dinosaurs, or building. Story Time Lunch Active indoor play Departure of morning group Quiet Time - Stories Nap Time Snack Outside Time Indoor play and work Program Options For two-year-olds The Two Day Group meets for two, two and one-half hour sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Each family takes a turn assisting in the classroom once a month. For older children Part-time programs as well as full-time child care are offered for 3- and 4-year-olds. For further information about an option fitting your needs, please contact the director. Home - From the Ministers - Staff - Good News - Calendar - Music - Sermons - Outreach - Pictures - History - Nursery School - Directions - Contact