WHO WE ARE

MISSION STATEMENT:    Our mission is to foster a community of learners and provide an ideal learning environment with sound pedagogical practice in both indoor and outdoor settings. The program encourages children to learn through meaningful and compelling work and play in relationship with peers through exploration and discovery.  Our approach meets the expansive developmental needs of the whole child which allows for authentic learning and establishes vibrant early connections between each child and the natural world. 


​OUR CURRICULUM

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Our teachers use an intentional cycle of teaching. First they develop an EMERGENT curriculum by observing and recognizing the interests and needs of the children- as individuals and as a group. Then they implement the weekly learning  experience plans and record children's progress. This data collected on children's performance is combined with new  ideas (also from the children), all serve to influence the next round of planning.

The State of Connecticut ELDS (Early Learning and Developmental Standards) and National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) accreditation standards helps guide our planning. ELDS and the NAEYC standards support children in all areas of development including personal/social/emotional, physical, cognitive (language and logic-mathematical), and creative expression, ensuring that we teach the WHOLE child.


​OUR COMMUNITY

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Community is at the heart of everything that takes place at WCNS.  The school is dedicated to serving not just students, but their families as well.  

Many activities occur during the school year offering a wide variety of opportunities for families to support the school, each other and the greater community. The school sponsors many events to foster new relationships among families and staff.












Families are an integral part of WCNS. WCNS welcomes families in the classroom and values the talents, interests and resources that families and friends have to share: whether to read a story to a small group of children, cook with the children, teach yoga, share a custom or tradition, or play a musical instrument.

WCNS has a working Board of Directors that is made up  of current and alumni families and community members. All families are asked to be a partner in their child’s education by participating in the school program.

We are a network of teachers, students and families committed to quality preschool education and to the larger New Haven community.  
Westville Community Nursery School, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family structure, ability or national or ethnic origin in the administration of admissions procedures or educational practices or policies.
WCNS, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations may be tax deductible; consult your tax advisor.
WCNS is accredited by the
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).