Union Congregational nursery school | Union cong nursery | church nursery schools in Montclair

At Union Congregational Weekday Nursery School, children interact in a rich, nurturing environment designed to stimulate their curiosity with their world and to encourage learning through exploration and play. Within each individual class, the daily schedule and the classroom environment are arranged to give opportunities to the children for expression of their individual interests and to build confidence in their natural abilities and intelligences.

Within each age group are developmentally appropriate opportunities for learning. Our curriculum can be viewed in the physical organization of each classroom as well in the activities that are teacher generated and student driven during the course of each school day. We provide opportunities for children to make decisions, solve problems, make friendships and develop independence and responsibility through activities involving arts and crafts, dramatic play, indoor and outdoor play, language, mathematical concepts, music and work in our Children’s Garden.

The physical tools for learning include centers for exploring and discovering science, puzzles, blocks, water and sand tables, easels, reading corners, housekeeping corners, animals, costumes, computers and educational software and an indoor and outdoor playground.

Our teachers work with the children individually and in groups to encourage social competence and skills that help them prepare to take their special place in the world. Specialists in art, drama and creative movement bring unique experiences to the children within their classroom settings. Parents and other guests are encouraged to share their knowledge and skills with the children. Field trips are arranged as an integral part of the curriculum.

Individual class groups are arranged by age and days of the week and are kept intact throughout the school year. This encourages a sense of community and consistency within each group that fosters strong social bonds across school, family and community. Classes are available for children between the ages of two and one-half and five years old. Class sessions are available two, three, four or five days a week with morning and afternoon sessions.

Union Congregational Weekday Nursery School has an active parent volunteer program where parents contribute and nourish the children's environment according to their availability, flexibility and desire to participate. Parents and teachers are encouraged to provide consistency in the child's school and home life and to extend the social relationships developed at school into their lives at home and in their other activities.

We encourage parents to become a part of our school community with their children. We hold an annual Back to School Night, offer Parent Workshops on a variety of family-related subject, and offer Parent Teacher conferences for each child during the year. We are a program of Union Congregational Church and welcome families of all faiths. A scholarship fund is available to help needy families with tuition expenses.