HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY
The Bethesda Cooperative Nursery School ("BCNS") was established in 1965 as a non-profit, non-sectarian organization by The Church in Bethesda (previously known as Bethesda First Baptist Church) as a ministry to the community. The church provides physical facilities, custodial services, utilities, office support, fire & liability insurance and general oversight.
BCNS is a parent-participatory nursery school where parents, on a regularly scheduled basis, interact with their children in a group under the guidance of a teacher. The classroom becomes a learning environment for both parent and child. Parents are able to learn about child development while participating in classroom activities.
The nursery school is licensed by Montgomery County Department of Health and is accredited by the Maryland State Board of Education. BCNS is also a member of the Maryland Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools (MCPPNS).
CLASSES AND CURRICULUM
The school's goal is to enable each child to reach his or her potential through a developmentally appropriate curriculum. The individualized program and very low child-teacher ratio is designed to stimulate each child's curiosity, provide opportunities for discovery through diverse choices, and build each child's self-confidence, self-control, and sense of responsibility. Teachers encourage children to grow both in conceptual understanding and in the development of a strong sense of self and others.
Fish class (young 2's): Children who are 2 by Sept. 1st but do not turn 3 until after March 31st. The class meets on Tuesday & Thursday from 9:15-11:45.
Frog class (older 2's): Children who are 2 by Sept. 1st and turn 3 before March 31st. The class meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:15-11:45.
Firefly class: Children who are 3 by Sept. 1st. It meets Monday-Thursday from 9:30-12:00.
Caterpillar class: Is for children who are 4 by Sept. 1st. It meets Monday-Friday from 9:30-12:00.
A lunch program is also available Monday - Thursday from 12-2pm. See school calendar for Lunch Bunch schedule during the school year.
Through a developmentally appropriate, theme-based curriculum, the school incorporates language arts, reading readiness, social studies, math, science, music, art and physical activities. Special all-school days, field trips, creative movement and music programs provide further experiential learning opportunities.
BCNS teachers closely monitor each child’s individual development. Parent/teacher conferences, held annually for Fish and Frogs and semi-annually for Fireflies and Caterpillars, allow the teachers to discuss each child in depth. Additional conferences may be requested by a teacher or parent at any time, should the need arise. Developmental reports are provided at the conferences. (Copies of the full curriculum are available in the school office.)
PARTICIPATION
BCNS believes in parental involvement and tries to make classroom participation as enjoyable for the parent/guardian as it is for the children. No special skills are needed, only a willingness to learn from your child and the teachers. Classes are well staffed by professional teachers. However, because the nursery school relies on parental help, all cooping responsibilities are mandatory and must be taken seriously.
Time Commitment
Parents/guardians should expect to spend two “coop days” per month in the classroom. In addition, parents/guardians must sign up for two “sub days”, for which the parent/guardian must remain available until class time. (Coop and sub days are fewer in the 2's classes that meet fewer times per week). Grandparents, other relatives and English speaking nannies are welcome to coop. Parents who have two or more children in the school may be required to coop fewer days in each individual classroom.
Specific Duties
Cooping adults are required to arrive fifteen minutes early in the Firefly & Caterpillar classes to help prepare for the day. When cooping in the Fish & Frog classes, please try to arrive on time. The cooping parent is responsible for providing snack and drink for the class, including adults. While in the classroom you may ask the staff how you can best assist them and the children. You should expect to have fun and enjoy the time with your child and his/her classmates.
Events
Three parent meetings per year:
- Back-to-School Night September
- Pot Luck Dinner/Discussion October
- Guest Speaker February
Two major fun-filled fund-raising events:
- Winter Carnival December
- Silent Auction March
Three clean-up work days per year (parents are expected to help on two of these three occasions).
All School Jobs: At Back-to-School Night parents will be asked to sign up to help with one of the school events, such as Halloween, Winter Carnival or another job such as helping in the library, or fixing things, etc.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Fund Raising
Raising funds in addition to tuition is important to the overall success of BCNS. Each year we raise funds in three ways. Winter Carnival and the Silent Auction are All School Events that are fun social occasions for children & parents as well as fundraisers. Everyone is expected to contribute in many ways to the success of these events. The third fundraiser is Make-It plates & bowls. This is explained at the October Pot Luck Dinner.
There are two purposes for our fundraising. First, it is used to fund scholarship. We are able to provide some help to a few families. Often these are families already enrolled who experience a difficult time. Our help enables them to continue their child in school. Second, it is used for capital improvements. In the past the nursery school has replaced the floor in the Big Room, replaced the windows in all classrooms, had the cabinets build around the sinks in the crib room, Firefly & Caterpillar classrooms, and provided for the newest, largest piece on the playground. The funds from 2010-11 were used to paint the crib room & replace the carpeting. 