OUR MISSION

Our mission is to cultivate a community-centered, developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children through play, exploration and social interaction within the classroom and beyond.

 

We achieve our mission by working together as a community of families and teachers to operate all aspects of a state-licensed cooperative nursery school for children ages 3-5. Each child is considered as both an individual & part of a group as we guide learning through play, art, inquiry, exploration of the outdoors & of the wider community.

Our philosophy

Founded in 1975, The Children’s Nursery School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organzation, non-denominational & all-inclusive nursery school administered by a group of parent(s)/guardian(s) interested in a developmental program for three to five year old children. 

Under the direction of the Lead Teacher, adults working in the classroom follow the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ Rules for the Licensing of Nursery Schools and Developmental Best Practices established by NAEYC, along with information gleaned from the philosophies of the Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and Montessori methods of teaching children.

We work to create an environment for our adults and children that focuses on the following:

  • Acknowledging our children’s feelings

  • Conflict resolution

  • Giving praise for creating a plan

  • Active cooperation

  • Building self-esteem when the child is in the moment

  • Encouraging autonomy by empowering children and allowing them to act like separate, capable, responsible individuals

  • Encouraging individuality and helping children find their own unique voice

  • Encouraging children to help one another

  • Encouraging inclusivity

  • Fostering a love of learning

Meet Our Teacher

“Children, Children, it’s time to…..”

If you visit The Children’s Nursery School you might hear this phrase being sung throughout our courtyard by a dynamic teaching team who absolutely love children. 

  • Lead Teacher

    Resa has been caring for children for over 30 years. She joined CNS as a parent with her own two children in 2005, and served as the Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees before transitioning into the Assistant Teacher role in 2011. Since 2019, she has been our Lead Teacher, bringing a kind and calming presence into the classroom. She brings such joy to her teaching, allowing children to explore, create and discover in a safe and nurturing environment. Resa brings her extensive knowledge of American Sign Language, Spanish and music education to the CNS program.

    When she isn’t at CNS, Resa manages a busy Inn in Ocean Park, Maine. For fun, Resa and her two boys love to go skiing and indoor rock climbing. 

Meet the board

Every nonprofit organization is nothing without an incredible & dedicated Board of Directors. We at The Children’s Nursery School are grateful to have this wonderful team behind us to support our children.

BOARD MEMBERS | 2024-2025

Co-Chairs: Tucker Daniels and Eliza Kehew

Trustees: Lev Leviter and Rachel Ackoff

Secretary: Molly Martineau

Treasurers: Katie Brooke and Ben Guerette