• Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  • The AM class meets from 9:00 to 11:30.
  • The PM class meets from 12:00 – 2:30.
  • The maximum class size is 12 children (6:1 child to adult ratio).
  • The child must be 3 by December 1 of the attending school year to enroll.
  • This class involves parent-helping.
  • Two  non-parent-helping spots are available in each class.  Please refer to the tuition page for the cost.

Curriculum:
This class is an introduction to what nursery school is all about. For many children, this is the first time in a group setting away from Mom and Dad. We help them to feel comfortable, safe, and secure in the space around them.

The primary focus is on social skills. These include learning each other’s names and saying hello, using manners, and learning to share, take turns, and ask for something that is wanted. Increasing the use of language and improving listening skills is done through “Show and Tell”, finger-plays and songs, story time, and circle time activities. Gross motor skills are continually exercised through outside play, music and movement, and activities in the “big room”. Fine motor skills are practiced and strengthened through activities in art and with the exploration of classroom manipulatives.

Sample daily schedule:
15 min. Transition/Table Toys
20 min. Circle/Story Time
50 min. Free Play/Centers and Project Time
10 min. Clean-up
20 min. Snack and Movement
30 min. Outdoor Play/Big Room
5 min. Goodbye Song and Closure

  • Sample topics/themes covered: All About Me, colors, community, holidays, Spring/growing things, life cycles (butterflies, etc.)
  • Sample field trips: pumpkin farm, Garden Factory train layout, plays (Theatre Young Kids Enjoy), Strong National Museum of Play, YMCA
  • Special activities: holiday parties, theme days (ex. Teddy Bear Day), special guests (fireman, police officer, etc.), and learning basic sign language

Three’s Teacher:
Mrs.Rebecca Ortiz

Mrs. Ortiz completed her Masters Degree in Inclusive Early Childhood Education at Nazareth College in 2005.  She spent 3 years as a Bilingual Kindergarten teacher in the Rochester City School District and prior to that,  taught preschool and 3rd grade at Holy Rosary School.

“I love the philosophy of a cooperative nursery school, and immediately felt right at home at GCCNS!  It is a warm and loving environment, and I truly love coming to work!  Being able to work with children and their parents makes GCCNS a very special school.”