CCNS seeks to provide a relaxed atmosphere that correlates to the natural unfolding of a child’s development. In an effort to nurture the whole child, our activities provide opportunities for each child to develop:
Physically: gross and fine motor skills
Socially: dramatic play, cooperative play, sharing and taking turns
Emotionally: self-help skills, increasing independence in school
Cognitively: math, science, social studies
Creatively: art, music and movement, block building
All learning experiences are planned in accordance with the interest and ability levels of our students. In addition to the expertise of our teaching staff, lessons are created using the curricular guidelines from the Pennsylvania State Learning Standards for Early Childhood as well as The Creative Curriculum program. We seek to encourage positive feelings of self and instill a joy of learning. We feel that only as partners with parents can we make a vital contribution to the lives of the children in our care.
Classes
Each class is led by a degreed lead teacher and an assistant teacher. Daily activities within each class revolve around basic themes or concepts to be explored. Teachers provide monthly calendars of themes and activities to keep families informed of classroom happenings, and to serve as a springboard for extending learning at home. Throughout the year, we strive to enrich our everyday curriculum with other programs and events, including field trips, visits from community helpers/experts and seasonal celebrations. We enjoy school-wide themes such as Fire Prevention, Good Health, Good Nutrition and “We Love to Read.” Children enjoy “Superstar” status on a rotating basis. We give thanks before snacks, we recognize holidays as diverse as our families, and our older children learn the Pledge of Allegiance. It’s a nurturing environment and one we hope to share with you.
We are pleased to offer a convenient mix of regularly scheduled classes with a variety of age-appropriate choices:
Wee Play & Learn
Wee Play & Learn is a very popular program where younger children, not yet old enough to participate in one of our 3-year old classes, can enjoy a preschool experience with their parent or other special adult in one of our classrooms. With a weekly theme, children enjoy free play, circle time, arts and crafts, snack time, playground (weather permitting) and special celebrations. This class is a wonderful way to get to know our school, teachers and programs. Each class holds a maximum of 9 students and meets once a week.
Classes for Three Year Olds
The activities for our three-year-old classes focus on introducing children to a wide variety of materials and topics through open-ended, free choice play experiences. Depending on your child’s birthdate, there are three options from which to choose:
Young 3’s
The Young Threes program is a wonderful introduction to preschool for both child and parent. The program emphasizes the social and emotional growth of the individual child while providing an introduction to the school environment. Free play experiences, art activities, circle and storytime are integral parts of the program. Parents of children enrolled in this class participate as parent assistants on a rotating basis. We have found the children really enjoy sharing this special, dedicated time in the classroom.
Children eligible for this class should be 2 years 7 months by September 1st.
All children must be toilet trained. The class holds a maximum of 12 students and meets two mornings each week.
Older 3’s
The program for the older three-year-old encourages academic, social and emotional growth, as well as the development of a positive sense of self. Children enjoy learning through creating, exploring, playing, listening and sharing. They are introduced to a developmental sequence of basic concepts and skills, including colors, shapes, numbers, letters, and fine motor development. These skills help prepare the child for further preschool experiences.
Children must be 3 years old by September 1st to attend this class. All children must be toilet trained. The class holds a maximum of 12 students. We offer two classes from which to choose, a two-days- a-week program or a three-days-a-week program.
Classes for Four and Five Year Olds
The curriculum for our four-year-olds emphasizes increasing control and confidence in all areas of development. Depending on your child’s birthdate, there are three options from which to choose:
Young 4’s
As the four-year-old child develops and matures, the four’s curriculum encourages the child’s awakening abilities. There is a developmental sequence of skills bringing the child from a three’s program and preparing him/her for a pre-kindergarten or kindergarten experience.
The goal of the four-year-old class is to provide direction, guidance and enrichment as the child is developing socially, emotionally, physically and academically. This is achieved by offering opportunities for creating, playing, listening, sharing and skill development, all the while promoting a positive sense of self.
Children must be 3 years 8 months old by September 1st to attend this class. The class holds a maximum of 14 students and meets three mornings each week.
Pre-Kindergarten
The pre-kindergarten curriculum is at the top level of the developmental sequence of skills, and seeks to broaden the child’s scope of understanding through enriching activities. Greater emphasis is placed on striving for mastery of basic readiness skills. However, this does not mean that mastery of all skills is expected.
Opportunities for growth in language arts and reading readiness, number readiness, science and social studies, music, art, and motor development are given through a variety of learning experiences. Continual support and encouragement is provided as the child gains further independence and develops socially and emotionally. The building of independence and the development of a positive self-concept helps prepare the child for a successful kindergarten experience.
Children must be 4 years old by September 1st to attend this class. The class holds a maximum of 16 students. We offer both a morning Pre-Kindergarten class that meets five days each week and an afternoon Pre-Kindergarten class that meets four days each week.
Weekly Music and Physical Education
Within our regular schedule, each class participates in weekly Music and Physical Education classes with our Specialists.
Music
Music at CCNS is a lively (and often loud!) program to develop the children’s musical appreciation. During weekly music class, children are exposed to a variety of musical experiences, including songs, dance, instruments, creative movement and rhythmic activities. Songs are used in the development of the children’s singing voices and listening skills. Basic musical terms and concepts are introduced through fun and age-appropriate activities, making the CCNS music program an enjoyable and educational experience.
Physical Education
Our Physical Education or “gym” class is an energetic, interactive program. Basic skills such as walking, jumping, hopping, and running are integrated into lively exercises, along with the development of agility, balance, cooperation, and gross motor coordination. The movement exercises and skill development are accomplished through games and plain, simple, fun activities, resulting in physical fitness, self-esteem, and the release of excessive energy.
2021-22 Class Schedule
Class
Days of the Week
Times
Young Threes
Tuesday/Thursday
9:00 – 11:30 AM
Three’s 2-Day
Tuesday/Thursday
9:00 – 11:30 AM
Three’s 3-Day
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
9:00 – 11:30 AM
Young Four’s
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
9:00 – 11:30 AM
PM Pre-K
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
12:45 – 3:15 PM
AM Pre-K
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday
9:00 – 11:30 AM
Wee Play & Learn
Wednesday OR Friday
9:15-10:45 AM
Other Classes
Kindergarten Enrichment
In addition to our regular class offerings, we offer a Kindergarten Enrichment class for all children who attend an AM Kindergarten program. The class builds on a child’s kindergarten experience by focusing on age-appropriate skills and concepts. Through a play-based curriculum, students will learn in the following developmental areas: Language Arts/Literacy, Math, Social Studies, Science, Gross Motor, Music and Art.
Children must be 5 years old by September 1 to attend this class. The class holds a maximum of 16 students. The class meets on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 12:45-3:15. There is also a lunch option for children transported by bus directly from most elementary schools to arrive at approximately 12:00 pm. Those children are asked to bring a packed lunch from home.
CCNS Enrichment
We offer optional, comprehensive Enrichment programs that afford children an opportunity to explore art, reading, and science.
Creative Arts
Creative Arts gives budding artists the opportunity to discover, create and explore their way through a variety of art experiences. There is no right or wrong way for our projects to turn out! The primary goal is for children to explore, enjoy, learn from and begin to appreciate art while having fun throughout the process. Each class focuses on a specific topic or artist. From learning the color wheel and mixing colors, to the techniques of classic artists such as Van Gogh, Michelangelo, and Monet, to the drawings of Eric Carle and Shel Silverstein, it’s an exciting, colorful adventure resulting in masterpieces to treasure for years to come.
Junior Book Club
Our Junior Book Club “members” will have fun with themed activities based on favorite children’s books. Whether centered around a particular author, series, or special subject, stories will be enhanced with art activities, cooking projects, games, dramatic play and more. This is a perfect setting for little book worms to expand their love of books and reading.
Science Adventures
In Science Adventures, our budding scientists explore the amazing world of science. Professor What If teaches children to ask “what if I try…?” and leads them on a journey of experimentation through theme-related artwork, games, stories, snack and outdoor play. From exploring the life science of germs, to learning how our “sweet” heart works, to getting physical with Fun, Float and Sink: H2O, this is an adventure full of discovery, intrigue and investigation.
Science Adventures and Junior Book Club are offered on a rotating basis every Monday afternoon. Creative Arts is offered on Friday afternoon.
Lunch and Learn
Lunch and Learn is a fun program that allows children to gather at the school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 11:15 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. for educational activities and socialization with friends. In addition to eating lunch together, the children have the opportunity to extend their learning in an informal manner. Children participate in school-wide, theme-based activities including art projects, storytime, and outdoor play.
Click Here to read some Testimonials from CCNS families.
Classes
Educational Philosophy
CCNS seeks to provide a relaxed atmosphere that correlates to the natural unfolding of a child’s development. In an effort to nurture the whole child, our activities provide opportunities for each child to develop:
All learning experiences are planned in accordance with the interest and ability levels of our students. In addition to the expertise of our teaching staff, lessons are created using the curricular guidelines from the Pennsylvania State Learning Standards for Early Childhood as well as The Creative Curriculum program. We seek to encourage positive feelings of self and instill a joy of learning. We feel that only as partners with parents can we make a vital contribution to the lives of the children in our care.
Classes
Each class is led by a degreed lead teacher and an assistant teacher. Daily activities within each class revolve around basic themes or concepts to be explored. Teachers provide monthly calendars of themes and activities to keep families informed of classroom happenings, and to serve as a springboard for extending learning at home. Throughout the year, we strive to enrich our everyday curriculum with other programs and events, including field trips, visits from community helpers/experts and seasonal celebrations. We enjoy school-wide themes such as Fire Prevention, Good Health, Good Nutrition and “We Love to Read.” Children enjoy “Superstar” status on a rotating basis. We give thanks before snacks, we recognize holidays as diverse as our families, and our older children learn the Pledge of Allegiance. It’s a nurturing environment and one we hope to share with you.
We are pleased to offer a convenient mix of regularly scheduled classes with a variety of age-appropriate choices:
Wee Play & Learn
Wee Play & Learn is a very popular program where younger children, not yet old enough to participate in one of our 3-year old classes, can enjoy a preschool experience with their parent or other special adult in one of our classrooms. With a weekly theme, children enjoy free play, circle time, arts and crafts, snack time, playground (weather permitting) and special celebrations. This class is a wonderful way to get to know our school, teachers and programs. Each class holds a maximum of 9 students and meets once a week.
Classes for Three Year Olds
The activities for our three-year-old classes focus on introducing children to a wide variety of materials and topics through open-ended, free choice play experiences. Depending on your child’s birthdate, there are three options from which to choose:
Young 3’s
The Young Threes program is a wonderful introduction to preschool for both child and parent. The program emphasizes the social and emotional growth of the individual child while providing an introduction to the school environment. Free play experiences, art activities, circle and storytime are integral parts of the program. Parents of children enrolled in this class participate as parent assistants on a rotating basis. We have found the children really enjoy sharing this special, dedicated time in the classroom.
Children eligible for this class should be 2 years 7 months by September 1st.
All children must be toilet trained. The class holds a maximum of 12 students and meets two mornings each week.
Older 3’s
The program for the older three-year-old encourages academic, social and emotional growth, as well as the development of a positive sense of self. Children enjoy learning through creating, exploring, playing, listening and sharing. They are introduced to a developmental sequence of basic concepts and skills, including colors, shapes, numbers, letters, and fine motor development. These skills help prepare the child for further preschool experiences.
Children must be 3 years old by September 1st to attend this class. All children must be toilet trained. The class holds a maximum of 12 students. We offer two classes from which to choose, a two-days- a-week program or a three-days-a-week program.
Classes for Four and Five Year Olds
The curriculum for our four-year-olds emphasizes increasing control and confidence in all areas of development. Depending on your child’s birthdate, there are three options from which to choose:
Young 4’s
As the four-year-old child develops and matures, the four’s curriculum encourages the child’s awakening abilities. There is a developmental sequence of skills bringing the child from a three’s program and preparing him/her for a pre-kindergarten or kindergarten experience.
The goal of the four-year-old class is to provide direction, guidance and enrichment as the child is developing socially, emotionally, physically and academically. This is achieved by offering opportunities for creating, playing, listening, sharing and skill development, all the while promoting a positive sense of self.
Children must be 3 years 8 months old by September 1st to attend this class. The class holds a maximum of 14 students and meets three mornings each week.
Pre-Kindergarten
The pre-kindergarten curriculum is at the top level of the developmental sequence of skills, and seeks to broaden the child’s scope of understanding through enriching activities. Greater emphasis is placed on striving for mastery of basic readiness skills. However, this does not mean that mastery of all skills is expected.
Opportunities for growth in language arts and reading readiness, number readiness, science and social studies, music, art, and motor development are given through a variety of learning experiences. Continual support and encouragement is provided as the child gains further independence and develops socially and emotionally. The building of independence and the development of a positive self-concept helps prepare the child for a successful kindergarten experience.
Children must be 4 years old by September 1st to attend this class. The class holds a maximum of 16 students. We offer both a morning Pre-Kindergarten class that meets five days each week and an afternoon Pre-Kindergarten class that meets four days each week.
Weekly Music and Physical Education
Within our regular schedule, each class participates in weekly Music and Physical Education classes with our Specialists.
Music
Music at CCNS is a lively (and often loud!) program to develop the children’s musical appreciation. During weekly music class, children are exposed to a variety of musical experiences, including songs, dance, instruments, creative movement and rhythmic activities. Songs are used in the development of the children’s singing voices and listening skills. Basic musical terms and concepts are introduced through fun and age-appropriate activities, making the CCNS music program an enjoyable and educational experience.
Physical Education
Our Physical Education or “gym” class is an energetic, interactive program. Basic skills such as walking, jumping, hopping, and running are integrated into lively exercises, along with the development of agility, balance, cooperation, and gross motor coordination. The movement exercises and skill development are accomplished through games and plain, simple, fun activities, resulting in physical fitness, self-esteem, and the release of excessive energy.
Other Classes
Kindergarten Enrichment
In addition to our regular class offerings, we offer a Kindergarten Enrichment class for all children who attend an AM Kindergarten program. The class builds on a child’s kindergarten experience by focusing on age-appropriate skills and concepts. Through a play-based curriculum, students will learn in the following developmental areas: Language Arts/Literacy, Math, Social Studies, Science, Gross Motor, Music and Art.
Children must be 5 years old by September 1 to attend this class. The class holds a maximum of 16 students. The class meets on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 12:45-3:15. There is also a lunch option for children transported by bus directly from most elementary schools to arrive at approximately 12:00 pm. Those children are asked to bring a packed lunch from home.
CCNS Enrichment
We offer optional, comprehensive Enrichment programs that afford children an opportunity to explore art, reading, and science.
Creative Arts
Creative Arts gives budding artists the opportunity to discover, create and explore their way through a variety of art experiences. There is no right or wrong way for our projects to turn out! The primary goal is for children to explore, enjoy, learn from and begin to appreciate art while having fun throughout the process. Each class focuses on a specific topic or artist. From learning the color wheel and mixing colors, to the techniques of classic artists such as Van Gogh, Michelangelo, and Monet, to the drawings of Eric Carle and Shel Silverstein, it’s an exciting, colorful adventure resulting in masterpieces to treasure for years to come.
Junior Book Club
Our Junior Book Club “members” will have fun with themed activities based on favorite children’s books. Whether centered around a particular author, series, or special subject, stories will be enhanced with art activities, cooking projects, games, dramatic play and more. This is a perfect setting for little book worms to expand their love of books and reading.
Science Adventures
In Science Adventures, our budding scientists explore the amazing world of science. Professor What If teaches children to ask “what if I try…?” and leads them on a journey of experimentation through theme-related artwork, games, stories, snack and outdoor play. From exploring the life science of germs, to learning how our “sweet” heart works, to getting physical with Fun, Float and Sink: H2O, this is an adventure full of discovery, intrigue and investigation.
Science Adventures and Junior Book Club are offered on a rotating basis every Monday afternoon. Creative Arts is offered on Friday afternoon.
Lunch and Learn
Lunch and Learn is a fun program that allows children to gather at the school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 11:15 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. for educational activities and socialization with friends. In addition to eating lunch together, the children have the opportunity to extend their learning in an informal manner. Children participate in school-wide, theme-based activities including art projects, storytime, and outdoor play.
Click Here to read some Testimonials from CCNS families.