What is a
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A co-operative nursery school is a non-profit preschool program owned and operated by the families enrolled. Parents and caregivers have the opportunity to be involved in many aspects of the school community - from volunteering, participating on the Executive Board or supporting special events and fundraising activities. |
Goals & Philosophy |
The goal of ECNS is to provide a nurturing environment that supports the social, emotional, physical, and developmental needs of preschool-aged children while helping prepare them for kindergarten. Through play-based learning, children are encouraged to build confidence, independence, cooperation, and communication skills. Group activities, circle time, games, songs, and creative experiences help children learn to share, collaborate, and interact positively with their peers. Basic readiness skills, including early literacy and numeracy concepts, are introduced through hands-on learning and exploration. |
Program Structure |
In our co-operative environment, the Supervisor and Registered Early Childhood Educators plan and lead the daily program while being supported by assistant educators and family volunteers. Together, we create a safe, caring, and engaging classroom where children are surrounded by trusted adults and meaningful social experiences. ECNS is licensed to enroll a maximum of 16 students per class, maintaining a maximum 8:1 child-to-teacher ratio. Located on the upper level of St. John’s United Church and is fully licensed and inspected annually by the Ministry of Education. |
Early Intervention
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ECNS values early identification and support for children’s developmental needs. Families are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns regarding their child’s development with our educators. Working alongside Early Learning Professionals and community resources, we aim to support children and families in accessing services that may benefit their child’s growth, learning, and overall well-being. Research shows that early intervention can make a significant difference in helping children build confidence and readiness for kindergarten and beyond. |
Executive Board |
Each year, a volunteer Executive Board is elected from within the membership and helps oversee the operation of the school. Positions may include: ~ President ~ Vice President ~ Secretary ~ Treasurer ~ Fundraising Coordinator ~ Media Coordinator |
Fun throughout
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Children may participate in a variety of special activities and community experiences throughout the year, including: ~ Seasonal celebrations and themed activities ~ Creative art, sensory, and play experiences ~ Holiday concerts and classroom events ~ Community outings and group meet-ups ~ Visits from community helpers and special guests |