HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY:

Gates-Chili Cooperative Nursery School became the first nursery school in Gates in 1959. GCCNS was founded by a group of parents who wrote the original guidelines for running the school. Today we are one of the few parent-run nursery schools left in Monroe County. We have been located in the Church of the Epiphany since 1963 and we are a not-for-profit organization.

The school’s philosophy is that children learn best through “play experiences”. We also realize that parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. The combination of parental involvement and play experiences help children to develop naturally without undue pressure or stress. Our small class sizes foster more individual attention to students’ needs.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

The child’s day at school includes a balance of both passive and active learning situations. Circle or calendar time, craft activities, and story time encourage participation, the use of language, listening skills, following directions, creative expression, socialization, and the use of fine motor skills. Free play, large muscle activity, snack time and outside play encourage social interaction, the use of language, manners, and the use of large and small muscles. Field trips, parties, and special visitors are scheduled periodically to coincide with the current theme.


CLASS SCHEDULE for 2008-2009:

THREE’S CLASS: (must be 3 by Dec. 1, 2008 to enroll) 
      AM  9:00 – 11:30  Tues. and Thurs. 
      PM  12:30 – 3:00  Tues. and Thurs.
 
PRE-K CLASS: (must be 4 by Dec. 1, 2008 to enroll) 
      AM  9:00 – 11:30  Mon., Wed., and Fri. 
      PM  12:30 – 3:00  Mon., Wed., and Fri. (with teacher’s aide)

The school year runs approximately from mid-September through the end of May. We follow the Gates-Chili School District calendar for vacation days and snow days.


TUITION INFORMATION for 2008-2009:

Three’s AM or PM:  $590 (parent-helping)   $690 (non-parent-helping)

Pre-K AM:                $750 (parent-helping)   $875 (non-parent-helping)
Pre-K PM:                                                        $875 with teacher’s aide

A non-refundable registration fee of $40 (check or money order made out to GCCNS) is due at the time of registration.  Tuition payments are made in quarterly installments. Discounts apply when more than one child per family is enrolled in the school. Tuition assistance may be available for those who qualify. 


Our OPEN HOUSE for 2009-2010 ENROLLMENTS is on
 
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 from 6::00-8:00pm.

Bring your child to meet our teachers and tour our classroom and other facilities. Refreshments and a fun activity will be provided. Our current board members will be available to answer questions. Registration for new families begins at open house.
 

HOW TO REGISTER:

Email us at GCCNS@ymail.com or call our school voice mail at 234-1643 and the registrar can answer any questions and/or schedule a tour. She can provide the necessary forms to fill out.