About Us
Open Gate Nursery School is a community-based preschool that encourages growth and learning of both children and parents. Our school provides a nurturing environment in which children can develop socially, intellectually and physically, in an atmosphere of warmth and trust. This growth is promoted through play, the availability of stimulating new experiences and through adult/child interaction. We support ideals of cooperation, respect, and non-exclusionary play. Positive parenting skills are fostered through observation, work in class, and parent education classes. We have a strong sense of community and devoted parents who are extremely committed to our school.
In 2010 Open Gate Nursery School completed the enormous and important task of becoming re-accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
We are so proud to be one of the few parent cooperative preschools in the area that has chosen to retain our accreditation under this association!
What is NAEYC Acceditation?
Our Mission
- To provide an environment that meets children’s social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development.
- To build a community based on mutual support, respect and trust among children, parents, and staff.
- To recognize and appreciate the uniqueness of each individual (children, parents and staff); to foster individual strengths, interests and talents.
- To enhance the life of each child and parent and to make nursery school and parent education a happy, enriching experience.
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Our PhilosophyOpen Gate’s educational philosophy is founded upon the developmental readiness theory, that children’s growth and development progress by predictable stages at their own unique pace, and that optimum development occurs when that natural pace is respected.
Therefore, we emphasize social-emotional development, physical skills, competence and independence in daily routines, creativity and imagination, and self-esteem. We provide a rich, active environment where children choose their own activities, which, in turn, stimulate growth in all areas. Guidance techniques emphasize modeling, active listening and conflict resolution in which children work out their own solutions. We believe that practice in these areas, not early academics, provides the best foundation for formal schooling.
Open Gate’s supportive environment relies on parent participation for its success. Parents assist in their child’s classroom one session each week, and share in the school’s operation (Maintenance, administration, and fundraising.)
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Open Gate Nursery School admits students of any race, color, nationality, religion, or ethnic origin.
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“Now that my son is powering through an 8am-3pm kindergarten class…it's been so great that both my kids had a play-based school to go to when they were so little. It's really a gift to the parents and children to have such a fun, low-key and nurturing place in the community for these early years”. - parent of OGNS alumni
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