How to Choose a Nursery School

The Epiphany Community Nursery School takes in children from the ages of 2-5 in a setting which promotes learning and a positive self-image.

What should you look for in a Nursery School?
If this is the first time you have looked at a school for your child, you are probably wondering how you can assess that school. The best rule of thumb of course, is to make up your own mind by researching that school's background, examining the philosophy, visiting its premises, meeting the director. Then, if you decide you would be comfortable there, go ahead and apply. At Epiphany Community Nursery School, we like to encourage parents to consider submitting an application if they find our facilities, program and philosophy appealing. We are small, so we don't need to encourage hundreds of applicants, although in the current sections climate, we do have an abundance. We like to make sure you want us. And educating parents, we find, is the best way to approach applying to any school. With that in mind, here are some guidelines you can use when looking at us and, for that matter, at any school you may be considering. But first, remember that the most important thing to do is relax. There are many places your child will be happy in, and will flourish in. Of that we are certain.

Is the school philosophy important?
Every school has goals for its children. Some stress academics, some stress personal growth. There are places with rigid rules and others which are flexible. Make certain that your philosophy and their philosophy are in harmony. At Epiphany, a positive self-image is of utmost importance. We want the children to feel good about themselves, to enjoy coming to school, and love learning. We also value exploration and asking questions; we want children to see learning as a process, as a quest, in which knowledge is the ultimate reward. Creativity is also extremely important. Children should be encouraged to express themselves in a variety of ways, through different media, through movement, and through language skills. And finally, independence. School must encourage the children to grow and, ultimately, grow away from their small worlds into the larger one that awaits them.

What about facilities?
All schools offer classrooms, equipment and play areas, but what is offered varies greatly. Facilities can range from homey to high-tech, but what's important is how your child will feel about being in that place for the next few years. Look around and make sure your child's needs are answered. Is it cheerful? Is there a lot to do? Is everything attractively presented? Our school facilities offer seven classrooms each set up for arts and crafts, dramatic play and class projects. The children also rest and snack in their rooms. Each child has his or her own cubby space, attractively labeled, and there are scaled down rest rooms in each classroom. We have a fully equipped kitchen for bigger cooking assignments but most kitchen projects are done in the classrooms which all have microwaves, hot plates, and convection ovens. We have an indoor play area for large motor activities on rainy days. The outdoor play area features an enclosed space. Large motor skill development is extremely important to us. We also have a library for the children to borrow books for their classroom as well as being a place for story time.

How can you assess class size?
An important factor is the ratio of teachers to students. You have an idea how much attention your child needs; you don't want to place a child in a large class with only one teacher if your child will either sit silently or withdraw without individual encouragement. Nor would you want an active, very social child in a tiny class. We have a limit of 12 for our younger and older two year old classes, 17 for our three year-old classes, and up to 20 for our four and five year old children. Each group has two to three full-time teachers. All head teachers are New York State Certified or on a study plan.

Is the schedule of classes important?
In some ways, this is critically important, but in other ways not. You want a program that offers flexibility and convenience. Many schools offer the same content but the times of day are not suitable for working parents. On the other hand, if the philosophy of a school, its' director and its' facilities suit you, then the times of the classes might not matter as much. We have a variety of programs we hope will suit your particular needs. These include:

* Young two year olds (2.2-2.8 years by September) Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 - 12:00.

* Older two year olds (2.8-3.2 years by September) Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 - 12:00.

* Three year olds Five mornings with one extended day (Tuesday) until 2:30.

* Four and Five year olds Five mornings with three extended days (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday) until 2:30. Our facility is also home to 74th St. MAGIC, a music, arts, gymnastics instruction center for children ages 6 months to 12 years.

Should you be concerned about parent participation?
If you are the kind of parents who like getting involved in activities along with your child and if contributing something to an institution you care about matters to you, then make sure the school you select encourages parent participation. Not all do, and some do to a restricted degree. Our school encourages and, in fact, thrives on parent participation. Parents are encouraged to take part in classroom activities, to accompany the children on field trips, and to share their expertise with students and teachers as well. Our nutritious snack program involves the parents, who regularly provide high-quality treats for the mid-day break. And without parents' help in fundraising and development, the school would not be as enriching and special a place as it is.

What are the school's affiliations?
Our school is chartered by the Board of Regents of the State of New York and is a member of both the Parents' League and the Independent School Admissions Association of Greater New York. There is no chapel, no prayer, and no formal religious celebration of any sort. We are an interdenominational, melting pot school and open our doors to all children, regardless of race, religion, or family circumstances. Epiphany Community Nursery School abides by the admissions guidelines of the Independent School Admissions Association. An application must be submitted and an interview with parent and child must take place before the admission can be considered.

Please feel free to telephone the school's Director, Mrs. Wendy Levey, if you have any further questions.

Our PHONE number is 212.737-2977
Our FAX number 212.737.2993