Forest Hill Nursery School's Philosophy, Purpose, and Objectives

A cooperative nursery school is a non-profit organization, opened and administrated by the parents of the preschool children currently enrolled in the program. The parents and teachers work together to guide the children and learning takes place on the part of all involved.

Forest Hill Nursery School was established in September 1972 by a group of concerned parents who realized the value of a positive early childhood educational experience. We continue to fill the need for this type of program for our preschool age children.

Our school has two main purposes. First, the children experience a positive preschool environment and have access to qualified staff.  Second, the parents learn how they can contribute to the educational process through active participation in the program, through planned and spontaneous discussions with other parents, and through discussions with our teachers.

In general, the parents are responsible for the administration of the school and the teachers are responsible for the educational programs. Much of the success of our school lies in the confidence in our teachers expressed by our parents.

Our school offers an educational environment designed to meet the needs of three- and four-year-olds as they relate to their peers and adults outside their family. The general objectives for each child are directed toward his/her happiness in childhood. Experiences are provided whereby the child may achieve the following objectives:

1. Develop positive work habits and attitudes.
2. Learn to get along with others in work and play.
3. Respect the rights of others.
4. Listen when others speak.
5. Contribute to group experiences.
6. Meet new situations with confidence.
7. Develop decision-making skills.
8. Increase powers of auditory and visual perception.

The specific goals of our program include the following:

1. Meet the individual physical and emotional needs of each child.
2. Develop a good self-image in each child.
3. Help the children gain an understanding of their social world.
4. Build strong, healthy bodies, and achieve adequate gross motor development