We cannot begin to explain how much we love Canton Community Nursery School! It is absolutely the perfect place for children to experience school for the first time! The amazing teachers are so dedicated to providing a nurturing, caring environment that allows children to grow and develop at their own pace, in their own time. A child's first experience with school should be positive, fun, and encourage discovery, and that is exactly what the teachers at CCNS provide for their students. And all the while, they are learning so much! They learn how to play and interact with their peers, how to participate in a group setting where everyone is respected and free to share their own thoughts and ideas, and they learn to appreciate the individuality of each member of the group. The themed units that are taught each month give the children the opportunity to learn so much, explore new ideas, and to take their knowledge and use it outside of the classroom. CCNS truly strives to encourage children to be life-long learners and to love learning! The programs that CCNS provide absolutely prepare students for kindergarten, and beyond.
We highly recommend CCNS for a child's first school experience! We couldn't imagine sending our children anywhere else! We are so grateful for the dedication of the teachers at CCNS!
Sincerely,
Ben & Beth Raccuia
CCNS was a wonderful experience for our entire family. Our children were welcomed each day with open arms eager to soak up the knowledge that was shared with them through each monthly theme. From cheerful hellos in the parking lot with parents to coming into the classroom as a parent helper and getting to know the students and teachers, we felt like we became part of a family at CCNS. Being a parent helper let us see first hand how the day flowed for the class. We had as much fun singing along and playing as the children and teachers. Each of our children went through the 3's and 4's programs and we feel so fortunate for choosing to send them to CCNS.
Debbie, I just had to take a moment to tell you how spectacular the CCNS program was for my son. The three teachers are amazing and dedicated and understand thoroughly how to teach 3 and 4 year olds. Andrew is now in Kindergarten and THRIVING as a result of his experiences at CCNS. He is so eager to learn and happy in school; I know it is because of the great foundation he was given at CCNS.
Because of you and your program he was completely prepared for school: socially, emotionally and academically. He has great friends from CCNS who I predict will still be his buddies when he is in high school. (Not to mention the great friendships I formed with the other Mom’s).
I researched many programs before signing Andrew up for CCNS. It was your attention to the whole child and your ability to provide individual attention that was fantastic. I knew I could ask you any question and be treated with respect and caring. You gave of your time so willingly about topics of discipline and nutrition and reading and writing and on and on. I am a better parent today because of being a member of the CCNS family. And, Andrew gained such self confidence as a result of successfully going through your program.
My only complaint is that I really do think he would leave me in a second and eagerly go live with you, Mrs. Iskra or Mrs. Kucia!
Congrats on your new space and without a doubt CCNS is THE BEST nursery school program in the Farmington Valley.
Thank you for all that you do for the school and for the Canton Community,
Fondly,
Michele Matthes
It is that time of year again when Canton Parents of Preschool-aged children must make a choice of where to send their child for school. Parents of Canton are lucky because there are so many excellent options in our area. The option I chose for my children was a school with a cooperative element. Canton Community Nursery School is a cooperative venture where they actively encourage parental involvement. It is what I believe has made the difference in my children’s' learning experience. Being active at the school and coming in as a parent helper a few times during the school year made my children feel special as it was called their "special day". Helping out on my work day also set a good example for my children showing them it is important to give back to the community. However, the most important benefit of a cooperative education is that the school becomes like family. You really get to know everyone and the friendships made last a lifetime. There are students that are in High School that still come in and help because of their love of this special school. It is also wonderful seeing parents and grandparents coming in to share their talents with the students. It takes parents working hand in hand with excellent, caring teachers to start children off loving to learn. So from one parent to another I think Canton Community Nursery School is a smart choice.
Jean Mix
As anyone who works with children can attest to, Robert Fulghum, in his book All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten, left out the importance of the development that occurs in the first five years of life.
So much happens before kindergarten. Only the middle school years, with the onset of puberty, rival the most rapid development and changes that occur in children from birth through the preschool years.
It takes a special set of talents to work with preschool aged children: enduring patience is an important ingredient in working successfully with preschoolers, as is exuberance, curiosity, empathy and understanding.
The preschooler wants to share her/his exuberance in making discoveries and uncovering life’s secrets. She needs to connect with caring and understanding adults to develop her humanity. And to top it all off, the preschooler is all about self. What makes Canton Community Nursery School exemplary is the individual attention the staff provides each child.
Children who spend time in a setting where adults understand and nurture their development thrive and succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Both my teenagers attended CCNS, and we all have fond memories. To this day they both volunteer each year at the CCNS Halloween party.
I can think of no better environment than Canton Community Nursery School for children to develop and plant the seeds of success for the future.
Nora Hillman Goeler
Educator and Parent of CCNS GraduatesAs I started looking for a preschool for my son, I had a short list of things I was searching for in a school. I wanted a place that would make him happy and provide him with a strong foundation for the work that he would need to do in Kindergarten. I looked at a number of area preschools in making my decision. As I pulled into Canton Community, I was a bit surprised by the small building, but reserved judgment. The moment I walked in the door I knew this was the place for him. It was open and welcoming. The set up of the room was symbolic of what this one room would bring to my son's first formal educational experience. The teachers exemplified the openness that all preschool children need. The children were all happily moving from one activity to another without much ado and with great interest. It was clear to me that this was the place for him (and me!)
I spent the next two years watching my son grow and flourish. Not only did he grow socially and learn the many things that go into being part of a group of children, but he learned so many academic pieces without even knowing it. The teachers had a fabulous way of taking the children where they were and brought them where they could go. Every activity had a purpose and provided the children with the strong educational foundation that every parent wants for their child.
Now, as he spends his first year in Kindergarten, I am able to see so clearly how his education at CCNS has truly provided him with everything he needs to succeed in school. Academically he is thriving, socially he has the skills needed to get along well with others and he has everything he could possibly need to be successful in Kindergarten and in the years to come. The other clear indication for me is how fondly my son speaks of his time at CCNS, his friends and most especially his teachers. Now I have the pleasure of looking forward to my second child joining the CCNS family. We can't wait!
I honestly don’t know where to begin when it comes to describing our positive experience with Canton Community Nursery School.
I remember feeling right at home when my older daughter and I visited the school before registration. The environment was exactly what we had been looking for. The first day of school my daughter was so excited, and when we got to the classroom, she joined right in, and didn’t even give me a kiss goodbye!
After two years at CCNS, she was exceptionally well prepared for kindergarten and continues to excel in school. I feel that the teachers at CCNS did an excellent job of fostering that learning desire in her, and also set the foundation for her to be a curious, independent learner. Although she has made new friends in primary school, she still has special friendships with her classmates from CCNS.
Now my younger daughter is in her second and last year at CCNS. She too will be very well-prepared for kindergarten and the many years of school beyond. The teachers at CCNS do a wonderful job of preparing the kids to learn, but also to be good citizens of the world, teaching them about taking care of the Earth, charity, kindness, and helping your friends.
Another benefit I have found of being involved at a cooperative school is the friendships I have made with other like-minded parents. Before starting with CCNS I did not know many people in town. CCNS has made it easy to get involved and to get to know other parents who also value their children’s educations.
I am eternally grateful to Canton Community Nursery School, the teachers, the board members, and the other families for the amazing experience of my daughters’ preschool: what it provided them, and what it provided our family.
Sincerely,
Julie Keen