My third nursery school visit was to Robin’s Nest Two located at 19 Church Street behind the First Congregational Church. I had been here four years ago to tour the school and was impressed to see the results of new owners and re-designed classrooms. The children were happy, occupied and social in a learn-through-play class room. With positioning as both a nursery school and day care, the teachers encourage social relationships, intellectual growth, and emotional development in a safe environment. This could be a great option for working parents as they are open year round and closed only on major holidays. Different from the two schools I previously visited, Robin’s Nest takes children starting at the age of 2.
Now for the nuts and bolts:
School Days/Hours: Children can participate in either half days or full days. A half day runs from 9 a.m. to noon and a full day is from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There is a minimum of 3 mornings per week or 2 full days. Lunch or additional hours are available and billed in addition to the regular tuition. For children who stay a full day and need a nap, a cot is provided for each child.
Payment: Tuition is billed monthly with 3 mornings for $320 per month, 4 mornings for $397 per month, or 5 mornings for $475 per month. Full days are $355 per month for 2 full days, $470 per month for 3 full days, $595 per month for 4 full days or $660 per month for 5 full days. Additionally, there is a non-refundable $60 application fee and a $50 insurance fee.
Class Size: There is one class room for each age group (2-, 3- or 4-year-olds). The school has a ratio of 1 teacher for 6 students, except for the 4-year-old class where there is 1 teacher for 7 students. The teachers are all NJ state certified with a combined tenure of 35+ years. All teachers and assistants attend training classes throughout the year.
Special Programs: During the school year, there are afternoon art classes and Friday afternoon music. As the school is open year round; there is also a summer program available. Special guests are brought in during the year from the Verona Fire Department and a dentist’s office. The school also participates in a chick-hatching program each spring.
Snacks/Food: Parents provide snacks for their own children each day. Currently, there are no children in the school with food allergies but if there were, the necessary precautions would be taken to ensure the safety of the child.
My favorite things about this school are that the children seem happy and the environment is one of peaceful fun and learning. The teachers will change diapers for the younger children and encourage whatever potty training practice is happening at home. I like that parents can choose which days of the week to bring their child based on the parent’s need rather than the school’s schedule. More to come on more schools and I invite to you continue to follow along.[mappress]
Hi, Tract!
I know that you wrote this awhile back. Im just curious as to which daycare you chose for your child? I am searching for a daycare for my 2 year old in the verona too. Thanks.
Leslie, I ended up sending my son to the same nursery school my two older children attended, which happens to be in Montclair. It was a last minute school visit, but after being there every day as I brought my older children, he was very comfortable and it just seemed like the best place for him.