Who we are
Old First Nursery School (OFNS) was founded in 1959 as a non-denominational, parent cooperative and is the oldest cooperative pre-school in New York City. The school is licensed by the New York City Department of Health for children ages two years and nine months to five years. The school has rented space from the Old First Dutch Reformed Church on the corner of Carroll Street and Seventh Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn, for over 40 years.
Educational philosophy
The school has an integrated-art, active-learning and play-centered approach to education. We believe that academic skills arise in pre-school children through shared discovery experiences and games, rather than through formal lessons or drills. The program aims to foster inquisitiveness, self-discipline and self-motivation within a living and secure environment. Daily activities include living skills (eating, dressing, washing, cooking, sharing, etc.), art projects, language games and skills, block play, house-corner play, and daily indoor and outdoor exercise. Dance and music are also incorporated into the curriculum. The program also takes advantage of the neighborhood -- for example, walks in Prospect Park, visits to the fire station and other special trips. The school is small, only 15 students, which encourages close interaction among parents, teachers and children.
Facilities
The school has a well-equipped classroom and a large, indoor play space,
as well as swings, a sandbox, a picnic area and a climbing apparatus in the church garden.
Relationship to Old First Church
OFNS is a non-denominational school; there is no formal relationship between the school and the church.
Faculty
In addition to her work in the field of early childhood education, Adrienne holds an MFA in Photography and Related Media from School of Visual Arts. She worked for many years as a professional photographer and artist. She is particularly interested in the arts and education, and the link to literacy development. She believes that children should see themselves as both “image makers” and active “readers” of the visual culture that surrounds them.
Parental responsibilities
The parents manage the school. We hold monthly meetings to discuss business and concerns and to share information about the school and the children. Each family has one major job for the year and also is required to:
• Participate in cleaning, fixing and/or painting the classroom and school space twice a year.
• Provide snacks for the class two or three times during the school year for a week.
• Work approximately 12 hours, in three-hour shifts, at the annual Christmas tree sale, our main fundraising event. We also hold an additional fundraiser in the spring.
• Substitute in the classroom for two half-days when a teacher is absent.
• Participate in class trips.
• Share responsibility for monitoring the church door for 15 minutes once a week during drop-off or pickup time.
Schedule
OFNS follows the New York City Public School calendar.
Our school is in session from 9am-3pm, five days a week. A half-day pick-up option is available on any day without prior arrangement.
Children attend school a minimum of 9am - noon, Monday through Thursday, and a maximum of 9am - 3pm, Monday through Friday.
Children must be potty trained before school begins. If a child is having difficulties, his or her school attendance must be limited to half days until full control is achieved.
Daily schedule:
(daily schedule is flexible to accommodate special activities)
Daily activities
Our teachers write daily reports of the children’s school activities for the benefit of the parents. Below are entries describing a typical day and a field trip:
Friday, November 7
Today we started inside. Children played in the big room. In the classroom, children painted at the easel, drew in their notebooks, and worked together to complete the alphabet puzzle. At circle, we sang “Kookaburra” and “Some of the Greatest Faces in the World Belong to Me and You” making different expressions. We read Ooops! together. Children discussed the cover illustration, figuring out how the girl was feeling by her expression – embarrassed, surprised, or worried. After the book, the children took turns sharing “ooops” and how they took care of them – mopping up a spill, etc. At midday the children played in the yard. After lunch, children painted at the easel, built with blocks, and played with sorting vehicles and people. After rest, we went out to the yard.
Tuesday, October 21
Today we started inside. We had an early circle to discuss our trip to Prospect Park and to get ready. We walked with our partners to the Picnic House where we met Arleen, a park guide. We enjoyed snack in the meadow while Arleen shared a book about trees. Then, we made rubbings of different tree barks. We took a walk through the woods, where Arleen pointed out different leaves and nuts. We listened to a chipmunk and saw a waterfall. We collected leaves to bring back to school. We returned to school ready for lunch. After lunch, children drew pictures or played with puppets, animals, and blocks. Before rest, we read Fall Leaves. After rest, children played with play-doh or drew pictures. Thanks to all the parents who joined us, and especially to Bea for the afternoon.
Tuition
Admission
Admissions are determined by lottery, while seeking to balance the class in terms of gender and age and to achieve a diversity that reflects the communities we serve. The school gives preference to the siblings of current OFNS students and alumni in the interest of strengthening the cooperative.
Applications must be received by February 7 (application fee is $50). Notification regarding admissions will be made the week of March 1.