Welcome to First Congo Nursery School
A play-based parent participation program for 2, 3 & 4 year-olds
About us
First Congregational Church Nursery School offers a play-based parent participation program for 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds. We believe that a play-based curriculum best matches developmentally appropriate expectations for these ages and yields the soundest of educational environments for the young child.
Inviting parents to participate first-hand in this environment serves not only to provide them support and education in their role as facilitators of their child’s development, but also allows for the fullest expression of the community of growth we seek to establish. It is our privilege to share these wondrous years with families.
Programs
Nursery Program
Ages: 2-3
Our nursery program, specifically curated for two-year-olds, is an introduction to play in a small group setting. Each year, we admit a cohort of 20 children to the Nursery program. Children will attend as part of a group of 10 students EITHER Monday and Wednesday OR Tuesday and Thursday from 9:15 am to 11:45 am.
Youngers Program
Ages: 3-4
The Youngers program is designed around hands-on learning experiences, including indoor/outdoor free-play time, during which children may engage themselves in the art room, the dramatic play area, with manipulatives, or in the sandbox. The day’s routine also includes small-group time for conversations, stories and music time.
Olders Program
Ages: 4-5
The Olders program is similar to that described for the Youngers, but the offerings are enriched and expanded to accommodate the development of our oldest class. The Olders class receives exposure to pre-academic readiness activities that facilitate a successful transition and integration into the kindergarten environment.
Olders Extended Day Program
Ages 4-5
In partnership with the Palo Alto Art Center and the Palo Alto Jr. Museum and Zoo, we offer an extended day option for our Olders class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Olders students enjoy their lunch brought from home at First Congo before walking with their teachers to either the Art Center or Jr. Museum and Zoo for art class or science exploration.