MIDDLEBURY COOPERATIVE
Nursery School
Welcome to the Middlebury Cooperative Nursery School. Located on Main Street in East Middlebury, the Middlebury Cooperative Nursery School is one of the oldest early childhood programs in the state of Vermont. Incorporated as a non-profit in 1965, the Nursery School, as it is known in the community, had been operating informally as a neighborhood playgroup and nursery school since the 1930’s.
The Nursery School moved into its current location after the two-room schoolhouse became available following the consolidation of the elementary schools into what is now Mary Hogan School. With the growing demands of operating a licensed early childhood program, and changing community needs, the parent-run Nursery School, turned over operations of the program to Mary Johnson Children’s Center in 2007. The Nursery School strives to maintain its tradition of meaningful parent involvement in all aspects of the program.
The school is a NAEYC accredited program. The curriculum at the Nursery School is not conventional or fixed but supports the importance of play. Curriculum evolves depending on the interests of children, teachers and families. We believe that all parents are the experts on their children and want what is best for them. We believe that teachers are collaborators, researchers, and nurturers who are dedicated to supporting children and parents. We believe in the extraordinary capability and intelligence of children. We believe in children’s ability to construct their own knowledge. As a school we believe in making visible and giving voice to the rich potential and talent of children, and in the right of all children to have an environment where this talent and potential is respected and nourished.
Parents are always welcome in the program and the Nursery School strives to maintain its history of meaningful family involvement in the program. Families work together with the teachers to create an atmosphere that strengthens learning both at the program and in the home. Families are encouraged to share special interests or passions. A love of books, collecting intriguing objects, playing an instrument, telling a story - this sharing brings important educational experiences to all the children in the program.
Although families no longer have a required work component as part of the enrollment of their children, the Nursery School continues to depend upon families for help with the twice-annual family workdays and annual fundraising campaigns.
School Hours
Middlebury Cooperative Nursery School is open from 7:45am - 4:30pm daily.
There is a three-day minimum enrollment.
