Ph (609) 258-9777, Fax (609) 258-9880 171 Broadmead, Princeton, NJ 08540 ulns@princeton.edu
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University League Nursery School

Since its founding in 1949 by a group of Princeton families, University League Nursery School (ULNS) has remained committed to its original ideal: to provide preschool children with a physical and emotional environment in which they can enjoy happy, safe, and zestful experiences that nurture their self-confidence and independence. We began as a traditional morning cooperative nursery school, and as family needs have changed, we have added program options to help accommodate working parents. Princeton University supports ULNS by providing space, maintenance services, and substantial scholarship support for children of University employees and staff when needed. Although many ULNS families are University affiliated, the school is open to all.

In the cooperative morning nursery school, the adult-to-child ratio is 1 to 6 or better (1 to 3 in the 2 1/2-year-old class); it is 1 to 7 in the non-cooperative lunch and afternoon programs. Depending upon age, all classes have 18 or fewer students (the 2 1/2-year-old class has 12). The morning cooperative program accommodates all of our 112 children, and the afternoon program can accommodate up to 28 children. We are licensed by the State of New Jersey as a Child Care Center for children over age 2 1/2. ULNS is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The University League Nursery School welcomes people of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, priviledges, programs, and activities available at the school. It does not discriminate in administration of its educational, admissions or employment policies, scholarship aid, or other school-administered programs.

Our Staff

The quality of our staff is as important to the success and richness of ULNS as the commitment of our families. Our teachers are well-trained, experienced and enthusiastic; their warmth and creativity are the best expressions of the school’s educational philosophy. Many of our teachers originally became involved as parents, and most have been with the school for many years. All belong to the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children (NJAEYC) and participate in workshops and various other activities designed to promote their professional growth. With the Director, teachers plan an educational program that is constructive as well as enjoyable.

Our Facilities

ULNS has six classrooms and an office/storage area which houses a small library of child-related books for parents to borrow. We also have two spacious playgrounds: one for younger and one for older children. They are equipped with sandboxes, swings, slides, climbing structures, and playhouses. For safety, swings and climbing structures are located on soft ground cover.

Parent Participation — The Cooperative Philosophy

Parents are vital to the success of ULNS, both inside and outside the classroom. Within the classroom all parents take turns serving as the third adult in the cooperative morning program. In this role of “helping parent” they work alongside the teacher. A helping parent enjoys a unique opportunity to participate in the child’s important early educational experience.

Because many of our families are from other countries, children learn about the customs, music, and foods of other lands. We actively encourage mothers and fathers to share their individual talents and interests. Children love sharing their school experiences with parents and eagerly look forward to being the “helping child”. The frequency of helping days depends upon the size of the class; most parents are helping parents about once a month for three hours per morning.

Outside the classroom, parents can elect to serve on a committee and receive a tuition discount. Participating families contribute at least twelve hours per year. Parents often can choose a committee on which they serve; committee activities include indoor and outdoor maintenance, publicity, book club, and fundraising. Parents also have the opportunity to attend board meetings and run for administrative office. Parent involvement means playing an active part in the decision-making process at the school.