Programs
ULNS offers a morning coop nursery school program for all children, and several different non-coop options for the afternoon. See the enrollment page for tuition information.
Core morning program (cooperative)
| Time | Days | Age |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30-11:30 | T,Th | 2 1/2 |
| 8:30-11:30 | M,W,F | 3 |
| 8:30-11:30 | M,T,W,Th,F | 3, 4 |
Additional options (non-cooperative)
| Program | Time | Days | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Day Lunch | 11:30-1:00 | M,W,F | 3, 4 |
| 5 Day Lunch | 11:30-1:00 | M,T,W,Th,F | 3, 4 |
| Extended Day | 11:30-3:15 | M,T,W,Th,F | 3, 4 |
| All Day | 11:30-6:00 | M,T,W,Th,F | 3, 4 |
All programs generally follow the Princeton Public Schools calendar, with the exception of the All Day program, which follows a modified day-care calendar.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is based on the idea that children learn through play. It is designed to help children develop independence, play well with other children, and enjoy sustained relationships with adults outside the family. We encourage children’s creativity and curiosity, help them learn to follow certain routines while remaining spontaneous, and develop their ability to think for themselves. In the cooperative morning classes the daily program is often the following:
- 8:30-9:00 Arrival and greeting time
- 9:00-10:00 Free play
- 10:00-10:30 Clean up, snack, quiet time, conversation
- 10:30-11:00 Group activities
- 11:00-11:30 Outdoor play
Free play is a relaxed time when the children learn through play, which is directed by their own interests. We provide a wealth of toys and materials, blocks, sand and water tables, dolls and doll houses, dress-up clothes, manipulative and cognitive toys, trucks and trains.
On a given day, there is usually a choice of an art or craft activity relating to the season, a holiday or a special theme. All classrooms include an area for quiet play. After cleaning up and having a snack, children rest, read, and listen to music. Then they listen to stories and learn finger-plays, games, and songs. Other activities during the morning include cooking, growing plants, caring for animals, and participating in a group art or craft project. For a half hour at the end of the morning session, children play on our well-equipped playgrounds.
During the non-cooperative afternoon programs, we continue with a planned program of activities. The atmosphere is less structured and more flexible than the morning program. Children are given the opportunity to rest, and then they enjoy activities such as art and cooking. They also spend time outdoors participating in directed projects and games, and in free play on the playground.
Special Programs
We also have several special programs for the children’s enrichment and growth. Twice a week students participate in songs, musical games and art exploration led by professional music and art teachers. We schedule a variety of field trips throughout the year with parents as drivers. Periodically, police officers, fire fighters, and others visit the school to teach the children about health, safety and the surrounding community. In addition, parents benefit from regularly scheduled lectures by noted psychologists and other child specialists.
