Introduction to Nutfield Cooperative
Nutfield is a private non-profit, non-discriminatory, non-sectarian pre-school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin.
Nutfield was founded in 1969 by local parents who wanted to provide their children with a hands-on preschool experience. They approached Pastor Bill Strait of the First Parish Church to use space in the church. He encouraged them to create a cooperative school to serve the whole community. Despite our use of the church, we are a separate entity.
Jump to see our Current Classes or FAQs, or learn more in the following sections:
The Nutfield Experience
A school not a child-care center, Nutfield provides a nurturing, stimulating environment where your child can grow to be their best.
Social growth comes from peer group interaction, associating with adults other than relatives, and cooperating to solve problems and share materials.
Early Learning Guidelines
The New Hampshire Early Learning Guidelines Task Force writes:
"Key in supporting young children’s growth, development, and learning are:
♦ Play-based activities;
♦ A nurturing community of caring adults;
♦ Positive family interactions; and
♦ Fun and engaging learning experiences that reflect each child’s interest, family, and culture.
Such support, including the joy, wonder, humor, and love that adults bring to the child-adult relationship, is essential to children’s success in school and life."
Emotional growth is encouraged by the considerable attention each child receives, and positive reinforcement that fosters an “I’m OK” attitude. This gives children the confidence to attack new challenges with a great deal of success.
Intellectual growth is triggered by our teacher-devised programs, tailored for each specific group. Hands-on experience plays an important role: cooking, blocks, dress-up, and water play all contribute to a child’s understanding of their world.
Physical growth is achieved though daily outside play on large equipment and regular gym classes.
We invest our resources in qualified, creative personnel rather than commercial teaching aids, thereby giving us the flexibility to meet the needs of each new group of children.
Nutfield has enjoyed an excellent reputation since 1969: we are now teaching the children of our earliest students!
Why a Cooperative School?
“We love Nutfield Co-op! As parents, nothing compares to being able to share in the fun and learning that the nurturing and talented teachers at Nutfield bring to our little ones!”
Parents choose Nutfield because they see themselves as an important part of their child’s education.
Parents participate in a rotating schedule and every class has a parent (or a grandparent, or aunt, etc.) working alongside the teachers and students.
The two-way communication that occurs every day contributes to the most positive preschool experiences possible. We use an application called brightwheel to share photos, updates, and to generally communicate with families.
Your participation also assures your child that you are interested in their activities at school, and that you support them in their first venture into a world away from home.
Organization
The school is run by a Board of Directors composed of:
Director of the School
Treasurer
Secretary/Registrar
Parent representative(s)
Educational consultant
Staff representative
First Parish Church representative