Frequently Asked Questions
Admission and Tuition
How do I apply to Napa Valley Nursery School?
Visit our Admissions page to learn about our process for admitting new students.
As a preschool and early education provider NVNS is able to serve children from age 2 to those entering Kindergarten. Children must be at least 2 years old by June (T/Th class), and 3 years old by June (MWF class) to enroll.
Ready to enroll? Submit your information HERE. We can’t wait to meet you!
When is the school year and what are the class times?
The school year runs mid-September to the end of May. Our schedule is generally compatible with the NVUSD calendar.
We have two classes at NVNS that are grouped by age. If your child falls into the age range for both classes please contact us for assistance in determining the right fit.
Ages 3+: Class meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am – 12pm
Ages 2+: Class meets Tuesday and Thursday from 9am – 12pm
I want to enroll multiple children. How does that work?
Multiple children may attend NVNS at one time. We do not offer a multi-child tuition discount at this time, but we do offer a package of benefits for the family.
As part of our co-op program there are several school related commitments that each enrolled family is responsible for. If you enroll multiple children in the same school year your responsibilities are not multiplied by child. Families with multiple children enrolled continue to only have to commit to: one School Job, one Housekeeping Saturday, and one End-of-Year Clean-up Shift.
Does my child need to be potty trained before school starts?
Children in diapers are permitted. Only licensed teachers are permitted to change diapers. Learning to use the toilet is a process and will be supported when the child is ready. Teachers will help your child with using the toilets. If your child is new to using the toilet, accidents are common (and expected!), particularly in the first days and starting weeks of school.
If you have specific questions or would like to discuss details pertaining to your unique situation, please reach out to us. We’re here to support this transition for your family and create a positive school experience for your child.
What is the student teacher ratio?
- 3:1 up to 4:1
- One teacher and five working parent teachers will be at the school to run the program
What is it like during the first 1-2 weeks?
Transitions can be hard, for children and parents alike! We’re here to support your family in many gentle and flexible ways. Parents are welcome to stay as long as they would like during the first week(s). Some children warm quickly, while others need more transition time. Teacher Adrianne is an expert at facilitating this change and will be a tremendous gift during this time, as she develops connection with your child.
Philosophy and Curriculum
What are the benefits of a co-op for our family?
A cooperative nursery school gives parents an opportunity to be actively involved in their child’s first out-of-home school experience. Parents give the co-op their energy, skill, ideas, and support to a small community of children and their families.
Parent Education is a component of NVNS as parents work directly in the classroom, hold a school job, attend Parent Meetings, and may serve on the school board. Being in a co-op requires more time, effort, and dedication, but you also gain a family support network and learn the value and importance of the integration of hame and school. This is a great start for your child’s entire education journey ahead. NVNS also costs less than traditional preschools because of the families’ involvement. Families and children grow together and many create lifelong friends and support.
At NVNS we have a saying that Together We’re Better because it really does take a village.
Is there a curriculum?
NVNS is a play based program with an emergent curriculum. Teachers and parent teachers observe children’s play and make choices about activities and projects according to the children’s interest.
Our child-led curriculum draws on philosophies of play-based and emergent learning. Adults provide the raw materials for inspiration and enough structure to enable children’s minds to flourish. Choices are always available for children not interested in the main group activity. We believe the most important thing for children to be learning at this age is peaceful socialization and positive communication, and we incorporate this believe into everything we do.
A typical day includes a healthy dose of free play, activities that draw on gross and fine motor skills, healthy snacks, group reading, music time, exploring the natural environment, and more play! We are community based, and draw upon our surroundings for inspiration and learning opportunities. Music, language, yoga, art, cooking, and the study of nature are all concepts introduced to children within the Napa Valley Nursery School curriculum.
What is a typical day like at nursery school for a child?
What is a typical day like at nursery school for a working adult??
Your role as a working adult is to follow the guidance provided by Teacher Adrianne and support the children as they experience and engage with the days activities. At co-op the grown-ups are in the background making themselves available to support a child in their discovery and exploration. Working adult can make suggestions, but the goal is to let each child openly engage with the prompts and follow their own curiosities.
Working adults should arrive at school 30 minutes before and stay 30 minutes after.
Can I bring siblings to school?
No, when you are working in the classroom you must leave non-enrolled siblings at home. It is important that every working parent be able to focus their full attention on the children enrolled in the program.
What are Parent Meetings?
Parent Meetings are a highlight of the co-op nursery school experience. This is a time for NVNS working adults (at least one per household) to come together and gain deeper understanding about our program, what the children are engaging in, parent education in child development, and occasional guest speakers on varied relevant topics. This is an incredible opportunity to gain additional exposure to parenting and child development resources, ask questions, and meet your fellow parent community outside of the classroom.
There is one meeting per month, generally the first Thursday of the month and lasting 2-2.5 hours.
My child has special needs, will they be able to attend?
Yes, NVNS supports all children across the spectrum of learning and dietary differences. We work hand in hand with families to make NVNS accessible to all and a place for all children to flourish. Some children may require an aid depending on their unique needs.
Please reach out directly with any specific questions.
Safety is a priority at NVNS. Here are the ways we promote safety at school:
Safety is taken very seriously at NVNS. Our school is locked from the exterior, as are our school rooms. The outdoor play yard is fenced in and secure. Every play area has constant parental supervision.
Regarding Covid and other airborne illness, we prioritize the health and safety of our students, staff, and families. We follow the California Department of Public Health (CA DPH) guidance on public safety policies to create a safe and healthy environment for our children.
Is NVNS affiliated with any religion?
No, NVNS does not have any religious affiliation or program component. The nursery school leases space through First Methodist Church.
It is the policy of Napa Valley Nursery School not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender expression, religion, creed, age, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, military status, disability, or any other classification protected by Federal or State law in any of its educational programs, activities, policies, practices, and procedures.
Will my child be academically prepared for Kindergarten?
We provide a research based DAP (Developmentally Appropriate Program) for children to learn through play. Each stage of development is enriched and enhanced through the environment set for learning. Children grow and unfold at a natural indivdual learning pace and when they leave for kindergarten then are prepared for their next growth step. Parents are often concerned about kindergarten readiness. Our classrooms offer experiences to promote the growth of the total child (emotional, social, academic, and physical readiness) at their current developmental stage rather than actual kindergarten work, which totally prepares them for traditional learning atmospheres.
Vaccination Requirements?
NVNS complies with California public health regulations (SB 277), requiring full immunization for all children attending state-licensed preschools. Per state law, the only accepted exemptions are official medical exemptions approved through the CAIR-ME system.
