ABOUT US
At First Congregational Church Nursery School, we seek to provide each child with a meaningful experience favorable to growth and development. Our school offers a friendly, social atmosphere where a child’s feeling of self-respect and self-confidence is developed, as well as appreciation and consideration for others. With a strong belief in the value that play is the work of the preschooler, FCCNS provides an environment where preschoolers focus on fun, while benefitting from the “hidden” advantages of play-based learning. We seek to provide families with a caring learning environment in a safe and healthy setting with a focus is on educating the whole child: emotional health, social relationships, creativity, and academic growth.
FCCNS is where your child's journey begins!
AT A GLANCE
Proudly serving families and children since 1960
Located in and affiliated with the First Congregational Church of Darien
Enrollment of approximately 120 children
Programs for 2s through PreK
Extended day options (until 1:30 or 2:30pm)
20+ member staff
9 classrooms
Secure outdoor play spaces include a playground, sandpit, blacktop, swings, basketball hoop
Dedicated Messy Art & Movement rooms
Licensed childcare center in the state of Connecticut
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to create a nurturing, inclusive community that instills a lifelong love of learning in our young students. Guided by our exceptional teachers and Christian values, we believe that play is at the heart of self-discovery and that it fosters a child’s sense of curiosity and wonder.
FCCNS is where your child’s journey begins.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Play-based learning is at the heart of what we do at FCCNS. Play is all about having fun! Any organized or unstructured activity that your child finds fun and enjoyable is considered play. Through play children learn and develop important skills such as problem solving, creativity, risk-taking, perseverance, communicating, collaborating just to name a few. Children whose curiosity is peaked, use their imagination and play pretend games that teach them about themselves, others and the world around them. Play based learning is multi-sensory, active learning, and involves hands-on activities, making learning so much more meaningful and fun!
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FCCNS is governed by a Board of Directors that is comprised of current and former parents, members of the community and FCC Church members. The Board sets and reviews school policies, budgets, and calendar; facilitates communication among parents, staff, and the Board; leads fundraising initiatives in support of the school's mission; and appoints and evaluates the Director, who is in charge of the execution of policies and the daily operation of the school.
CAROLINE BURKE
(CHAIR)
CAITLIN GRISWOLD
KRISTA
GUARINI
(EX. OFFICIO)
ANDY HUNTINGTON
