Sterling Nursery School, Inc.
"Sterling Nursery School has been a wonderful environment for my children. My daughter has been here since she was in the toddler room, and I have been so happy with her teachers and classrooms and how she has progressed and learned each year. My son is in the school-age program, which provides a structured and fun atmosphere for him, where he can be with his friends before and after school and where there are flexible hours to accommodate my own work schedule. The school's approach to education and nurturing the whole child - academically, socially and emotionally - has created a really special community and a place where my children have thrived - so much so that my daughter asked to go to school over our summer vacation! Sterling Nursery School is an incredible place and I feel very fortunate to be a part of this caring and supportive community."
At Sterling Nursery School our teaching team is known for their dedication to providing children and families with exceptional early childhood and childcare experiences. We pride ourselves in the longevity of our teaching staff which reflects their care, consistency, knowledge of our school, community and continuity of education excellence. Educators (Preschool Teachers, Lead Teachers, Teachers, and Assistant Teachers) at Sterling Nursery School meet the qualifications of the Department of Early Education and Care and have varied educational backgrounds. Preschool Teachers have degrees in Education, Bachelors or Masters Degrees in a related field.
Our goal is to meet the needs of families in a safe, secure, nurturing environment.
Assistant teachers complement the Teachers and aid the overall management and needs of each classroom. Assistant Teachers are chosen for their sensitivity and abilities to work cooperatively with teachers and the group. Each assistant teacher takes classes and workshops to further expand their early childhood knowledge and proficiency, and are dedicated members of the teaching staff.
OUR SCHOOL
Welcome to Sterling Nursery School!
Our school embraces the values of family and community, working with you to help you feel welcome and a part of a partnership in your child's care and educational growth.
Teachers
At Sterling Nursery School, teacher education, training and experience are the basic working tools, built upon our school longevity in the community. We base our philosophy on teaching a sense of value and respect; learning how to interact and grow within our world through exploration of one's environment and the adventures we have. Children Change the World!
Our main goal and focus is to help all children develop into confident, competent young people by encouraging each individual to think and become involved in his/her learning process. Our curriculum is based upon the state Department of Education (DOE) Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, is language based and introduces a developmental format to progressively teach and reach all young children based on his/her individual learning style and rate of acquiring knowledge and skills. Modifications are made so children can best succeed in our early childhood environment.
We aim to develop a positive self-concept in each child. Experiences in each phase of the curriculum are presented to meet the individual needs of the children at each stage of their development. Our philosophy and curriculum foster a program of total child development.
Social Development- Your child will learn to get along with others and function as part of a group by sharing, taking turns and developing an understanding of others.
Emotional Development- Your child will grow in self-awareness, recognize others as individuals, and develop sound self confidence and a sense of independence.
Physical Development- Your child will become aware of the importance of good nutrition, develop both gross and fine motor control, develop better coordination and learn to balance relaxation and attentiveness.
Intellectual Development - The program is a full experience in language arts (listening, speaking, reading, writing and viewing) science, social studies, mathematics, art, music, creative movement, dramatic play, health education and safety awareness.
Our curriculum is based on the Massachusetts Department of Early Education Program Standards and Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences. The areas of learning incorporated into our daily activities include: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Technology/Engineering, History and Social Science, Health Education and The Arts. We provide a variety of hands on activities through which your child can discover and learn at their own pace with the guidance of experienced and nurturing teachers. Our curriculum correlates and prepares children for Kindergarten and life long learning.
The sequential development of curriculum has been devised so that each child can build upon previous learning experiences by assimilating each new concept into an increasing repertoire of knowledge. Our program takes into consideration the fact that a child's intelligence develops in distinct stages that requires solid attainment to apply to interactions with others and usage of skills.
Philosophy
Curriculum
Sterling Nursery School Teaching Staff
Sterling Nursery School consists of professional preschool teachers who meet or exceed the qualifications of the Department of Early Education and Care, having a Bachelor Degree (or higher degree). All Teachers have a solid background in education and experience gained from working with young children. There is always a highly qualified, experienced teacher in the group to monitor all aspects for the ongoing program. Teachers fully share the philosophy, goals and values of our program and center, developing comprehensive planning and children interactions.
The primary responsibility of the Director is to oversee Sterling Nursery School in all areas of fiscal, curriculum and teacher management. She enrolls new students and works closely with families to meet their needs. She also works with teachers and families to assist with the transition to Kindergarten and other programs. Darlene is an active, on-site member of the school and teaching team.
Darlene meets the qualifications of the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Director II certification. She holds a Masters Degree in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Education for Elementary and Special Education. She has been a certified teacher since 1980. Darlene taught preschool through 9th grade in private childcare, public elementary school and on the White Mountain Apache Reservation School. She was an Assistant Director at this school for 3 years and has been the Director since 1991.
Assistant Teachers
Director
Darlene Patten Louchart, M.Ed.