Description: Old First Nursery School (OFNS) was founded in 1959 as a parent-run cooperative and is the oldest cooperative pre-school in New York City. The school is licensed by the New York City Department of Health for children ages three to five years. The school has rented space from the Old First Dutch Reformed Church on the corner of Carroll Street and Seventh Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn, for over 40 years. While we are proud to have such a special, community-based location, the school is unaffiliated with the church and is a non-parochial institution. The school has an integrated-art, active-learning and play-centered approach to education. We believe that academic skills arise in pre-school children through shared discovery experiences and games, rather than through formal lessons or drills. The program aims to foster inquisitiveness, self-discipline and self-motivation within a living and secure environment. Daily activities include living skills (eating, dressing, washing, cooking, sharing, etc.), art projects, language games and skills, block play, house-corner play, and daily indoor and outdoor exercise. Dance and music are also incorporated into the curriculum. The program also takes advantage of the neighborhood — for example, walks in Prospect Park, visits to the fire station and other special trips, as well as bringing in local specialists such as yoga instructors and local farmers. The school is small, only 16 students, which encourages close interaction among parents, teachers and children.
Additional Information: Years in Operation: 44Be the first to review this childcare provider. Write a review about Old First Nursery School. Let other families know what’s great, or what could be improved. Please read our brief review guidelines to make your review as helpful as possible.
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