I first heard about Century Nursery School from a friend who was planning to enroll her child there.  I looked into it and asked around and found that nobody had anything negative to say about the program.  When we visited, Mrs. Israel was so welcoming and knowledgeable that we knew this was the type of environment where we wanted our children to be.

It was so much better than we ever expected.  Our twins were comforted by being together for whole group instruction, while also learning to be independent of one another when they were separated into smaller groups.  In the small groups they learned social and academic skills under the nurturing guidance of teachers whom we have come to regard almost like family.

The program is structured so that the children learn what is expected of them in a school setting while also allowing for plenty of creativity and play.  The curriculum is developmentally appropriate while also challenging students to prepare them for kindergarten.  We were very appreciative of the assessment records that the teachers kept as they were very organized and easy to understand.  We were able to see progress over the two years that our boys were there.

On top of all this, Century is so much more.  The Music Together, special programs, and field trips made my boys’ preschool experience so special.  I will never forget the Mother’s Day Brunch or the many times I was welcomed into the classroom to help and participate in their learning experience.

The twins have just begun kindergarten this year.  They have adjusted nicely to school thanks to the wonderful start that they received at Century.  Although I was sad for them to say goodbye to the staff, I am grateful that I have one more child just beginning the program, so two more years of happy, fun times with the staff we have come to love.

My daughter loves Century, as do I.  She loved going to class, and would ask every day if she was going to school that day.  I loved seeing her interact with the other students, but I mostly enjoyed seeing how much she cared for the teachers (and vice versa).  The Mother’s Day lunch was the highlight of my year, and I’m so grateful that the teachers do something special like that.  My daughter just finished the three year program, and is definitely returning for the four year program.  And her little brother will be starting the following year in the 3’s.  I’m very happy I found Century, and glad I’ll get to be a part of the Century family four years in a row.

Jodi Zils Gagné

My three children attended Century Nursery School in both the 3-year-old and 4-year-old programs, and I could not imagine them attending any other nursery school program. Century offers an array of programs and activities that will prepare your child for kindergarten, such as Music Together, Adventure Bear, and educational field trips.  Two of my favorite and very special events are the Mother’s Day Luncheon and Beach Day.  I cannot say enough about the teachers at Century who are exceptional and provide a very nurturing environment for the children.  Century by far has the best program out there!   

Beth Mulcunry

“My husband and I had high expectations for CNS since I am an alumna (from many years ago!) and because we are active members of the First Congregational Church. Being members at the church, we know first hand the thought and care that goes into running the school. With their high standard of education in mind, it is no wonder CNS has been operating for over 50 years! Even though we expected a lot, the school exceeded our expectations. I was amazed at how each faculty member really makes a personal connection with every child. I liked that they worked in both small and large groups with the children and learning is easy because they make it so much fun. My son always wanted to go to school to see his teachers and his classmates. Their creative curriculum taught in such a caring, safe environment really gave our son a wonderful first experience in education. He blossomed there and is now well prepared for kindergarten (both in his skills and socially) thanks to CNS and its outstanding staff. My daughter will be entering CNS soon and my son keeps telling her how much fun she will have and all the things she will learn at Century. I believe all CNS alumni are proud to say they went there - even my 5 year old son!” —Paula O’Keefe

Since my son has been going to Century Nursery School he has become much more independent. I also loved the Christmas gift he made for me. One day in December my son came home from school with white paint on his feet. I thought maybe he had spilled paint on them, but no, he was making me a Christmas gift. On Christmas morning I opened his gift and there were his white foot prints on a snowman welcome mat. That was the best Christmas present  I have ever gotten.

Jenn Dimatteo

My daughter loves Century, as do I.  She loved going to class, and would ask every day if she was going to school that day.  I loved seeing her interact with the other students, but I mostly enjoyed seeing how much she cared for the teachers (and vice versa).  The Mother’s Day lunch was the highlight of my year, and I’m so grateful that the teachers do something special like that.  My daughter just finished the three year program, and is definitely returning for the four year program.  And her little brother will be starting the following year in the 3’s.  I’m very happy I found Century, and glad I’ll get to be a part of the Century family four years in a row. [Jodi Zils Gagné]

There are many preschools to choose from in most Connecticut communities today. When considering preschools for your children, make sure that you take the time to look beyond the surface and compare your options before making your final decision about which preschool is right for your child.

Here are some good questions to ask when reviewing preschools….

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1. Is the school warm and welcoming?

When you enter the school you should be welcomed by the Director and introduced to the staff. You should be given a tour and then be allowed to observe the class in session. If your child is with you, the staff should speak to him/her and your child should be allowed to walk around the classroom and interact with the other children.

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2. Do you feel comfortable when visiting the school?

When visiting a school, you should feel comfortable with the staff. Observe the teachers with the other children and watch the interaction that happens. Observe your own child while he/she is in the school, see if they are comfortable in the environment.

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3. Is the school clean?

The facility should be clean and tidy. The equipment should be in good condition and not broken. Check that the eating areas and the bathrooms are clean.

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4. Is the school “child friendly”?

When you are observing the teachers and children, there should be a warm, nurturing feeling in the classroom. The teachers should be putting the children’s needs first, guiding them to explore the different centers that are in the classroom. You should see the teacher talking to the children at their level, interacting with the children and having fun at the same time.

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5. Is the staff experienced and do they have the correct credentials?

As a parent you want your child’s school to have an excellent staff of educated, nurturing and caring people. If there is a fast rate of employee turn over, something is not right in the school. The school should have a good history in the community and among other parents.

Each teacher should have some educational background and is currently attending seminars to keep updated on the requirements needed to succeed in kindergarten.

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6. Is the staff approachable?

When you tour the preschool, you should feel welcomed by the staff. You should feel free to ask questions of the Director or any of the teachers. The staff should be willing to spend a few minutes with you even if they are with the children, and allow you to observe the students during class time.

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7. Is there good interaction between the children and the teachers?

When you enter the classroom you should observe a warm and friendly environment that the children will grow and learn in. The children should be talking to their fellow classmates and with the teachers. The children should be smiling and enjoy being with their teacher.

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8. Is there the correct teacher/child ratio?

The state of Connecticut, Department of Health licenses each nursery school and day care facility. Their ratio is 10 children to 1 teacher. Here at Century Nursery School the ratio is 7 children to 1 teacher. We believe that the children learn and develop better in a smaller classroom setting. A part of each day, the children are separated into small groups in different rooms, thus allowing only 6 or 7 children to interact and learn with one teacher.

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9. Do you know other parents that have sent their children to this school?

The best recommendation for a preschool is from other parents whose child or children have attended that school. Ask other parents for some names of schools before you begin your search.

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Century Nursery School has been a part of our lives for the past 4 years! Having had two older children go through the program and one child who is currrently a student, I have been extremely impressed with how my children have benefited and flourished throughout their time there!

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It is easy to comment on a programs crafts, playtime or music. And although Century excels in these areas, these are not what sets them apart from the other schools! What sets Century apart is the staff. The teachers at Century Nursery School are wonderful. They are the reason that students enter Kindergarten with confidence, knowledge and the well rounded behavior that is needed in todays educational system! They prepare the children both socially and academically! The time and energy that these teachers put into the program is evident everyday! These women go above and beyond to make the preschool experience a memorable one for both the children and the parents! The Tea Party and the Graduation are two primary examples that I look forward to every year!

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The monthly themes that the school focuses on are all important and relevant to the children’s lives! The children learn so much at Century on so many different levels and they have fun doing it!

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All three of my children found different things that they loved about Century! It is a wonderful feeling, as a mother, to drop your child off at a school where you have the utmost confidence in the teachers.

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Century Nursery School is an outstanding program! I have recommended it to several friends and they are also extremely impressed! Century Nursery School has been a wonderful experience and I appreciate all that Century Nursery School has done and continues to do for my children! [ Erin Hamilton ]

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Century Nursery School (CNS) is an outstanding preschool! I have three children; my second child is currently attending CNS and loves going to school, and my youngest son can’t wait to start.
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The teachers (Mrs. Israel, Mrs. Cornwell, and Mrs. Johnson) are wonderful! They are very caring and nurturing and make adjusting to school very easy for both the students and parents. They are fabulous educators, and the children leave the four-year-old program well prepared for kindergarten. The teachers keep the parents well-informed and involved in the school activities.
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CNS offers many activities for social, motor, and academic development. They offer fantastic enrichment programs such as “Smart Starts” science program and music with Shelley. I wouldn’t choose any other place for my kids to attend nursery school, and I have recommended it to many of my friends and fellow teachers. We love Century Nursery School! [ Michelle Bartucca ]

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Some thoughts about our children’s experience with Century Nursery School . . .

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Our twins, Olivia and Mark, began their formal education at Century Nursery School when they were three years old. They began very tentatively, each one needing the reassurance and tender encouragement offered readily by the teachers, Mrs. Israel, Mrs. Johnson, and Mrs. Cornwell.

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As Olivia and Mark struggled with separation anxiety almost every day that they went to school for the first month or so, the teachers offered hugs and kind words that our children have come to count on now even in their second year whenever they need comfort. We credit the teachers with making our children’s transition to school so easy, for without their response, we doubt very much that Olivia and Mark would be asking us if every day is a “Century Day.”

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Furthermore, as time progressed and Olivia and Mark became accustomed to the learning environment, the teachers became just what any parent would want teachers to be: adults whom our children respect, care for and regard with absolute awe.

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The learning environment at Century has had many positive effects on Olivia and Mark. The structure of each day has prepared them for the expectation of a daily routine in school, and the guided social interaction has enhanced their ability to learn collaboratively with their peers. This ability is particularly critical for twins who often depend on each other for decision-making, and at Century, Olivia and Mark have had the unique opportunity to learn in small groups apart from each other. Each has developed a separate set of friends, and each one has gained a stronger sense of himself or herself through the experience of learning separately.

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Perhaps the greatest impact that Century has had is the love of learning that has been instilled in our children, for they are truly captivated with acquiring new knowledge. At Century, learning is not a chore but instead an adventure, for this learning comes in such engaging forms as songs, games, crafts, and storytelling. Even the perhaps more traditional tasks of learning to write and identify letters and numbers have become engaging, for Olivia and Mark, like their peers, look forward to their homework each week, and they have come to find creative ways to show that they know how to count and spell. The enthusiasm for learning and opportunity to express creativity offered at Century are extraordinary gifts that we and our children celebrate every day. [ Diane and Joe Russo ]