Introduction | Curriculum | Philosophy & Mission | Facilities | FAQ
Introduction
In 1943, Randolph-Macon Woman's College established the Nursery School for its campus families as well as the community. The original half-day program was dedicated to providing quality education for young children. Today, we continue this tradition of excellence with more options for today's working families.
Currently we offer a program for 3-year olds (juniors) and 4-year olds (seniors) who have reached their birthday on or before September 30. A 5-day class is offered for both age groups and we are open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Parents may choose from the following options:
9:00 - 12:00 Nursery School only
9:00 - 1:30 Extended Day
7:30 - 4:45 Full Day
Click here to for more about our Enrollment Options.
Parents interested in having their child considered for enrollment should return the Enrollment Application as soon as possible. Notification of the offer of admissions occurs by February 1 each year.
For more information or to visit our facility, please email the director at HLayne@randolphcollege.edu or call (434) 947- 8787.
Curriculum
Our emphasis is on educating the whole child – the entire emotional, social, physical, creative and intellectual being. We value and respect each child as an individual and as an important part of our school family. Social development is a central focus of our program, which builds the foundation for successful learning. Children are given many opportunities to make their own choices and participate in decision-making. Conflict resolution skills are taught and practiced.
Our child -centered, play -centered curriculum is based on developmentally appropriate practice as outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) . We believe in providing interesting and fulfilling learning experiences for children to guide their social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth. Encouragement, love, understanding and a sense of comfort are the spirit of our success.
Each class of fifteen students is taught by a lead teacher licensed in Early Childhood Education as well as an experienced assistant teacher. Our teachers bring a wealth of experience to the classroom and receive ongoing training in areas such as child development and teaching practices. By example, they show the children that learning is exciting and that healthy self- expression is highly desired. Music is an important part of our curriculum and serves as a vehicle for extended learning.
In addition, the abundance of regularly scheduled college students provides the children with plenty of individual attention, often making our adult/ child ratio 1: 4. The children are quick to develop special and lasting relationships with their “college friends.”
Philosophy and Mission
We believe that the learning patterns and attitudes a child develops the first six years of life are the ones that guide future learning and behaviors.
Because we believe that children learn best when they:
- Have a positive self image
- Feel respected and valued as individuals
- Are allowed to develop at their own rate
- Actively explore their world
- Are given time to construct meaning
- Make choices
- Ask questions
- Solve problems
- Feel safe enough to take risks
- Know they are loved
- Play
Teachers support learning by:
- Recognizing that play is the work of children
- Supporting and extending their play
- Facilitating their ideas
- Making appropriate choices available
- Accepting their choices
- Challenging by asking, "What if?"
- Providing interesting, multi-level and real materials
- Going beyond the classroom with outdoor activities, field trips and special visitors
- Providing positive and loving guidance
- Enabling them to solve problems and resolve conflict
- Engaging different learning styles
- Modeling acceptance
- Modeling a love for learning
- Working closely with families through open and frequent communication
- Emphasizing the positive in each child
- Having a deep understanding of childhood development and a commitment to continue their learning.
Facilities
The Nursery School is located in the lower level of Terrell Health Care Center (park and dropoff in the rear) on the campus of Randolph College ( see Campus Map #9 ). Classroom format includes two large rooms for each class with a centrally shared commons area. Each classroom is equipped with its own bathroom. Outside, the fenced-in play area includes sandboxes, a playhouse and an asphalt area for riding bikes.
The setting of this beautiful college campus adds a unique dimension to the children’s learning experience. The children get to take advantage of the large open play areas and facilities like the gymnasium and student center. It is not unusual for the campus community to see the children searching for a pumpkin, running through the Dell or taking walks around campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only take campus children?
No. While children of campus employees are given priority in enrollment, we welcome applications from the community.
Does my child have to be toilet trained?
Although our facility is not equipped for diaper changing, we are happy to help children make the transition from pull-ups to “big kid pants.”
Are you open in the summer?
No. Our schedule generally follows the Lynchburg City Schools’ schedule with the same winter, spring and summer breaks.
What will I do if my child is not ready to enter kindergarten when he or she leaves Nursery School?
Our program is designed for the two years before kindergarten. Of course, predicting the future is impossible and there are times when a child is just not ready to enter kindergarten. We try our best to accommodate that child but we can not guarantee we will have a space. We highly recommend that if you think you may want a third year of school for your child that you arrange for additional schooling before your child enters RCNS.
