Dietrich Johnson Cooperative Nursery School(DJCNS) is a non-profit cooperative nursery school for children aged 2 ½ to 5. We provide our students a place that allows them to be with other children and adults outside their own family. This environment gives our students a sense of comfort and security, independence and adventure, and a chance to learn and investigate with the guidance of caring teachers.

As a cooperative nursery school, we provide parents a chance to learn from the teacher through the way she interacts with the children and the games and projects she offers. Parents also have the opportunity to share with other parents and to learn about other children to gain perspective on how their child fits into the group.

PLAY-BASED CURRICULUM

With the guidance of well-qualified teachers in stimulating classrooms, we provide a rich environment for our students to learn through play. A typical day consists of

• Free play and clean-up
• Teacher directed activities
• Themed projects
• Outdoor play
• Snack time
• Circle time 

PARENTS IN THE CLASSROOM

Families in the 2's, 3's and 3/4's classes have the option to participate in the classroom on a rotating basis in our Co-op program. The "Helping Parent" assists teachers with the days' activities and shares in the learning process with the children as they help in the classroom. Parents, grandparents and babysitters can assist as our Helping Parent. We only ask that your family's Helping Parents complete the required paperwork at the beginning of the year and can fulfill all of the responsibilities of helping in the classroom.

Some families choose our Non Co-op option and are not required to participate in the classroom as a Helping Parent. Non Co-op families are always welcome to join their children in the classroom when they have the opportunity. Our Registrar can provide more information about both the Co-op and Non Co-op programs.

PRE-K PROGRAM

Our 4 and 5-year-olds are well prepared for kindergarten in our Pre-K program. The Pre-K program emphasizes reading readiness, social skill development, the refinement of gross and fine motor skills and independent learning.

Students focus on several topics or thematic units throughout the year, exploring these subjects from a variety of perspectives and for several days at a time.

ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

Our students participate in the following special programs to enhance their classroom experience:

• Music - Singing and instrument play
• Movement - Wacky Gym class and Tae Kwon Do
• Foreign Language - Introduction to Spanish through songs and art
• Visits from the Lizard Guys, the Owl Lady, Youth Stages, and other members of the community

FIELD TRIPS

Taking advantage of our in-town location, we love to explore the community around us. Some of our favorite excursions are:

• Strolling Princeton University's campus during nature hikes, spontaneous walks and the Halloween Parade
• Discovering paintings and artifacts at the Princeton Art Museum
• Enjoying a hay ride with family and friends at Windsor Farm
• Mailing Valentines from the Princeton Post Office in Palmer Square
• Visiting Thomas Sweet for an ice cream making lesson and a taste of the finished product