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The Washington University Nursery School was founded in 1947 as a cooperative venture of faculty and the University. The primary purpose of the nursery school is to provide the highest quality preschool program for children 2 ½ to 5 years of age. Today about 70% of the children are from families of Washington University faculty, staff and students, and the remaining are from families in the community. Children come from a variety of countries, cultures, and economic backgrounds. The school maintains the high standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Association for Childhood Education International. It is licensed by the State of Missouri and is fully accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs.

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The nursery school serves as a site for research in child development and early childhood teacher training. University students participate in a teaching practicum and Washington University work study students are employed to assist in the classrooms. They are supervised by the two classroom teachers and the nursery school's director. Their presence enables children to receive additional individual attention.

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In addition to providing opportunities for children to grow and develop, we support our parents, the children's first and most influential teachers. We hold parent education evenings and social events and encourage parents to utilize information from our parenting library. The teachers make every effort to keep in close touch with parents regarding their children's progress. Parents are always welcome to visit and help with activities in our school.

Facilities

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The nursery school is located on the Washington University campus. It is composed of three classrooms which are designed to offer children a variety of choices in their play. An additional all-purpose room is equipped with a piano, library, prop boxes, and indoor play structures. A large outdoor play area gives children the opportunity to run, bike, swing, climb, slide, and play in the sand.