Art Play
Nursery School
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Our play-based philosophy of learning and curriculum empowers children to explore, create, and blossom every day.
We'd love to answer any questions you might have. Join us for a tour of the classrooms, meet the teachers, and discover what makes Art Play Special.
(artplaynurseryschool@gmail.com)
At Art Play we understand that play is vital for every young child and provides many ways for them to grow and learn. Through spontaneous and directed play, children develop their senses, learn to talk, share ideas, express their feelings and use energy in healthy ways. Guided play also increases their ability to concentrate, figure out how things work and solve problems. In the long run, students learn about themselves, learn ways to control their bodies and further understand their world through a balance of teacher-directed and child initiated activities.
To facilitate this type of learning, Art Play’s program includes extensive open-ended art experiences, block play and dramatic play as well as small and large motor activities. We feel that each child is unique and develops his or her abilities when he or she feels comfortable in the environment. It is very important for children to have opportunities to choose their activities at school and socialize with the other children while engaging in structured activities that are developmentally appropriate. We feel that a positive preschool experience provides an encouraging and supportive environment that is conducive to a child’s emotional, social, cognitive and physical development.
It would be our honor to bring Art and Play to your family. To start your application process, email artplaynurseryschool@gmail.com or call Laura (207) 749-1494.
ART PLAY offers a multi-age program for children aged three to five. Three-year-olds can attend two or three mornings per week, and four- and five-year-olds can attend three, four, or five mornings per week.
The multi-age class is from 8:30 to 11:30 each day. Four- and five-year-olds stay for "lunch bunch" until 12:00.
Parents can select the days of the week that best fit their schedule.
For example, you may preference a M-W-F schedule, a T-W-Th, a M-Th-F, or any other combination of days that best fits your needs. Just remember that parents of three-year olds may only select two or three days, while four- or five-year-olds may select a three, four, or five day schedule.
We begin school in September and end in May.
ART PLAY provides an enriching program for preschool children. Our program features extensive open-ended art experiences, block and dramatic play, and a range of small- and large-motor activities. We believe that each child is unique and develops their abilities when they feel comfortable in the environment. Children need opportunities to choose their activities at school and socialize with their peers. It is also essential for children to participate in structured, developmentally appropriate activities.
A positive preschool experience has a clear impact on a child's adaptation to later school experiences. ART PLAY offers a positive and supportive environment that fosters a child's emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development.
ART PLAY is located at 524 Allen Ave., Portland, in the Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church.
You will receive a registration form after scheduling a visit for your child at the school. Just reach out to Laura by giving her a call at (207) 749-1494 or emailing her at artplaynurseryschool@gmail.com
Each year our board works hard to fundraise so that Art Play can supplement tuition. Our goal is keeping Art Play affordable for all families and compensating our teachers and team as fairly as possible.
The annual tuition for each enrollment option is payable in 9 monthly installments. We provide a sibling discount of at least 10% for the second child in the family attending the same school year. Should you choose to accept a spot in our program, you'll secure your child's spot by paying a $100 registration fee and the first month's tuition. Please note, these are non-refundable.
Scholarship information is available from Laura. Additionally, we would be happy to discuss alternate payment plans.
Three-Year-Old Options:
Four- and Five-Year Old Options:
Registrations are accepted on a first come/first serve basis and we admit children of any race, color, nationality or ethnic origin.
Art Play opened its doors to inspire and nurture children in 1981. Our role is to observe children, guide their learning and assess their progress. We motivate children, build on their strengths and support their learning in an intentional way by using a variety of strategies to increase their knowledge, skills, and understanding. Art Play is very proud of our staff's commitment and longevity with the program!
Laura has been in the classroom at ART PLAY since 2001, taking on the dual role of Director/Teacher in 2017. She has been active in early childhood education for over 30 years.
Laura’s favorite part of teaching at ART PLAY is the challenge of adjusting the program each year to meet the specific needs of each group of students. Her aim is to find the best way for the program to engage and support each child in their development. She has always been fascinated by a child’s sense of wonder when they discover something new.
Jen joined the staff at ART PLAY in 2011, prior to teaching Jen worked as an occupational therapist for children with autism and related disabilities.
Jen has worked with children of all ages but particularly enjoys the preschool population. She has fun encouraging kids to explore their world with their senses and watching them grow as they build confidence and competence at school.
The queen of dramatic play and prop expert extraordinaire, Sarah has been lighting up Art Play classrooms with laughter, smiles, and joy going all the way back to 2017! It all began when she enrolled both of her children. We quickly realized Sarah had a knack for connecting with children. What started as a long-term sub position has turned into the pursuit of a degree in Early Childhood Education and a permanent teacher role with Art Play.
Outside of Art Play, Sarah harnesses her creative energies to bake some of the coolest decorative sugar cookies you have ever seen, featuring all sorts of designs from flowers to Halloween pumpkins.