Art Play
Nursery School
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We're excited to help the next generation grow through our play-based philosophy of learning and curriculum. We'd love to answer any questions you might have, introduce you to the staff, or give you a tour of our cozy classrooms. Just send us an email at artplaynurseryschool@gmail.com or click the yellow link below.
Click here to contact artplaynurseryschool@gmail.comAt 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.
As of January 16th 2025, we have new program and registration information coming very soon! We'll be posting it here, but in the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out to us to learn more.
ART PLAY is located at 524 Allen Ave., Portland, in the Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church.
We're currently updating our enrollment process, but not to fret, we would love to plan enrollment with you for the 2025-2026 school year.
Just reach out to Laura Day 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.
We'll be updating this section very soon with all the new info on our program and tuition. This note was written on January 16th, 2025.
Scholarship information is available from Laura.
Registrations are accepted on a first come/first serve basis and we admit children of any race, color, nation 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.