Art Play
Nursery School
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Ready to learn more about Art Play or take the first step towards enrollment? Send us an email at 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.
Our 3-Year-Old Program meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30 – 11:30am.
Our 4-Year-Old Program meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:30-12:00pm and children bring their lunch.
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. This can be done by calling Laura 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 inquiry process and a spot on the wait list are both free.
Should you accept a spot at Art Play, you will be responsible for a $75 registration fee and the first month's tuition (both non-refundable). These are the specific program costs:
3-Year-Old Program: Tuesday – Thursday: $3,330.00 annually, but payable in nine convenient monthly payments of $370.00.
4-Year-Old Program: Monday, Wednesday and Friday: $4,815.00 annually, but payable in nine convenient monthly payments of $535.00.
Payments are due on the 1st of each month. We begin school in September and end the last week in May.
We provide a sibling discount of 10% for the second child in the family, with larger discounts for multiple children.
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 25 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.
Ellen became involved in ART PLAY in 2004, when her oldest son attended the school and Ellen served on the ART PLAY Board. Ellen teaches on Wednesdays and substitutes when needed.
Ellen is known as the “silly teacher” and has a gift for making the children smile and laugh. She will tell you that she has the best job on the planet.
Amanda loves art and Art Play! Amanda studied at the Maine College of Art where she learned many different mediums such as drawing, weaving, screen printing and jewelry making. Amanda is Portland’s original sea glass artist. Her signature Sea Glass Frames can be found in local shops across Maine.
Her favorite thing about Art Play is welcoming the children each morning and seeing their faces light up when they discover new materials and interests. Amanda is married to the very popular “Lobsterman Eric” who visits Art Play each Spring. They have two daughters Pearl and Cora that both attended the program.