At Narrows, we feel strongly about an individualized, child-centered program involving play to learn. Discovering how to play with others is a first step among many steps--and it's harder than most people think! Once your child is exposed to play with peers on a routine basis they learn more than just playground manners.
Services
Narrows Cooperative Preschool is part of the preschool network overseen by Bates Technical College. A co-op lets parents participate in their child's education. You volunteer in the classroom with other parents and caregivers-this means a high adult to child ratio and lots of helping hands and individual attention for each child.
Narrows has a play-based philosophy, as play is how young children learn best. Children go on to kindergarten self-reliant and having learned incredibly valuable skills of cooperation, self-regulation, creative thinking and problem solving. Our classroom is bright, colorful, and cozy, with plenty of free play time of a child's choosing - large motor play, imaginative play, puzzles and games, art and other fine motor activities.
Hi! My name is Judy Manza, and I am privileged to teach both the Twos class and the Music Fun class at Narrows. My husband Pat and I have been part of Narrows since the fall of 1987, when our oldest daughter started out in the twos. All six of our children are Narrows grads and we count many former Narrows parents as close friends.
Children do not have to be toilet trained to enroll. As part of the co-op program, parents will take turns working in the classroom. A family can expect to work usually three times a month per child enrolled. Families with more than one child enrolled, or with a child enrolled in more than one class, pay only one set of Bates fees - those that correspond to the class with the most days.
Tuition for our classes is made of two parts. The tuition portion stays with Narrows to run the school. The Bates fees are billed quarterly and are sent on to Bates technical college as part of your enrollment with them. These fees allow oversight, early childhood education, and access to additional education opportunities if you wish to partake in them.
Reviews (1)
Seth Long
Nov 04, 2009
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My oldest daughter recently completed her 2nd year at Narrows and is off to kindergarten while her sister is preparing for her first year at Narrows. We love this school. The supportive and friendly atmosphere among the parents and staff have made it a great place for us and our kids. Being a co-op school, parents are required to work in the classrooms and earn credits throughout the school year. This has never been a problem for us as there are many options available. Great teachers, great kids, and a wonderful learning environment.
