General Information

cropped-396706_368266969929552_686252474_n.jpgRCNS is a state licensed, Non-profit & Non-Sectarian nursery school serving the families of Ringwood, Wanaque and surrounding communities for over 50 years. We are located at 490 Ringwood Ave. Wanaque. (Behind the Midvale United Methodist church at the corner of First Street and Laura Ave.) Since opening in 1962 we have taken enormous pride in the creative, fun and safe environment our teachers have created for our children. Please come on by and see for yourself. You make the difference! RCNS is considered a “Contemporary Co-Op”. Parent participation is always welcomed but is not mandatory. We differ from a “Traditional Co-Op” where parents are required to assist. This means you can make a difference in the quality of your child’s first educational experience. Parents volunteer to participate in a variety of ways. Most tasks require only a small amount of time. Some require once a year help, such as school photos; some are seasonal, such as the garden caretaker; and some require more involvement, such as President or Registrar. It is rewarding to have a real voice in your child’s early education!  Small groups with big ideas make their first time at school warm and friendly.

Pre-School Conferences

Ten-minute conferences are held with the parent, child and the teacher.  If you cannot keep your appointment, please call the school at 973-835-4477.

Medical Records

Your child’s medical forms need to be handed in before school starts. You may mail it to the school address. Also, be sure to include on your mailing envelope: Attn.: Health Chairperson. Please make sure that your child’s medical inoculations are all up-to-date. Proof of current Hib. and Varicella Vaccine is mandatory.

* The state of NJ is requiring that all students receive a flu shot. 

Children will not be permitted in the classroom without a completed and up to date medical form – no exceptions can be made.

 

School Philosophy

Our school is nonsectarian. We celebrate many holidays throughout the year, including a wide variety of religious and multi-cultural holidays. Sharing ethnic foods and different customs with students is strongly encouraged.

 

Student Supplies

All children should bring a backpack to school with them each day. Your child’s name should be on the bag. It will be used to hold ‘show and tell’ items, artwork, and correspondence to parents from the teachers.  Please put your child’s name on all possessions, i.e. jackets, hats, etc.

 

Student Conduct

Children are permitted in the classroom at the scheduled hour. Until that time, children need to wait quietly in the hallway until they are admitted to the classroom. The aide or the teacher will then greet the children at the classroom door.

 

Dropping off and Picking up Children

When parking, do not block any driveways or garages and park on the proper side of the street.  Please be prompt when picking up your child. Staff must leave the room to attend to cleanup duties at the end of the session. If there is an emergency and you know you are going to be late in collecting your child, please telephone the school, at 973-835-4477.  

 

 Classroom Participation

Parents may volunteer in their child’s classroom at any time during the year. Anyone interested can come in and share an activity with their child’s class. Some suggested activities are: reading a story, a special craft or project, singing, playing an instrument, or sharing information about a job, hobby or skill. This can also be a grandparent or other family member. If you are interested, this can be arranged through your child’s teacher.  The time in the class will be approximately 15 minutes, depending on the activity.

 

Class Information

 

  • Two-Year-Old Program
    • Schedule
      • The two-year old class meets twice a week, Wednesday and Friday, from 9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
    • Potty Training
      • Children in the two-year-old class are not required to be toilet trained. The school provides diapers, pull-ups and extra clothing.  However, all clothing that is borrowed must be washed and returned.
    • Snack
      • A light snack is provided.
  • Three-Year-Old Program
    • Schedule
      • The three-year-old class meets twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The enrichment class meets on Mondays, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  We are now also offering Extended Days for the 3’s class, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30p.m.
    • Potty Training
      • Children in the three-year-old class are required to be toilet trained and able to care for themselves in the bathroom. 
    • Snack
      • A light snack is provided.
    • Field Trips
      • Parents of children in the three-year-old class may accompany us on at least three field trips per year. Siblings are not permitted on field trips.
    • Field trip and special events fund
      • In order to facilitate the handling of field trip money, we established this Fund. The cost is twenty-five dollars ($25.00) and is included with your registration payment. This sum of money will cover the cost of all field trips throughout the year for your child.
  • Pre-K Program
    • Schedule
      • The Pre-K class meets three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. We are now also offering Extended Days for the Pre-K class, from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Potty Training
      • Children in the Pre-K class need to be toilet trained and be able to care for themselves in the bathroom.
    • Snack
      • Because the Pre-K class has an extended day, parents will need to send a lunch with their child daily.
    • Field Trips
      • Parents of children in the Pre-K class may accompany us on at least three field trips a year. Siblings are not permitted on field trips.
    • Field trip and special events fund 
      • In order to facilitate the handling of field trip money, we established this Fund. The cost is fifty dollars ($50.00) and is included in your registration payment. This sum of money will cover the cost of all field trips throughout the year and graduation for your child.