Lincoln Park Cooperative Nursery School is a high quality, part time preschool program for children aged 2.5 - 5 years old. The school was founded in 1949 and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Children.
THE HISTORY OF OUR SCHOOL
In 1949, early childhood education was a new idea: the idea of a school for such, created by parents and run cooperatively as a non-profit corporation was even newer. Yet such a preschool took root and flourished in one of Chicago’s oldest, yet in many ways newest, neighborhoods. From the first half-dozen pioneering families who housed the classes in community churches, Lincoln Park Cooperative Nursery School (LPCNS) grew through the years in response to neighborhood needs. Since 1975, the school has owned its own building at 1753 North Fern Court, making it a permanent Lincoln Park institution. And just in time—in 1976, one of our first graduates enrolled his son, the first of many legacies. Lincoln Park Cooperative Nursery School is licensed by the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago and since 1986, has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
The philosophy of LPCNS begins with our view of the child. We see children as powerful co-constructors in their own development across all domains. We see children as explorers filled with wonder, who are capable of deep cognitive exploration. At school, we place special emphasis on social and emotional development, early language and literacy, math and science, and physical development.
It is our belief that children must feel comfortable with themselves and the learning environment before further learning can take place. With that in mind, children must first learn that school is a safe place, with nurturing teachers who help them identify, communicate, and regulate their own emotions.
Our preschool program is structured around developmentally appropriate learning experiences. These learning experiences help form the curriculum and are based on teachers’ knowledge of child development and educational theory that proves that children learn best through play. Play is the natural work of the young child. Through play, a child can become self-reliant; develop a positive self-image; acquire small and gross motor skills; and engage in language, science and math experiences. By providing activities such as block-building, sociodramatic play and art, we encourage the child to interact with his or her peers, working out problems along the way. Play also promotes creativity and innovative thinking. The teachers play a significant role in the effectiveness of our program. Using their skills and ingenuity to know when to intercede, they capitalize on learning experiences. By doing so, they foster the development of the child’s autonomy, helping the child improve his or her reasoning.
