St. Mark’s Nursery School and Kindergarten

Nuestros profesores

Each of our classes is staffed by a team of two teachers. Teachers are trained in CPR and pediatric first aid, and they receive training in the use of Dr. Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline. St. Mark’s teachers have diverse educational backgrounds including early education, social work, speech therapy and sciences. We benefit from each other’s strengths and areas of expertise. Our teachers are compensated for attending workshops and conferences each year, and regularly discuss current research, trends, practices and issues related to early childhood education. Through thoughtful discussion and ongoing self-assessment, teachers remain curious and their continued growth allows us to provide the best care for children. Teachers have consistent hands on support from the director and assistant director, both experienced teachers, who provide assistance within the classroom and beyond. Continuing education needs are supported by our Education Coordinator. We are very proud to have 2 musicians on staff who visit our classrooms weekly, and a school librarian who helps maintain and curate our children’s library!

Testimonios

“When it came time for me to go back to work, we looked for a place that would provide the same love and care to our daughter that she would get at home. The teachers at St. Mark’s really understand toddlers - they provide a safe, caring, nurturing environment, where the needs of the children come first. ” — Kym and Ian Robinson

“Our family is so grateful for the incredible kindergarten experience St. Mark’s provided our daughter this year. She has grown so much - socially, emotionally, creatively, and academically. They provide a nurturing environment for children to explore their own unique interests while encouraging new experiences and learning opportunities. ” — Maggie Frey

“Our kids are excited for school each day. We can’t stress enough how meaningful it has been to have teachers whose practices align with our parenting philosophy. Our kids have grown so much through St. Mark’s child-led, relational, play-based guidance. The school’s communication and built-in scaffolding for families are just what we needed. We definitely feel held by St. Mark’s staff, but perhaps more importantly, our kids get to feel that support every day.” — Daniel Sullivan

“Everything is done so thoughtfully, from the smallest interactions to the way the play yards are curated for even the youngest kids to explore their individual passions, develop age-appropriate skills, and build confidence through taking safe risks.” — Joanie Blackwell

Filosofía

We believe that children learn best through play and meaningful relationships with peers and loving adults. Our environment allows children to experience and develop a deep love of learning. The tools for healthy social interactions are modeled, taught and applied. We foster a sense of wonder with opportunities for discovery and experimentation. We value and accept each child’s developmental stage and unique style. We provide a supportive network for families to build a bridge between home and school.

Ubicación

We are located just off of the corner of 3rd St. and College Mall Road, on the east side of Bloomington. We are close to the Indiana University campus and conveniently located near eastside shopping, grocery, businesses and restaurants.

Acerca de nuestro programa

Our Nursery School offers programming for children seven months through five years. Each classroom maintains small student to teacher ratios, and offers different programming options to accommodate the needs of families and children. All classes begin at 9:00 and end at 12. Classes are staffed by a collaborative team of teachers who create a sense of community and cooperation, forming strong relationships with the children.

Children who attend St. Mark’s are given the freedom to play, wonder, create, and take risks with support from loving adults who are committed to honoring this important period of development. Teachers use observation to follow the lead of the child to support each individual’s unique learning experience. Children are supported within relationships to communicate, problem solve and resolve conflicts with increasing independence.

Throughout the year, parent participants and IU Field Experience students join teaching teams and contribute to the care children receive, and the variety of adults that children have the opportunity to interact with and learn from.

Our Kindergarten is one of the few half day programs available in Bloomington, offering children an alternative opportunity to grow and learn at their own pace. The kindergarten day begins at 9 am and goes to 12:30. Two teachers work together to facilitate an emergent learning curriculum for up to 14 students. An emergent curriculum is one that is decided by the children’s interests as they occur.

In our child led program, teachers collaborate with the children throughout the year to decide on topics of inquiry. As teachers facilitate discovery and exploration of topics, kindergarten students learn skills while participating in project work, centers, and small and large group time. These activities meet and exceed the Indiana State standards as well as the requirements and expectations of most first grade programs throughout our area.

Every day, children are given multiple opportunities to engage in free play, where many do their most important work. During play, children learn and practice social skills and communication skills with guidance from their teachers when needed. Teachers observe children’s play and interests to inform both natural and planned teachable moments.

Kindergarten is a very special year in a child’s life. Many people consider kindergarten the first step of the child’s academic career. We consider this year a continuation of what we hope will be a lifetime love of learning and an important year of social and emotional growth.

Admisiones

Visit our website at smnurseryschool.org to read more about our program, schedule a tour or register for the current school year. Annual registration for new families opens in February each year and is ongoing.