What is the philosophy of GCCNS?
Early childhood education comes at the stage in a child’s life when he/she is physically and emotionally ready to explore the world with new people and in new places separate from his/her parents.  It is meant to be an extension of the caring and teaching experiences he/she receives from birth.  The goal is to provide a secure environment, which meets the needs of each child.  The experience offered in the environment should include opportunities to develop:

SOCIALLY – by fostering rewarding relationships with children and adults;
PHYSICALLY – by encouraging use of large and small muscles and exploring the relationship between his/her own body and things in the environment;
INTELLECTUALLY – by providing for inquiry, exploration and discovery through play and problem-solving and by nurturing of natural curiosity and the stimulation of language in an informal setting;
EMOTIONALLY – by providing a gradual transition from home to school meeting each child and parent with trust, offering opportunities to test relationships with peers and surrounding in order to better establish his/her image of him/herself as a worthwhile person.

Because children are individual with their own unique pattern of growth and development, they need a child-centered, informal environment where they are free to start and free to stop; where the teacher meets the child at his/her own level, and where warmth and wisdom are evident in qualified adult leadership.

What are the qualifications of the teachers?
The Director and Teachers at GCCNS have 258 combined years of experience in education! They are highly qualified educators with training, experience and education in the field of Early Childhood Education. Our teachers have degrees in the fields of elementary education and early childhood education. In addition, the staff participates regularly in professional development workshops and classes; weekly planning meetings; NAEYC conferences; and articulates with area schools. All employees are CPR and First Aid certified.

What curriculum is used at GCCNS?
Glenview Community Church Nursery School follows a developmental, play-based, child-initiated curriculum. Our goal is to provide a nurturing environment where each child is encouraged in all areas of growth. The development of learning skills is stimulated through guided, creative play and group interactions. Opportunities are provided for each child to grow socially, emotionally and intellectually at his or her own rate. The program’s nurturing environment promotes each individual’s sense of self-esteem and physical well-being.

What does a typical day look like?
Because children are most comfortable and learn best with a consistent daily routine, the teachers are very careful to adhere to a daily schedule.  A typical day in the classroom includes:

• Outdoor Play
• Indoor Activities - books, puzzles, manipulative toys, pre-reading activities, math and science experimentation, paints, easel work, play dough, sensory table, process art activities, cutting, blocks, trucks/cars/trains, housekeeping and kitchen area, dress-up clothes and props, puppets
• Snack
• Clean-up
• Circle Time - teacher-directed activity such as story, lesson, songs
• Outdoor Play

How is discipline handled?
Our goal is to provide a safe and friendly environment where children learn appropriate social and emotional behaviors and self-discipline. Familiar routines and consistency in expectations allow children a certain “comfort zone” and the opportunity to express themselves in a socially appropriate way. We use a positive approach when speaking to children, for example we would say, “Let’s walk in the hall,” rather than “Don’t run.” In guiding children towards developing inner controls, the expected behavior is stated, rather than reinforcing the negative behavior.


We have a few simple rules at preschool. In many ways, they are universal and life-long goals.

1. We try our very best each day to be kind and courteous to one another. We “use our words” when we are upset or angry to let other people know how we feel.
2. We take good care of our toys and equipment at school.
3. At group time, we try to be good listeners when our teacher is talking to us or when a child is talking.

The teacher is always nearby to lend guidance and support when needed. The adults serve as role models for the children and in this way, assist in the learning process. Gentle reminders of the rules that are consistently used, help children to internalize these appropriate behaviors.

If a child is having a difficult time with another child or with toys/equipment, a teacher will talk to that child briefly about the unacceptable behavior. We encourage children to participate in the problem-solving process, frequently discussing alternative ways to handle difficulties. If a problem continues, a teacher may suggest something like this: “I see that you are having a hard time playing with the blocks today. Let’s go over to the water table and see what’s in there.” Often, by diverting a child’s attention, a difficult situation can be remedied.

Harming other children or adults, verbally or physically is not tolerated at GCCNS. If inappropriate behavior occurs such as physical harm to others or damage to property, a teacher will take a child aside and sit with them until he/she calms down. If the inappropriate behavior is recurring, a conference will take place between the teachers, the director and the parents to discuss further implementation of school rules.

Glenview Community Church Nursery School reserves the right to request that a parent withdraw their child from the school if the child exhibits behavior that significantly interferes with his/her learning and those of others or puts himself/herself or others at risk of being hurt or injured.

What if my child does not speak English?           
Research has shown that ‘total emersion’ is the best way for a child to learn a second language.  When a child enters GCCNS and English is not their first language, we work with the child, helping them feel comfortable, teach them a few signs from American Sign Language to help the child communicate basic needs. It is amazing how quickly the child will learn English as the other child are speaking at a basic level, allowing the English language learner to learn quickly.

How is separation handled?
GCCNS teachers are experts at helping children to separate from parents. They greet each child individually each day and ask that parents always say “good-bye”, keeping the “good-bye” short and sweet and that they will return after school to pick him/her up. We will always contact the parent if a child cannot settle into the classroom activities. We will work with the child and parents, making adjustments until the child feels secure in the school environment.

Does my child have to be toilet trained?
Children do not have to be toilet trained to be enrolled at GCCNS! Toilet training is development and varies among children.  Our teachers support parents during this time in the child’s life.  We like to think of it as “positive peer pressure” – the children see their friends going ‘potty’ and they want to do the same – and they do!

Drop off and Pick up?
Our drop off and pick up routines work extremely well for both the children and parents! Parents walk their child to the playground, touch base with the child’s teacher and say “good-bye” to their child.

At pick up, the parent comes to the playground, touches base with the teacher, signs their child out, takes the child’s hand and says “good-bye” to the teachers. This is a perfect time to communicate with the teachers as well with the other parents in your child’s class!