Tuesday, 11 June 2013

Parent Testimonials for Pearson Community Co-op School

Making the decision about which nursery school to pick doesn't always feel like an easy decision. So many factors to weigh out from learning style, schedule, the classroom atmosphere even to price and availability.

Pearson Community Co-op Nursery School has been running for over 35 years and is one of the most respected and well-run schools in Burlington. We have a long line of  "alumni" (both past parents and past children) with wonderful memories and experiences with our Pearson  education and culture.

Recently we asked current and past parents for their thoughts about Pearson and we received overwhelmingly positive feedback - so much that we have to share with you. Once you hear from other parents you can understand how much of a positive affect Pearson has had on their family's life.


"Pearson gave all of my children the BEST start they could possibly have before entering the school system! The school is constantly evolving according to the voice of every parent and child that attends. I've been on the Executive Board for 3 years and I can say with confidence that Pearson is run professionally and fair in every aspect imaginable. I'm not sure who misses Pearson more.. me or the kids!"
Caroline

"I have had 2 children at Pearson, with a third one coming up. She will be there for 2 years, and I actually made my 'back to work' schedule with her upcoming Pearson days in mind because there is no way I could not send her! The amount of caring and thought that the staff put into every aspect of the children's day is amazing. I love being a duty parent, and everyone feels like they are part of the team...we are all there for the kids. It is a place filled with so much love and laughter, I feel truly blessed and privileged that myself and children have been able to be a part of the Pearson family for so many years I might just keep having kids so I don't have to leave, lol!!"
Alicia

 
"This is my third year in a row with Pearson. I love being involved in a co-p nursery school. It has given me a chance to spend quality time playing with my children and watching them grow and learn. They always looked forward to when "mommy was on her duty shift". I've met some of the best kids and parents through this program and we will remain friends for a very long time."
Kathryn


"We've had 3 kids at Pearson and love it! Wonderful, caring staff & incredible parent volunteers all enhance the creative, play-based preschool curriculum. We love the big & bright duo classrooms with many centres for play and the big outdoor playground for gross motor activity. LOVE Pearson! We're coming back for a 4th year next to try the RTL program next!"
Ann-Marie

"I can't say enough about the wonderful staff at Pearson. My daughter has required some extra patience and understanding and she definitely got it! She has gone from crying and chewing on her fingers with anxiety to confidently going to school and is beginning to explore more and more. I have no doubt that her experience at Pearson will ease her transition to Junior Kindergarten in the Fall. The communication and willingness to work with parents for the good of the child is second to none at Pearson."

Jen 

"I would totally do it - not a parent though, just an impressed Aunt!!! GREAT program with AMAZINGLY AWESOME staff!"
Aunt Mandy

 
"I love Pearson...but most important my son loves his Nursery School! The staff is so caring and really puts 110% into teaching the children and making sure its a great environment for kids to grow in! I love the structure and all the children there are so pleasant to be around! I am so thankful that my son has a great group of kids to play, learn and grow with!"
Lisa


"My son (2011/2012 year) gained so much confidence and learned an incredible amount from the RTL program, so much effort put into each day and I absolutely loved all the art work that came home on a daily basis, so much more than I have seen to-date in JK! I am counting the days/months until I can put my younger son in this program and preschool!!"
Amanda 

"We loved the kindness and caring of Pearson's teachers and and the positive and fun learning environment. My son loved it there. But I would also like to mention the benefits for the parents - being new to Burlington, I was so pleased with the welcoming and friendliness of the other parents and met one of my best friends on one of the preschool committees. Pearson has benefits for the whole family."
Rosalyn


"The best preschool teachers in Burlington and a great community of families. Under the caring guidance of Fiona, Allison, Joanna and others, all three of my children were able to further develop their imagination, creativity and critical thinking skills to help them be enthusiastic learners and successful students in kindergarten and beyond. I am so grateful for the experience we all have had."
Hannah

Space Available at Burlington's Pearson Nursery School for Fall 2013


Curious how to register for Burlington's best nursery school???

Click here for our full Registration Package  - we still have some spaces available for the 2013-2014 year!! Join our fabulous school and welcoming parent community that Pearson offers.

Your registration package includes:
Please call the school at 905-335-2385 or email Liz at membership@pearsonco-op.com for information on registration.

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

Our Snazzy New Pavement Hop Scotch!

Something popped up in our playground over the weekend! Something super and ready to play on!!



Our new smooth pavement that was installed in the Fall was calling for a colourful addition. Perfect for games of hop-scotch, jumping games or even outdoor alphabet games. We love the new addition to our gross motor play area.

The kids simply love our colourful new addition and so do we!

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Happy Mother's Day Memory Plates

It sure is hard to create a special surprise for you moms! Especially when you're in the classroom but we know our magic spell worked and no duty parents caught a whiff of our awesome Mother's Day Plates (did you??).

The children were so excited to give their moms their special Mother's Day Plates - we hope you enjoyed your special surprise on Mother's Day.

We had fun encouraging the kids to create a special picture for mom on their plates. Most of our classroom friends actually did a very good job of keeping the markers mostly on the plates instead of themselves.

Thanks to the moms for your kind comments you shared on our Facebook wall about the plates - it's so wonderful to know they were a success!

"Thank you for making another special occasion that much more special - just like my Christmas present from the Santa Store! Loved it." Amy

 "Awesome idea! I'll treasure it always." Jen

"Yup Katie was excited!! She said one of the happy faces is me, whereas the other one was Daddy and she had to scribble over it!" Liz

"Loved it!! Remy said 'oh no mommy. I forgot to draw your socks!' Haha" Alyssa

This is a great craft to do at home for other special occasions. Maybe we shouldn't tell you how simple it was in case it takes some of the amazement away??

All you need is:
  • Ceramic plate (or mug would be fun too)
  • An array of colourful permanent Sharpie markers
  • Oven – set at 350 degrees

Wash and dry the plate, remove any stickers or labels from it.  Then, get decorating and designing the plate.
Once dry and complete, pop into the oven for 20-30 minutes to ‘set’ the ink so they can be washed. One note, the oven zaps some of the vibrancy out of the colour so make sure you really colour in your plate beforehand.

Once cool, your plate is done. We loaded with homemade goodies and delivered as gifts!

Great example of a holiday plate here.

Friday, 10 May 2013

Green Thumb's at Pearson Nursery School

This week the children got a chance to dig in the dirt and do some planting. What starts out tiny,  grows really tall, is a beautiful yellow colour that turns to the sun and the squirrels love to eat the seeds? The children guessed it a SUNFLOWER ! They thought it was funny when I told them that it may grow taller than their Dads if they plant it in a sunny spot in their garden. The seeds are having a sleep over at the school while they start to grow. Once they are have sprouted we will send them home. As you can see they have started to grow already.

Thursday, 9 May 2013

Play is Work for Nursery School Children

Play is work at nursery school. The magic happens when those brilliant minds are left to play, build and create with their imaginations. Our caring staff and group of committed volunteer Co-op parents are always an arm reach away from all play and can help guide if needed. However, often the best learning moments happen when our studens are left to discover something on their own.

Carpet play is just that time. So much creativity happens on the carpet. Our learning toys are available to pull out and play with during our free play time and we love watching the ideas spread out on the carpet. Anything from building and stacking to pretend play with a dollhouse -- all this playing is hard work for a preschooler! We're not just playing - we're working & learning!






Wednesday, 1 May 2013

Need Snack Ideas for Nursery School?

Are you the Duty Parent in Snack? Are you stumped for ideas on what to bring? 

Here are a few snack ideas other than the usual fruit and veggies or cheese and crackers (we know that's an easy go-to..). Have fun, be creative. If you have an idea and are not sure if it’s okay just ask one of the teachers. Remember to have food from 2 food groups and be as Healthy as possible!




Trail mix, can include some or a variety of the following: Cheerios, shreddies, fishy crackers, pretzels, raisins, cranberries, mini marshmallows. Be creative as long as it is nut free.

  • Bagel (Plain or cinnamon raisin) cream cheese & apple butter.
  • Cinnamon toast (marg /butter /brown sugar /cinnamon)
  • Apple sauce, plain or fruit flavoured.
  • Rice cakes
  • Graham wafers
  • PC Mini chefs brand of cookies or crackers.
  • Mini-go yogurt, yogurt tubes frozen,
  • Vanilla yogurt with fruit for dipping.
  • Fruit kabobs. Cut the sharp end off the sticks
  • Bread sticks, ranch dressing for dipping.
  • Tortillas roll ups. Use a variety of fillings
  • Salsa & whole wheat chips.
  • No sugar fruit cups /canned fruit
  • Melba toast, cream cheese/cucumber
  • Fruit salad
  • Pickles
  • Nilla wafers
  • Apples & raisins
  • PC mini no nut muffins
  • PC mini bite pizzas
  • English muffin pizzas
  • Cereal & milk, oatmeal with chopped apples and raisins
  • Pretzel sticks, fishy crackers  with cream cheese..Go fishing!
  • Pancakes (use complete pancake mix)
  • Bake Muffins in the kitchen (buy a no nut mix and bring it in)
  • Fresh Vegetables with dip
  • Smoothies 
  • Melon balls and cubes

Our Kitchen is well equipped so duty parents can mix, bake, cook and prep. We encourage you to think beyond the cheese & cracker combo and have fun! If we have a special theme day (ie: Blue day - challenge yourself to bring a blue snack etc).  

As parents you know - the more fun your child has the more they will eat!