At what age can my child start attending WCNS?
Children can start the Play and Sing Program as early as 2 years, 9 months.

When does the application process begin?
WCNS begins accepting applications for September classes in January. If there are class openings, however, students can be enrolled at any time during the year.

How do I get an application?
An application can be obtained after a meeting with WCNS Director Daphne Damplo and receiving a school tour. Seeing the school and meeting the staff and teachers is an important factor in making sure WCNS will be a good fit for your family. Please call 508-653-0958 to arrange a meeting.

Can you tell me about the teachers at WCNS?
Each of the teachers at Wellesley Cooperative has had children that attended the school, and each has an average of 15 years working at the school. Staff turnover is extremely low, allowing for warm, lasting relationships to form between teachers and children.

What are the hours of your programs?
Morning programs run from 8:30 AM to 11:20 AM with an option for Extended Day (Lunch Bunch) as late as 2:30. The Afternoon Program is in session from 12:15 PM to 2:50 PM.

Will I be required to work at the school?
WCNS is no longer a true cooperative. Parents are not required to fulfill work obligations at the school. We do strongly encourage parents to participate in their child's class in whatever way they are comfortable. Parents often come in to read favorite stories, bring in snacks to celebrate a birthday, or share a tradition or talent. All parent participation is voluntary and appreciated by staff and students alike!

Is financial assistance available to help with tuition?
There are a limited number of tuition scholarships available. Please inquire during the application process.

I have an infant/toddler. Do I need to get on a wait-list now?
There is not currently a waiting list for admission at WCNS. Siblings of current and past students are given priority, but as of now there are still spots open for the coming school year. It is not necessary to get on a list or make a deposit until January of the year your child will begin school.

Does my child need to be toilet-trained?
It is recommended that children entering Wellesley Cooperative be toilet-trained, but is not mandatory. Teachers of the Play & Sing and Juniors programs will help children with toileting, and they believe that the example set by classmates is a positive influence in the process.

Is WCNS nut-free?
Wellesley Cooperative Nursery School staff and teachers are very sensitive to the food allergies that affect many children. While the school is not entirely nut-free, steps are taken to keep all children safe and healthy. Please feel free to discuss any specific issues with our Director, Daphne Damplo.

How is student drop-off and pickup handled?
In the morning, WCNS students may be dropped off at the front door of the school where teachers will be waiting to greet them and help them out of your vehicle and into their classroom. Over the years, this process has proven beneficial to students and parents/caretakers alike. Students seem to experience less separation anxiety when walked into their classroom by a teacher. Parents often tell us that the ability to drop off their children without exiting the car is extremely helpful, particularly with younger siblings and in inclement weather. If you feel that bringing your child into his or her classroom is the best situation for you and/or your child, you are always welcome to park in the rear lot and come into the school. After-school pickups are handled similarly, with teachers bringing children from the school to the vehicles of their parents/caretakers.

Is there frequent communication between parents and teachers?
We believe that communication between parents and teachers is vital for the development of the child. Regular communication takes the form of monthly newsletters detailing the projects and themes being worked on that month, including lyrics to songs being sung, special activities, and any details regarding the school day or school schedule. You can also expect to see occasional “What I Did Today” notes attached to your child’s bag giving information of a particular accomplishment, a new friend, or a special event. In addition, parent-teacher conferences are held for each student in the February timeframe. Teachers are always available to talk to parents about any concerns they might have and will contact parents if they notice any issues.

We have twins/multiples. Will they be separated or placed in class together?
Twins and other multiples are usually placed together in the same class for Play and Sing and the Junior program. For the Senior program, we generally place twins in different classrooms to facilitate new friendships and foster independence.

I'm thinking about the afternoon program, but my child naps in the afternoon. How do other families handle this?
While some children continue to nap until they are four or five years old, this is not the case with all children. Parents generally sign children up for school several months before school actually begins. If children still need naps by the time they start school, they may nap only on the days they are not in school, or may find nap schedules shifting to accommodate school time.

What if I have more questions?
If you have questions that haven’t been answered here, feel free to browse through the rest of our website or call our Director, Daphne Damplo, at 508-653-0958.