Business Details
Welcome to St. Mark's Nursery School
St. Mark's Nursery School is a cooperative early childhood education institution located in Rockville Centre, New York, dedicated to fostering holistic child development through play-based learning. Founded on the principle of collaborative education, we operate as a parent-run cooperative where families actively participate in classroom activities and school governance. Our programs for children aged 2-4 years integrate structured curriculum with social-emotional growth, aligning with American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines that emphasize play as critical for brain development.Licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, we maintain rigorous safety standards while providing flexible scheduling options including extended day programs. Our unique cooperative model ensures parents gain firsthand insight into their child's educational journey while contributing to the school's operational success through committee work and classroom participation.
Services
2-Year-Old Young Explorers
3-Year-Old Programs
4-Year-Old Programs
Extended Day Program
Transition Classes
Highlights and features
- We operate as a fully licensed cooperative nursery school with parent participation.
- Our curriculum aligns with American Academy of Pediatrics play-based learning guidelines.
- We offer flexible scheduling with extended day program options.
- Parents gain direct classroom experience through scheduled 'special day' participation.
- Our cooperative model includes family committees for school governance involvement.
Associations and certifications
- New York State Department of Education
- New York State Office of Children and Family Services
Services
2-Year-Old Young Explorers
Our Young Explorers program introduces 2-year-olds to structured learning through play-based activities. Designed for early socialization, this program develops motor skills and sensory awareness while introducing basic concepts. Parents participate in classroom activities to support their child's transition to school environment.
3-Year-Old Programs
The 3-year-old program focuses on foundational learning through themed curriculum units. Children develop language skills, early math concepts, and cooperative play while building independence. Parent assistants support classroom activities during scheduled participation days.
4-Year-Old Programs
Our 4-year-old program prepares children for kindergarten with enhanced literacy and numeracy activities. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving skills, creative expression, and social development through hands-on learning experiences led by experienced educators.
Extended Day Program
The Extended Day Program provides additional childcare from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM, offering structured activities and free play. This optional program accommodates working families while maintaining educational continuity through enrichment activities.
Transition Classes
Transition classes help children gradually adapt to classroom separation through progressive participation models. These sessions build confidence and independence while maintaining parental involvement during the adjustment period.
Questions
What makes St. Mark's a cooperative nursery school?
St. Mark's operates as a parent cooperative where families actively participate in classroom activities and school governance through scheduled assistance and committee work.
How do parents participate in the classroom?
Parents assist in classrooms four times annually during their assigned 'special day,' supporting activities and gaining firsthand experience with their child's learning environment.
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for children aged 2-4 years including Young Explorers (2s), 3-year-olds, and 4-year-olds preparing for kindergarten.
Are meals provided during the program?
Families provide snacks following our approved allergy-safe list, while extended day program participants bring packed lunches.
How is the school licensed and regulated?
We maintain full licensing through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and follow all state educational department regulations.
What safety protocols are in place?
We implement strict allergy management plans, emergency treatment procedures, and maintain updated health records for all enrolled children.
Reviews (3)
Siobhan Bernstein
Jun 19, 2019
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St. marks was more than a school , it became more like an extended family. The constant support from the staff, teachers and other parents made our experience one of a kind. I highly recommend this school to any family. It will provide your child warmth, connection and above all a place to grow in loving arms.
Siobhan Bernstein
Siobhan Bernstein
Jackie Cahalan
Nov 17, 2017
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We love St. Mark's! I'm thrilled that my kids have the opportunity to learn and grow in such a warm, nurturing environment. The teachers and staff are wonderful and my older son is thriving this year in kindergarten. It is one of the few preschools in Rockville Centre that is registered and licensed by New York State and I feel more at ease leaving my children in a place that I know is meeting established standards for health and safety. Being involved in the co-op has given me a special opportunity to take part in my children's early education experiences, which will always be memorable for them
Michelle Creegan
Oct 12, 2017
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We love St. Mark's Cooperative Nursery school. The director, the teachers, the families - they are all nurturing, loving, and have so many years experience working with these little ones. As part of the coop - you are able to go in to the classroom a few times a year for your little one's "special day". My girls count down the days until it is there turn. It is such a unique and amazing experience to see them in the classroom setting and how much they are all growing as little people. We have working moms, stay at home moms, dads, nannies, grandmas, the whole spectrum of family sharing responsibilities
