About our School
HISTORY
In
1953, a group of parents founded the All Austin Cooperative Nursery
School (AACNS) with the purpose of providing a racially integrated,
educationally sound learning environment for their children. Over the
years, AACNS expanded and developed into a family-centered school,
continuing to maintain a policy of nondiscrimination with regard to
race, religion, color, and national origin. It was many years, however,
before the Co-op was able to realize its dream of owning a space of its
own. Finally, in 2002, on the eve of its 50th anniversary, AACNS
purchased, renovated, and moved into a building designed solely for the
use of young children and their families.
PHILOSOPHY
We
believe that young children learn best through play. Our classrooms are
well-equipped and creatively arranged to promote active exploration and
learning in an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. It is our goal to
support each child’s physical, intellectual, emotional, and social
growth. Therefore, children are encouraged to take risks, be creative
problem-solvers, be independent, and learn to appreciate the ideas and
perspectives of others. At the Co-op, children learn in a hands-on way
with lots of opportunity for making choices and getting messy. Inspired
by the Reggio Emilia educational approach, our teachers help children
to investigate their individual and common interests and offer children
creative ways of expressing what they know and imagine. Through
discussion and displays of children’s thoughts and work, the multiple
stories of growth and learning that take place in each classroom are
communicated to the full community.
PARENT PARTICIPATION
Parents
are active collaborators in the educational process at the Co-op. All
parents of enrolled children are welcome to visit their child’s
classroom at all times. In addition, parents at the Co-op assist in the
classroom on a rotating basis. In each class there is a parent and
teacher every day. Parents enrich the program by lending their special
talents, interests, ideas, and resources; by participating in the
classroom; by taking part in workdays; and by serving on the school
Board and school-wide committees.