Age Range
2¾ years - 5 years
2¾ years - 5 years
Hours
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Facility is a
Center
Center
Details
Facility Type:
Preschool
About the Program:
Hills & Falls Nursery School was established in 1941 by a group of parents who wanted to be involved in their children’s education. In the first year, sixteen children were enrolled. Over the next several years, educators assumed more of the direct responsibilities for the program. Parents participated in the program by assisting in the classroom and sharing in the maintenance of the school. When Hills & Falls was incorporated in 1948 as a non-profit organization, parents became more involved in the school’s operation and financial development. Today, Hills & Falls serves over forty families in the greater Newton-Needham-Wellesley area. It remains true to its roots, honoring a long standing tradition of providing a quality preschool education while offering an opportunity for parents/guardians to become involved and share in the journey with their children.
Hills & Falls offers a play-based curriculum in a cooperative nursery school environment. For the young child, preschool is often the first step away from home. We provide a warm, nurturing and enriching environment to help children feel secure and comfortable to make that first step. We believe that play is a child’s way of learning and fosters social, physical, emotional and intellectual development. We cultivate children’s natural abilities in play by providing an environment rich in developmentally appropriate activities for children to explore at their own pace. At Hills & Falls, the children have the added advantage of sharing this experience with their families. By joining their child in the classroom, parents/guardians get to know the other children and to experience firsthand the magical learnings and growth accomplished in the classroom.
Our program focuses on the whole child, considering social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Our play-based, emergent curriculum is designed to foster students’ natural curiosity by providing opportunities for active play and experiential activities that lead children to discover and learn. Educators collaborate to develop themes and activities that integrate sensory experiences, early math and reading concepts, science, social studies, art, social and self-help skills. These thematic units are developed around and evolve from the children’s current interests. Deeply in tune with the pulse of the class, our teachers are flexible and innovative, regularly developing new curriculum which speaks to the current cohort of children.
Toilet Independence Requirements:
Children do not need to be potty trained to enroll at Hills & Falls. We encourage using the toilet in a positive way without pressure. Peers often wield the greatest influence over children. WE try to mirror the approach used at home, if possible, to ensure consistency. It’s a collaborative effort. A changing area is located in the children’s restroom.
Philosophy and curricula:
Emergent
Co-op
Programs:
Full Day
Half Day AM
Schedule:
5 days
Hours:
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Enrichment activities:
Music with Tucker – A talented musician, who plays seven instruments and has released three CDs, Tucker leads the children in a weekly music jam. His sessions incorporate singing, rhyming, playing instruments and dancing/movement.
Be Ahead of the Game with Coach Brian – When the cold air arrives, we’ll take playground time inside and partake in specialized, age appropriate movement classes that are conducted in a comfortable, non-competitive environment. Coach Brian works to develop gross motor skills, tactical, technical, physical and psychological/social abilities through creative movement and sports. A professional coach and trainer, Coach Brian creates a fun environment and focuses on developing confident children. He hopes to share the value of physical fitness and instill healthy habits to last a lifetime!
Yoga with Maria – Our director, Maria teaches the children yoga in a fun, safe, playful manner. Introducing the children to the benefits of yoga, such as balance, flexibility, focus and stillness, Maria ingrains the importance of keeping our bodies healthy and strong.
Special Programming
Curious Creatures – Designed to emphasize the importance of respecting and appreciating all animals, Curious Creatures delivers an interactive, live animal program during which the children learn about and are able to touch/hold the visiting selection of mammals, bugs and reptiles
Big Joe the Storyteller – A dynamic, engaging storyteller, Big Joe draws from a collection of over 500 tales. Whether sharing a classic or a homemade narrative, Big Joe will delight and amaze the audience
New England Aquarium – Tide Pools Alive visits Hills & Falls, engaging the children in ocean science. This hands-on program provides sensory exploration and introduces children to the ocean habitat. Through guided imagery, a child-size costume and live animals, children will explore and interact with local tide pool animals while learning basic biology and anatomy.
Creative Kids
In addition to the programming detailed above, an annual visit from the local fire department as well as a local dental hygienist provides robust, practical learning opportunities.
Allergy Information:
Peanut-free
Tree nut-free
Total Capacity:
45
Sibling Discount:
Yes
Schedules and Fees:
| Age Range | No. of Days | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2.9-5 years | 5 | 9:00-12:00 | $7650/Yearly | 0 |
2.9-5 years | 5 | 8:00-9:00 | $10/Daily | Early bird contracted rate. $12/day drop-in. |
2.9-5 years | 5 | 8:30-9:00 | $5/Daily | Early bird contracted rate. $6/day drop-in. |
2.9-5 years | 5 | 12:00-12:30 | $5/Daily | Late bird contracted rate. $6/day drop-in. |
2.9-5 years | 5 | 12:00-2:00 | $22/Daily | Extended day contracted rate. $25/day drop-in. |
2.9-5 years | 5 | 12:00-3:00 | $32/Daily | Extended day contracted rate. $35/day drop-in. |
2.9-5 years | 5 | 12:00-3:00 | $30/Daily | Fun Friday mixed age afternoons |
Program Director:
Maria Vachon
Public or Private:
Private
Home-based or Center:
Center
License #:
8119955
Financial Aid Offered:
Yes
Rates subject to change without notice.
Paper Pinecone does not endorse any facility and is not responsibile for the actions of any childcare provider. You are responsible for verifying license status.
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