OUR PHILOSOPHY

Erindale Nursery School is a member operated not-for-profit preschool. We are a school for families, run by families. We believe that being involved in our children’s education brings rewards. Being in the classroom allows us to see firsthand, the wonder of learning through the eyes of a child and gives us a chance to reinforce the many lessons that are learned during a hard day’s play. And for parents and caregivers, the sense of community at Erindale Nursery School provides a much-appreciated social network – one of the many bonuses of a participating preschool.

Erindale Nursery School, administered by a Board of Directors, is comprised of parent volunteers (voting members) and teachers (non-voting members).The board meets monthly to oversee the operations of the school and major decisions are voted on by parents at the general meetings. Parents are encouraged to approach the Board with any concerns, and are welcome to attend Board meetings. Each spring, during the General Meeting, a new Board is appointed by the parents for the upcoming year.

PARENTS/CAREGIVERS RESPONSIBILITY

Since this is a family run school, it is mandatory that parents or caregivers participate in the operation of the school. Parent/caregiver participation also allows us to keep our fees low. There are three areas that parents/caregivers participate:

Family Job

Prior to the school year, usually at the June General Meeting, families pick their Family Job through a lottery for the year. Family jobs can include positions on the Board of Directors, Committees, Cleaning and Maintenance, Arts & Crafts, Snacks and Shopping, Photography and Special Events.

Duty/Volunteer Parents:

Families also have the ability to participate in the classroom as “Duty Parent” or a “Volunteer Parent” working with our teachers to implement the school curriculum.

Meetings and Activities

Families are required to attend three general meetings per year, and also encouraged to participate in social and fundraising events throughout the year (as we all need to have some fun too!).

There is also a mandatory orientation session at the beginning of the school year (September) where information and training on policies and procedures and your responsibilities are given.

All parents directly participating in school programs are required to have Police screening.

OUR STAFF

The Staff at Erindale Nursery School (ENS) is carefully selected based on their educational background, training, and ability to demonstrate genuine care and affection towards children. ENS is pleased to have various parents and caregivers assist us throughout the school year. In addition we are fortunate to have ECE students from Sheridan College participate in our program, and on occasion High school students do their co-op placement with ENS.

Susan Watson:

Our “Mrs Susan” has been teacher/supervisor since February 1995. She holds an E.C.E. diploma from Vanier College, Montreal. Since graduation Mrs. Susan has worked in a variety of childcare settings, from infants to senior kindergarten. She has worked in daycare centers, parks and recreation programs, but is happiest working in the cooperative preschool setting. She believes that parents and teachers working together is the best start for our preschoolers. Mrs. Susan was the 2009 recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award of Excellence in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Susan attends annual first aid trainings and keeps her program new and different by attending workshops in hand-writing, yoga, literacy, music, science, health and safety and many others.

Cherie Marin:

Mrs. Cherie has an extensive background working with children who have special needs. She has worked for a number of different Child Care Centers through her years at Community Living Mississauga. For over 5 years, she has been a part of Erindale Nursery School, working side by side with Mrs. Susan implementing all her experience and knowledge. Mrs. Cherie is a mother of three and was a parent at Erindale Nursery School for six years with her own children. Mrs. Cherie has additional experience with Autism as she has two sons on the spectrum. Her training and experience makes her a strong member of our team.