
Curriculum, children’s learning and development within the school are supported through a process of constant reflection and analysis by the school’s teaching teams and pedagogues. this work drives professional development, ensuring it is responsive and respectful of the specific setting of the school, aware of work happening globally and abreast of current research.
About First Pres
Situated on the grounds of the First Presbyterian Church complex, the nursery school functions as an autonomous, private non-profit school that welcomes families from all backgrounds and experiences. The school as an organization has provided continuity and stability in the midst of change, serving as a foundation and value to the surrounding community’s own growth and development.
Since the mid-1990’s, the educators and staff at First Pres, led by director Mary Hartzell at the time, consciously studied the quality education programs from Reggio Emilia, Italy, and other progressive educational settings across North America. Ongoing collaboration, dialogue and consultation with educators from Reggio Emilia, Italy, particularly with Amelia Gambetti and Lella Gandini, as well as relationships with other schools have supported our school in being a research-based organization to realizing the program that it is today.