Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Play-Based Nursery School in Kingston, Ontario
Allen Detweiler Nursery School has been a trusted leader in early childhood education since 1967, offering a play-based, cooperative program that fosters experiential learning and social development in Kingston, Ontario. Our dedicated team of certified educators, including Director Lois Andrews, creates a nurturing environment where children aged 18 months to 5 years thrive through sensory exploration, constructive play, and intergenerational activities with local seniors. As a parent-run cooperative, we emphasize family involvement, with parents actively participating in classroom activities and school governance.Our curriculum aligns with Ontario's full-day kindergarten framework, prioritizing independent thinking, self-help skills, and respect for others. Licensed by the Ministry of Education, we maintain rigorous standards while offering flexible scheduling options and extended hours to accommodate family needs. Our commitment to transparency, community engagement, and child-centered learning has made us a cornerstone of early education in the region for over five decades.
Services
Toddler Program
Preschool Program
Play-Based Learning
Cooperative Parent Involvement
Intergenerational Activities
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- We emphasize learning social skills through cooperative play and organized activities.
- Our program follows Ontario's full-day kindergarten curriculum principles.
- Intergenerational activities with Rideaucrest residents enrich learning experiences.
- Parents actively participate in the school community as partners.
- Experienced certified teachers prioritize child-centered development.
Associations and certifications
- Ministry of Education
What people say
Engaging play-based learning
Dedicated staff
Positive social environment
Services
Toddler Program
Our Toddler Program serves children aged 18 months to 2.5 years through structured play activities that develop motor skills and social interaction. Certified educators guide sensory exploration and pretend play while fostering independence in a safe environment. Parents participate in classroom activities to support learning continuity at home.
Preschool Program
Designed for 2.5- to 5-year-olds, this program builds literacy, fine motor skills, and cooperative play through art, music, and movement activities. Extended hours option includes lunch supervision, with curriculum aligned to Ontario's kindergarten framework for seamless school transition.
Intergenerational Activities
Students interact with Rideaucrest residents through gardening, reading, and seasonal events. These cross-generational experiences enhance empathy development and provide unique learning opportunities through shared storytelling and collaborative projects in a supervised setting.
Cooperative Parent Involvement
Parents contribute as classroom assistants and policy advisors, creating a collaborative educational environment. This model encourages consistent home-school communication and allows families to directly shape program development and special event planning.
Play-Based Learning
Our curriculum prioritizes hands-on discovery through structured and free play formats. Activities include craft stations, gym time, and circle discussions that develop cognitive skills while maintaining focus on emotional growth and peer relationships in age-appropriate settings.
People
Lois Andrews
Director and Pre-school Teacher
With over 20 years of early childhood education experience, Lois Andrews leads our preschool program using play-based methods proven to enhance social and cognitive development in young children.
Mary-Kate Christopher
Pre-school Teacher
Mary-Kate Christopher brings expertise in child psychology to our classroom, specializing in creating inclusive play environments that support diverse learning styles and developmental needs.
Jessie Smith
Toddler Teacher
Jessie Smith focuses on sensory development for toddlers, designing age-appropriate activities that build foundational skills through structured play and gentle guidance techniques.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We accept children aged 18 months to 2.5 years in our Toddler Program and 2.5 to 5 years in our Preschool Program.
How does the cooperative model work?
Parents actively participate in classroom activities and school governance, contributing ideas and skills to enhance our program and community engagement.
What curriculum framework do you follow?
Our play-based approach aligns with Ontario's full-day kindergarten curriculum, emphasizing natural curiosity and experiential learning in a nurturing environment.
Are there extended care options?
Yes, we offer extended hours from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm for preschool children, including lunch supervision with required parent-provided meals.
How do you involve the broader community?
Our intergenerational program partners with Rideaucrest residents for reading sessions, gardening projects, and seasonal activities that benefit both children and seniors.