CENTRAL NURSERY SCHOOL
111 West Wayne Ave. Wayne, PA 19087
Where Education and Play Go Hand-in-Hand
Welcome to Central Nursery School! We invite you to explore our website and learn more about what is important to us and to our preschool families. At Central Nursery School we recognize and understand that each and every child is a special and unique person whose rate of development, growth and maturation varies significantly. We believe that self-esteem is basic to all learning.
Important Annoucements
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The cns philosophy
Our philosophy is focused on goals to help the child discover a way of life rather than learning a given body of material. The curriculum will include those elements which will enable children to discover who they are and within limits appropriate to the developmental age, learn patterns of behavior that are socially acceptable to peers and adults.
Emphasis will be placed on self-development and discovery through process art, music, and dramatic play. Children will have the chance to learn more about their world through experiences with colors, shapes, numbers, foods, textures, stories, pets, plants, sand, and water to name a few.
We strive to maintain a relaxed, supportive atmosphere in which children can gain self-confidence and have a happy and successful introduction to the school experience.
Central Nursery School is an equal opportunity employer and care provider.
If you have any questions or are ready to schedule your tour, please call the CNS Office at 610-688-8563 today or email us at info@cnsinc.org.
Dynamic and Nurturing Environment
As a facilitator of learning, the teacher carefully plans the curriculum to provide a dynamic learning environment where the child learns through self-discovery in a loving and relaxed atmosphere. Individual interests, skills and needs are considered in curriculum planning. Many play experiences such as dramatic play, block building and the use of climbing apparatus encourage the development of social skills as well as large and small coordination.
Musically Active Learning
Daily activities with music help the child gain a concept of rhythm, individual interpretation and general appreciation. Auditory and verbal skills are developed through expressive language experiences. An atmosphere is set to encourage the child’s spontaneity and creativity in verbal expression.
Cooking Up Some Fun
Cooking experiences aid in the discovery of math, science and most importantly, socialization. Weights and measures, sorting and classifying involve the use of Unifix blocks, Cuisenaire rods, salt boxes, sand box, water play and playdough. The alphabet is presented through various activities, games or projects that are appropriate for the individual class.
Discovering Creatively Through Hands-On Art
Discovery through process art is a very integral part of our program. Experimentation with an extensive variety of art media helps the children gain confidence and pleasure in the process of doing and discovering for thereselves rather than completing a preconceived end product.
Keeping Things New and Children Excited
Activities vary from day to day with value also given to repetitive experiences. Every task has merit and may be interpreted differently by each child because of his or her level of discovery and maturity. Each class develops a sense of community within a caring/sharing environment. At all times, learning is taking place and is ongoing. Central Nursery School strives to provide an educational program which stimulates and promotes the full potential of each child.
There is no better way to acquaint yourself with the friendly, nurturing environment we offer than to schedule a visit and take a tour. We know you will find that our classrooms are not only bright and full of laughter but also align with our philosophy as our young children thrive each day.
Be sure to check out Our School page for more helpful information. If you have any questions or are ready to schedule your tour please call the CNS Office at 610-688-8563 today.
Kimochis
Kimochis creates a shared language between home and school to talk about emotions and help our young children learn how to identify what they feel inside, what may be underneath their behavior, and how to put into words what they need or want. Through short developmentally appropriate weekly or bi-weekly guided lessons using the Kimochi plushy animals and feeling pillows, children see that when “Bug” feels shy or “Cat” feels bossy, they understand that everyone has these feelings and learn how to express them in pro-social and healthy ways. Lessons focus on learning and practicing friendly tools, that all feelings are ok but all behaviors are not, and what to do when big feelings take over their bodies.
our school
Located in the heart of downtown Wayne, PA, Central Nursery School is dual licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as well as the Pennsylvania Department of Health & Human Services and is incorporated as a non-profit organization.
Our School was founded in 1963 by Central Baptist Church, affirming the unique worth of each child as an individual and in 1985 the School became a separate entity.
The church endorses and supports the School’s philosophy and programs as a service to the community. Our School is operated by a Board comprised of parents, staff, and community representatives who oversee a Management Team composed of the director and two teachers.
If you have any questions or are ready to schedule your tour, please call the CNS Office at 610-688-8563 today or email us at info@cnsinc.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Central Nursery School different from other preschools?
At Central Nursery School, we believe children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and excited to explore. Our play-based approach encourages creativity, social development, independence, and self-confidence through hands-on experiences, music, art, dramatic play, and meaningful interactions with classmates and teachers.
How does play-based learning prepare my child for kindergarten?
Play is an important part of how young children learn. Through building, storytelling, art, music, cooking, and group activities, children can develop language, early mathematical thinking, problem-solving, coordination, cooperation, and independence. Equally important is the development of social and emotional skills, which help children build positive relationships, interact appropriately with others, and become active, contributing members of their classroom and community. We aim to help each child develop the confidence, social-emotional awareness, and foundational skills needed for the next stage of learning.
How do your teachers support each child's individual needs?
We recognize that every child develops at a different pace. Our teachers plan developmentally appropriate experiences that consider children’s individual interests, skills, and needs while encouraging exploration, self-expression, and positive relationships.
What kinds of activities will my child enjoy at Central Nursery School?
Our programs include creative art, music, dramatic play, sensory exploration, stories, hands-on activities, and opportunities to interact with other children. Activities vary throughout the school year to keep learning engaging while giving children opportunities to practice and build on developing skills.
How do you help children develop social and emotional skills?
We encourage children to make friends, share, cooperate, express themselves, and understand their feelings. Our Kimochis activities provide age-appropriate opportunities to explore emotions and practice communicating needs in positive ways.
How can I learn whether Central Nursery School is right for my family?
We invite you to schedule a personal tour so you can experience our learning environment, learn about our programs, and ask questions about your child’s needs. Call us at 610-688-8563 or email info@cnsinc.org to arrange a visit.
Is Central Nursery School a full-day childcare center?
Our programs are designed primarily as school-year preschool sessions, with morning and selected afternoon options. Most classes run for approximately two and a half hours, while morning classes for four- and five-year-olds run for three hours. We encourage families who need extended-day care to discuss their schedules with us so they can determine whether our program is the right fit.
How do I know which program is appropriate for my child's age?
Our classes have specific age eligibility requirements, and some programs have additional readiness requirements. We can help you identify the options appropriate for your child’s age and developmental stage. Please contact our office to confirm the applicable cutoff dates and requirements for the school year you’re considering.
Why does Central Nursery School emphasize play instead of more formal academic instruction?
Young children develop important skills through active exploration and meaningful experiences. Our approach uses play, art, music, stories, and hands-on activities to encourage language, problem-solving, creativity, social skills, and early academic understanding. We focus on building a positive foundation for lifelong learning and kindergarten readiness.
How can I understand the full cost of enrollment before registering?
We want families to understand the financial commitment before making an enrollment decision. Tuition varies by program and schedule, and activity fees may apply. Please review our current enrollment information and contact the office if you would like help understanding the tuition, additional fees, payment dates, or available scholarship assistance.
What if the class schedule I want is not available?
Class availability can depend on the program and enrollment demand, particularly for certain afternoon options. Contact our office to discuss your preferred schedule and the available alternatives. We will help you understand which options may fit your family’s needs.
How can I stay informed about my child's learning and progress?
We value communication between families and teachers. We encourage parents to ask questions about classroom activities, their child’s development, and ways to support learning at home. If you have a concern or would like more information about your child’s experience, please contact the school so we can discuss it with you.
give your child a great start
central nursery school
111 W Wayne Ave. Wayne, PA 19087
phone: 610-688-8563
email: info@cnsinc.org
office hours
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

