Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cooperative?   top

In general, it's a parent-run school. The Board of Directors is comprised of parent volunteers, and is elected each year. This group runs the school operations with the help of committees. Each parent in the school is asked to serve on a committee and carry out a housekeeping task. And most importantly, each parent assists in his/her child's classroom a number of times each year. Our experienced teachers, coordinator and treasurer are degreed, skilled individuals (hired by the Board of Directors and under the approval of the First Presbyterian Church).

What are classes like?  top

We have three classes of 3-year-olds & three classes of 4-year-olds. Each class has a maximum of 16 children, and the ratio of children to adults is no more than 4:1.

Are there any "special" classes offered? top

Yes, PCNS offers an elective music class.

What are admission requirements? top

• A child must be 3 but not 4, or 4 but not 5 by December 1 of the year in which the child is to be enrolled for each respective class.

• All immunizations required by New York State law must be current. A health form from the child's doctor providing proof of immunization is required by the first day of school.

• Children are expected to be toilet trained by the first day of school. It is recognized, however, that toilet training is an ongoing process and that accidents may happen from time to time.

Is babysitting available? top

Yes, babysitting is available for parents who are assisting in the classroom. However, this service is NOT included in the tuition. Costs for babysitting are as follows:

What should I know about tuition? top

The nursery school is a non-profit, self-supporting organization. Expenses are fixed for the entire year; therefore, enrollment in all programs is for the entire year. Tuition payments are payable in three installments due June 1, September 1, and February 1. Of course, a student entering mid-year is charged fees pro-rated based on how much of the school year remains.

The tuition plans at PCNS allow parents to work in the classroom more and pay less, or vice versa.

In addition to the tuition, an activity fee is also charged to cover the expenses of field trips for the school year as follows: 3-year-olds $5.00; 4-year-olds $20.00.

Are scholarships available? top

Yes, the preschool has a scholarship program. Money from the Jacqueline LaBella Scholarship fund is available to children who otherwise could not attend due to unemployment, illness in the family or other hardship. Any parent needing assistance should contact the Chairperson. The confidential decision to offer scholarship money to a child's family is determined by the Chairperson, Registrar and Treasurer based on need and availability of funds.

Does PCNS do any fundraising? top

Yes. PCNS has yearly fundraising activities, but parent participation is purely optional.

What else should I know? top

As a cooperative nursery school we think it's important (and really nice) to have opportunities to get to know everyone in the school. As a result, we have a few "Special Events" to which everyone looks forward. In the Fall we have a Parent Get-Together at a cabin in one of the local parks complete with food, drink, music and prizes. For the entire family there's also a Holiday Breakfast, a Valentine's Day dance, a Carnival and of course the end-of-year trip to Seabreeze. It's not uncommon to be invited to a "Mom's Night Out" or other little impromptu get-togethers at PCNS either. We become a close-knit group and many a friendship extends long after our PCNS years are over.

Can I tour the facilities? top

Absolutely. In fact, a tour is strongly advised in order to get a better feel for our facilities, our teachers, and our classes. Take our virtual tour to get an idea of the school layout. You can arrange one by calling the school at 585 381-1390 or contacting the registrar via email.

How do I register? top

You can find registration forms both at the school in Microsoft Word document format (DOC). Acceptance to the school is on a first come, first served basis. However, preference is given to children of current Board members, children of committee chairpersons, returning students, families of alumni and children of members of the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford as long as they register between December 15 and December 31. Registration opens to the public on January 1.