About Us
Santa Clara Parents Nursery School (SCPNS) is a co-operative, parent participation play based nursery school. We are part of the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools and its Silicon Valley chapter, SCVC.
At SCPNS children learn through hands-on experience and active play. We foster children’s physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and creative development through play and parent support. Teachers and parents work closely together to create a community of support for children and families.
Every family shares in the planning and operation of the school. Parents assist the teachers by working in the classroom every week and perform jobs throughout the year to ensure the school runs properly.
We are a play based preschool with a rich, longstanding history and philosophy. Visit the National Institute for Play to find out what play has to do with learning!
Our History
Our nursery school was organized in 1956 and first used the facilities of Napredak Hall on Lawrence Road. In April 1957, the school moved to Bethany Lutheran Church in Santa Clara. We moved to our present building in April 1958; however, at that time the building was located at 385 North Monroe Street. The building was moved to its present site at 471 North Monroe Street in the Fall of 1960. In Spring 1973, the Santa Clara Unified School District granted the nursery school an additional 30 feet along the south side of the play yard, and in 1985 we were granted an additional 15 feet. This added space was landscaped to provide an open area for the children’s play.
We have a license agreement with the Santa Clara Unified School District for the use of the property. It stipulates that the nursery school is responsible for the maintenance of the building and its grounds.
Our nursery school was sponsored by the Santa Clara High School District until the 1965-66 school year. At that time we came under the auspices of the newly reorganized San Jose Metropolitan Adult Education Program (MAEP). During the Summer of 1967, the nursery school chose to withdraw the day program from MAEP.
For many years the school was affiliated, in part, with Santa Clara Adult Education (SCAE). Due to budget cuts in the spring of 2009 the school is now on its own as a non-profit, non-discriminatory nursery school licensed by the State Department of Health and functioning under its rules and standards.
Our Philosophy
Play is the cornerstone of learning during early childhood. Our play-based philosophy recognizes the innate curiosity and imagination of children, allowing them to explore and discover the world around them at their own pace. Through play, children develop essential cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills.
We celebrate the beauty of parent involvement in early childhood education. We believe that parents play an integral role in their child’s growth and development. Our program provides the opportunity to engage with your child’s learning journey firsthand through classroom activities and volunteering, allowing you to build a strong connection with them and our vibrant preschool community.
Our Approach
🎨 Play-Based CurriculumWe believe in the power of play. Our approach nurtures children’s curiosity, allowing them to explore and learn at their own pace. Hands-on activities, creative play, and interactive experiences help build cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Lessons align with age-appropriate milestones and interests.
⏳ Structured Yet Flexible LearningWe provide a daily routine while allowing flexibility so children can follow their interests. This balance fosters a lifelong love of learning.
🤝 Social GrowthOur mixed-age setting encourages cooperation, empathy, and leadership as children learn from and support each other.
🌿 Engaging EnvironmentOur indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to spark curiosity and imagination, offering rich opportunities for exploration.