Frequently Asked Questions
We couldn’t begin to tell you all of the wonderful things one might want to know about ACNS on just one page, but here are some questions that are most often asked of us. When you come in for your orientation, we will happily answer all of your questions!
1-What are the qualifications of your Educators?
All of our 13 teachers are DOEEC (Dept. of Early Education and Care) qualified and meet the NAEYC lead teacher and teacher standards. All of our lead teachers and most of our assistants have strong backgrounds in Education and each of our staff members stays current with 18 – 20 hours a year of early childhood workshops outside of school. We all have First Aid certification and most of us take a CPR recertification course annually. Many of our teachers have taught at Auburndale Community Nursery School for well over 10 years; the majority of us have been here at ACNS 15 years or longer! Our staff is exceptional; they are what make ACNS the best nursery school in Newton! Our staff is exceptional; they are what make ACNS the best nursery school in Newton!
2-When and how do I register for your program?
We begin giving orientation tours in early October for enrollment for the following September. We give the tours almost every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:15; you must call for an appointment. You will be shown the different classrooms and you will receive a packet of information that includes a registration form. Returning this form with a $40.00 non-refundable fee will hold a spot for your child. In mid-January, we will send out Parent Agreements to everyone who has given us a registration form. These are due back in mid-February; returning the contract with a $500.00 non-refundable deposit (which is deducted from your tuition) guarantees your child a spot at ACNS the following September.
3-How flexible is your daycare/childcare?
Daycare is available to the children every weekday morning and from the hours of 12-6 PM; there is no pre-registration required. If you need to drop your child off early, simply bring them into the Big Room (or outdoors, weather permitting). Whether you drop off early or at 9:00, let us know what time you will be picking up that day. If your child will be staying for lunch, be sure to bring a lunchbox. If your child will be staying for rest (1:30 – 2:30) it’s a good idea to have them bring a blanket and stuffed animal to lie down with. Every two weeks you will receive a bill for the daycare your child used; we bill by the hour so if you picked your child up at 2:30, for instance, you will be billed for 3 hours (12:00 to 3:00).
4-How diverse is your program?
ACNS families live in Newton, Watertown, Needham, Waltham, Wellesley, and Brighton; many of our families are here from other countries. We are committed to diversity in the program and welcome all of our families to share their customs and traditions with their child’s class.