Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Trusted Preschool Cooperative in Dorchester
Ashmont Nursery School has been nurturing young minds through collaborative learning since 1985. As a parent-led cooperative, we combine certified educators with active family participation to create a dynamic early childhood education environment. Our play-based curriculum fosters creativity, social development, and a lifelong love of learning in children aged 24 months to 5 years. Located in Dorchester, Massachusetts, we maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio and emphasize community values through monthly field trips and cultural celebrations.Our experienced staff holds certifications in early childhood education and first aid/CPR, ensuring both educational excellence and child safety. We operate a full-year program with flexible scheduling options, including extended care services, while maintaining our commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Through parent involvement in classroom activities and administrative tasks, we strengthen home-school connections and build lasting community relationships.
Services
Preschool Programs
Extended Care
Parent-Led Cooperative
Nut-Free Environment
Field Trips
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer a proven cooperative model combining certified teachers with parent involvement since 1985
- Our play-based curriculum fosters natural curiosity and social development
- Low student-to-teacher ratios ensure personalized attention
- Monthly field trips and cultural celebrations enrich learning experiences
- Nut-free facility with certified early childhood educators on staff
Associations and certifications
- Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
What people say
Thrilled school day
Passionate educators
Secure stimulating environment
Love learning
Supportive network
Services
Preschool Programs
Our play-based preschool programs serve children aged 24 months to 5 years with a curriculum emphasizing exploration and social development. Certified educators create thematic units incorporating literacy, math, and science through hands-on activities. The program prepares children for future academic success while maintaining a focus on emotional growth and creativity.
Extended Care
Flexible extended care options available from 3:00 PM to 5:15 PM daily. Includes supervised outdoor play, free time activities, and one-on-one engagement with staff. Designed to accommodate working families while maintaining our educational philosophy through structured after-hours learning opportunities.
Parent-Led Cooperative
Unique cooperative model requiring parent participation in classroom activities and administrative tasks. Strengthens home-school connections through monthly parent teaching days, committee memberships, and community events. Builds a supportive network of engaged families working together for children's development.
Field Trips
Monthly educational field trips that expand learning beyond the classroom. Age-appropriate excursions reinforce curriculum themes while introducing children to new environments and experiences. Trips include local parks, museums, and community centers to enhance cultural awareness and social development.
Nut-Free Environment
Strict nut-free policy ensures safety for children with allergies. Healthy snack program provided by the school, with guidelines for parent-packed lunches. Comprehensive safety measures maintained through staff training in allergy awareness and emergency response protocols.
People
Yolanda Speller
Teacher
Certified educator with extensive experience in early childhood development. Committed to creating engaging learning environments that foster creativity and social growth in young children.
Edna Speller
Teacher
Dedicated educator with decades of experience in early childhood education. Focuses on building strong relationships with students and families to support optimal development.
Questions
What age requirements must children meet?
Children must be at least 24 months old and not yet 5 years as of September 1.
How does parent involvement work?
Parents participate through monthly classroom assistance, committee memberships, and event planning as part of our cooperative model.
Are there extended care options?
Yes, we offer extended day care from 3:00 PM to 5:15 PM at $25/day.
What safety policies are in place?
We maintain a nut-free environment with certified staff trained in first aid and emergency response protocols.
How does enrollment work?
Complete an application, attend an open house, pay the application fee, and submit required documentation through our online system.
Is financial aid available?
Need-based financial aid is available on a limited basis through donor support and fundraising efforts.