Our Education Philosophy
The program provides an environment where children feel safe, secure, respected and recognized as individuals. A positive self-image affects each child’s ability to get along with others, to explore and to create. We find ways to help children feel good about themselves in all aspects of their learning. The nursery school space is set up with a variety of materials and activities from which children can choose. The materials in the room are stimulating, challenging and adaptable for children of varying developmental levels.
The children are offered a selection of activities each day. There is time for free play, small group activities, art, movement, dramatic play, story time, outdoor play, field trips, singing, reading, and snack. An important goal of Ashmont Nursery School is to draw upon the racial and cultural diversity of the families and our world to enrich all of the children, parents and staff.
Finally, the school believes that the relationship between the preschool aged child and their parents is the single most important part of their lives. It therefore asks that parents assist the teacher in the classroom on a regularly scheduled basis and help in the administration of the school as well.
ANS is a parent-led cooperative.
So...what is a parent-led cooperative nursery school?
It's a place where parents are involved in the everyday aspects of our school. One parent works at the school each day along with the certified teachers during the regular hours of the program. Parents are scheduled to be “teacher helpers” on a rotating basis which is approximately once per month, per family. In addition to teaching-helping, parents are also required to serve on a committee or take on a job that contributes to the running of the nursery school. These committees include Personnel, Admissions, Fundraising, Facilities, and others. For a full list, see the current ANS Family Handbook.
There are also several general meetings, a school maintenance work day, and one or more fund raising events in which all families participate. A parent board of directors, including an elected Executive Committee, work with the school’s Director to provide structure and guidance for the operation of the school.
Our Teachers
Edna Speller, Director
A native of Dorchester, Edna Speller has been a steady presence at ANS since 1997. She is the proud mother of Brandon and Yolanda, now adults. Edna has attended lead teacher classes at Wheelock College. Prior to working with young children, Edna was employed at Polaroid Corporation, but she is pleased to say that ANS has been her favorite place to work. Edna's interests include writing short stories, plays and gardening. She always looks forward to spending time with her large extended family here in the city. Edna always dreamed of working with young children. She finds her colleagues, the children and the entire ANS community to be this dream come-true!
Yolanda Speller
Yolanda was introduced into the ANS community back in 1997 when her mom Edna started here as a teacher. She says it has always been like a second family full of people who are excited to see you walk through the door. She was excited to have the opportunity to work here in the summers and after school program while she was in high school. Although she attended Lincoln Tech and Bay State College and got her degree in Criminal Justice, she says it's great to come back and be part of this wonderful community.