The Pre-Nursery class starts the year with a Phase-In Schedule. A Phase-In Schedule is a gentle introduction to school, typically done with young children, many of whom are experiencing school for the first time. Children begin the school year with shortened daily schedules that gradually build up to the full-day experience. Shortened increments of time allow children to acclimate to their new environment, familiarize themselves with rules and expectations, get to know the classroom materials and the physical space (cubbies, bathroom location, etc.), and learn how things work within the classroom, all while building trusting relationships with new teachers. Each Phase-In Day will consist of following the class’s daily schedule and will end with a closing meeting.
Pre-Nursery Phase-In Schedule Details
1. Half Groups & Short Days (Tuesday, September 2 & Wednesday, September 3)
To ensure a smooth transition, students will be divided into two groups:
- Group A: Students with first names starting with A–K
- Group B: Students with first names starting with L–S
Tuesday, September 2 (With Parent/Guardian)
- Group A: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
- Group B: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Each child attends with a parent/guardian for added comfort.
Wednesday, September 3 (Without Parent/Guardian)
- Group A: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Group B: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Extended day options until 3:25 p.m. are available if parents cannot pick up their child at 10:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. Complete the Pre-Nursery phase-in/extended daycare form by Friday, August 29, to confirm the phase-in schedule or request extended hours.
2. Full Class Short Days (Thursday, September 4 to Wednesday, September 10)
Thursday, September 4 & Friday, September 5
- All Pre-Nursery students attend school from 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Monday, September 8 & Tuesday, September 9
- Students stay for lunch and finish at 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 10
- Students stay for rest time and finish at 2:00 p.m.
Extended day options until 3:25 p.m. are available if parents cannot pick up their child at 11:00 a.m, 12:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. Complete the Pre-Nursery phase-in/extended daycare form by Friday, August 29, to confirm the phase-in schedule or request extended hours.
3. First Full Day of School (Thursday, September 11)
- The full school day is Thursday, September 11, and it runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.
- If you have another child in the Maternelle building, please pick up your Pre-Nursery child first before collecting older siblings.
- An informal Pre-Nursery family goûter/snack is planned to celebrate the first full day of school, on Thursday, September 11 at 3:30 p.m. at Madison Square Park.
Daycare & Aftercare During Phase-In
While we encourage families to follow the phase-in schedule, we understand childcare arrangements can be challenging.
- Extended day options until 3:25 p.m. are available from September 2 to 10.
- Aftercare (until 5:00 p.m.) begins on Monday, September 8 for students registered in the After-School program
- During extended day and aftercare, children will enjoy free play, storytime, rest time, and movement activities.
Please complete the Pre-Nursery phase-in/extended daycare form by Friday, August 29, to confirm whether your child will follow the phase-in schedule or require extended day times.