Dover Nursery School Staff
Preschoolers bring a smile to our faces! They are curious, open-minded and creative. As a result, teachable moments are frequent and rewarding. We work well as a team and it is delightful to work with students at DNS.
At maximum enrollment, student to staff ratio is six to one although some days enjoy even smaller ratios. Four state certified educators are available each day for twenty-four students split into two classrooms. Parents appreciate the consistency and experience of our staff. In addition, the teachers are certified in CPR annually and in Pediatric First Aid every two years. Ongoing professional development in early education is required of each educator through workshops, lectures, conferences and continuing education courses.
Shelley Poulsen is the director, owner and a teacher in the classroom at Dover Nursery School. She began advocating for children many years ago as a social worker and as a school committee member in Dover. After her children left the preschool, Shelley began teaching at DNS because she missed its magic. In 2004, she was given the opportunity to become the school’s fourth owner and she is grateful to her students, families, and her teachers for this wonderful school.
Lorraine Keith is a lead teacher for the Bears (pre-K) group and she has a lengthy professional history of collaborative teaching and creative curriculum. She has inexhaustible patience with children and enjoys creating a unique classroom with each new group of students.
Christine Heer is the teacher for the younger group of students called the Tigers (3’s). She has extensive preschool experience in a variety of philosophical styles and delights in permitting learning to unfold for each child on many levels. Christine brings her love of nature and seasons into the classroom along with her nurturing and friendly personality.