The Brief ABCs - FAQs of DNS

What type of program do you offer?
We offer an intimate theme-based preschool experience for students in a combination of mixed-age and age-separated programs. This hybrid system allows us the benefits of a mixed-age setting where older students develop strong leadership skills and younger students learn from older peers. It also affords students the benefits of a developmentally separated program where older students explore a pre-k curriculum in depth and younger students are not rushed into academia too early.

Is your program licensed?
Yes, we are licensed as a child care center by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

How many students and what is the student to teacher ratio?
We are licensed for 24 students per day. There are four teachers. This is a 6:1 ratio.

How many days may my child come?
Students enroll for three, four or five mornings per week. First and second scheduling preferences are indicated at registration time and we try and accommodate as many families as possible.

What ages do you serve?
Children must be 2 years 9 months by the opening of school in September.
Students range from 2.9 to 5 years of age.

What are your hours?
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - Monday through Friday
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Lunch Bunch Program every day but Friday (with a minimum of five students).

Do you offer extended hours?
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Lunch Bunch Program every day but Friday (with a minimum of five students).

How do I visit the school and when should I visit?
Please contact the school at 508-785-0252 to schedule a time to visit the school. Visitors typically join us at 8:50 a.m. so that they can see a morning Circle Time and then be shown around the program. A visit typically lasts twenty minutes. Prospective parents and guardians visit the fall prior to their child’s school start date. That is, one year in advance of starting school. Visits are scheduled all fall without worry about registering early. Registration occurs in January. If we still have openings after January, visitors are welcome to tour the school.

How do I register?
Registration occurs in January for the upcoming school year. Registration materials are mailed to prospective parents/guardians who have visited the school. Current and past DNS families are given priority enrollment. Registration is done by lottery if needed.