The Program
Philosophy
The privilege of working with young children is one of life’s most rewarding paths. It is never mundane nor dreary but always filled with the excitement of the moment or the possibilities that lie just ahead.
If there is one fact that we have realized over the course of the years, it is that early childhood education done right is an ongoing journey of discovery.
Okemos Nursery School (ONS) has been in a constant state of evolution since its inception in 1970. From 1976 onwards, "the real ONS" that we know and love now began its emergence under the nurturing care and brilliance of Renae Slaton. Now our Director Emeritus, Renae was fortunate to journey - twice - to Reggio Emilia, Italy and study the pedagogy of this insightful approach to early learning at its source. The sense of community, the importance of environmental aesthetics, and the “image of the child” as an inquisitive, creative, and competent individual speaks to us at our core to this day.
Our approach to early chidlhood education continues to develop organically, founded on what was learned in Reggio Emilia melded with elements of Montessori, Forest School, and Waldorf philosophies. We are dedicated to applying certified child-led practices in following, upholding, and extending children's play interests into deeper learning experiences. We notice, embrace, and honor the changes in nature as they happen around us. We prioritize community and seek out every opportunity for JOY! We are proud to have created a unique living, breathing approach to early childhood education that is in constant evolution. Some call it "the magic of ONS".
The Environment
Alongside the adults and peers in their community, the learning environment itself is often referred to as the "Third Teacher" in the Reggio Emilia approach to education. At ONS we believe this to be true. Our responsibility as co-creators of our childrens’ environment is to provide a space that is safe, welcoming, and beautiful. When these primary criteria are met, the children become free to create, to explore, to imagine. Individual potentials are awakened as the child begins to realize the limitlessness of their own possibilities.
At ONS ideas are supported and attempts are accepted, appreciated, and encouraged. We have found that all children thrive in such an atmosphere of acceptance. Children who realize that they are agents within their own lives carry this competency with them and continue to be confident and eager life-explorers.
The question in such an environment is often “Who are the teachers and who are the learners?” The answer? We all are both.
The Languages
The desire and ability of humans to express themselves reaches far beyond the spoken word, particularly so for young children. Academics are not presented as "subjects" at ONS, however we support the children in discovering that to successfully convey thoughts, feelings, and ideas, many different "languages" must be incorporated into their daily work... Mark making, painting, drawing, sculpting, verbal language, movement, photography, reading, and writing plus countless more. One of our primary intentions at ONS is to allow our children the freedom to discover the world on their own terms and at their own pace. Our daily rhythm is slowed such that the children are afforded the necessary time to see projects through. They are stimulated and enthralled by "invitations" and "provocations" that draw out natural curiosity and creativity, allowing their countless languages to blossom.
Specialty Programs
ONS also avails the children of specialty programs in traditional folk music, studio art, creative movement, nature discovery, and explorations in science. These experiences are presented by area professionals with expertise in each respective field.
We feel that the inclusion of these opportunities as part of our daily rhythm helps to provide our students with an extremely unique, exciting, and well-rounded preschool experience.
The child has a hundred languages (and a hundred hundred hundred more) ~Loris Malaguzzi
