Community Nursery School (CNS) is a half-day parent cooperative preschool located just off of Cornell University's North Campus, in the heart of Cayuga Heights, Ithaca, NY. We are a nonprofit, nonsectarian program and we are the only nursery school in the county that carry's a Day Care Center License through New York State's Office of Children and Family Services. CNS also partners with the Ithaca City School District to particpate in New York State's Universal Pre-K Program.

CNS welcomes children ages 3 to 5 years old. If you have younger children, please visit our sister program, The Nest @ CNS.

Community Nursery School balances structured and unstructured activities. Children have time for free play with activities and materials. They also participate in teacher-led activities, such as story time, signing, singing, small groups, and circle time. Project activities create a feeling of community and help children develop self-control, self-expression, and verbal and listening skills. Children also benefit from field trips. Monthly themes or topics related to science, social studies, holidays, and seasons are presented through crafts, music, cooking, stories, and hands-on exploration.

The program's uniqueness also lies in the coordinated efforts of the trained, experienced teaching staff and parents who assist in the classroom, guide class programs, and serve in administered positions. Parents whose children are enrolled at CNS have a unique opportunity to be an important part of their child's first school experience.

Important Facts
Our children have three wonderfully qualified teachers to learn from and play with every day. 

With help from our parents and college student volunteers, we almost always have a 1:5 ratio of adults to students. There is always plenty of time for cuddles, fun and learning. Our philosophy is "Learning through Play," and our goals are for each child to further develop their social, emotional, intellectual, and physical abilities in a nurturing and safe environment.

As a cooperative, our school offers parents a chance to be involved in their child’s early learning adventures. Spending some time in the classroom (no more than once a month) & helping out on a committee fosters a community environment and enhances our program.

CNS welcomes children ages 3 to 5 years old. If you have younger children then please visit our sister program, The Nest. We offer enrollment choices of two days, three days, or five days a week - from 9 am to 12 noon. For an additional fee, there is also an optional early drop off arrangement starting at 8:30am and a LunchBunch progam available from Noon - 1pm for those who wish to extend their child's day.

History
Community Nursery School (CNS) was founded by the City Federation of Women's Organizations of Ithaca in the 1940's. Originally housed in the Women's Community Building, the school relocated to the First Congregational Church in 1959.

In Fall 1997, Community Nursery School of Cayuga Heights, Inc., received its New York State Day Care License. In May 1998, CNS was accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - one of only two programs in Ithaca to be so honored. In May 1999, CNS was approved to participate in the New York State Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Program. We are proud of the high standard of our program and of the recognition it has received.