Hidden behind the plain brick facade at 1321 E. Mifflin is a
secret garden, a playground with trees and prairie plants, play structures, a
tiny pond, and a shady deck. Tucked between two city streets, it's quiet and
unexpectedly serene. It's the Tenney Nursery and Parent Center, and it's much
more than you can see from the sidewalk.
The building, originally built as home to Vogel
Construction, contains three classrooms and a multi-purpose room with floor
mats and play equipment for tiny children. Each classroom is unique, with a
wide variety of furnishings, art supplies, and discovery materials. The
classroom I visited had an aquarium with tadpoles (rapidly becoming frogs) and
an enclosure with guinea pigs! When I entered, the lights were dimmed and children
were napping on the floor wrapped in blankets. Two finches chirped in a little
cage, making contented background sounds. The atmosphere was cozy and homelike,
yet at the same time purposeful and well organized.
All this comfort is carefully planned by Tenney Nursery's
trained and experienced teachers, whose credentials range from a 2-year
associate degree up to a master's in education. Because the socialization and
expressive skills gained in nursery school are the foundation for later
academic success, children receive plenty of stimulating classroom and outdoor
activities. Teachers are always available to parents to discuss children's
individual needs. Monthly field trips, visits from community resource people,
and parent help in the classroom enhance the TNPC experience. Since TNPC is a
parent cooperative, parents stay directly involved in their children's programs
and in the success of the preschool as a whole.
Begun in Lapham School by Tenney-Lapham neighborhood
residents in 1978, the preschool was at first located in Lapham School. In
1993, it moved three blocks to the current location. TNPC today is in a
state-of-the-art facility and is nationally accredited, city certified, state
licensed, and organized as non-profit organization. Recognizing that each
family is unique, the school has open enrollment and a flexible variety of
programs including half-day classes, a full day class, and separate groups for
younger and for older children. Toddler Time, which is a parent-child play
group, and Lunch Bunch, a noontime program planned around a meal and
storybooks, are also available. For more information call Jill at 255-3250.
-
Mary Pulliam
Return to
Fall 2003 Table of Contents