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Wonder
Awhile Nursery School is a child’s world, offering meaningful educational
experiences suited to the maturity level and physical development of
our students. Because playing is the child’s natural way of learning,
(it is his work), a good nursery school creates a challenging environment
and activities geared to the physical, mental, and social development
of young children. This is recognized by those deeply concerned about
early childhood education to be the best preparation for the years ahead.
WANS HISTORY
I am pleased to be asked to pen a message about Winthrop United Methodist
Church (WUMC) and Wonder Awhile Nursery School (WANS) because I had
the privilege in 1964 of being the co-founder. The idea of starting
WANS was born in a study-prayer-sharing group out of concerns for the
need of a ministry for young children and their families in the Winthrop
area. At that time there was no nursery school closer than Augusta,
and that wasn't well planned for preschooler's developmental needs.
The dream quickly spread and became reality. WANS has provided an important
step on the road of lifelong learning. It has been our mission to honor,
support and educate both young children and their families. I was proud
of WANS then and it has done nothing but improve over the years. Our
high standards were set long before nursery schools were required to
be licensed. In fact we became a model from which statewide standards
began to be developed! ~ Priscilla Small
WANS AND WUMC
Because Wonder Awhile is a mission of outreach to the Winthrop area,
the church provides their space without cost. In return, WANS makes
a donation to the church of 5% of tuition income to help with utilities.
WANS pays their Director and teachers' salaries, provides their own
janitorial service, pays for their supplies and equipment, and often
helps with major maintenance needs. WANS' Parent Board of Directors
plans fund raisers and works tirelessly with other parents to earn money
for scholarship funds and to keep tuition low. (Scholarships of 1\2
tuition are given to children of families who fall under WIC guidelines).
One large piece of equipment parents have raised money for is the Cedar
Works playground set which both church and nursery school children love.
It provides great exercise and large muscle development as well as creative
play and just plain fun. WUMC provides liaisons who serve on the WANS
Board and report to Church Council to keep parishioners up-to-date on
nursery school affairs.
Come and visit. You will be glad you did! ~ Priscilla Small
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Winthrop, Maine
