Overview
Welcome to the Preschool at Neighborhood Music School!
Established over twenty years ago, The Preschool at Neighborhood Music School offers children ages two through five a state-licensed, arts-based preschool and toddler program. Both full-day and half-day options provide a warm and loving environment that promotes creativity, individual expression, cognitive development, and community spirit. This supportive mixed-age approach is suited physically and developmentally to the needs of young children and offers social experiences with other children. Staff are trained and experienced in early childhood education and the curriculum includes a mix of free play and teacher-supported activities, both indoors and out. The school is uniquely situated within the main facility of the Neighborhood Music School and uses that proximity to its advantage. Students are exposed to all of the resources of the school and its community, including dance and music performances and events.
The goals of the Preschool at NMS are to:
- Provide a setting in which young children can learn to become members of a group as well as to develop an awareness of themselves as unique individuals
- Offer a variety of learning experiences that develop a child’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm for all areas of learning
- Create a foundation for future involvement in music, dance and art
- Provide parents with opportunities to interact and learn with their children through music and community-related activities
Our Philosophy
Our dedicated teachers create an environment that supports and respects each child's individual development. Through age appropriate activities, children learn to embrace art, music, dance and storytelling as important parts of their worlds and a means of individual expression. Encouraged to ask questions, to find answers, and to express their feelings, children safely explore the world around them. NMS is a community culture and parents are a particularly important part of the large family we create every year. Parents are welcome to participate in classroom activities and family events throughout the year.
Our Program
Play-based learning unfolds as teachers integrate curriculum concepts into natural free play interactions. Student : teacher ratios of 6:1 in The Preschool and 4:1 in the Toddler Program allow for supportive interactions and guidance from teachers. Every day, the classrooms are prepared with a variety of activities in all of our interest areas such as block-building, dramatic play, the writing center, science table and art corner. As the children explore and develop their own interests, our dedicated teachers introduce concepts related to literacy, science and mathematics. Through interactions with their mixed age peers, and with gentle guidance by teachers, children grow socially and emotionally.
Preschool Staff
The staff at the Preschool at NMS is a gifted group of experienced early childhood educators who respect and understand the unique needs of young children and who are dedicated to creating an inspiring environment that fosters creativity, curiosity and a passion for learning.
Christine Missakian, Director
203-624-5189 x 23 or cmissakian@neighborhoodmusicschool.org
Christine joined the NMS Preschool faculty in 2004 and after six years in the classroom, moved to the role of Director. Her more than 20 years experience in the field of child development and early childhood education includes positions such as head teacher at the Yeladim Childcare Center at the Jewish Community Center in Woodbridge, where she established and served as Program Coordinator for their half-day preschool, and teaching positions at Leila Day Nursery School.
Christine is a hands-on Director who not only supports and guides the teaching staff but interacts closely with the children and their parents as we all work together through these important early years of education and development.
Christine graduated from Central Michigan State University with a BS in Early Childhood Education and attended graduate school at Southern Connecticut State University. All three of her children have attended The Preschool at NMS.
Allyson Long, Assistant Director.
203-624-5189 or along@neighborhoodmusicschool.org
A graduate of Syracuse University, Allyson has been actively involved in a variety of roles at NMS for over 20 years. Both her daughters attended NMS, participating in numerous programs including private music lessons, orchestra, small ensembles and dance classes. Allyson herself studies bassoon and has also played in NMS ensembles. She served as the youth orchestra manager for three years, the Program Administrator for the Preschool for two years, and for ten years as Costume Designer for the Audubon Arts Summer Theatre Program. Allyson maintains the Preschool library and facilitates integrated interdisciplinary activities that enrich the Preschool curriculum.
Preschool Teachers (3s and 4s)
Julia Blue Raspe (Preschool Music Coordinator)
