First Parish Nursery School
24 Central Street, Berlin, MA 01503
978-838-1215
Mission Statement 
Statement of Purpose Staff Admissions/Registration
First Parish Church is licensed by the Office of Early Education and Care of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to operate First Parish Nursery School, which serves Berlin and surrounding communities.
The First Parish Church has maintained and supported the First Parish Nursery School, located in its' Children's Church, since the 1970's. It is our intention to provide a safe, warm and joyful environment in which the children of our extended community share in the wonderful experience of socialization and are offered a positive beginning on their journey towards being responsible and integrated members of the larger community.
The staff is dedicated to providing young children with an exciting and happy first experience with school and learning.
The philosophy of education is to provide a safe, loving, caring environment that fosters developmental growth in each child. The curriculum is not religious based. The program is child-centered and responds to the needs of the whole child ( e.g. physical, intellectual, emotional and social). Our goal is to provide a continuous learning experience within a group as each child creates and explores materials. Stories, poetry, music, creative movement, science, dramatic play and art are all part of the program.
Our program will combine exploration and discovery, opportunity for making choices, an atmosphere of order, predictability, mutual respect and trust, and interaction with people. These criteria are designed to support the healthy growth of a child's self-image. Parental involvement and volunteers are welcomed and appreciated.
We are particularly proud of our staff at First Parish Nursery School. Our team teaching staff approach insures that your child will receive the quality professional care and creative interaction that has always distinguished this program.
The staff members both have Early Childhood Education degrees and/or certificates and are certified by E.E.C.
A comprehensive handbook of all of our E.E.C. approved policies and procedures will be provided to all registered families.
Parents seeking additional information about the program or those wishing to observe during the school year should call the Nursery School at 978-838-0031 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM
First Parish Nursery School is a non-profit and nondiscriminatory organization. We do not discriminate in providing services to children and their families on the basis of race, religion, cultural differences, political beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation or disabilities.
Children must be at least 3 years old by September 1st of the year that they enter school.
Two preschool programs are offered from early September through early June. Vacation weeks follow the Berlin Public School calendar.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday*: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Must be 4 by September 1)
Tuesday and Thursday *: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Must be 3 by September 1)
*Optional Extended Day extends the program to 1:00 PM on Thursday or Friday on specified school days. This program has a minimum enrollment requirement and requires payment of an additional fee.
Registration forms for the following school year are available from the school beginning the second week of January. Returning students must re-register to hold a place for the following school year. The deadline for all applications is the first Monday in February for lottery for fall classes. Applications are accepted throughout the current school year on a continuous rolling basis for any remaining openings after the lottery is drawn in February.
A non-refundable registration fee must accompany applications. Current fees for the program are available by calling the school.
