When the childcare center attended by the children of Margo Rice and Joann Bosak closed, they decided to start their own nursery school. Margo was a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in education, and Joann was an experience cosmetology instructor. They founded Play and Learn Nursery School in 1971 within the Dover Congregational Church at 2239 Dover Center Road in Westlake. In 1973, they were joined by Jane Rodgers who holds a Masters Degree in education and was previously working for the Westlake School District. We met with Margo, Joann, and Jane recently, and listened as they provided this overview of Play and Learn Nursery School's offerings;
Play and Learn Nursery School is a non-denominational preschool for children ages 2½ through 5 years of age. We are fully licensed by the Ohio Department of Human Services, and staffed by licensed, experience teachers, including the original owners. Although the State of Ohio requires a teacher to student ratio of one to fifteen, our student-teacher ratio is one to seven or eight enabling the children to enjoy the quality attention and care they need to develop socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically. We are recommended by several local Boards of Education, in addition many pediatricians in the area.
The philosophy of Play and Learn Nursery School is to provide the best possible environment for fostering self-esteem, social awareness and adjustment, inter-personal relationships, self-discipline, and a feeling of security. By providing a loving, fun-filled, stimulating environment, our children blossom into confident, capable individuals. We take each child as they are, and strive to enhance their special qualities. Our teachers thoroughly enjoy working with children, and possess the training and experience needed to support individual child development.
We offer five age groups at Play and Learn Nursery School, each with its own specific teachers, goals, and schedules. We operate similar to an elementary school, only with far younger students. Each class has a specific curriculum designed for that class alone. Areas of emphasis are language arts, math, health and safety, science, music, and etiquette. Each classroom is equipped with its own books, puzzles, and play equipment. Lessons are presented in a fun, game-like atmosphere with plenty of time for individual participation.
Our students come not only from Westlake, but from Avon, Avon Lake, Bay Village, North Olmsted, Rocky River, and Lakewood, as well. Many of our students continue their education in the local Bay Village and Westlake public and parochial schools. We recently assisted with the Westlake High School Salute to Excellence, and were proud to see so many of our former students recognized as top scholars. The love of learning they developed at Play and Learn Nursery School has continued to benefit them as they pursue their education.
Play and Learn Nursery School is known for its festive outlook. Time has proven that learning is most effective when it is fun. Among our better known special events are Muffins with Mom Day, Doughnuts with Dad Day, our Halloween party, the Indian-Pilgrim Feast, Santa's Visit, Valentine Party, Easter Party, and our Sunny Day Picnic. Our spectacular Christmas Program and Graduation Program highlight the year, and are attended by alumni ranging from five to forty years of age.
We have been told by many parents that other schools have copied our program, but they cannot copy the love, devotion, and enthusiasm our staff members hold for our students. Most of our teachers have been here a very long time, and we have a waiting listing of people wanting become part of our staff. When people tour our school, they immediately sense our unique atmosphere, and that the children are having a good time and enjoying each other's company while developing a love for learning.
Play and Learn Nursery School knows that learning is most effective when it is fun! Call Play and Learn Nursery School today, and don't forget to tell them Avon Lake Business & Living sent you!
