A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH  - GRACE METHODIST NURSERY SCHOOL

The doors to Grace Methodist Nursery School formally opened in September 1971 when Ann Fuel, the director of Christian Education at Grace United Methodist Church saw a need for an early childhood program in the community. The school accepted children without regard to the religious affiliation. Initially the school had three classes, each containing about twelve to fifteen children. There were two, three-year-old classes and a mixed class of three and four year-old children. The original faculty included Mary Mayer, Vi Keller, Harriet Cassidy, Peg Renna and Kari Anderson. Eventually teacher Harriet Cassidy became the director and remained in that position until her retirement in 1996. Presently, Grace Methodist Nursery School has over 200 children enrolled in a variety of different programs. There is a “Just You and Me” program for children who are between the ages of eighteen months of age and nursery school age and an adult. There are two, three, and five day programs. Mrs. Diana Panzarino has been the director of GMNS since 1996

THE FACULTY

• Director: The director of Grace Methodist Nursery School possesses a BA and MA in Early Childhood Education from Hofstra University, holds an N-6 New York State Teaching Certificate, has over 20 years of experience in education and holds an Early Childhood Program Management Certificate from the Child Care Council of Nassau County. 

• Secretary: The secretary possesses a high school diploma plus has bookkeeping, payroll, childcare and management experience.

• Teachers:   The teachers at GMNS are New York State Certified

• Assistant Teachers:  The assistant teachers have at least a high school diploma plus many years experience working with preschool children. 

CLASSES

• Each class at Grace Methodist Nursery School has a certified teacher and a trained, experienced assistant teacher.
• Morning and afternoon classes are available.
• Four-Years-old classes may have eighteen children
• Three-Years-old classes may have sixteen children
•  Children will be accepted into our nursery school classes if their third or fourth birthday falls on or before December first of the current school year.
• Children will be accepted into our two-year-old separation program if there are 2 1/2 years of age on or before September 1^st of the current school year.