Our Mission
We have been building young minds for over a decade!
Our Mission Statement
At Ross Cottage Nursery School , we are committed to providing a thoughtfully balanced approach to early childhood education. Our philosophy integrates the structure and routine essential for a child’s sense of safety with the freedom of guided and emergent play that nurtures imagination, curiosity, and independence.
Children thrive in an environment where they can predict the flow of their day while also being encouraged to explore, create, and take initiative. Our structured activities offer a consistent and secure framework, while our free-play opportunities—both topic-driven and child-led—support creative expression and cognitive growth.
The Zoila-Shaffer educational philosophy draws from key principles of Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and Montessori approaches. While we value aspects of each, we believe that no single philosophy entirely reflects the balance we seek. Our model incorporates what we consider the most effective elements of each, resulting in a unique, developmentally attuned methodology.
We intentionally cultivate a small, cooperative community within the group of children. Through mixed-age learning and shared responsibilities, children are taught to work together, support one another, and develop empathy and social awareness. Age-appropriate helping roles evolve as children grow, fostering a strong sense of contribution and belonging. Kindness, cooperation, and mutual respect are intentionally taught, modeled, and celebrated.
Through this integrated and intentional approach, Zoila-Shaffer aims to nurture confident, compassionate, and capable young learners who feel secure in themselves and connected to those around them.
We also want the children who attend Ross Cottage Nursery School to develop a love of learning and nature. And we didn’t forget good manners and learning about healthy foods to eat.
“Early experiences help to shape the architecture of the brain, which can impact both development and learning…Early interactions don’t just create a context; they directly affect the way the brain develops.”
— Rima Shore / Rethinking the Brain/New Insights into Early Development.
Every year RCNS does something special to help a child in need. Please inquire if you would like to join our pool to donate children’s clothing and supplies that you no longer need to make the life of a child a little easier. Thank you!