Hastings Ranch Nursery School, Pasadena

Learning to live together with differences perceived positively is our cooperative philosophy; building self-esteem through mastery of skills in all areas of development is our goal. We believe everyone is special, everyone is unique, and everyone is loved. HRNS strives to nurture the whole family by providing support, partnership, and resources that enable parents to meet the challenges of parenting. Parents at HRNS are committed to the education and socialization of their children and are eager to get involved. They provide snacks, share talents, pass on family tradition, and take an active role in their children's learning when they work in the classroom. Our parents are valued for their dedication to quality education and their understanding of the uniqueness of each child. Our school thrives because of the partnership with parents.

“Learning to live together” with differences perceived positively is our cooperative philosophy and building self-esteem through mastery of skills in all areas of development is our goal. We believe everyone is special, everyone is unique, and everyone is loved. Research indicates that young children learn best using their senses to explore concrete experiences and that they need many opportunities to initiate learning on their own and need periods of choice alternating with periods of guidance. The daily routine is simple but consistent because we know children feel more secure when there is order in their lives. Group times, self-directed play, and quiet times are part of the curriculum. Classes are small with children in multi-aged groups. The adult/child ratio is low and the facility is secure, spacious, and exciting. Children have time and space to learn and to grow. Children leave HRNS eager to learn and excited about school. HRNS strives to nurture the whole family by providing support, partnership, and resources that enable parents to meet the challenges of parenting. Parents at HRNS are committed to the education and socialization of their children and are willing to spend the time and energy to be involved. They provide a variety of snacks, share talents and family traditions, and take an active role in their children's learning when they work in the classroom. Our parents are valued for their dedication to quality education and their understanding of the uniqueness of each child.

HRNS's curriculum is based on developmental theory and is carefully planned by the teachers. It is implemented with the belief that play is a child's work. Play is the natural mode of learning for your child, who is learning at all times. Children move through sequential stages of development in four interrelated areas: Physical (gross and fine motor) Social (peer interaction, social skills and awareness) Emotional (self-esteem, awareness and recognitions of feelings, healthy balance) Cognitive (comprehension, language development, problem solving and skill acquisition) We place equal importance on all major areas of development. Through careful observation of play, teachers are able to assess development and add challenges as needed to further individual growth. Children develop feelings of competency and motivation for learning when provided opportunities for play and individual choice. Learning occurs when the child is actively involved with the materials of the environment: sensory experiences. Therefore the staff provides “hands-on” activities in creative art, music, science, math, literature, movement, and dramatic play. The Classroom is arranged to provide ample choices for children and to encourage independent thinking, and a gentle unfolding of abilities and age-appropriate mastery of skills The teacher's role is to facilitate and enrich this learning process. Art of many kinds is available to the children daily, from the simplest crayon and paper drawings to carpentry and multi-technique projects such as finger-painting and collage. Our philosophy is that the process is important, not the product, so adults are asked to please refrain from giving advice or help on art creations. Let the children use the variety of open-ended materials as they choose, as long as they are safe and respectful of their “neighbors” and the school property.