If you are looking to raise your child with a deep sense of community and responsibility, your family belongs at Vallejo Parent Nursery School. I can't imagine a better environment in Vallejo or any place else.
When I brought my 8 year old to VPNS for the first time in 2011, they gave him the opportunity to experience a day in the life of their students, treated us like family and had answers to every question I could throw at them. At the time, I was trying to find the right fit for a non-verbal ball of pure, uncontrollable energy. They were not deterred and made every concession possible to accommodate my child. He spent 3 months at VPNS before the director, Joanne Souvercase, sat me down to discuss his development. I knew that he was delayed in his communicative language, but without a diagnosis VCUSD wouldn't take my calls about speech or occupational therapy. Joanne, along with Celeste Neumann, the most amazing teacher I have ever met, contacted the school district on my behalf and advocated for my son far beyond their personal duty. Because of their guidance, I was able to have my son diagnosed (with Autism) and enrolled in the VCUSD special education program. Celeste encouraged me every step of the way, offering advice when asked, support through my discouragement and praise at each of my many wins.
Three years later, when the time came to enroll my younger son, I knew that VPNS was the only option worth considering. He entered Celeste's classroom at 2 years 9 months old and was as nervous as any toddler who had never left Mommy before. Though Celeste expertly handled the separation anxiety (of both mother AND son), I was extremely thankful that I was allowed to be in the classroom as often as I wanted, not just on my assigned work days. He started going 2 days a week and we increased to three days that first year. The following year, he felt like a pro. He return to Teacher Celeste a confident preschooler with friends throughout the school. We started him attending three days a week, then increased to five and finally settled on four days. I would never have been able to afford that much instruction as a stay-at-home mom if I hadn't been so involved. I was in the classroom once a week as the room mom, and watching my son bloom was one of the most fulfilling times of my life. The school became our second home and we came to learn that many of the families had multiple generations of alumni. My son returned for a third year and had Teacher Candi who prepared him for the parts of kindergarten that many people don't think about. He learned to count and write, stand in line, wash his hands and follow many step directions... but most importantly, he learned social and emotional skills that are lacking in society these days. At VPNS, my son learned to seek out the lonely kids and make them feel better. He learned what it feels like to grow up in a village of loving, involved, educated people who want nothing but the best for each other and will work hard to make that happen. Because of Teacher Candi, my son started kindergarten without a look back to see if I'd stay. He knew that he was ready without a shadow of a doubt. Because of VPNS and their play based learning model, my son LOVES school.
I can't possibly recommend Vallejo Parent Nursery School any higher. read more
