PORTLAND — The Children’s Nursery School will bring together family, friends and neighbors for their annual Community Parade in Deering Oaks Park on Thursday, May 22 at 10 a.m. All are welcome and encouraged to wear tie dye or colorful clothes as we celebrate spring and community spirit.
This year marks a milestone for CNS as it celebrates 50 years as a family-fueled cooperative preschool program in Portland. Founded in 1975 and originally located at the Williston-West Church in Portland’s West End, CNS has remained steadfast in its mission to cultivate a community-centered learning environment for young children that focuses on guided learning through play, art, inquiry and exploration. Since its founding, CNS has served over 500 families, who each year take on an integral role in supporting the preschool, including helping out in the classroom, recruiting new families, and balancing the budget.
Lead Teacher Resa Jones reflects, “This year is a particularly special one for CNS not only because we are turning 50 but because we have our first CNS alum, who attended over 30 years ago, now returning as a parent. We have also established monthly visits to see our friends at 75 State St., a senior living community around the corner from us, many of whom will be in attendance at the parade. What a joy it is to see the multi-generational impact of our program and to celebrate the cooperative spirit of community members supporting one another. Our annual parade is a special opportunity to gather and celebrate with families, friends and neighbors.”
The Children’s Nursery School is a state-licensed, NAEYC-accredited family-driven cooperative, offering a play-based preschool program and an emerging curriculum strongly focused on nature and community. Since 1975, CNS has enriched the lives of young people, their families, and community through its creative child-centered program and a rich tradition of community events like the Community Parade.
