Nursery Schools

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 117, 12 February 1944, Page 6

Nursery Schools

Sir, —As some confusion seems to exist in the minds of many people as to the difference between a day nursery arid a nursery school, we should be glad if you will publish the following explanation, which we are sure a great many of your readers will appreciate. The terms “nursery school’’ and “day nursery" are not synonymous as many people believe A day nursery is a place which caters for babies, and young children generally under school age. The attendance at a day nursery may be for a short period, sueh as a day or a few days; or a long period, according to the requirements of mother and child. Day nurseries are usually staffed by a matron and helpers. The matron, chosen because of her interest in and experience with children (nursing experience is considered an advantage), does not necessarily hold specific certificates. While the children at the day nursery receive every care from the staff, many of thb educational facilities of the nursery school or kindergarten are lacking. A nursery school, on the other hand, is as the name indicates —a school for little children who are’at the “nursery” stage. Babies are not catered for. The children attend regularly—“casuals” are not provided for. The work of the nursery school is on a sound educational basis. The staff comprises certificated nursery school-kindergarten teachers who have had a specialized course of training for the work. The term nursery school probably grew out of the need for “riuture" and “education”—both necessary when children of the toddler stage are provided for during several hours a day—We are, etc., CATHERINE W. DOCTOR, President. ENID T. WILSON, Principal, Wellington Free Kindergarten Association. February 8.