belmont cooperative nursery school

421 Common Street
Belmont, Massachusetts 02478
617-489-3259
philosophyprogramsstafffacilityhow to applyfor bcns parents
 
 

Staff

Our director and teachers are devoted, creative, nurturing individuals whose enthusiastic and supportive approach and belief in freedom within limits helps children develop self-esteem and respect for others. Two certified and experienced teachers lead each class. The teachers are assisted each day by 2 parent-helpers.

Parent conferences are held mid-year but can be requested at any time. Communication between parents and teachers is always welcome and encouraged.

Director
Lead Teacher, 4-Day class

Caroline Christie is in her first year as director at BCNS and is also the co-teacher of our 4 day class. She comes to us with a background in early childhood education as well as social work. Her undergraduate degree is in Sociology and included several independent studies of the Reggio Emilia approach to education. Caroline’s graduate work in Clinical Mental Health Counseling was focused on attachment theory.

 

Co-Teacher, 4-Day class
Assistant Teacher 3-Day class

Jaclyn Schelzi is the 4-day co-teacher and 3-day assistant teacher. She attended Saint Anselm College and received her Bachelor's in Sociology and her Master's in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University. Jaclyn begin as a volunteer at BCNS, where she completed her early field work for her masters, and then worked as a substitute teacher. She is excited to be a part of the Belmont Coop staff! 

 

Lead Teacher, 3-Day class

Charlotte RoseCharlotte Rose is a life-long resident of the Belmont-Watertown area. She attended
Lasell College, earning a degree in accounting. She now lives in Watertown with her husband, Michael, and their two children, Evan and Melissa, both graduates of Belmont Co-op! During her four years as a parent at Belmont Co-op, Charlotte had
the opportunity to serve on the board of directors for three years, as president, vice-president and secretary. She was hired as a 3-Day Teacher in 2004 after earning her early childhood teaching certificate. In her free time, Charlotte enjoys spending time
with her family, cooking, gardening, rubber stamping and doing crafts.

 

Lead Teacher, 2-Day class

Kate SaccaKate Sacca, lead teacher of the 2-Day class, is a life-long resident of Belmont. She came to the Belmont Coop as a parent and a year later was hired as a Lead Teacher. Kate has her masters in early childhood education and special education from Wheelock College. Previously, Kate worked in the Belmont Public Schools.

 

Co-Teacher, 2-Day class

Jan ToscanoJan Toscano has taught preschool for nearly two decades. She started her teaching career at the Beth El Temple in Belmont (now known as the Children's Corner). Later she taught at the Payson Park Nursery School in Belmont before coming to Belmont Co-op in 2003. Since 1990, Jan has also been working in the Kindergarten Extended Day and After School Care programs offered by Belmont's Burbank School. Countless Brownies and Girl Scouts have known her as their troop leader, and Jan also finds time to act as a CCD teacher. She and her husband William live in Belmont, where they have raised four children and now enjoy being the grandparents of four. In her free time, Jan loves to spend time with her family, visit Cape Cod beaches, and hole up with a great book.

 

 

Parent Involvement

Parents have a crucial role in the operation of the school. They assist teachers in the classroom approximately once a month. They also participate in the school's fundraising events and indoor/outdoor morning cleanups.

In addition, one parent from each family is required to serve as a committee chair or member.

Executive Board Members:

President
2-Day Vice President
3-Day Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer

Committees:

Admissions
Fundraising
Future Planning
Hospitality
Indoor Maintenance
Outdoor Maintenance
Publicity

Parent Jobs:

Attorney Advisor
Health Care Coordinator 
Purchasing
Special Events Coordinator
Webmaster/Newsletter Editor

The board of directors, the director, and teachers meet monthly. All parents are invited to attend any board meeting, and are urged to attend at least one board meeting a year.