40 Davidson Road, Piscataway, New Jersey

who we are

We believe the school shares with the home a responsibilty to nurture all aspects of a young child's development.

Children feel a sense of community with others in their lives by experiencing parents, children and teachers working together.

By creating a warm and accepting environment, our children develop trust in others and feel the freedom to become creative and independent learners.

What is a co-op?
We are a co-operative nursery school. Upon completion of the registration process, a family becomes a member of the Pine Grove Cooperative. Members are eligible to serve on the Pine Grove Board of Trustees, an elected body drawn from the general membership of the school. The members of the Board, along with the Director, represent the leadership of the school. The Director is in charge of the educational operations of the school. The membership, through the parent Board of Trustees, is in charge of the business administration of the school.

Board meetings are open to all members of the cooperative. Suggestions for change are brought to the general membership for discussion and a vote at one of the membership meetings that take place throughout the year.

Parent participation in the classroom is a vital part of the Pine Grove program. The spirit of cooperation and the involvement of parents in all aspects of the school give strength and vitality to the school. Children become aware of the giving and sharing of adults and incorporate this into their own lives. They find, in their classroom, many adults whom they can trust and from whom they receive support, encouragement and comfort. In addition, parents bring to the classroom their own unique personalities, interests and creative talents. This adds variety to the daily routine.

What is your educational philosophy?
Pine Grove was begun in 1957 by a group of families who wanted to be part of their children’s early education. The school was founded as a non-profit corporation, embracing new members without regard to race, color, creed, or political beliefs. It does not provide religious instruction or celebrate any religious holidays.

Pine Grove's philosophy is founded on the premise that the school shares with the home a responsibility to nurture all aspects of a young child's development. We believe that a child's sense of self-worth provides the strongest foundation for growth. We want children to feel a sense of community with others in their lives by experiencing parents, children and teachers working together. By creating a warm and accepting environment, we hope that our children will develop trust in others and feel the freedom to try out new ideas and actions.

We have planned a rich learning environment which gives a child many opportunities for social, emotional and physical growth. A skilled and sensitive staff encourages each child to develop his or her own potential in surroundings scaled to children's needs. Our children can explore and experiment creatively with old and new concepts and materials. Through interaction with other children and adults, they learn to get along with others, to express their feelings, and to consider the feelings of other people.

How do you handle matters of discipline?
Pine Grove's philosophy on discipline originates from its deep concern for, and dedication to, the well-being of young children. We are committed to providing a safe learning environment for all the children. We strive to teach children to verbalize what is bothering them, frustrating them, or angering them by using their words, not their fists. With this foundation, all children at Pine Grove are treated with respect and dignity.

Each child will be listened to and given attention when needed. No child will ever be called "bad." When behavior is displayed that is harmful to self, others, or property, the child will immediately be stopped. Time will be made available for the child and an adult to discuss the behavior and its consequences. Children are free to express their feelings, and those feelings are accepted as valid. No child will ever be isolated - alone or with another child - without an adult being present. Children will not be humiliated, degraded, or spoken to in condescending terms.

Discipline is provided, when needed, in a manner that enables the child to develop an inner discipline. We help children to learn to solve problems together, using words to settle conflicts.