Niskayuna Co-op Nursery School:
An Exceptional, Affordable Preschool
Where Great Minds Are Born
Registration for the 2025 - 2026 Preschool Year is NOW OPEN
For over six decades, Niskayuna Cooperative Nursery School (NCNS) has been a pillar of early childhood education, proudly serving families in Niskayuna, Schenectady, Albany counties, and beyond. Our affordable preschool model is rich in history and reflects our unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds in an uplifting nursery school community. Using a play-based learning model fosters a lifelong love of learning. Is your child turning 3 or 4 before December 31, 2025?
Claim your affordable preschool spot today!
"Our daughter attended this school from ages 2 1/2 to 5. It was an incredible experience....Her teacher was warm and nurturing and I am pretty sure our daughter thinks of her as another mother. I wish elementary school was just like this preschool, with play-based learning, lots of outdoor time, and socialization. "​ -Kathleen M Winnie.com
"We have attended with 2 of our children and they both absolutely loved the experience! A play based program that teaches our kids how to be amazing humans, and where every interaction is a learning experience.. highly recommended!" - Karen H. Yelp
A Community Preschool:
Building Bonds Beyond the Preschool Classroom
Our families find NCNS a great place to make friendships that span a lifetime. Our community-inspired affordable preschool cultivates a strong sense of unity among families, creating a network of support beyond the classroom.
Introduce your child to an inclusive school that values each member. Watch them thrive as you set a foundation for their education that inspires a deep love of the learning process.
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Our community preschool serves as the backdrop to social-emotional learning. Special attention is given to the emotional needs of students. Our respectful and charismatic teacher, Ms. Ober (more on her below), prides herself on helping the children feel safe, respected, and cared for.
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The NCNS Co-op Community Preschool Model
In a co-op community preschool, parents are not just spectators in their child's educational journey; they are ACTIVE participants, working with the teacher to run the preschool. Every family contributes to making up the magic that adds to the NCNS school culture, keeping it an affordable preschool rich in interpersonal experiences, steeped in meaningful connections.
This hands-on approach allows parents to witness their child's first steps into the world of learning. Parents foster a deeper understanding of their child's unique learning styles and preferences. It's a chance to be a part of your child's "a-ha" moments, sharing in the joy of discovery and celebrating their progress.
A Family Centered Approach:
A Front-Row Seat to Your Child's Learning
Our co-op community preschool offers parents a unique opportunity to participate in their child's first steps into the world of learning as a classroom helper.
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Parents also make up the NCNS community preschool board and committees. NCNS is a special, affordable preschool built by caring families with a spirit of teamwork, building a helpful foundation for their children.
An Affordable Preschool:
Making Early Education Accessible​
This affordable preschool model is an inexpensive preschool option compared to traditional private preschools or daycare centers.
With tuition as low as $180 - $300/month, NCNS is the affordable preschool option to make early childhood education available to everyone.
A Play-Based Curriculum:
Let Excitement Spark Curiosity
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The NCNS preschool classroom emphasizes a hands-on learning experience. Our affordable preschool is rooted in setting the stage for exploration through invitation. Children are encouraged to explore, experiment, and discover the preschool classroom and presented material at their own pace. Nurturing and guiding happen as children express interest in the designed environment and activities.
This approach creates a love of learning and helps children develop important skills such as problem-solving, creativity, gross and fine motor skills, and social interaction. Mathematics and English Language Arts are also hidden gems in lessons, helping children gain familiarity with these disciplines through consistent exposure and exploration.
"Our two kids attended the co-op and it was a wonderful experience for the whole family. The kids got a fun, loving environment in which to begin their school journey, and they have continued with plenty of academic success and intellectual curiosity. My husband and I met amazing families who share our values -- it's just a community that attracts open, kind, and conscientious people." -Katie B Yelp
NCNS Affordable Preschool Options
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$180/Month
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$220/Month
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$300/Month
"Each of our kids started their education here and it was the perfect way to introduce them to educational and social environments. The teacher is wonderful, the community is so supportive and I would recommend NCNS to anyone!" -Nicole H Google Reviews
Our Community Preschool Teacher
Nurturing Young Minds: Meet Pam Ober
Pam Ober is the kind of teacher who makes a community preschool a delight. With over two decades of experience, she's a seasoned pro who knows how to make learning fun and engaging for the preschoolers.
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Pam's passion for education started way back when she was in grad school. She began teaching preschool while living in New Hampshire. After 6 years of teaching preschool, she joined the Peace Corps and began teaching kids in Ecuador. During this 2-year service opportunity, she taught and trained preschool teachers. This experience gave her a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, but also fueled her love for inspiring young minds. ​​
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With her Master's in Education and Bachelor's in Early Childhood and English Literature, Pam taught for 10 years in Cambridge and Roxbury, MA, before moving to upstate New York. Here, she became an active parent at NCNS with two kids attending our community preschool. Drawn to the Co-op's parent-involved approach, its emphasis on play-based learning, and her passion for being involved in an affordable preschool option for all, she made the natural transition from parent to teacher.
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With a hands-on, creative, and socially-focused approach, Pam creates a classroom where kids feel like they can conquer anything. Her infectious enthusiasm and belief in each child's potential make learning an adventure they'll never forget and treasure for a lifetime.
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Got questions?
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Why Choose the Niskayuna Co-op Nursery School?
A Special Message From Our Community Preschool Parents
Are you overwhelmed by the search for a preschool program that aligns with your values, provides a high-quality education, and doesn't cost a small fortune?
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The parents of NCNS get it, we've been YOU. Choosing the right and affordable preschool for your child is a significant decision.
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We also understand pre-first-day jitters. Whether you're the parent or the preschooler, the first day of preschool comes with nerves and big first steps. We'll walk you through it, and Ms. Ober will make sure your child has everything they need to succeed. Sending you pictures every chance she gets on our Class Dojo app is also a top priority.
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As an experienced teacher, you can count on Ms. Ober to not only guide our young learners through a play-based curriculum but also be the trusted adult who makes sure they feel seen and heard all along the way. She's there to add kindle to their imaginations, foster creativity, and nurture self-confidence while they step into the joy of learning in a community-based, affordable preschool.
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in an educational setting that connects to their understanding and allows for individual choice all along the way.
NCNS stands out in our Niskayuna community as an affordable preschool that countless families have trusted for decades. If you're seeking a nurturing, science-backed, whole-brain approach curriculum with an inclusive community preschool environment, NCNS is for you.
We're hoping you'll join us in working together to make memorable, lasting relationships and support learning experiences that continue to blossom into the future.
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Got questions?
We'd love to hear from you today.
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An Affordable Preschool Run By Parents Like YOU
The Niskayuna Co-op Nursery School is a unique, special community preschool with a governance structure made up of parents like you. We run the board, committees, and handle the administrative tasks together alongside and with guidance from our favorite teacher, Pam Ober.
We're parents who are deeply invested in our children's education and community. Ensuring school decisions align with the best interests of our children is a thrilling place to arrive. Are you ready to discover your leading role in your child's education? Don't worry, it's not as intimidating as it sounds, and we promise, we'll have a lot of fun along the way! Join us today, we can't wait to meet your family.
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Address
852 Ashmore Ave, Schenectady, NY 12309
