A center as multi-faceted as NBCC cannot function without a multitude of very talented people. Our Director, Lori O’Hara, began her experience with NBCC a long time ago as a part-time preschooler herself! In the 1990’s she was a teacher in NBCC’s full-time preschool program for a year and a half, and has been director since 2001. She has a BS degree in early childhood education from OSU and has 20 years of experience in the early childhood field. What she loves most about working with young children is their sense of wonder with the world around them, and how even the most simple thing can amaze them.

Our full-time preschool children have the opportunity, for an additional fee, to participate in Fundance and Yoga.

     Fundance is “an exciting, action paced, skill building movement program filled with imagination, singing, dancing, pre-sport activities, games, tumbling, aerobics, creative movement, and lots of FUN!! All presented in a non-competitive, confidence building environment where all children are able to learn at their own pace!! Fundance kids are able to experience an enormous variety of equipment including balance beams, parachutes, spring boards, hoops, balls and tons of manipulatives!!”

     Yoga is taught on a preschooler’s level, with emphasis on body awareness, stretching, breathing and balance.

     In January of 2010, we began offering Spanish lessons to our preschoolers and toddlers.

     We also have a science teacher who visits each room approximately every six weeks for a 30-40 minute science experience!

     All programs are taught during the children’s regular school hours, so there’s no hurried schedules or driving involved!

     If you are interested in having your child participate in any of these programs, please see the front office.

Summer Programs:

The Clubhouse

     The Clubhouse program is designed to meet the needs of all children. Teachers will plan daily projects and activities based on the children’s interests. Children can participate in weekly field trips, swimming, cooking projects, reading and writing activities, the library’s summer reading program, creative expression such as art, music and dance, service projects, science experiments, and much, much more! Children will also have time to just relax with friends.

Discovery Camp

     Discovery Camp is an intensive, thematic, play-based program for children ages 3-5. This exciting program offers social and educational enrichment during the summer months. Each Discovery Camp session offers fun outdoor and indoor activities, field trips and new friends.

     Discovery Camp teachers have the education, experience and dedication to plan appropriate and fun programs for preschoolers.

     Discovery Camp is a fun and fast-paced program. Previous group experience helps children adapt to this short-term program. Campers will go on 2 field trips per camp. When enrolling for camp, please consider your child’s readiness for this kind of experience.

Curiosity Camp

     Curiosity Camp is a six week summer experience for children ages 20 months to three years. The small group size of twelve allows the two teachers to spend individualized time with each child. Each camp morning is filled with art, music, sensory play, literature, science, and outside play planned by experienced teachers. Campers are provided with the opportunities they need to freely explore and make choices in a stimulating environment. This summer’s Curiosity Camp theme is “Fun with Our Senses.” Campers will explore their world using all of their senses. We know that toddlers will love it!

     The NBCC curriculum is designed to enhance children’s natural developmental progression. The curriculum is play-based and child-centered; teachers observe children to determine interests, curiosities, and developmental needs, letting curriculum ideas emerge. Children are offered an environment that fosters growth in all areas of development - body, mind and spirit. Play is the method by which children explore their world, construct knowledge and grow. Here at NBCC, we know how to play!

     While daily schedules differ between programs and age levels, all rooms offer free-choice time with emphasis on large and small muscle activities, dramatic play, quiet centers for individual book exploration, literacy, art and music areas; outdoor or indoor large muscle play; large and small group times for stories, songs and building relationships. Our rooms are very busy spaces where learning happens as a natural consequence of being exposed to life.

♥ WE BELIEVE in the dignity and worth of each child, therefore, we provide a loving, respectful, play-based environment that nurtures the body, mind and spirit of each child.