By Odalis A. SUAREZ

Parents and Children’s Nursery School, located in La Cañada, provides a unique learning experience for its newly enrolled younglings.
“I was a teacher of 3 year olds originally and I have been here since 1992,” stated Marji Golden who has been director of Parents and Children’s Nursery School since 2003.
Her son attended the La Cañada nursery and Golden
originally worked as a mother helper. When asked to read to the class one day, she saw how much she enjoyed being with children.
“I love little kids. I still find so much joy coming to work,” she stated.
The preschool has been in existence since 1942, but has resided in its current location on Indianola Way since the mid 1970s. Golden has numerous parents that have attended the nursery who have children that are enrolled today.
Parents and Children’s Nursery works with kids starting at 2 years, 9 months old, who are toilet independent, to kindergarten-ready children.
“Generally it’s a staff of 16 of us. It’s usually nine teachers and we have the teachers aids as well, and Assistant Director Julie Ventrella,” explained Golden.
The property is approximately one acre. There is a building that looks like a home that is filled with classrooms and boasts a spacious backyard with various play sets.
“The biggest asset is the size of the property. It gives a lot of free space for the kids to explore [and] run,” said Golden.
The educational experience at Parents and Children’s Nursery School differentiates itself from the rest as educators take a creative and communicative approach to teaching their students.
“What we’re known for is enabling children to communicate with their peers and teachers,” explained Golden. “We have [been committed] to teaching creatively as opposed to academically. We teach through music, through stories, through art, through open communication, through play, through experiencing their environment and asking open ended questions.”
The preschool is devoted to making learning enjoyable and expressive for each student. This effort is made possible by the close staff that all share the same passion.
“We are loving, we are nurturing, and accepting of different personalities,” said Golden. “The staff is like my family. We all feel that way.”
Parents and Children’s Nursery School is a non-profit organization. It holds two fundraisers each year in order to raise money for renovations. Although fall enrollment is currently full, the preschool has a waiting list that is checked throughout the year when there is an opening. Tours are also available at any time.
For more information visit www.parentsandchildren.net or call (818) 790-2103.

  children’s, Crescenta, nursery