Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Preschool Learning Through Art and Play
Bainbridge Cooperative Nursery School has been a cornerstone of early childhood education since 1963, dedicated to fostering growth through art and play. Our cooperative model empowers parents to actively participate in governance, maintenance, and program support, creating a vibrant community rooted in shared responsibility. With a curriculum centered on inquiry-based learning, we nurture social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through structured and exploratory activities. Our experienced educators, many of whom are Bainbridge Island residents, bring decades of expertise in early childhood education, emphasizing creativity, independence, and empathy. The schools intentional design, nestled in nature yet accessible in downtown Winslow, provides a safe, inspiring environment for children aged 3 - 5.Over 1,500 families have contributed to maintaining our unique play yard and historic building, ensuring a legacy of hands-on learning. We prioritize consistency in daily routines to build confidence in children while offering flexible, theme-based activities that adapt to their interests. Parent testimonials highlight our commitment to social-emotional learning and the warmth of our teaching staff, who create personalized experiences for each child. As a nonprofit organization, we strive to keep tuition affordable through community fundraising efforts, including scholarships for families in need. Our 60-year history reflects a steadfast dedication to cultivating lifelong learners within a supportive, collaborative environment.
Services
Preschool Class
Pre-K Class
Parent Cooperative Program
Outdoor Classroom
Art & Play-Based Curriculum
Details
- Year established: 1963
Highlights and features
- 60 years of experience in play-based early childhood education since 1963
- Cooperative community model involving parents in school governance and maintenance
- Experienced educators with specialized training in early childhood development
- Curriculum integrating art, sensory exploration, and nature-based learning
- Small class sizes ensuring personalized attention and social-emotional growth
What people say
Nurturing environment
Dedicated teachers
Strong community focus
Effective play-based curriculum
Positive social-emotional growth
Services
Preschool Class
Structured learning for 34 year olds with daily art, sensory, and fine motor activities. Focuses on social-emotional development through imaginative play and collaborative projects. Held Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9:00 AM11:30 AM.
Pre-K Class
Advanced curriculum for 45 year olds including early literacy, math, and science. Emphasizes independence and school readiness through themed explorations. Meets MondayThursday 8:30 AM12:00 PM.
Parent Cooperative Program
Parent-led governance and maintenance initiatives fostering community engagement. Includes volunteer opportunities in classroom support, fundraising, and board leadership roles to sustain the schools legacy.
Outdoor Classroom
Integrated outdoor learning spaces with trails, sensory tables, and play structures. Encourages physical development and environmental awareness through hands-on nature-based activities.
Art & Play-Based Curriculum
Inquiry-driven approach using art, music, and imaginative play to develop cognitive and motor skills. Themes adapt to childrens interests while maintaining educational consistency.
People
Kaye Bjur
Administrative Director
Kaye has led BCNS since 2009, advocating for joyful exploration in early education. With a business degree and prior shipping industry experience, she balances operational leadership with community engagement.
Kari Wetzler
Lead Teacher
Kari brings 10+ years of elementary teaching experience and a masters in literacy development. She focuses on building student confidence and empathy through BCNSs play-based philosophy.
Hillary Scheer
Lead Teacher
Hillary holds a masters in integrated arts education and specializes in creative learning environments. She previously served as Board President and Fundraising Chair at BCNS.
Sarah Bell
Assistant Teacher
Sarah combines social justice education with early childhood development expertise. She emphasizes individualized learning and cultural inclusivity in her teaching approach.
Sarah Gorfine
Assistant Teacher
Sarah integrates yoga and mindfulness into early education. With 10+ years of child development experience, she fosters independence and emotional regulation in young learners.
Questions
What age groups does BCNS serve?
BCNS offers Preschool for 3–4 year olds and Pre-K for 4–5 year olds, with classes structured to meet developmental needs.
How does the cooperative model work?
Parents participate in governance, maintenance, and fundraising while supporting classroom activities. This shared responsibility keeps tuition affordable and builds community.
What is the curriculum focus?
Our curriculum emphasizes art, play, and sensory exploration to develop cognitive, social, and motor skills in a child-led environment.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, scholarships help reduce tuition costs. Funding comes from community donations through Bainbridge Island's One Call for All program.
What facilities does BCNS offer?
The school features an open-concept classroom, outdoor play yard with nature trails, and specialized learning stations like art and sensory tables.
