Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Archer Cooperative Nursery School in Allendale, NJ
Founded in 1964, we pioneered a cooperative educational model that integrates parents directly into their children's early learning journey. Our licensed facility in Allendale, New Jersey, meets rigorous state standards for staff qualifications, safety protocols, and curriculum development. Through 60 years of dedicated service, we've prepared generations of children for kindergarten success by blending professional teaching expertise with active parental participation. Our program emphasizes age-appropriate development across language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, delivered through structured play and hands-on exploration. We maintain strict safety standards with mandatory background checks for all staff and classroom volunteers.Our experienced educators, many of whom are Archer alumni parents themselves, create a nurturing environment that fosters individual growth and social skills. Formal parent-teacher conferences and regular communication channels ensure consistent educational alignment. Specialized enrichment programs and guest visitors enhance our core curriculum, while flexible scheduling options accommodate diverse family needs. This unique cooperative approach has established us as a trusted institution in Bergen County's early childhood education landscape.
Services
2.5-Year-Old Program
3-Year-Old Program
Pre-K Program
Lunch Bunch Extension
Parent Participation Classes
Music Enrichment
Yoga Instruction
Special Enrichment Activities
Classroom Assistant Support
Board Governance
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- We offer 60 years of proven experience in cooperative early childhood education
- Our licensed staff meets New Jersey's strict educational and safety standards
- Parents actively participate in classroom learning experiences
- All staff and volunteers complete mandatory criminal background checks
- Specialized programs prepare children for successful kindergarten transitions
Services
2.5-Year-Old Program
This foundational program nurtures social development and separation skills for young learners. Structured activities promote listening skills, sharing, and exploration through play-based learning. Children must turn two by March 1st to enroll, with flexible scheduling options available.
3-Year-Old Program
Focuses on social interaction, reading readiness, and independence development. Curriculum includes language arts, science, and math concepts balanced with guided play. Offers optional fourth-day enrollment and extended lunch bunch programming.
Pre-K Program
Thematic curriculum prepares children academically and socially for kindergarten. Features writing journals, letter recognition, and peer interaction activities. Includes optional fifth-day attendance and extended lunch programming until 2:00 PM.
Lunch Bunch Extension
Afternoon enrichment program combining structured activities with free play. Includes creative arts, music, and playground time while children socialize over lunch. Available at multiple age levels with varying daily schedules.
Parent Participation Classes
Unique model allowing parents to assist in classrooms under teacher supervision. Requires background checks and training. Enhances learning through shared adult-child interactions while building school community connections.
People
Kathy McNaught
Director
Director since 2012 with BA from Lehigh University and NJ teaching certification. Former corporate professional with 15+ years experience. Archer parent with three alumni children and former assistant teacher.
Christine Troy
Co-Head Teacher
Teaching at Archer for over a decade with CDA certification. Certified Holistic Health Coach and mother of four. Experienced across all grade levels with 15+ years classroom experience.
Melissa Almash
Co-Head Teacher
2nd year at Archer with 15 years public preschool experience. Holds BA from University of Delaware and Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis. Mother of three Archer alumni.
Kim Cadaret
3s Teacher
Compassionate educator with 15+ years experience. Specializes in play-based learning. Holds master's in elementary education and four children. Emphasizes hands-on instructional methods.
Beth Zweig
3s Teacher
4th year teacher with NJ certification from Montclair State University. BS from University of Delaware. Former board president and parent of two Archer alumni children.
Questions
What makes Archer Cooperative Nursery School unique?
Our cooperative model allows parents to actively participate in classroom learning while children benefit from professional teaching expertise and peer socialization.
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for children aged 2.5 to 5 years including specialized classes for each developmental stage.
How does parent involvement work?
Parents rotate classroom assistance after completing background checks. This creates shared learning experiences and strengthens school community connections.
What curriculum do you follow?
Our state-compliant curriculum covers language arts, math, science, and social studies through play-based activities and structured lessons.
Are enrichment programs available?
Yes, we offer music, yoga, and special activities like chick hatching programs that enhance core learning through experiential education.
How do you prepare children for kindergarten?
Our Pre-K program focuses on academic readiness through writing journals, letter recognition, and structured peer interactions to ensure smooth school transitions.
