Open Enrollment starts November 1st! For more information, or to schedule a tour of our newly-renovated classrooms, please contact Christine LaFrancois at 508-285-8220 / [email protected].
The Wheaton College Early Education Center, formerly the Elisabeth Amen Nursery School, offers a unique play-based preschool program on a vibrant campus setting. With a focus on hands-on learning and outdoor exploration, children discover and grow with curiosity and confidence. Located on the picturesque grounds of Wheaton College, the center boasts amenities including apple orchards, nature trails, a fishing pond, performance spaces and a gymnasium. Led by Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care-certified teachers, in conjunction with the college’s education and psychology departments, the center is open to preschool-aged children living in Norton and surrounding communities.
Program options
We offer four programs, including half-day, full-day and extended day options. The school year runs from September through June and follows the Norton Public School calendar as closely as possible.
What makes us unique?
The Wheaton College Early Education Center, formerly the Elisabeth Amen Nursery School, is affiliated with Wheaton College’s Psychology and Education departments. It has been a site for child study and research since 1931. With this connection, children benefit from expert guidance by teachers and college professors actively working in the fields of child development and early childhood education. The center also employs students interested in the study of child development. The low adult-to-child ratio (1:5 or 1:6) allows lead teachers to nurture the individual interests of each child.
Celebrating over 90 years, the center has been at the forefront of best practices and emerging trends in early childhood education. We believe that children learn best through exploration and hands-on learning through play. Our renovated classrooms and campus amenities provoke critical thinking and problem-solving in a safe, nurturing environment. We encourage each child’s natural desire to learn through rich language and literature experiences and exploration of their interests. Early learning concepts are enhanced through a carefully designed play-based curriculum that encourages cognitive, social and emotional growth within each child.
About our staff
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Our half-day and full-day programs feature very low teacher-child ratios (1:5 or 1:6).
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All of our staff members hold master’s or bachelor’s degrees.
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Our teachers and teaching assistants are fully certified by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and trained in First Aid and CPR.
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We also employ college students who are interested in pursuing careers in education or other related fields to assist in the classroom each semester.
What our families say
Strong foundational skills
Warm, welcoming and nurturing
A true appreciation for children
Play, exploration and socialization
Contact us
If you would like to enroll your child in the Wheaton College Early Education Center, or schedule a tour to learn more about our programs, please contact us!
Wheaton College Early Education Center
26 East Main Street
Norton, MA 02766
Program Coordinator
Christine LaFrancois
508-285-8220
[email protected]
Facebook: @wheatonearlyeducationcenter