Our Program

Our program is ​founded on the principle that children learn best through play. The day is complemented with a teacher­-led circle time where children learn rhymes, sing songs, and participate in story­telling.

​Our program fosters creativity, imagination, and literacy. Through developmentally-appropriate invitations to play, children learn:

1. To express themselves.
2. To make choices.
3. To follow directions.
4. To take turns and respect the needs and desires of others.
5. That school is a place where they are successful and valued.

Interested in a look into a typical day at HNS? Click here!

Check out our Current HNS Newsletter here!

About Us

 HNS is a non-­profit, parent-cooperative preschool for children ages three­ to five. Located in the heart of Hinesburg, we have been serving local families since 1972.

We emphasize a play­-oriented approach to learning. We provide a supportive environment where preschoolers develop an awareness of themselves as individuals and as part of a community.

Hinesburg Nursery School is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where all children feel safe, valued, and supported. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and strive to foster a community built on respect, kindness, and equity. Through our curriculum and daily interactions, we ensure that every child and family experiences a strong sense of belonging.

Why Parent Cooperative?

Enrollment

We offer three, four, and five day enrollment options for families. Our program runs from 8:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during the school year. Now offering extended days, Monday through Thursday until 2:15pm. All days are multi-­aged.

HNS is recognized by the State of Vermont as a 5 star preschool. We are an Early Learning Partner with Champlain Valley School District, Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District, and Mount Abe School District. Learn more about registration and Universal PreK funding for your child. 

Registration Information

---

MEET Yelena

Meet BECKY

Yelena’s mission as an educator is to create an environment for children that promotes and embraces their authenticity, curiosity, and desire to explore the world around them. She received her Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of Vermont, minoring in special education. One of the most impactful parts of her experience at UVM was her student teaching semester, where she taught in a kindergarten classroom and strengthened her leadership skills throughout her time there.

Yelena grew up in Massachusetts, and has taught at various preschools and summer camps within the state, including a focus on art-based programs. She values creativity within children’s exploration and loves to implement art projects within the day whenever possible!

Yelena enjoys spending time with friends, and visiting her family back in Massachusetts whenever she has the time. She also enjoys taking road trips throughout the New England area, and exploring different areas of Vermont. She likes to bake, thrift, spend time with animals, and travel. Yelena was drawn to HNS by their warm and welcoming environment, and is excited to start her first year with this community!

​ 

​

Becky’s mission as a teacher is to support the joyful development of the whole child through authentic, meaningful interactions, exploration, and plenty of unstructured play.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Russell Sage College, using her knowledge in this field to teach and treat people of all ages, from 2 – 92.  She realized that what she loved most about the job was teaching, and returned to graduate school at the College of Saint Joseph in Rutland, VT, where she earned her Master’s in Education in 2002. After some time in elementary school classrooms, she spent several years as a stay-at-home mom with her two boys. 

Becky and her family joined the HNS Family when her oldest son went to preschool, and she fell in love with the teachers, the philosophy, and the community. When her youngest son went to kindergarten, she began teaching in her own classroom at the Bellwether School and later helped to open a preschool at the Davis Studio, serving as teacher and director. With one more stop at another parent cooperative, Shelburne Nursery School, Becky is excited to return “home” to HNS. 

 She holds a Vermont Teaching license with endorsements in both early childhood and elementary education and is passionate about all things related to child-centered early childhood education. 

Becky enjoys spending time with her family traveling and playing, but when she finds some time to herself she likes to read, run, hike, sew, and make music. She lives in Hinesburg with her husband, Dan, their two boys, Ethan and Owen, and their dog, Jetta.