DALTON, Mass. — The Dalton Cooperative Nursery School (also known as DCNS and Dalton Preschool) welcomes Stephanie Adornetto as the new Director and Lead Teacher.

 

Adornetto has more than 20 years of experience in various aspects of early childhood education. Rooted in the Emilia-Reggio philosophy  Adornetto believes in a student forward approach which values children as strong, capable, and resilient. 

 

Adornetto believes in nurturing students to encourage natural expression through various art for

 

Prior to joining DCNS in September of 2021,  Adornetto was formerly the Early Child Coordinator at the Berkshire United Way. 

 

With over eight years of preschool teaching experience, and four years as the Director at Bear Care in Dalton,  Adornetto felt confidently prepared for her role as the new Director. Adornetto earned her BA from Lesley University in Human Development with a minor in Early Education with Special Needs, her AA in Early Childhood Education from Greenfield Community College, and is certified to teach Pre-K through Grade 2. She also has her Family Credential certificate from Tufts University, and is

certified to facilitate parent training.

 

In her role as the Director and Lead Teacher,  Adornetto, plans to enrich the teaching curriculum by introducing yoga and Spanish language, as well as continuing to build programming around the strengths and interests of the students. In addition to the updates to curriculum, Adornetto is looking forward to building a community around the preschool including learning opportunities for the staff, and parent engagement events for the families.

 

"I have worked in the child care field for over 20 years in several venues. Working in a cooperative child care program would enable me to work closely with families. The environment is small and a mixed age group where older children can model and teach younger ones promoting both independent and peer learning." said  Adornetto on why she took the role at DCNS.

 

Since the start of this school year, the students have already visited the Dalton Fire Department and visited Main Street businesses to trick-or-treat.

 

The Dalton Cooperative Nursery School continues to be a cooperative effort between the parent run Board of Directors and the Director. After six years of service former Director and Lead Teacher,  Paula Harris has tendered her resignation to the board effective Dec. 16, 2021. She is currently continuing to be a member of the teaching staff. During her time as the Lead Teacher and Director,  Harris helped move DCNS to its current location inside the Dalton CRA, and has grown DCNS past the point of uncertainty with continuous full enrollment rosters.