InterCommunity Nursery School is a not-for-profit cooperative school which was founded in 1930. It is administered by a member elected board of trustees which employs the professional staff of a Director, certified teachers and teacher assistants.

Our School was incorporated and chartered by the Board of Regents and in 1958 was permanently certified by the New York State Board of Education.ICNS provides a nurturing environment for children to begin socialization through creative development, rudimentary educational stimulation, and "old-fashioned" childhood fun.

Educational Philosophy

InterCommunity’s philosophy has remained the same since its inception -- warm, nurturing, knowledgeable, certified teachers provide a child oriented nursery school experience with the help of assistant teachers and parents participating in the classroom on a rotating basis.  It is this opportunity for parents to participate in this intellectually stimulating environment that distinguishes the cooperative concept of early education and makes for such a rich experience for child and parent.

 The program also offers the additional opportunity for parents to network  with other parents who also regard children as a priority and who possess a desire to raise confident, thinking, disciplined individuals. In this safe setting, along with the guidance of skilled professionals, parents have the opportunity to enhance their parenting skills and learn from each other.

Our Cooperative has Three Main Purposes:

1.      To further the social physical, intellectual and emotional growth of the preschool child by providing him with a regular association with other children his/her own age, under the guidance of trained and understanding teachers, in a safe and creative environment

2.      To educate parents concerning needs and growth patterns of children and in the techniques of working with children through conferences, programs and guided participation in the classroom

3.      To develop community-minded adults, trained in democratic action, ready to work, as their children grow older, for other community causes and other community needs. 

COME AND SEE WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT!! 

History

Intercommunity Nursery School was established in 1930 when Helen Knapp started a play group with her daughter and six playmates. The classroom was in her basement and there was a 50 cent charge per morning session to cover the cost of supplies and snacks. Mrs. Betty Dryden, of Malverne, served as the Assistant and the mothers participated on a rotating basis.

 In 1941, when student enrollment reached eighteen, the school moved to Carman Avenue in East Rockaway. They were registered as an accredited school, under the name of Jack and Jill Pre-School, by the State Education Department in 1946.

By 1948, the school had become so popular that larger quarters were once again needed. The school moved to the VFW Hall in East Rockaway. A cooperative (parent participation) nursery school was established with Mrs. Knapp as the Director and Helen Robinson as the first Board President.

 In 1951 they outgrew there space so a house was rented in Oceanside, where they operated for five years. The program had now grown to three groups, with enrollment at approximately 45 children.

 From 1956 until 1959, Jack and Jill Preschool was located at 206 Atlantic Avenue. These were important years. In 1957 the schools name was changed to InterCommunity Nursery School and Kindergarten (ICNS). ICNS was incorporated and chartered by the Board of Regents and in 1958, ICNS was permanently certified by the New York State Board of Education. A tremendous effort on the part of Grace Dorrensteyn and the parents, to buy and sell bonds, made it possible to purchase our present home in 1960, at 20 Thompson Place. By 1964 there were four sessions and enrollment had reached 72 children from Lynbrook, East Rockaway, Oceanside, Hewlett, Woodmere, Rockville Centre, Malverne and Valley Stream.

In 1976, Mrs. Dorrensteyn retired and Mrs. Renee Kaplan, a professor at Nassau Community College, accepted the part time position of Director.

In 1982 Mrs. Kaplan developed a toddler program, which successfully offered developmentally appropriate activities for 2 year old children. By 1987, she introduced a six week, mornings only, summer program. An innovative kindergarten enrichment program was introduced, for children attending a half day kindergarten program, in 1995.

We are proud to say, the vision of the founders of this school, have been successfully carried out for nearly 80 years later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cooperative School?

ICNS is a non-profit nursery school chartered and registered under the Voluntary Registration Law of the New York State Department of Education.  The cooperative parental involvement allows the business administration of the school to be managed by those who have our student's best interest at heart, their children.

As working parents, is this cooperative school environment manageable?

Yes! You can be a working parent and still enjoy the benefits of ICNS - the amount of time you volunteer is up to you.  Parents are expected to participate as "class moms" on a rotational basis which can be a friend/family member if you are unable to participate.  Additionally committee participation is required, though the extent of your involvement varies dependent on your time.  (Committee meetings are often held in the evenings with varied frequency.)  School maintenance is also a parental responsibility (Twice a year).

How are the classrooms managed?

Every classroom has a state-certified teacher leading the class along with an assistant teacher.  Additionally, a "class mom" sits in on every class.  Class sizes vary from 8-18 children per class.

Does my child have to be potty-trained?

While encouraged, children are not required to be potty-trained.

How are the class lesson plans designed?

ICNS focuses on creativity and socialization development as opposed to a strict educational teaching approach.  Lesson plans permit teachers to stimulate children through creative play while introducing educational basics.

ICNS Highlights

NY State Certified Teachers

Over 50 Years in Lynbrook

Large Outdoor Playground

Beneficial Parental Involvement

Developmentally Creative Classroom Activities

Comforting Environment for Children

Unique Opportunity for Parents to Share 

Field Trips, Computers, Arts & Crafts, blocks, games, playdough and more!

The InterCommunity Nursery School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, nationality and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the school.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, nationality or ethnic origin in the administrations of its educational policies, admissions policies, and other school-administered programs.