A circular green logo featuring a tree with multiple branches and leaves. White text in the center reads 'BCNS', with smaller white text at the bottom reads 'EST. 1974'.

Play-Based Preschool & Pre-K in Belmont, MA

BCNS Preschool offers a Reggio-inspired, play-based early childhood program for children ages 2.9–5. We welcome families from Belmont, Watertown, Arlington, Waltham & more into a warm and supportive school community.

Explore Our Programs
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Child in a colorful floral winter coat and gloves playing outdoors in the snow, handling a clear plastic tube.

Reggio Emilia-Inspired Learning Through Play

At BCNS Preschool, children learn through exploration, collaboration, and joyful discovery. Our Reggio Emilia–inspired approach nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence through meaningful hands-on experiences.

Our educators observe, invite, and document learning, honoring each child’s natural curiosity.

Our Approach

A Preschool Where Curiosity & Community Grow Together

Preschool & Pre-K Programs for Ages 2.9–5

Two young girls, one with a squiggly accessory, assist a woman lying on the floor, in what appears to be a medical or educational setting, with one girl holding a medical tool and the other observing.

Our Classes

From half-day preschool & full-day pre-K to extended-day options, our schedules flex to fit your family.

Summer Programs

Our seasonal programs keep children exploring, creating, and connecting all summer long.

Our Days

Take a sneak peek into a typical day at BCNS Preschool, where play and exploration shape joyful learning.

Dedicated, Long-Tenured Educators

  • Krissy Waters, BCNS Director & Teacher

    Krissy Waters

    Director & Teacher

  • Brenna Banister, Preschool Teacher

    Brenna Banister

    Preschool Teacher & Willow Group Guide

  • Maf Terry, Pre-K Teacher

    Maf Terry

    Pre-K Teacher

  • Carrie Redi, Preschool Teacher

    Carrie Redi

    Preschool Teacher

  • Lauren Kamerzel, Pre-K Teacher

    Lauren Kamerzel

    Pre-K Teacher

  • Kabrina Pierce, Preschool Teacher

    Kabrina Pierce

    Preschool Teacher

  • Kristina Cardello, Pre-K Teacher

    Kristina Cardello

    Pre-K Teacher

  • Karen Roth, Preschool Teacher

    Karen Roth

    Preschool Teacher

  • Kristen Butler, Pre-K Teacher

    Kristen Butler

    Pre-K Teacher

  • Meryl Junik, Preschool Teacher

    Meryl Junik

    Preschool Teacher

  • Yuan Joy

    Yuan Joy

    Floating Teacher

  • Jan Toscano

    Jan Toscano

    Literacy Teacher

  • Caitlin Walsh

    Caitlin Walsh

    Pedagogista

  • Fitzie Cowing

    Fitzie Cowing

    Inclusion Specialist

  • Child-Led, Play-Based Learning

    Child-Led, Play-Based Learning

  • Family Partnership

    Family Partnership

  • Nature & Neighborhood

    Nature & Neighborhood

  • Warm, Experienced Teachers

    Warm, Experienced Teachers

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A Strong, Supportive Parent Community

BCNS brings families and teachers together through helping days, community events, and shared responsibilities. Parents form lasting friendships while playing an active role in their child’s school experience.

Family Partnership
 

Serving Belmont, Watertown, Arlington, Waltham & Cambridge

Families from all over Greater Boston choose BCNS for its small class sizes, nurturing staff, and community-centered philosophy. We are conveniently located near major commuter routes and walkable neighborhoods in Belmont.

Watertown
Waltham
Arlington
Cambridge

Hear From BCNS Families

Parents describe BCNS as warm, welcoming, and transformative. Their stories highlight the deep sense of connection, joy, and growth that define our school community.

  • "What we love most is how every child is truly seen, heard, and valued."

    Rachel & Mike, BCNS Parents

  • "Our child has grown exponentially during his time at BCNS! He has gained confidence and self advocacy skills and has made deep friendships."

    Jess & David, BCNS Parents

  • "BCNS has been precisely the gentle, home-like introduction to school I was hoping to find."

    Dewey, Parent - Maple Class

  • "The single best decision we have made as a young family new to Belmont was to enroll our child at BCNS."

    Julia & Brian, BCNS Parents since 2021

  • "The parents and staff are down to earth, welcoming, and interested in creating a supportive community for kids and parents."

    Hannah, Parent - Birch Class

A woman and four children sitting on a carpeted floor, playing a tabletop game with circular cards. The woman and girl are in cartoon-character pajamas, and the children are dressed in casual clothes. Toys and a storage shelf with wooden blocks and baskets are visible in the background.

Visit BCNS Preschool

See our classrooms in action, meet our teachers, and experience our play-based environment firsthand. We offer small-group and individual tours during the school year.

Schedule a Visit

Enrollment for 2026-2027 is now open!

Secure your child’s spot in our warm, play-based, Reggio-inspired preschool community in Belmont, MA.

Enrollment Info
Enroll Now

Our Story

Founded more than 50 years ago as Belmont Cooperative Nursery School, BCNS Preschool carries forward a long tradition of child-centered, community-driven early education. Our history shapes who we are today.

A circular logo with a stylized green tree in the background. The letters BCNS are centered across the tree in white, with "EST. 1974" at the bottom of the circle.
Learn More About BCNS
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View fullsize Enrollment for our 2026/2027 School Year is now open! 🥳 If you’re looking for a school that is full of wonder, exploration, and love, then BCNS is the place for you! Enroll now or schedule a tour on our website (link in bio). #reggioemiliai
View fullsize Recently, children in the Maple class have been exploring science concepts through Mystery Powders! 🔬🧪 Using pipettes, colorful liquids, and a variety of powders, the children have been noticing so much! These open ended science experiments offer
View fullsize We’re swinging big! 🥳 After thoughtful discussions with our current families, the community, and staff, next year BCNS will be expanding its hours! When BCNS was founded in 1974, family structures were different. As families adapt, we do too,
View fullsize Come spend a fun morning with us at BCNS! Families with children under 7 years old are invited to explore our classrooms and join in some hands-on art and play activities. 🎨 This event is open to all families, whether you’re part of our commu
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