Preschool, Pre-K & Extended Care Programs

At BCNS, we offer thoughtfully designed drop-off programs for children ages 2.9 to 5 years old. Our morning classes provide a nurturing foundation for early learners, while our optional Extended Day programs allow families to build a schedule that works for them - adding time for lunch, rest, and outdoor play.

From the warm, confidence-building environment of our preschool classes (Maple & Oak) to the deeper project work in our Pre-K (Birch), every program is rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy. We balance gentle structure with the freedom to explore, ensuring children develop the independence and problem-solving skills they need for Kindergarten and beyond.

Flexible scheduling

Choose from Morning Classes or Full Day coverage (up to 5:00 PM)

Morning Preschool & Pre-K Classes

Child wearing safety glasses and a striped shirt playing with ice and bubbles outdoors on a sunny day.

Oak (Preschool)

Ages: 2.9 - 4 years old

Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday + optional Wednesday

Time: 8:45 – 11:45 AM

Two young children, a girl and a boy, sitting inside a large cardboard box with a roof made from a rolled-up blanket or mat. The girl is smiling and has her hands clasped in front of her, wearing a pink shirt, green shorts, and purple Crocs. The boy appears anxious or shy, holding his nose with both hands, wearing a red shirt, light-colored shorts, and blue Crocs with yellow accents. In the background, an adult is visible holding a bowl or container, and another child is sitting further away in the room.

Maple (Preschool)

Ages: 2.9 - 4 years old

Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday + optional Tuesday

Time: 9:00 – 12:00 PM

An adult woman with three young children in a forest examining a fallen log covered in mushrooms.

Birch (Pre-K)

Ages: 4 - 5 years old

Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday + optional Friday

Time: 9:00 – 12:00 PM

Extended Day Care

Child in striped shirt reaching for a guinea pig on a towel, with a leaf of lettuce in front of the guinea pig.

Early Care

8:15am-9:00am

For families who need a little extra time in the morning, children can arrive as early as 8:15am. This calm start helps children ease into their day with quiet activities and gentle transitions before class begins.

Children playing on a blue playground structure outdoors.

Lunch Bunch

12:00pm-2:30pm

After classes end, children are welcome to stay for our afternoon Lunch Bunch until 2:30pm. These afternoons include lunch (brought from home), additional play, and opportunities for deeper exploration in small groups.

A smiling young girl wearing a white long-sleeve shirt and dark pants playing on a swing set outdoors with a clear blue sky, leafless trees, and a house in the background.

Extended Day

2:30pm-4:00pm or 5:00pm

After Lunch Bunch ends, children may continue their day until a 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM pickup. By combining Early Care, Morning Class, Lunch Bunch, and Extended Day, families can create a comprehensive full-day schedule (8:15 AM – 5:00 PM) that supports working parents while keeping the child's day play-based and nurturing. During these afternoon hours, children enjoy a quiet start to the afternoon, followed by enriching projects and additional outdoor play.

Toddler Class Belmont

A woman and a young boy share a joyful moment inside a home. The boy is smiling and holding his chin with one hand, while the woman is reaching out to him with both hands, engaged in a cheerful interaction.

Stay & Play

Class type: Child & Caregiver

Ages: Toddlers (1.5 - 3 years old)

Schedule: Tuesdays

Time: 9:45 – 11:15 AM

An introductory program for toddlers along with their caregivers. Each class includes developmentally supportive activities including sensory exploration, circle time, and dramatic play. The sessions are Reggio Emilia based and promote emerging autonomy and social skills. Classes will have both inside and outside components.

Register for Winter Session

A Rhythm, Not a Schedule

Each day, week, and month at BCNS holds spaciousness for what’s emerging. Take a sneak peek into a sample day in one of our classrooms.

A Day in the BCNS Life

Learning That Changes With the Children

From babies and blocks to doctors and forts, our curriculum is guided by our children. Educators design emergent themes in response to children’s curiosity - ensuring no two years look quite the same.

Close-up of a child's hands gripping a weathered wooden railing, wearing a purple jacket.
Children playing with a toy doctor kit while pretending to check on a woman lying on the floor, simulated as a patient.
Children participating in a hands-on activity, examining objects on paper plates while on a carpeted floor, with other children sitting in the background.

Looking for a Bridge Year?

Learn how our Birch Class serves as a Transitional Kindergarten experience.

Transitional Kindergarten

FAQs: Our Programs

  • Yes. BCNS offers Maple and Oak preschool classes for ages 3–4, and Birch, a pre-kindergarten class for older children preparing for kindergarten.

  • Yes. Our Birch (Pre-K) class functions as a “Bridge Year” or Transitional Kindergarten for children with late birthdays (or those simply needing the gift of time). It combines the joy of preschool with the project-based learning and social readiness required for Kindergarten. Learn more about our TK option.

  • Children must be at least 2 years 9 months old to enroll in Maple or Oak preschool classes. The Birch pre-kindergarten class serves older children ages 4–5 who are in their final year before kindergarten.

  • Class sizes are typically 10 children in Oak, 15 children in Maple, and up to 22 children in Birch.

  • Each class has at least two teachers, with additional staff as needed. Ratios are usually 1:5, ensuring strong support for every child.

  • Early Care is available before the morning program begins. Families can drop children off starting at 8:15 a.m., providing a flexible option for busy schedules.

    Lunch Bunch is an extended care offering from the end of our morning program until 2:30pm. Children eat lunch, have quiet time, and enjoy additional outdoor play and activities.

    Extended Day runs until 4 or 5pm. Children have a quiet time, additional snack, and enjoy more play both indoors and outdoor!

  • Yes. We offer a flexible full-day preschool experience. With Early Care, Lunch Bunch, and Extended Day options, children can attend from 8:15 a.m. until 4:00 or 5:00 p.m.

  • Families may enroll for the year on specific days, or sign up day-by-day (space permitting).

  • Early Care, Lunch Bunch, and Extended Day mix children across classes, creating opportunities for new friendships and community building.