Academics

Nursery

1 - 36 Months of AgeInfants, Toddlers, and Montessori Twos

At The Capitol School Nursery, we believe in educating responsible citizens of the world by providing a state-of-the-art program tailored to the youngest learners. Instead of simply beginning their educational journey, your baby or toddler embarks on an adventure of discovery in a thoughtfully designed environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Guided by the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, our curriculum ensures a holistic approach to early childhood development, nurturing every aspect of your child's growth.

As a vibrant Montessori community, we pride ourselves on inclusivity and collaboration with families. Together, we create a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment where every child’s unique needs are met. At The Capitol School Nursery, we are dedicated to providing the best possible start to your child’s educational journey, setting the stage for a lifetime of success.

Highlights

List of 4 items.

  • Sensory-rich activities to stimulate curiosity and cognitive development.

  • Focus on social-emotional growth through positive interactions and routines.

  • Montessori materials for hands-on exploration.

  • Daily outdoor play and movement activities to support physical development.

The Capitol School's Infants and Toddlers program is one of only 20 child care programs to earn 5 Stars from the State of Alabama.

From the Stars website (https://alabamaqualitystars.org/about-alabama-quality-stars/):

Alabama’s QRIS (Quality Rating and Improvement System) is a partnership between the Alabama Department of Human Resources and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. This system awards STAR levels to early childhood care and education programs that meet a set of defined program standards which are comprised of standardized, research-based criteria. By participating in this program, early care and education providers will embark on a path of continuous quality and improvement. Alabama Quality STARS is committed to recognizing a program’s strength while providing support to develop a plan for improvement. Programs have to meet a minimum score requirement on both the Best Practice Rubric and CLASS scoring model in order to meet different STAR levels.

Children may continue enrollment up to 36 months to complete independent toilet training.

Please return a Nursery contract, Preadmission Form and an Alabama Immunization form to Capitol School prior to the first day your child attends.   We cannot accept children without these forms required by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR).

Note: For Montessori Twos (ages 18 months and older) there is a shorter school day option until 3:00 p.m. Please email contact@thecapitolschool.com to request that contract.


Nursery Checklist

  • Child's Pre-admission Form (pages 1 and 2)
  • Alabama Immunization Form (sample)
  • Nursery Contract (with registration fee and capital improvement fee)
  • Parent Intake Form
  • Set up Brightwheel app (parent should download app – teacher will invite parent to join)

Please label and bring on the child's first day (August 1):

  • Baby bottles (pre-mixed) or lunch plus 2 snacks
  • Change of clothes
  • Diapers and wipes
  • NOT FOR INFANTS Nap mat for Toddlers & Montessori Twos with attached pillow and cover for Toddlers and Montessori Twos
  • Example: Funhouse Nap Mat, Tot Cot All-in-One
The Capitol School is committed to continuing education and professional development for our faculty. The school has provided scholarships for 13 teachers to earn their Montessori certification from the North American Montessori Center. Five teachers have earned “Short Certificates in Child Development” from Shelton State Community College on scholarship from The Capitol School. Two teachers have already earned Bachelor’s Degrees and two are currently on scholarship to earn their B.S. degree in Child De-velopment. We are extremely proud to have a teacher who maintains her R.N. and has over 20 years of experience as a nurse.
Through using the accredited Creative Curriculum, we are able to observe and assess each child's needs based on developmentally appropriate milestones. Teaching Strategies is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. Teaching Strategies is accredited to issue the IACET CEU.

Ashley McCulley, Nursery Director

Mrs. Ashley McCulley serves as our Nursery Director for six classrooms of children ages 1 - 36 months of age.  She is also the Lead Teacher of Montessori Twos South.   Ashley earned her Montessori certificate in 2018 from the North American Montessori Center and has been working with children since 2009. She has been selected by The University of Alabama’s Office of Clinical Experiences to serve as a mentor for undergraduates earning degrees in Early Childhood Education.  Each year, she supervises interns who will become teachers certified in the state of Alabama.  Mrs. McCulley and her husband have 3 children who have attended The Capitol School since Preschool and are now in Middle and High School. Mrs. McCulley is a member of the American Montessori Society and NAEYC, National Association for the Education of Young Children.
2828 Gary Fitts Street, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401      
Phone: (205) 758-2828  |  contact@thecapitolschool.com
Educating Responsible Citizens of the World