28 / matters magazine / home&garden 2018 At Le Parc Place Nursery & Preschool we believe children grow and learn through socialization, recognition, investigation, re- tention, repetition and the creative process. We encourage this through ongoing exploration and exposure while nurturing and developing the unique talents and abilities of each child. Our teachers utilize developmentally-appropriate play-based learning activities. Our "mixed medium" curriculum is designed to support each child’s individual way of thinking and learning while identifying and expanding his or her individual strengths within a stimulating, nurturing and relaxed learning environ- ment. Le Parc Place 195 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040 (973) 762-3077 leparcplace.com Founded in September of 2012 “one river” west of New York City, One River School of Art + Design has embarked on a mission to transform art education in America. In a short window of time our innovative school is opening its third location this April in Millburn, New Jersey. One River School has taught thousands of students and established “a new direction in art education.” Our unique, project-based method makes learning art fun while producing ambitious outcomes and helping students grow their art making skills along the way. Our program celebrates the most compelling artists and techniques from today and the last 50 years. This helps our students develop a great appreciation for how their work fits into our world today. One River School of Art + Design 292 Millburn Avenue, NJ 07041 (973) 318-9331 millburn.oneriverschool.com Prospect Co-op is a play-based preschool designed for families who wish to share in the early education of their children aged two to five. Parents assist in designing and implementing curriculum, share in administrative decision-making, and, above all, are an intrinsic part of the day-to-day classroom experience. Implementing a thoughtfully-conceived program and associated materials, our staff seeks to foster each student’s self-esteem, in- dividuality, creativity, social, physical, and cognitive skills. This is done through music, movement, art, creative play, and language. Students enjoy both structured and unstructured play periods that give them a sense of both order and time, while allowing them the freedom to direct the flow of the learning experience. Prospect Co-op Preschool 646 Prospect Street, Maplewood, NJ 07040 (973) 763-8955 prospectpreschool.org