East Side Nursery School

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East Side Nursery School A parent-cooperative preschool for families seeking a play-oriented program At East Side Nursery School young children learn by doing.

We believe that learning is an interactive process that requires active thinking and experimenting. As educators we set the stage for children to learn through child-initiated, child-directed, and teacher-supported activities. These activities encourage each child to explore, experiment, and grow at his or her own rate of development.

Our TTh students had an incredible day. We practiced our group manners, finger painted, enjoyed books, danced with Audre...
10/20/2026

Our TTh students had an incredible day. We practiced our group manners, finger painted, enjoyed books, danced with Audrey the Music Lady, built incredible structures, lined up to outside, and played together outside.

An update for all alums… Do you remember entering into East Side Nursery School through the iconic big red doors? The fi...
10/18/2026

An update for all alums…
Do you remember entering into East Side Nursery School through the iconic big red doors? The first day of school photo… the class photo… the one your mom makes you take because she works there…. So many memories.

On November 10th our red doors are being replaced. GASP! We know, but just think how light and bright the entry will be gorgeous new ones!

If you want to recreate your photo or see the doors one last time, join us for our annual Halloween parade - open to all - October 29th (rain date 10/30) at 4pm. We’ll be kicking off our 70th year celebration with some special guests.

And send us your red door photos! We’d love to compile them for our events.

Photos
1 - Teacher Bekah’s daughter Esmae, ready to start her 2nd year in 2017.
2 - Teacher Sarah’s daughter Annabel on her first day in 2017.
3 - Teacher Susan welcoming students in 2016
4 - Teacher Sarah’s son Sam in 2011.
5 - Teacher Beth’s daughter Coco’s class in 2020.
6 - Teacher Bekah’s alums 2023

When life gives you leaves… make leaf prints!
10/14/2026

When life gives you leaves… make leaf prints!

Susan Alario - the beloved ESNS teacher of 23 years - has children AND grandchildren who have attended East Side Nursery...
10/13/2026

Susan Alario - the beloved ESNS teacher of 23 years - has children AND grandchildren who have attended East Side Nursery School.

Her daughter Katie Trost (ESNS 1985-86) earned her Masters Degree in counseling and now works as a school psychologist in Brockton, MA.

Her son Scott Alario (ESNS 1986–1988) is a photographer and musician who earned an MFA from RISD. You may have heard his work in the Academy Award nominated movie Nickel Boys or in Band Camp.

Susan’s granddaughter Elska (ESNS 2013-2014) is a senior at East Providence High School who lives musical theater and fashion design.

Susan’s grandson Mooni (ESNS 2017-2019) is a 7th grader who has a talent for piano. There’s not a bug, slug, snail, toad, or frog that he doesn’t love.

Do you recognize these friends and classmates? Do you know an alum to shine a light on? Let us know!

Our first Community Costume Swap was a success! We appreciate our fundraising co-chairs, Annica and Mona, for their visi...
10/12/2026

Our first Community Costume Swap was a success! We appreciate our fundraising co-chairs, Annica and Mona, for their vision. Thank you! We’re already excited about expanding it for next year. You can show off your costume at our annual Halloween Parade on 10/29 at 4pm. (Rain date: 10/30)

Another happy week at East Side Nursery School! Our dramatic play farm stand was OPEN for business. There was a field tr...
10/10/2026

Another happy week at East Side Nursery School! Our dramatic play farm stand was OPEN for business. There was a field trip and voting and math and science and art and laughter and sunshine and hide & seek and running and books and music and dancing and kindness and lots of love. Phew!

So much to look forward to in October, including our annual Halloween parade at 4 on October 29th (rain date 10/30). All are welcome! Stay tuned for more details.

When Megan O’Cain was a student at East Side Nursery School (2000-2002), she wanted to be a fashion designer. And then s...
10/04/2026

When Megan O’Cain was a student at East Side Nursery School (2000-2002), she wanted to be a fashion designer. And then she became one!
She says, “I am living in Brooklyn NY working on my brand and can be seen on season 2 of Netflix’s Next In Fashion. I just finished two fashion week collections - one for Duolingo and one for Fuggler - and have been featured in the National Portrait Gallery this year! I’m excited to keep bringing my vision to life!”

You can learn about Megan’s vision here:
meganocain.com

Big thanks to our Publicity Chair Maret for continuing to represent ESNS so beautifully at the Lippitt Park Farmer’s Mar...
10/04/2026

Big thanks to our Publicity Chair Maret for continuing to represent ESNS so beautifully at the Lippitt Park Farmer’s Market. It was fun to see alums, current students, and future students out and about in the gorgeous fall weather. We have an amazing community - 70 years young! Look for us next at Farm Fresh on 11/21 at their Family Fun Day.

Our MWF class visited Osamequin Farm on Friday. It was a warm and gorgeous day with so much to see and explore. Big than...
10/04/2026

Our MWF class visited Osamequin Farm on Friday. It was a warm and gorgeous day with so much to see and explore. Big thanks to Farmers Gracie, Gracie, and Gabe for the Scavenger Hunt and tour. We’re going to vote on Monday on our favorite part of the field trip, and we’ll see you on Tuesday for field trip number 2.

Save the Date!And you can bring snacks to share. Nut Free, Please!
09/29/2026

Save the Date!
And you can bring snacks to share. Nut Free, Please!

Address

372 Wayland Avenue
Providence, RI
02906

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