About UPNS

General Information

Welcome to the University Parents Nursery School (UPNS), a cooperative preschool catering to children aged 18 months to 5 yrs, proudly serving UCLA students, staff, and faculty and non-UCLA affiliated family. At UPNS, we believe in fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can explore, learn, and grow.

Our Program

We offer mornings 1/2 day (limited) and full-day programs, carefully designed to strike a balance between individual and group experiences. Our qualified and caring staff of early child care educators ensures that each child’s development is nurtured, emphasizing both free play and structured activities. We encourage small and large muscle development, engaging children in arts and crafts, storytelling, music and rhythms, games, sand and water play, clay and playdough, cooking, nutrition education, and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Parent Participation

As a cooperative school, UPNS thrives on active parent involvement. Each family is required to participate in co-oping in the classroom once a month, assisting teachers with activities, setting up the environment, and performing light housekeeping tasks. Additionally, families come together for Quarterly Saturday Cleaning Days, where we maintain the school’s facilities through collective efforts.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide a warm and supportive learning environment that fosters physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth in children aged 18 months to 5 yrs. We recognize the significance of parental involvement in a child’s learning journey and strive to build a bridge between home and school.

A Rich History

UPNS has a rich history dating back to 1966 when a group of families residing in UCLA Family Student Housing recognized the need for a nursery school. Over the years, we have evolved and grown, moving to our current location in 1996. In 1998, UPNS received accreditation from the National Academy for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).