General Information

The University Parents Nursery School (UPNS) is a cooperative school that cares for the children (aged 2-5) of UCLA students, staff and faculty. As a cooperative school, UPNS is run by its members, who contribute to the smooth operation of the school.

UPNS employees a qualified and caring staff of early child care educators, offering morning, afternoon, and full day programs.  The school stresses balance in the formulation of its programs, between individual and group experiences, free play and structured activity, and small and large muscle development.  Freedom is stressed, but always within the limits imposed by concern for the group.  Activities include arts and crafts, storytelling, music and rhythms, games, sand and water play, clay and playdough, cooking, nutrition education, and a wide variety of outdoor play.

UPNS has four classrooms: the Kitten room, for 2-year-olds; the Monkey room, for 3-year-olds; the Koala room, for 3-and 4-year-olds for the afternoon session only; and the Dolphin room, for 4-year-olds. There are approximately 15-20 children in each classroom.

Membership Participation

As a part of their membership, each family must co-op in the classroom twice per month for a total of 8 hours (two 4-hour sessions)(families with more than one enrolled child must perform 2 co-ops per month per child).  During their co-op time, parents assist the teachers in the classroom by facilitating activities, helping with the set-up of the environment, and performing light housekeeping tasks.  Co-oping is mandatory for all UPNS members, as it is essential for maintaining the proper adult-child ratio.  Members can co-op on any day that their child normally attends school. Kittens, Monkeys, and Dolphin parents co-op in the mornings (8:30 am-12:30 pm), and Koala parents co-op in the afternoons (1:30 pm-5:30 pm).

In addition to co-oping in the classroom, each member is responsible for participating in workshops.  During the quarterly workshops (9 am- 12 pm), members clean the school inside and out. This includes cleaning toys, bathrooms, kitchens, play areas, walls, windows, doors, rugs, outdoor play areas, etc.  Workshops are the essential part of maintaining the school facilities. By using parent power, UPNS is able to keep maintenance costs down, which also helps keep tuition at its present level.  Parents perform small repairs, paint, clean, organize, etc.

All members are required to attend quarterly General Meetings

All members are required to participate in Fundraising Activities in order to raise a minimum of $300 per year per child

Enrollment Procedure

When your child is accepted from the waiting list, you will be notified by phone.  Within one week of the day you were notified, you must notify UPNS of your intention to enroll, or your child will be removed from the waiting list.  Parents also have the option of declining a position and remaining on the waiting list.  Within two weeks of the day that you were notified, you must come to the school and pick up an enrollment packet for your child.  If you fail to enroll within the two-week period, another child from the waiting list will be given the space.

Enrollment Fee

There is a one-time non-refundable enrollment fee of $200, paid with your first month's tuition.  UPNS does not charge any annual material fees, and there are no other extra costs during the school year.  Occasionally parents will be asked to pay for admission costs for fieldtrips, but UPNS tries to visit sites that are free to the public.

Waiting List

There is currently a waiting list for all UPNS programs.  As vacancies occur, they will be filled in order down the waiting list.  Your child's position on the waiting list is dependent upon two factors:  when you applied, and the date your child is ready to start.  Your child's position on the waiting list may move up or down based on these factors.  To place your child's name on the waiting list, please fill out the UPNS application and submit a $50 non-refundable application fee.  Please make checks out to "UPNS".  If you have question about your position on the waiting list, please contact Rachel Graves, the school Director, through the school office at (310) 397-2735.

Potty Training

All rooms are equipped to handle children who are potty trained.  The 2-year old room is the only room that can accommodate children who are still in diapers.  Potty training is NOT required to enroll in the 2-year old classroom.  If your child is not yet potty trained, the teachers in the 2-year old room will work with you to potty train your child, only when your child is ready.  Potty training IS required for the 3-4 and 4-5 year old rooms.  These two rooms are not equipped to change diapers.  Older children who wish to enroll in UPNS, but are not yet potty trained, will be offered a spot in the 2-year old room.  Once they are potty trained, they can move into the appropriate class for their age, pending space available.

General Information

Hours of Operation

UPNS is open 5 days per week from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
7:30 - 8:30: Early Morning Drop Off (no extra charge)
8:30 - 12:30: Morning Program
8:30 - 5:30: Full Day Program
1:30 - 5:30: Afternoon Program

Tuition is billed at the first of each month.  Payments are due by the 10^th of each billing month.

UPNS is located in the University Village Child Care Complex.  If you would like a tour of our facility, please call (310) 397-2735 to make an appointment.

You may fill out an application online (you will still need to mail in your application fee) or contact us through e-mail or phone to request an application and information through the mail.