LJUMCNS Mission: La Jolla United Methodist Church Nursery School, an outreach of the education program of the Church, is a community of children, families, and staff where a life-long love of learning and play are valued and supported for the optimum emotional, social, spiritual, cognitive, and physical growth of each individual. LJUMCNS Philosophy: Since 1972, La Jolla United Methodist Church Nursery School has provided an early childhood educational program that is developmentally appropriate for the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, creative, and spiritual needs of young children. We believe that children learn best in a play-based and child centered setting where they have the ability to construct knowledge and meaning from their peers, caring adults, and the environment. Children learn by doing and play is their medium for learning. Our philosophy is also inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. The approach views the child as a protagonist, collaborator, and communicator. The teacher is viewed as a partner, nurturer, guide, and researcher. And the environment is viewed as the third teacher.