NRC Montessori Preschool
	Location: Richmond, Virginia, USA
	Website: www.nrccafe.org
	Program Established: June 2006
	# of Children: 16	Ages Served: 2-5
	Immediate Needs: Donations to support operating costs. Montessori Materials – New or Used in Good Condition: a) Language cards and cursive moveable alphabet. b) Math materials – golden bead material and negative snake game. c) Geography – Landforms and cultural materials. d) Science materials, wooden trays, map stand and rug stand. e) Children's music f) Pre-school sized Bikes and Tricycles g) Sand toys, balls and bean bags for outdoor play
	Contact Person: Annette Cousins, Co-Executive Director
	Contact Information: annette@nrccafe.org
	The NRC is a grassroots, non-profit organization located in the east end of Richmond, Virginia in a neighborhood called Greater Fulton Hill (GFH). The center was established to provide community members with a place to build relationships, access resources and develop skills to enhance their lives and determine the fate of their community. Truancy, poverty, gun violence, domestic violence, and substance abuse are common obstacles found in the neighborhood. In an effort to provide the youngest citizens of this community with a healthy beginning, the NRC partnered with some local Montessorians to open a Montessori preschool in June 2006. The first summer half-day "pilot program" was an overwhelming success! The preschool is now a full-day program, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m, Monday thru Friday and includes a Kindergarten group. The preschool offers a quality Montessori education on a sliding-scale basis; we believe it to be the first in the nation to do so. There are currently 16 children enrolled. The preschool is licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). Montessori materials are used in the classroom, and the prepared environment is supported by two AMI-trained teachers. The NRC Montessori Preschool works not only to provide a high-quality education for the children, but also serves as a resource for the families. Parents and grand-parents are encouraged to come observe their child, and conferences are held at least twice a year. The program partners with United Way's Success by Six program to provide at least two parent education nights each year. The parents of these children have been impressed and astonished to see what their children are capable of. Community members who have come to visit have been equally amazed at the level of responsibility and concentration they observe in the children. The preschool is an example of early-learning at its best.