Programs
Davis Parent Nursery School is a parent coop preschool where children and parents learn and grow together. We are affiliated with the Davis Joint Unified School District through the adult education program – Davis Adult & Community Education. DPNS is truly a magical place where parents and teachers share the commitment to the children and creating a strong sense of community. At DPNS children learn valuable social skills, while enjoying stimulating, play-based educational activities that build upon children’s natural imagination and creativity.
Our youngest families join our Playgroup programs, with preschool-aged children joining our 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day programs. We also offer extended day options and summer camp programs.
Enrollment is happening now for 2025-2026! We are hosting free Community Playdates for families to explore our campuses, meet new friends, ask questions about DPNS, and chat about parenting young children. Applications are open for next school year, and as of April 1, every program still has some spaces. You can find this year’s application timeline, links to our Brightwheel applications, and other details about how to apply on our Application Information page.
5-Day Program
Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 11:45am
Ages 3 years, 3 months to 4 years, 11 months*
The 5-Day Program is located at 426 W 8th Street. In this program, children work on their social, emotional and physical skills that will prepare them for Kindergarten. Parents continue their education in issues that are relevant to the preschool-age child.
Children in the 5-Day Program have the opportunity to also enroll in Extended Day, which provides ongoing care from 11:45am to as late as 4:30pm at the same location.
We follow the current COVID-19 CDC and DJUSD guidelines.
3-Day Program
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:00am to 12pm
Ages 2 years, 9 months to 4 years, 8 months*
The 3-Day Program is located at 1447 Danbury Street (Montgomery Elementary School campus). This program promotes a deeper learning by encouraging collaborative relationships. With emphasis placed on encouraging social, emotional and physical development, learning opportunities invite growth, empowerment and mastery. Parents are supported in their experiences with preschool-aged children and their unique issues.
Children in the 3-Day Program may also enroll in Extended Day — if they are fully potty trained and are at least 3.5 years old (or are approved for an age exception). The Extended Day program provides ongoing care from 11:45am to as late as 4:30pm at 426 West 8th Street (in this case, families would also need to arrange transportation between campuses).
We follow the current COVID-19 CDC and DJUSD guidelines.
2-Day Program
Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00am to 11:30am
Ages 2 years, 3 months to 3 years, 3 months*
The 2-Day Program is located at 1447 Danbury Street (Montgomery Elementary School campus). The 2-Day Program provides a nurturing and a supportive environment for families as their children experience the school environment independently, often for the first time. A learning space is created to stimulate play and learning. The parent education component focuses on understanding the development of young children and supports parents' time in the classroom.
We follow the current COVID-19 CDC and DJUSD guidelines.
Baby and Me Playgroup, Mixed-Age Playgroups
Mixed-Age Group: Tuesday 9:30am to 11am for ages 18 to 27 months
Baby and Me: Wednesday 9:30am to 11am for ages 12 to 18 months
The Playgroup Program is located at 426 West 8th Street and sometimes 1447 Danbury Street (Montgomery Elementary School campus)—depending on enrollment. This Parent-Child program is a wonderful introduction to nursery school for both the parent and the child. The child gets to play in a stimulating indoor/outdoor environment and enjoy social interactions with other children of similar age while the parents get to meet and talk to other parents of toddlers.
We follow the current COVID-19 CDC and DJUSD guidelines.
Extended Day
Monday through Friday, 11:45am - 4:30pm
Ages 3 years, 6 months to 5 years, 11 months*
Drop-in and monthly rates are available (see details)
The DPNS Extended Day Program is located at 426 West 8th Street. This program offers children the opportunity to spend their afternoons engaged in enriching outdoor play. There are no parent participation requirements. Children do not need to be enrolled in a DPNS program to participate in the Extended Day Program.
Children must be at least 3.5 years of age and fully potty trained for the Extended Day program. Children enrolled in Kindergarten or TK classes are also eligible to participate in this afternoon program. The maximum age allowed is those enrolled in Kindergarten.
The program moves inside only in cases of extreme weather. We follow the current COVID-19 CDC and DJUSD guidelines.
2025 Summer Camp
June 30 - July 24
Monday through Thursday, 9am to 11:45am
Ages 3 years, 3 months to 6 years, 9 months**
DPNS Summer Camp is located at 426 West 8th Street. Parents are required to work one day per week of camp and complete a task time job. Priority enrollment is available to currently enrolled DPNS children who register before the priority deadline (March 31). Summer 2025 update: Registration for Summer Camp is open to the general public for remaining spots, on a first-come, first-served basis! The theme this year will be “Childhood Imagination.”
* Age is determined as of August 31 of the current school year. Age range exceptions are allowed.
** Age range for summer camp is based on age as of July 1 of the current camp year. Age exceptions are allowed.