Programs
Davis Parent Nursery School is a parent co-op preschool where children and parents learn and grow together. We are affiliated with the Davis Joint Unified School District through DJUSD’s adult education program, Davis Adult and 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 caregiver and child Tummy Time and Playgroup programs, with preschool-aged children joining our nursery school programs for either 2, 3 or 5 days in the mornings. We also offer summer camp, parenting education and other programs.
Enrollment is open for the 2026-2027 school year! We are hosting free Open Houses on February 28th and March 1st for families to explore our campuses, meet new friends, ask questions about DPNS, and chat about parenting young children. You can also schedule a tour of either campus by contacting our registrar team at dpns.registrars@gmail.com. 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.
Interested in joining the current school year? We have a limited number of spaces available in our current programs for children birth to age 6. Contact the registrars today if you are interested in finding out more: Dpns.registrars@gmail.com.
*NEW* 2026-2027 Programs: Enrollment Opens February 28, 2026
NEW: 2, 3 or 5 day Preschool Program
Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 11:45am
Danbury Campus: Ages 2 years 9 months on or before Sept 1st, but not yet 4 years 9 months
8th Street Campus: Ages 2 years 9 months on or before Sept 1st, but not yet enrolled in kindergarten
New for the 2026-2027 school year, both the 8th Street and Danbury campuses will offer a 2, 3 or 5 day option. 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.
Playgroups
Tuesdays 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Thursdays, 9:30am - 11:00am
At least 15 months at enrollment, walking recommended*
For the 2026-2027 school year our playgroups will be held at 426 West 8th Street. 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 ages while the parents get to meet and talk to other parents of toddlers.
Tummy Time
Tuesdays 1:00pm - 2:00pm: birth to crawlers
Thursdays, 1:00pm - 2:00pm: crawlers to 18 months
For our littlest students and their caregivers, our free Tummy Time classes are held twice a week at 426 West 8th Street. This parent-child program is a time to socialize with other caregivers and learn from our experienced teachers. A lovely way to drop in and become part of our growing community! Sibling care may be available subject to staff availability. .
2026 Summer Camp - enrollment open now!
Monday through Thursday, 9am to 11:45am
Ages 3 years, 6 months to 5 years, 9 months; age exceptions may be available
DPNS Summer Camp is located at 426 West 8th Street in Davis, CA. $175 per week: 1 day of parent participation per week. $225 per week: no parent participation; limited buyout spaces available.
Priority enrollment is available to currently enrolled DPNS children who register before the priority deadline on March 22. Registration for Summer Camp is open to the general public for remaining spots, on a first-come, first-served basis after then priority enrollment period ends.
2026 Summer Camp Weekly Themes and Dates:
WEEK 1: 6/15-18* RAINBOW WEEK
WEEK 2: 6/22-26 MONSTERS & MAGICAL CREATURES
WEEK 3: 6/29-7/2* SPORTS FUN
WEEK 4: 7/6-10 BUGS AND GARDENS
WEEK 5: 7/13-17 DINOSAURS
WEEK 6: 7/20-24 FAIRIES & GNOMES
WEEK 7: 7/27-31 SUPER SCIENCE
WEEK 8: 8/3-7 OUTER SPACE
WEEK 9: 8/10-14 MERMAIDS & PIRATES
* There is no camp on Friday 6/19 or Friday 7/3, tuition is prorated.
2025-2026 Current Programs: Limited spaces still available
5-Day Preschool Program
Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 11:45am
Ages 3 years, 3 months to 4 years, 11 months*
The 5-Day Preschool Program is located at 426 W 8th Street in Davis, CA. 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.
We follow the current COVID-19 CDC and DJUSD guidelines.
3-Day Preschool Program
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:00am to 12pm
Ages 2 years, 9 months to 4 years, 8 months*
The 3-Day Preschool Program is located at 1447 Danbury Street (Montgomery Elementary School campus in South Davis). 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.
We follow the current COVID-19 CDC and DJUSD guidelines.
2-Day Preschool Program
Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00am to 11:30am
Ages 2 years to 3 years, 3 months*
The 2-Day Preschool Program is located at 1447 Danbury Street (Montgomery Elementary School campus in South Davis). 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.
Playgroup
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Ages 12 to 27 months
Children ages 12 months to 27 months are welcome to participate in the DPNS Playgroup programs along with a caregiver. 2025-26 Update: The DPNS Playgroups are located at 1447 Danbury Street on the Montgomery Elementary School campus (some years it is also located at 426 West 8th Street, 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 ages while the parents get to meet and talk to other parents of toddlers.
We follow the current COVID-19 CDC and DJUSD guidelines.
Tummy Time
Tuesdays 1:00pm - 2:00pm: birth to crawlers
Thursdays, 1:00pm - 2:00pm: crawlers to 18 months
For our littlest students and their caregivers, our free Tummy Time classes are held twice a week at 426 West 8th Street. This parent-child program is a time to socialize with other caregivers and learn from our experienced teachers. A lovely way to drop in and become part of our growing community! Sibling care may be available subject to staff availability.
We follow the current COVID-19 CDC and DJUSD guidelines.
2025 Mini-Camp
July 29 - Aug. 6
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9am to 11:30am
Ages 2 years to 4 years**
DPNS Mini-Camp is located at 1447 Danbury Street (Montgomery Elementary School campus). Parents are required to stay throughout Mini-Camp, which gives both children and their caregivers an introduction to preschool environment and activities. Families are assigned one task such as cleanup, setup, or playdough-making. There are no other parent participation requirements for Mini-Camp. Priority enrollment is available to children enrolled in fall DPNS programs. Summer 2025 update: The cost for Mini-Camp is $55. Registration for Mini Camp is open to the general public for remaining spots, on a first-come, first-served basis! This is a great chance to sample DPNS for your family.
* 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.
More Questions? Please email the DPNS Registrars team so they can help - dpns.registrars@gmail.com.