History

In 1939, as the Gentile Brothers Company Packing Plant citrus business flourished in downtown Winter Park, Mr. Nelson Glass, principal of the elementary school, noticed that attendance was dropping dramatically. Upon researching the issue, he found that mothers in the community had begun working at the plant while their husbands were off at war. While they worked, their elementary age children were staying home to take care of younger siblings. Mr. Glass wanted preschool age children to receive an educational foundation while their mothers could still work, and from that desire Winter Park Day Nursery (WPDN) was born.

Since then, WPDN has been educating the children of working families in our community, providing them with opportunities they might not otherwise have. We serve children ages 6 weeks through five years old and their families. Our tuition fees are based on the federal poverty guidelines set by the Department of Health and Human Services, offering affordable rates to families of all income levels. The majority of our families fall at or below the federal poverty guidelines.

Our relationship with our families forms the foundation of Winter Park Day Nursery. To them, we are a safe place, a school, a library, a neighbor, and a friend. We support the entire family, involving parents and siblings in their preschooler’s education and providing services to ensure stable and nurturing home environments. This relationship is what makes Winter Park Day Nursery a leader in preschool education in Central Florida.

We employ college-educated, trained teachers who share a love for young children, and focus on nurturing the confidence and skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and later years. Our staff uses the nationally recognized High Scope curriculum and Positive Behavior Support method to influence young students to learn and grow into happy, productive, successful citizens.

Winter Park Day Nursery is among the most recognized and respected preschools in the area. We are proud to say that the nursery is not only a leader and innovator in nurturing and educating young children, but also a trusted resource for families.