First Church Nursery School

First Church Nursery School has been a cherished part of the community since 1990, when it was founded by dedicated church members who deeply value the growth and well-being of young children. Operating Monday through Friday, the school offers a vibrant, nurturing environment where preschoolers can explore, learn, and develop through a variety of engaging activities. Over the years, it has built a strong reputation for fostering a love of learning and creating lasting friendships among students. The staff is committed to providing a safe and supportive space where every child feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Our primary purpose is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment where each child can gain independence and develop a positive self-image. Children are encouraged to participate in group and independent activities while gaining confidence, expanding their use of language, and making new friends. Our goal is to develop each child’s literacy skills, alphabet and math concepts, and fine motor skills as they utilize pencils, crayons, scissors, books and manipulative toys. We strive to meet each child’s individual needs as we prepare them for public school readiness.

Class times and tuition may vary year to year, so please inquire about current information. Our three-year-old program runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays and our four-year-old program runs on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Email: 1stchurchnurseryschool@gmail.com

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Phone: (860) 342-1111

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Meet Your Instructors

Amy Jahnke ~ Nursery School Head Director

Hello! My name is Amy Jahnke and I am the Director/Head Teacher here at First Church. I have been a part of the staff since 2014 and it is a place I take great pride in to ensure it remains a generational staple in the Portland community. I believe children learn best through play, exploration, and hands-on discovery. My goal is to create a safe, loving environment where your child feels confident to express themselves and grow. When I’m not in the classroom, I’m usually in my garden or spending time with my family and our dogs. I look forward to partnering with you this year to make your child’s first school experience truly magical!

Megan O’Brien

Hi! My name is Megan O’Brien, and I’ve been part of the First Church staff since 2023. I love getting to know each child, watching their unique personalities shine, and seeing how much they learn and grow throughout the year. First Church holds a special place in my heart—not only do I love being part of the school as a staff member, but my son also attended here. I love being part of a place that has meant so much to our family.

When I’m not in the classroom, you can usually find me spending time with my family and friends, enjoying a good book, or golfing!