History

In the fall of 1970, about 9 mothers with preschoolers formed a playgroup to meet once a week in the morning in order to provide playmates for each child and some free time for moms.  The youngsters enjoyed the playgroup and so did their moms; however, the adults began to realize their inadequacies in trying to provide age-appropriate and interesting activities for the children.

Since interest in this cooperative effort was great, it was decided to investigate the possibility of forming a state approved cooperative nursery school.  A dedicated steering committee (Louise Geary, Lula Remy and Mary Wells) was formed and the gears were put into motion.

By mid-summer of 1971 a Director/Head Teacher (Mary Jane Cross) had been hired; the name of TOTS COOPERATIVE NURSERY SCHOOL had been chosen; a state approval of the teacher, program, facility, and equipment  had been granted; an agreement with the Church to give them some financial help for the use of their facility had been formed; and enough paying families were registered to begin. In the fall of 1971 a morning session for 2 hours, 2 days a week with a total child enrollment of 20 (2 classes) commenced.

TOTS grew rapidly during those early years, and by the fall of 1977 enrollment had grown to between 112 - 116 children (12 classes) with two full-time teachers (Mary Cross and Gwen Rosvold).  This growth and success was not only due to the excellent educational preschool program, but also because of the participating families, the dedicated parent leaders, and the good will of the First Baptist Church (home to TOTS for 31 years).  TOTS continued to adapt, change and grow in order to give students and their families an enriching and fulfilling preschool experience.

During the summer of 2002, after 31 years of meeting in the basement of the First Baptist Church in Moorestown, TOTS relocated to Calvary Temple in Delran.  What a fantastic change for our school!  Calvary Temple is a light, bright, modern and safe facility.  After two years of dedicated fundraising and hard work, TOTS new playground was installed in the fall of 2004.

Mary Cross, after being the Director/Head Teacher for 25 years, became the full-time Director of TOTS in 1996.  After much soul searching, she decided to retire in June 2005. Mary's heart and hand guided TOTS for 34 years and every single child and family that came to TOTS has been touched by her spirit, generosity and wisdom.

Julie Holt became the full-time Director of TOTS in July 2005.  Like many past and present staff members, Julie is a former TOTS parent.    

Our continued hope is to provide an excellent preschool experience for all boys and girls who attend.  In order to provide this type of experience, the teachers and parents - by pooling their skills, talents, time and concerns - are dedicated to working together in enriching the total school program.   With the cooperation of all, TOTS ROOTS will surely grow deeper and the families involved will receive bountiful benefits.