Students, families of students, directors, teachers, staff, members of the Board of Managers past and present, and the public are invited.
History of the school
In 1913, a group of women interested in the welfare of children and known as The Ansonia and Derby Nursery Association began to work for the establishment of a day nursery "for the benefit of mothers who were compelled to work and had no place to take their children while engaged in their daily vocation."
For three years, they raised money by sponsoring teas, dances, cake sales, and the like, until they raised $1,500.
Mrs. Charles (Julia) Brooker offered the use of a home on Factory Street.
Mrs. Louise M. Clark was engaged as the "Matron" to head the nursery.
The program, which opened its doors in June of 1915, began with five children and by November, the enrollment increased to 27.
For two years, the nursery flourished and seemed to fulfill a long-felt need in the community.
After the death of Mrs. Brooker, the house was sold in the process of settling her estate and the Day Nursery was without a home. The Ansonia Board of Education offered the use of a few rooms in the old high school for the summer.
The Hon. Charles F. Brooker generously offered to give the property at 76 Central St., if $1,500 could be raised for repairs.
After a committee worked hard to raise this amount, Mr. Brooker paid for all the repairs and authorized the committee to use the $1,500 for operating expenses. (According to one source, the house was given as a grant by Mr. Brooker and Mr. Alton Farrel.)
The new building was opened on Nov. 6, 1917. Contrary to popular belief, "Julia Day" was not the founder of the school.
The Julia DAY Nursery is named in honor of Julia Clark Brooker whose generosity and interest made the Nursery possible.
After the Nursery became overcrowded in the small white house, Mr. Brooker offered to build a brick wing containing a playroom, bathroom and locker rooms.
The addition was completed in 1927. In May of 1929, with a bequest from Mr. Brooker's will, a main building was added to complement the brick wing. This is as it stands today.
On Nov. 7, 1917, the incorporators of the Nursery met to adopt its Constitution and By-Laws and to elect its original Board of Managers.
The school continues to serve as a non-profit, tax exempt corporation which, in addition to tuition, donations, and grants has some funding from Valley United Way.
It is NAEYC accredited- a prestigious recognition achieved by approximately 7 percent of early childhood programs nationwide.
A volunteer Board of Managers operates Julia Day Nursery.
The program consists of Preschool, Prekindergarten and Before and After School Care. All children are provided with free breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
Julia Day Nursery gets some school readiness funding and accepts subsidies such as Care 4 Kids Programs.
This information was provided by the board.
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