Plymouth Nursery School

Welcome!

Since 1954, Plymouth Nursery School has been providing high-quality preschool experiences for children in the greater Des Moines area. We value our heritage and have our eyes fixed on the future as we seek to provide an excellent preschool experience that will help your child become a “life-long learner.” Please schedule a tour or reach out to Director Emily Rademacher with any inquiries.

Our Mission

Plymouth Nursery School provides for the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child in a safe and nurturing environment that promotes learning through play, creative expression and parental involvement.

Plymouth Nursery School offers your child an excellent half day preschool experience thoughtfully planned by dedicated, experienced staff using the research-based Creative Curriculum. Spacious, inviting classrooms feature interest centers for experiences that support each child’s developing cognitive and social skills with a focus on play-based learning, developmentally appropriate pre-academics and creative art. Special events, resource people and field trips enrich the experience as children grow through the program. An age appropriate playground and full-sized gym provide plenty of space for active play to support children’s developing large motor skills. Parents are actively involved as helpers in the classroom throughout the year.

More about us

  • A non-profit, non-discriminating half day program for children ages 2-5

  • Licensed by the Iowa Department of Human Services

  • Alignment with the Iowa Early Learning Standards

  • A strong partnership with Plymouth Church

Director: Emily Rademacher
Plymouth Nursery School
515.255.3271

Facebook: Plymouth Nursery School

Instagram: @plymouth.nursery.school_dsm

Meet the Team

  • Emily Rademacher

    DIRECTOR

    A Des Moines native who grew up attending Plymouth Church and living in the neighborhood, Emily earned a bachelor's in human development and family studies from Colorado State University and a master's in education from Loyola Marymount University. She taught in various early childhood classrooms in Colorado and California before moving back to raise her family here in Des Moines. She supervised student teachers at Drake University and taught education classes at Grand View University. In an effort to be back working with young children, she is thrilled to be working at Plymouth Nursery School with an incredible staff, wonderful families, and all the magic that the preschool age brings.

  • Angela, Melita, Crystine, & Melissa

    2’s TEACHERS

    Angela has been at PNS for 17 years. She found PNS as a parent “looking for the best preschool and found it! I loved it so much I never left! I have worked with all ages here but two’s are my favorite. Watching with wonder as little ones come in as babies and walk out having learned independence, explored creativity, gained confidence and of course all the love two year olds bring to my day.”

    Melita has been with PNS for 10 years. Her favorite thing about teaching 2’s is “getting to see how magical the world is through their innocent and curious eyes. Everyday is a fun adventure in the 2s.”

    Melissa is the new Playtime Plus assistant and has 5 years preschool teaching experience with lots more time spent volunteering with her own children. She enjoys teaching 2-3 year-olds “because they are full of curiosity.” Her favorite activities include reading books, art projects, playing outside and watching the class develop from parallel play to associative play.

    Crystine is the Friday assistant and has been with PNS for 6 years. Her favorite thing about being in the 2’s room is “their curiosity as they experience school for the first time- and that they’re so stinkin’ cute!”

  • Nancy, Ellen, Kelli, Elizabeth & Crystine

    3’s TEACHERS

    Nancy has been a lead teacher of the 3’s at PNS for her whole teaching career, 17 years! “Storytime has always been one of my favorite parts of the day- when we come together as a group to listen, learn and use our imaginations!”

    Since Ellen earned her degree in early childhood and special education, she has spent 15 years working with children. She has been at PNS for 5 and says: “My favorite thing about working with three-year-olds is that every day is filled with new learning opportunities. I constantly get to see them learning and mastering a new skill. I get to cheer on their accomplishments and help them feel proud of the job they’re doing at preschool.”

    Elizabeth taught Kindergarten and 1st grade ELL for 9 years and has been at PNS for 5. She “loves to help children build a strong love of learning at a young age through play and exploration in preschool. Watching a child experience something new for the first time or accomplish a new skill is truly magical to watch!”

    Crystine has been at PNS for 6 years and worked with children for 13. She says her “favorite thing about PNS is Gingerbread and Christmas week! Seeing the excitement and magic of the holiday season through the eyes of preschoolers is so fun to watch. I also love all the amazing families I’ve met and connected with throughout the years.”

  • Vicki, Denise, Kendra & Molly

    PRE-K TEACHERS

    It’s Vicki’s 10th year teaching at Plymouth and she’s thrilled to be part of such a wonderful, committed group of educators!  She grew up in Urbandale, taught kinder and first grade for 12 years and stayed home with her 2 children, who also attended PNS, until joining the PNS team. She loves seeing the children take risks and be curious. “We can do hard things in Pre-K and it's a joy watching children's confidence in their ability to be independent,  grow and develop.”

    Molly has been with PNS for 12 years and has been with preschoolers for her whole teaching career- 25 years! Molly says. “I love the philosophy, the staff, the families and the magic that Plymouth creates for the children. From watching young learners mastering a daily routine, encouraging connections and new friendships, to exploring, creating, playing and laughing- PNS is my happy place…and yes, I do have a little notebook of some of the funniest and sweetest things the children have said over the years.”

    Denise has been with PNS for 18 years. She has also taught kinder, first grade and ESL in Chicago, Panama and Des Moines. “One of my favorite things about PNS is our wonderful location on the west side of Des Moines. Pre-K enjoys exploring the neighborhood- nature walks during all 4 seasons, treks to the closest mailbox to mail items, and walking field trips to the fire station, Playhouse, Art Center and pond. Experiential learning in a thriving neighborhood and learning about the world around us makes preschool special.”

    It’s Kendra’s first year with PNS but her love of working with children has spanned many years. “I have tremendously enjoyed my time in the PreK classroom this year. The children make me smile every day! It has been intriguing to learn about each child and their unique personalities. My favorite activity to do with them is baking, but singing is a very close second. We have a rockin’ good time in Ms. Denise’s class!”

In accordance with Federal Law and Internal Revenue Service regulation, Plymouth Nursery School is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, creed, sex, sexual orientation, or disability in administration of its educational, admissions, and employment policies; and scholarship, tuition and other school administered programs.  Plymouth Nursery School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, creed, sex and ability to all the rights privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at Plymouth Nursery School.