Chester Pre-School and Kindergarten was established in 1988 and moved to its present site in 1989.
The director/owner, Barbara Stein, attended Suny at Oneonta, NY and graduated with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education.
She earned her M.Ed from Lesley University in June of 2005 in Curriculum and instruction with a specialization in Creative Arts and Learning.
Mrs. Stein and staff maintain their skills with a variety of extensive training through educational workshops and seminars.
The mission of Once Upon a Child Family Daycare, LLC is to provide safe, affordable, high quality family home child care where children are recognized as individuals and are encouraged to develop at their own pace.
The program provides a loving and nurturing home environment for children to grow and learn.
Children will develop a feeling of security and belonging and be given the opportunity to develop needed social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Early Childhood / Day Care
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-Prekindergarten
- Enrollment: 21 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-Prekindergarten
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Sat. May 30, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
21 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
8%
State avg.: 18%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
1 teacher
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Chester Preschool?
The application deadline for Chester Preschool is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
Endorse Chester Preschool. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

Transferring from Public to Private School Mid-Year: What to Expect
Considering a mid-year transfer from public to private school? Learn what to expect with admissions, academic placement, social adjustment, and financial aid to ensure a smooth transition.

A Guide to Day vs. Boarding School: Which Is Right for Your Family
Discover the key differences between day and boarding schools to determine the best fit for your child. Explore benefits, costs, lifestyle factors, and questions to help guide your family’s decision.

The A to Z of Private Schools 2025
Explore the A to Z of private schools in 2025—from admissions to tuition—offering parents and educators clear insights into today’s options.