By Cheryl Conway 

Fun-N-Friends—Its name alone describes its philosophy and premise, from its early beginnings to its 40th anniversary!

Officially licensed by the State of New Jersey on March 24, 1985, Fun-N-Friends Nursery School in Flanders is celebrating its milestone four-decade anniversary this year. Ran by three different directors over the years, each made it a priority to maintain the school’s foundation of promoting kindness, caring and safety.

Shaping young minds and developing their skills has been paramount. Making friends and supporting the community has been its backbone.

“For four decades, Fun-N-Friends Nursery School has been shaping young minds with care, creativity and community spirit,” writes Fun-N-Friends Director Shirley Keegan of Flanders. “The school-wide motto, ‘kind, caring, and safe,’ is embraced by both students and staff, fostering a warm atmosphere.”

The preschool began in 1980 as a small playgroup designed to serve the needs of the United Presbyterian Church, Keegan explains its history. 

“With just 12 children enrolled, it quickly became a cherished part of the community,” she says.

Five years later, under the leadership of its founding Director Kathy Coogen, the preschool was officially licensed by the state in March 1985. Coogen also served as president of the Board of Directors before passing the torch to Kolleen Adams, who guided the school as director for more than 30 years until her retirement in 2019.

That was when Keegan took the ropes, climbing her way up from when she began there in 2004 as classroom teacher, then head teacher before becoming the director. 

“I have always been most comfortable working with children,” says Keegan. “My husband and I started our family early and have three children and now three grandchildren of our own!”

After earning a bachelor’s in business administration, Keegan obtained a N.J. State Certification in Early Childhood for head teacher and director.

“The idea was to make use of my business degree and merge it with early childhood education,” shares Keegan. “I love the balance of business and education! I have been in the field for over 34 years.” 

Being at Fun-N-Friends for the past 22 years, Keegan has seen its growth and accomplishments.  

“Today, Fun-N-Friends has grown to serve over 100 children, offering half-day programs for ages 2½ to 6,” writes Keegan. “The preschool helps children develop the skills needed for a smooth and confident transition into kindergarten. There is a well- balanced combination of academic learning with the benefits of play-based learning.”

At Fun-N-Friends, children are taught in a structured classroom setting while also promoting independent choice time.

“Each day provides opportunities for students to explore, discover, create and think critically in a nurturing and engaging environment,” writes Keegan.

At Fun-N-Friends, students also learn at a very young age to be kind and give back to their community.

“Community involvement is a cornerstone of the Fun-N-Friends experience,” shares Keegan. “Families generously participate in food and coat drives, and the beloved annual St. Jude Trike-a-Thon shows how “kids helping kids” is more than just a saying.” 

Alongside Keegan, is Shari Campbell, the administrative assistant, who began as a teaching assistant in 2002.

“With more than 20 years of dedication each, both bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the school,” writes Keegan. “Together with a devoted staff, they ensure every child—and family—feels valued and supported.”

Not one day goes by where they do not have fun nor value the element of surprise. 

“Every day can be different!” describes Keegan. “Our job description is certainly unique! Kids are unpredictable and keep all of us on our toes!

“The school works around fun themes,” she shares. “We love to celebrate holidays, incorporate special events and activities such as the Halloween Trick-or-Trunk, annual Thanksgiving feast, pretend carnival day, magic shows, spring fling with our parents and more. 

“Rotating our events year to year keeps things exciting and the staff take on the challenge to do something different,” she continues. “The staff work together as a unit and support each other as family. We have a great relationship with our preschool families.”

Together, they take an interest in their students and incorporate engaging lessons and hands-on-learning.

“The staff at Fun-N-Friends wants your child to be excited about school every day!” says Keegan. “We are a strong believer that children learn by doing! When a child actively participates in the learning process, they are fully engaged. We promote hands-on learning using our well stocked supply of manipulatives such as counters, links, beads, cubes, playdough, spinners, dice, chalk boards, magnet trays and more. Scavenger hunts, games and fun experiments make the learning process more meaningful, so your child is able to retain the information more easily. They learn to communicate and to work together as a team. We encourage being kind, caring and safe on a daily basis.  Challenge your child, you will be surprised what they are capable of doing!”

While they plan ahead, Fun-N-Friends staff are ready to handle the unexpected, and perhaps that is the key to their fun.

“We keep things fun by being flexible,” says Keegan. “We have a structured schedule, but going off task for a bit is ok! If a child has a funny story, we listen. Sometimes everyone needs to just get up, move and be silly and the staff will join in. The kids share fun facts with us on a daily basis that makes us laugh and that alone makes our day!”

The school even found a fun way to recognize its 40th anniversary.  

“In celebration of our 40th anniversary, Fun-N-Friends is going blue!” announces Keegan. “We have changed our school colors. Each child received a new blue school shirt to match our chairs, logo and awning. The kids helped create our 40th anniversary photo. We used a drone to snap the image in our field. Everyone will receive a car magnet and new school tote bag (blue!) in the fall. Our graduates will receive a special edition yearbook for graduation.” 

While there are other preschools out there, Keegan promotes why Fun-N-Friends may be the best choice.

“We have been shaping young minds for over 40 years in Mt. Olive,” explains Keegan. “Fun-N-Friends is an established and thriving preschool. We place an emphasis on being a kind and caring person. Our curriculum is well-balanced and challenges children to think outside the box. We promote independence, creativity and a healthy self-image. Everyone is different and everyone is important. Your child is the foundation to the future and our preschool is here to help make that foundation strong in every way!

“Fun-N-Friends remains a vibrant part of the Mt. Olive community, with generations of families returning year after year,” adds Keegan. “Its legacy is not only in the lessons taught, but in the lasting memories made.”

As a parent herself, Keegan respects that families need to evaluate which preschool works best for their children. 

“Find the preschool that works for your family,” she advises. “Ask your questions, take a tour and find out what your community is saying about the schools you are looking into. Word of mouth is the best type of advertising and sometimes the most useful. Current families and alumni that have experienced the preschool and will know the answers you are looking for!”

For more information, visit www.funnfriends.com or email Keegan at funnfriendsupc@yahoo.com