Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do we have to work bingos or be involved in fundraisers?
No. Our fees include all supplies, a wide variety of fully equipped play centers and activities/books. Class sets of rhythm instruments are also supplied.
2. Are we expected to be a parent helper?
Yes. We operate with two parent helpers per class. If you volunteer to assist in the classroom 4-6 times in the 2 day per week program OR 3-4 times in the 1 day per week program over the course of the year, you will have fulfilled your obligation in the program. You can also send a friend, grandma, aunt etc.
3. What is the class size?
We teach as a team! Our ratio is approximately 4-6 children per adult in a 2000sq. ft. classroom. This group experience will be one of optimum learning. The children will have the opportunity to work with the teachers individually, in small groups and in large groups.
4. Does my child have to be toilet trained?
Yes. We are prepared for occasional accidents and have clothes on hand to use in emergencies.
5. Are your classes structured?
Yes. But the children still have freedom to choose from a variety of carefully planned play centers. We balance our class time between "Play Center Times" and "Teacher Led Activities".
6. What is Center Time?
Our classes are carefully planned so that children can choose from play areas that develop specific skills appropriate to their age level. Center time is offered twice in each class, with different types of activities each time. This ensures that every child has a chance to experience a wide variety of activities and to develop skills that promote personal growth.
7. What types of centers do you offer?
1. Natural materials play (eg. sand, water, wheat, rice) - a tactile way to learn math concepts and build vocabulary.
2. Dramatic play (eg. housekeeping, castle, shoe store, animal hospital) - an experience that builds confidence and social problem solving skills while allowing for the acting out of real life situations and fantasies.
3. Construction (eg. large wooden blocks, cardboard brick blocks) - promotes creativity, mathematical problem solving and gross motor development.
4. Discovery (eg. creating a volcano) - the investigation of science based ideas.
5. Arts (eg. painting with marbles, drawing with scented felts) - develops creativity, with the process being the emphasis rather than the end product. Children explore a wide variety of mediums through the arts while refining their fine motor skills.
6. Manipulatives (eg. puzzles, play dough, rainbow bears & pattern cards) - promotes exploration and problem solving.
7. Journals - each child’s journal reflects their fine motor, creative and intellectual development throughout their preschool year.
8. Snack - each child brings their own HEALTHY snack & WATER, freeing the parent helpers from dish washing and protecting children with allergies. On party days we have special snacks that the parents help provide. We are a NUT FREE center.
8. What will the children experience and learn during circle time?
In the beginning of the year, circle time is split into two small groups. They then switch and participate in a circle time with the opposite teacher (both groups experiencing the same each day.). We have a 2000 sq. ft classroom, with plenty of space to do this.
Our circle time lessons follow our theme and include singing, speech, movement, instruments, & listening activities each day. The children will actively participate in games, action songs, discussions, finger plays, puppetry, & story time.
Skills developed as a result of our circle time lessons :
-self-confidence and self-esteem
-learning to share and take turns in a large group & cooperation
-following verbal and nonverbal directions
-increased ability to focus on task at hand
-increased attention span
-speech: increased vocabulary (related to themes eg. Space: planets, gravity, revolve) and improved pronunciation
-phonemic awareness & other early literacy activities
-math skills - age appropriate (eg. Shape recognition, counting forwards & backwards, patterning, etc.)
-music skills & concepts are also experienced in areas such as exploring rhythms, feeling a beat, exploring voice, large motor rhythms, and more
In Conclusion :
We design each circle time lesson and our play centers to promote emergent reading, math and language skills. Our discussions of thematic ideas assist in development of vocabulary and the understanding of specific concepts.
We believe that the development of literacy is taking place within the child. Literacy refers to the interrelatedness of language -- speaking, listening, reading, writing, and viewing.
We believe that preschool should be a safe and exciting experience that fosters development in all areas while preserving the uniqueness of each child. Join us as we journey together down the road of education and lifelong learning...