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Dallas, TX
Bethany Lutheran Child Development Center

Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents.

Review this preschool

neighborhood: Lake Highlands ·  Telephone: (214) 348-9691  · Website: www.bethany.net/ministries

• Summary
• General Info
• School Philosophy
  & Day-in-the-Life
• Curriculum &
  Teaching Approach
• Quality of
  Teaching
• Home/School
  Connection
• Discipline,
  Health & Safety
• Ages, Schedule
  & Tuition
• Application &
  Admissions
• Kindergarten
  Placement&Tips

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (3.6)
Conducts an open house at start of school year
Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year
Conducts regular parent teacher conferences
Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year
Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year
Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools

source:

Separation

OVERALL RATING (4.0)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:

- Abbreviated schedule at start of school year

source:

Director's Comments

We encourage parents of children who are having a difficult time, to start off with a shorter length of time at the school. The time can gradually be extended. If a child cries for over 45 minutes, we will contact the parent to come and pick up the child.

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
There were a lot of questions regarding reports sent home at the end of the year. This did not apply at our school because we have our big teacher/parent meeting half way through the year and get all kinds of wonderful information that is specific to our children. This is where we recieve a written summary of how our children are doing in specific areas and then where they need some help and how that can be accomplished. It is a wonderful time between parent and teacher. The school also has an open policy to address any issues as they may present themselves along the way. The director and the teachers are all very open and want the best for our kids. We have loved it here and are sad that 2006-2007 will be our last year.

Parent #2
Although the school does not have beginning of school parent teacher conferences, parents may request a conference with a teacher and/or the director at any time.

Parent #3
My community overall is very cohesive. Our parent bond is strong because of many factors, not just the pre-school.

Parent #4
A lot of families whose children attend Bethany's CDC also are members of the Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA. We do a lot of social activity and playgroups through that organization.

Parent #5
It is a small school, with only one classroom per age group. The ages are really spreadout, so that some kids are in a class with children 15 months older or younger than they are. Its just dependant on what demographic of kids apply for the school. This wide range of ages makes the classrooms difficult for the teachers to manage because all the kids are at different levels. At a young age, its better to have the children put in classrooms with thier own age so they all learn from each other. Most of the pre-schools in this area have various clasrooms so the kids are separated by birthdate, and are put with kids within a few months of thier own age. Bethany ranks the kids based on parent interviews and puts 2 year olds who are advanced in the 3 year old class, and 2 year olds who are behind in the 18 month class.

Parent #6
MOst parents just drop off thier children and don't talk to the teacher, only other parents. The school director will call you if your child is sick or disruptive.

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (3.3)

Parents:

- Are able to visit the school anytime we want

- Volunteer in the classroom

- Receive newsletters

source:

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
We are asked to make donations to support the school (such as help fund updated play equipment), but not required as the above selection states.

Parent #2
Participate in monthly Family Chapel, the Christmas program, a Dad's night, and a Mother's Day Tea

Parent #3
It was disconcerting that parents are not encouraged to be in the classroom ever, even during drop-off or pick-up. The MDO I room is gated off and parents are not allowed in for sanitary reasons. I would have liked to see what activiites my child did on a daily basis, but most parents love the drop off, don't know what's going on in thier child's life concept. The older kids are pick-uped in car pool line. According to school rules (which there are alot of and they are very serious about upholding!) the teachers are not to discuss your child's progress unless its in a conference and the Director is present.

Parent #4
Since it is a relatively small school environment, parents befriend each other easily and set up all kinds of stuff together. It is wonderful.

Parent #5
The school has family chapel each month, but there is not a way to meet other parents except in the hallway.

Parent #6
No outside involvment is encouraged. new parents are not 'welcomed' specially

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
There are not 2 or more regular conferences, but the Director calls when there is a problem with your child, and the teacher gives you a daily report card. Many times my child had a 'good' report card, but the teacher told me the problems or fussiness she had with my son.