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

Parents are required to read over the parent handbook with us and sign off on understanding its contents. We have a newsletter, website with updated calendar, parent-teacher conferences in the spring, and parents are given a daily report in a "Happy Gram."

Separation

OVERALL RATING (4.0)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Abbreviated schedule at start of school year

Director's and Parents' Comments

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.

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.

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (3.8)
Parents' Opinions
Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children: are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another

Overview

Director's Description of Approach Toward Discipline

We use positive redirection.

Director's Response to a Sample Discipline Scenario

Description of how teachers handle the following scenario: Child A and Child B are good friends and usually play together. One day, Child A decides to play with Child C and tells Child B, 'I don't want to play with you today. I'm playing with Child C instead.'

We encourage children to share their feelings. We would have all three children get together and discuss the situation.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
They are currently trying to add a new shade to the playground. It will hopefully be in place by next year.

Parent #2
Bethany doesn't use Time Out, but they do use 1,2,3. They try not to allow undisciplined children in to the program. If your child has fussy times, whats to keep playing with a toy when its time for another program, or says 'That's mine!' the school makes sure you know that yoru child is not conforming to standards they set. Children at Bethany must be very low-key, not hyper, and must obey each demand made of them. Children who don't conform to very rigid rules are told they are not 'normal' and encouraged to leave the school.

Parent #3
Girls are allowed a pascifier and lovey blanket in class with them, but boys are not. Also, they help potty train girls, but told me the boy guard on the potty chair was missing so they can't help boys potty train.

Extended Care

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

Classes all share a teacher's aide with another class. Children are moved from one class to the next based more on their developmental ability, rather than just their age.

Application Process

Admissions Process