Summary
Contact Info
Bethel Early Learning Center
11211 E. Northwest Highway
Dallas
, TX
75238
betheldallas.org
Tel:
(214) 348-8375
Fax:
(214) 348-7756
Director:
Cathey Burgess
cathey@betheldallas.org
General Approach to Learning
 |
Play-based with some structure |
|
| Predominantly teacher-led instruction |
Application Information
| Applications accepted |
While child is in utero, upon birth, after a phone conversation with the appropriate person at the school |
Key Statistics
| Student/teacher ratio |
9:1 |
| School year |
Year round program |
| Summer Program |
05/2008 - 08/2008 |
Kindergarten Placement
Parent Ratings
| Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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| Quality of teaching |
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| Development of social skills and work habits |
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| Home-school connection |
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| Parent community |
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| Discipline |
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| Facilities |
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| Health |
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| Safety |
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| Handling of separation |
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Survey Information
Number of parents surveyed:
9
Director survey: Yes
Savvy Source survey: Yes
General Info
Basic Stats
| Student/teacher ratio |
9:1
|
| Average tenure for teachers |
10 yrs.
|
% of teachers with:
| - Teaching credentials |
25%
|
Transportation and Drop-off Policies
Transportation
Dropoff Procedure
Features of the Preschool
| Provide a third year |
Yes
|
| • Yes, more structure, advanced curriculum preparing for Kindergarten skills |
|
| Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program |
No
|
| Affiliated with a religious institution |
Yes
|
| Teach religious concepts |
Yes
|
| • Our Bible curriculum is basic and Bible based, no Lutheran or church doctrine. We serve students from a variety of faiths. |
|
| Some experience serving children with special needs |
No
|
Accreditation, Membership & Awards
| Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children |
No
|
Other Accreditations
Other Memberships
Facilities
| CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.2) |
|
| Building, bathrooms, hallway |
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| Classroom equipment and furniture |
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| Outside play equipment |
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Facilities Include:
| Classrooms (with bathroom attached) |
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| Classrooms (with kitchenette attached) |
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Playground
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Director's Comments
Question to director: Do you have any additional thoughts on what parents should consider when looking at your school? Is there any advice that you would like to provide to prospective parents?
We want our school to be your child's home away from home. We consider taking care of your child a privilege and know how hard it is to leave your child with others. We will love and care for your child like our own -- in fact we think of the children in our care as ours. Our school has a 'family' feeling and hopefully you will come and meet us soon and join the BETHEL BUNCH!
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
I love this school, my children have learned a lot from this school and it has to be the funnest school in town! They have a huge playground a huge indoor gym where children can ride their bikes, splash days, bounce house days (in the gym) and lots of special dress up days and parties. They also serve lunch and will work with you on foods you don't want your children to have and special diets. The director always responds very quickly and pleasantly to any special requests we have made.
Parent #2
wonderful caring teachers and administrative staff
Parent #3
the director is very good at addressing issues brought to her attention. there is a great community/network among the parents. my child has thrived in all areas of becoming a well-rounded individual, socially, intellectually, physically and spiritually.
Parent #4
All conflicts are handled with geniune concern for respect for others.
Parent #5
I feel very lucky that I found a school my child felt comfortable in attending. She respects all the staff and enjoys going everyday. Activities are well planned and executed.
Parent #6
Bethel's caregivers are very trustworthy, loving individuals who treat my children as their own. The director and teachers encourage communication with parents and have been super friendly, helpful and receptive. The children often have supervised open play in the gym with multiple teachers of different classes, and are comfortable with a variety of adult caregivers. I am amazed how these caregivers all seem to know my child, her strengths, needs, etc. Discipline has been through time outs, always preserving the self-esteem of the child, with specific discussion of what behavior caused the time out. My child has not yet reached the pre-k level, where I imagine the ratio of classroom time to play time will increase to prepare her for kindergarten. When I first brought my child to daycare, she was exceedingly shy and I knew her transition would be difficult. The directors and teachers patiently and lovingly encouraged her, and today, her social skills are so much more developed than I ever expected. I believe the holistic, play-centered approach, and gentle guidance of this particular daycare was the best thing for her.
Parent #7
I feel that this school offers an extremely loving and nurturing enviroment that I think are integral for the formative years. They have an AWESOME director.
Parent #8
Wonderful parents. Caring teachers - Bethel has lead teachers with long tenure. One has been there something like 17 years. And the director has been there about as long. Warm, Christian environment is a plus in my opinion. It's clean, the kids learn a lot, they have fun, and most of all they are happy, safe and healthy. I also love how the kids artwork is displayed everywhere.
School Philosophy & Day in the Life
School Philosophy and Mission
The Center's purpose is to provide a high quality early childhood program and extended childcare services within a warm loving Christian environment. We strive to promote the overall development by providing them with a happy and healthful schedule of activities. One of our goals is to create an environment in which your child will thrive and give you, the parent, peace of mind. Most of all, we endeavor to be partners with you in the care of your child
Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School
Infants, of course, are on their own schedule and are dropped off and picked up in their classroom. Toddlers are also dropped off and picked up in their classroom. Toddlers have play time, art, stories and music at various times. Toddlers eat morning snack at 9:00, gym or outside time 9-9:30, lunch at 11:30 and nap from 12-2:30 approximately and afternoon snack following nap.
Our basic preschool schedule is as follows:
7-9 am Greeting and gathering in the gym as parents drop off
9:00 Classroom time begins/circle time/Bible time
9-10 Centers/learning activities/chapel on Wednesdays
10:15 Prayer and snack
10:30-11:00 Gym/playground (large motor), optional dance classes on Wednesdays, Kinder Fit Program on Thursdays
11-11:45 More classroom/centers/story time/music
11:45 Restroom
12:00 Lunch
12:30 Short recess
1-3 Nap time
3:00 Restroom
3:10 Snack
3:30 Classroom time/ manipulatives/games/ reading/free play
4:00 Cont. classroom time/optional dance class
4:30-6 Gym or playground as parents pick up
Quality of Teaching
Teachers Are:
| OVERALL RATING: (4.0) |
|
| Full of energy and seemingly happy in job |
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| Patient and affectionate with children |
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| Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her |
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| Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior |
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| Provides feedback on what my child does during the day |
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| Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate |
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| Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses |
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| If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off |
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| Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute |
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| Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them |
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| Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn |
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| Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts |
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| Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children |
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Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching
Individualized Teaching
Description of how teachers work with children who are
"behind," "excelling" or "different" from the majority of students
We believe each child is a special and, as early childhood educators, know that each child develops at his or her own pace. We have found that our approach and curriculum works well with children at all developmental levels. We have the flexibility to simplify activities if needed or make them a bit more challenging for the advanced students.We desire strong parent/ teacher communication with any out-of-the-ordinary situations so that each child's needs can be met in the classroom. We believe in fostering a strong, positve self-concept for all.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
I don't always get a recap of the day from the teacher, unless something special occured during that day, but I can always get one if I ask. My kids are quick to tell me about their day as well, so I can tell how the day went, and I can see through their play and talk what they are learning, and most of all I can see that both my boys are happy. The teachers, in all classes, do art projects almost daily. Music is also a daily part of lessons and free play time. The children also have a Kinder Fit program that promotes motor skills, tumbling, fitness and fun that is at no extra cost (included in tuition). The school also provides opportunities for dance class at a reasonable additional cost that the kids can participate in during the day while at school.
Parent #2
Due to the timing of drop off and pick up, I am not always able to speak with my child's lead teacher on a daily basis. When I do see her, she's always very helpful and responsive to questions about my child's development and behavior. Also, I like that the teachers have a good mix of outgoing and quieter personalities. The children seem to relate well to all of them.
Parent #3
Bethel has consistently offered activities such as dance class that is beyond the daily set activities. Maybe a more structured mid- and end-of-year status report on your child (written) would be helpful.
Parent #4
The infant room at Bethel ELC is amazing!! The ladies care for these babies as if they are their own. They give great feedback on daily activities and are excellent at bringing things to your attention. . .a cough, milestones, etc. . . The classroom teachers are so loving and patient and truly care for our kids. These teachers have been there for years, but have as much excitement as a first year teacher. Even some of the more introverted teachers are EXCELLENT with my child and shine when working with the kids.
Home School Connection
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (3.4) |
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| Conducts an open house at start of school year |
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| Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year |
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| Conducts regular parent teacher conferences |
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| Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year |
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| Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year |
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| Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools |
|
Director's Comments
We have daily and/or weekly communication between the parents and teacher and/or director on basic progress and information. We have an annual open house and schedule parent/teacher meetings as needed. We provide information about schools and assist parents if requested. We try to notify the parents of local 'Kindergarten Roundups' when possible.
Separation
|
|
-
Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
|
|
-
Small group sessions
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Director's and Parents' Comments
Director's Comments
We request that new students come for one or more visits/playtimes with a parent to help everyone get adjusted and become more familiar and comfortable with their new environment. We prefer the teachers and child to get acquainted and bond a little in advance. We offer for the child to have a short visit without the parent, as well, to help with separation.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Bethel always has an open door policy and stives to keep the lines of communication open. The teachers and director are always willing to talk with me about anything related to my children and are eager to help in anyway with anything we ask them about. The teachers are some of the most loving teachers I've ever known and they are like family to us all. I've never had a problem with separation anxiety. The teachers and director have been wonderful to me and my boys from the first day I dropped them off as infants, and still are to this day.
Parent #2
The questions regarding the separation process don't really apply to my children since they have been at the school since a very early age.
Parent #3
I've been very happy with the care my children have received at Bethel. My children receive a balanced curriculum, with classroom projects and lessons, reading time, crafts, songs, chapel services, playtime, and field trips. The caregivers are kind and loving, and have gotten to know each of my children, tuning into their specific needs. I was especially impressed with the infant program. Each day I received a detailed accounting of what my child ate, how much and when, times of sleep, diapers changed, etc. Caregivers were tuned into my child's specific patterns, and gave him what he needed, rather than forcing him into a pre-set eating/sleeping schedule too early. Whenever I have had questions or concerns, the Director and all the teachers have been very responsive and helpful and are genuinely interested in providing the best care for my children.
Parent #4
Bethel does a great job of communicating with parents through weekly and monthly newsletters. There is a parent board/center with school/church and community information that is updates regularly.
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (3.5) |
Parents:
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
Discipline, Health and Safety
Discipline
| OVERALL RATING (3.6) |
|
| Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children:
are handled well in a way that gives me confidence in the safety of my child
| |
Overview
Director's Description of Approach Toward Discipline
We believe in children being responsible for their own behavior. Positive reinforcement, constructive direction and re-direction are used. Children are expected to treat their teacher and friends with respect and courtesy and accept correction when given. If the need arises, a child may be asked to sit in an age-appropriate time out and in some instances we will notify the parents immediately or at pick up time. If a child is willfully disobedient, persistently uncooperative or presents danger to classmates, more extreme measures will be taken such as withdrawal of privileges, temporary or permanent removal.
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.'
Our teachers try to maintain a hppy environment for all. The teacher would remind child A that we are all friends and that it nice to let everyone play together. The teacher may suggest a new or alternate game or center that would accomadate and invlove the whole group. The teacher would also remind Child A that we never want to hurt someones feelings on purpose.
Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
The teachers are very conscious of cleanliness, especially in the infant and toddler rooms. I see them cleaning often (toys, kids hands, their hands, etc.), as example, in the year my son was in the infant room, he was only sick twice.
Parent #2
I am not always able to observe the cleaning of toys, furniture, in all of the school, but did observe toys cleaned/disinfected daily in the infant room. The outside play equipment is very sturdy and I have no concerns about safety at this time. I believe plans are in place to update some of the outdoor play equipment as funds become available. This year I observed that the school purchased new high chairs and pack and plays to replace sturdy, but older models. I receive incident reports any time my child is injured in any way (scrapes, etc.) and calls at work if an injury was more severe. I also receive incident reports if my child perpetrates an injury (biting). I have worked with the Director to support behavior modification for my child who had bitten (we were able to stop this in just a few weeks) and to care for my other child who had been bitten.
Parent #3
The doors are locked and there is a code to get into the building. Visitors must buzz in and go through the director, or other employees. The building and playground are older, but the teachers keep their rooms and equipment in excellent condition and very clean.
Health
| OVERALL RATING (4.6) |
|
| Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable |
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| Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided
|
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| Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly |
|
Food Allergies
Medications
Safety
| OVERALL RATING (4.6) |
|
| Screen and identify all visitors
|
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| Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others |
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Ages, Schedule & Tuition
Ages, Class Size, Days & Tuition
| Ages |
Class Size |
Days |
Tuition |
From
4 years
to
5 years
|
12 |
|
$85/Week |
From
4 years
to
5 years
|
12 |
|
$95/Week |
From
4 years
to
5 years
|
12 |
|
$115/Week |
From
3 years
to
4 years
|
15 |
|
$85/Week |
From
3 years
to
4 years
|
15 |
|
$115/Week |
From
3 years
to
4 years
|
15 |
|
$95/Week |
From
2 years
to
3 years
|
15 |
|
$135/Week |
From
1 years
to
2 years
|
12 |
|
$160/Week |
From
2 months
to
1 years
|
10 |
|
$160/Week |
From
3 years
to
4 years
48 months
|
15 |
|
$95/Week |
From
4 years
to
5 years
60 months
|
12 |
|
$115/Week |
From
3 years
to
4 years
48 months
|
15 |
|
$115/Week |
From
2 years
to
5 years
|
15 |
|
$145/Week |
From
3 years
to
5 years
|
15 |
|
$95/Week |
From
4 years
to
5 years
60 months
|
12 |
|
$85/Week |
From
4 years
to
5 years
60 months
|
12 |
|
$95/Week |
From
6 months
to
1 years
|
10 |
|
$170/Week |
Extended Care
Notes on Schedule and Extended Care
Notes
If you choose 3-day preschool option, you may choose the days of the week.
Calendar Year
School Year
Summer Program
Kindergarten Placement & Tips
Parents' Admission Tips
Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions
Parent #1
Apply early for the infant room. There always seems to be a waiting list.
Parent #2
I don't know of anything that will help with admissions.
Parent #3
No hints for applying.
Parent #4
No ideas for help getting into the program.
Parent #5
n/a
