Shepherd of the Valley Preschool

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Summary

Contact Info

Shepherd of the Valley Preschool
23838 Kittridge St.
West Hills , CA  91307
sovlps.org

Tel: (818) 347-6784
Fax: (818) 347-9944

Director: Diane Haskell
principal@sovls.org

General Approach to Learning

Play-based
Check Mark Play-based with some structure
Predominantly teacher-led instruction
Montessori
Waldorf
Co-op
Reggio-Emilia

Application Information

Applications accepted While child is in utero, upon birth, after a phone conversation with the appropriate person at the school, after a face-to-face meeting at the school
Deadline for applications Rolling

Key Statistics

Total enrollment 12
Student/teacher ratio 7:1
Age cutoff for enrollment 2 years and 11 months
Extended day Yes
School year 9/1/2009 - 6/11/2010
Summer Program -1/-1/-1 - -1/-1/-1

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Shepherd of the Valley School, Welby Way, Pomelo, Woodland Hills Elementary, Haynes

Parent Ratings

Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. Five Stars
Quality of teaching Five Stars
Development of social skills and work habits Five Stars
Home-school connection Five Stars
Parent community Five Stars
Discipline Five Stars
Facilities Four Stars
Health Five Stars
Safety Five Stars
Handling of separation Five Stars

Survey Information

Number of parents surveyed:  1

Director survey: Yes

Savvy Source survey: Yes

General Info

Basic Stats

Total enrollment 12
Student/teacher ratio 7:1
Established 2007

% of teachers with:

- CPR 100%
- First aid 100%

Transportation and Drop-off Policies

Transportation

- Parents bring their children to and from school


Dropoff Procedure

- Parents walk their child into the classroom

- 8:45 AM is the earliest time a parent can drop off a child

Late Pickup Policy: Optional Stay and Play available for $10/day.

Features of the Preschool

Provide a third year No
Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program Yes
Affiliated with a religious institution Yes
Teach religious concepts Yes
• All faiths are accepted and treated with respect.
Some experience serving children with special needs Yes
• We have a highly qualified and caring staff who has dealt with children with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, asthma, and other serious lung conditions as well as children with special learning needs.

Accreditation, Membership & Awards

Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children No

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.0) Four Stars
Building, bathrooms, hallway Four Stars
Classroom equipment and furniture Four Stars

Facilities Include:

Classrooms (with bathroom attached) Check
Classrooms (with kitchenette attached) Check
Music room Check
Art room
Library Check
Playground Check

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

We recognize that parents have the primary responsibility to educate their children, and we strive to work together in mutual trust and cooperation to enhance the development of each child. Our nurturing staff works closely with the family to ensure a smooth transition from home to school.

Our staff is highly trained in early childhood development and sensitive to childrenā??s needs. It is our goal to provide a developmentally and age-appropriate program which allows children to learn at their own pace in a safe and healthy setting. Through structured and unstructured activities and a wide variety of learning materials, children gain knowledge through exposure and experiences. Children will be given time to explore their world, empowering them to reach their highest potential. By asking open ended questions, our staff encourages problem solving skills and critical thinking. We are committed to helping children grow socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically in a warm and caring atmosphere.

SOV is a non-profit, church related school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, or national and ethnic origin. It is open to children from three to five years of age.



Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

8:45-9:00 Arrival: Tabletop toys, puzzles, etc.
9:00-9:30 Circle and Calendar/story and song
9:30-10:00 Art
10:00-10:20 Outside play
10:20-10:45 Snack
10:45-11:00 Music or Spanish
11:00-11:15 Learning Activity
11:15-11:35 Outside time/tricycles
11:35-12:15 Center Time
12:15 Dismissal
12:15-2:30 Optional Stay and Play

Curriculum & Teaching Approach

General Approach to Learning

Play-based
Play-based with some structure
Predominantly teacher-led instruction
Montessori
Waldorf
Co-op
Reggio-Emilia

Director's Comments

Shepherd of the Valley Preschool is a safe, nurturing environment where the uniqueness of each child is recognized and respected. We offer a developmentally appropriate program where our students develop at their own rate.

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (5.0) Five Stars
This school has increased my child's:
Ability to listen and follow directions Five Stars
Ability to sit still for longer periods of time
Five Stars
Ability to be a part of a group of children Five Stars
Self-sufficiency and independence Five Stars

Curriculum and Teaching Approach

Free Play Free Play Free Play with Some Structure Free Play with Some Structure Free Play with Some Structure
Language YES
Oral language - Free play with some structure - - n/a
Nursery rhymes, poems, songs - - Predominantly teacher-led instruction - n/a
Storybook reading - - Predominantly teacher-led instruction - n/a
Emerging literacy skills - Free play with some structure - - n/a
Cognitive Development n/a
Math and number sense - Free play with some structure - - YES
Time & space - Free play with some structure - - YES
Sci. reasoning/physical world - Free play with some structure - - YES
Music - - Predominantly teacher-led instruction - YES
Visual arts - - Predominantly teacher-led instruction - YES
Physical activity - Free play with some structure - - YES
Other subjects taught Spanish is taught two days/week. n/a

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (5.0) Five Stars
Full of energy and seemingly happy in job Five Stars
Patient and affectionate with children Five Stars
Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior Five Stars
Provides feedback on what my child does during the day Five Stars
Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate Five Stars
Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses Five Stars
If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off Five Stars

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

Our teachers use many differentiated instruction techniques. They are able to see where a student is in his/her development and tailor the program to that student's needs.

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (5.0) Five Stars
Conducts an open house at start of school year Five Stars
Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year Five Stars
Director's Comments

Our teachers are highly visable and approachable. They speak to each parent daily and tell them about their child's day. There is at least one individual conference with each family, as well as several opportunities during the year to meet and have coffee and conversation with the teachers and other parents.

Separation

OVERALL RATING (5.0) Five Stars
Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
- Extra staff dedicated to handle separation
- Parents in classroom early on
- Abbreviated schedule at start of school year

Director's and Parents' Comments

Director's Comments

The teachers work with the families on an individual basis. Parents are assured that they will receive a phone call to tell of their child's progress during the day.

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (5.0) Five Stars

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

- Notes

- Phone Calls

- Voice Mail

- Email

- Special Meetings

- Drop-Off

- Pick-Up

- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (5.0) Five Stars
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


The teachers encourage the children to use their words, to talk about their feelings, and to work toward conflict resolution. Children may be redirected to another activity.

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.'

Child A, I know how much you love fire trucks. Why don't we get out the uniforms, and you can be the driver today. Child B and C can carry the hose and ladder.

Health

OVERALL RATING (5.0) Five Stars
Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable Five Stars
Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided Five Stars

Food Allergies

- We do not allow certain foods in the classroom

- We keep special snacks for allergic children

- We ask parents to provide child-safe snacks for their allergic child

- It is our policy to provide a safe environment for food allergic students, to promote an understanding of their needs to other students and families, and to allow teachers to respond and provide treatment in the event of an adverse reaction.

Medications

- We call parents when the child needs medication

- Medications are kept in the office and all medications (including over the counter) must have a doctor's order.

Safety

OVERALL RATING (5.0) Five Stars
Screen and identify all visitors Five Stars
• Our staff have no criminal records.
Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others Five Stars

Ages, Schedule & Tuition

Ages, Class Size, Days & Tuition

Ages Class Size Days Tuition
From 2 years 11 months to
5 years
15 $295/Month
From 2 years 11 months to
5 years
15 $450/Month
From 2 years 11 months to
5 years
15 $220/Month

Extended Care

- This school does have extended care

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

Optional Stay and Play is available from 12:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily for $10 per day.

Calendar Year

School Year

9/1/2009 - 6/11/2010

Summer Program

-1/-1/-1 - -1/-1/-1

Application & Admissions

Application Process

Applications are accepted: While child is in utero, upon birth, after a phone conversation with the appropriate person at the school, after a face-to-face meeting at the school

Parent visits tours are: Mandatory (in order to receive application)

Child interview process: None

Parent interview process: The director meets with the prosepctive parent and tours the school.

Deadline for applications: Rolling

Application fee: $0

Admissions Process

Acceptance criteria: First-come basis  

Notification occurs: Immediately

Financial aid is not available.

Age/Child Requirements

Child must be 2 years and 11 months to enroll.

Child must be potty trained to enroll.

Director's views on diversity:
It is imperative that we value each human being regardless of gender, color, age, nationality, or disability; and that each individual's uniqueness is treasured. Children need to be surrounded by adults who model these views.

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Shepherd of the Valley School, Welby Way, Pomelo, Woodland Hills Elementary, Haynes

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