Summary

Contact Info

Crestview United Methodist Preschool
1300 Morrow St
Austin , TX 78757
crestviewumc.org

Tel: (512) 451-9665

Director: Terri Sloan
cumpreschool@austin.rr.com

General Approach to Learning

Play-based

Play-based with some structure

Predominantly teacher-led instruction

Montessori

Waldorf

Co-op

Reggio-Emilia

Application Information

Applications accepted

In february and march for the school year beginning in august.

Deadline for applications

Rolling

Key Statistics

Age cutoff for enrollment

2 years

Parent Ratings

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

Quality of teaching

Development of social skills and work habits

Home-school connection

Parent community

Discipline

Facilities

Health

Safety

Handling of separation

Survey Information

Number of parents surveyed: 3

Savvy Source survey: Yes

General Info

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.0)

Building, bathrooms, hallway

Classroom equipment and furniture

Outside play equipment

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Great little school with small classes. The teacher is very nurturing for the young ones. Though the school is church-based, the "faith" aspect is pretty low-key. My daughter is in her second year and is very happy there.

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

Crestview United Methodist Preschool’s mission is to nurture the whole child-- physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually--in a loving, Christ-centered environment. Each child is unique, learning and developing at his or her own pace and we must encourage and celebrate that uniqueness. We wish to be partners with you, the child’s guardian and first teacher, in instilling a life long love of learning in our youngest disciples. We also hope to be a support to your family during these exhilarating and exciting early childhood years.

Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source

Curriculum & Teaching Approach

General Approach to Learning

Play-based

Play-based with some structure

Predominantly teacher-led instruction

Montessori

Waldorf

Co-op

Reggio-Emilia

Savvy Source's Comments

The CUMP program is based on the interest, needs and abilities of the preschool-age child. We offer an educational experience through a well-planned program that provides opportunities for children to: become aware that their own feelings and emotions are natural and acceptable. learn to express themselves in constructive ways. grow in their understanding and enjoyment of themselves and others by learning to share, take turns and play cooperatively. be active learners by exploring and organizing their world. express curiosity and wonder at all the varied and interesting aspects of life. explore new books, games, materials and activities. try out new roles through dramatic play. build a strong background of concrete experiences for language and cognitive development. All activities of the preschool are designed to be developmentally appropriate while meeting the needs of the individual child. Children’s discovery of themselves and their world is very exciting. Learning to participate in group activities enables children to make the transition to kindergarten with less stress. PLAY is children’s work.

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (4.3)

This school has increased my child's:

Ability to listen and follow directions

Ability to sit still for longer periods of time

Ability to be a part of a group of children

Self-sufficiency and independence

Awareness of others’ feelings

Cooperation with other children

Curriculum and Teaching Approach


Language					-
Oral language	-	-	-	-	n/a
Nursery rhymes, poems, songs	-	-	-	-	n/a
Storybook reading	-	-	-	-	n/a
Emerging literacy skills	-	-	-	-	n/a

Cognitive Development					n/a
Math and number sense	-		-	-	-
Time & space	-	-	-	-	-
Sci. reasoning/physical world	-	-	-	-	-
Music	-	-	-	-	-

Visual arts	-	-	-	-	-
Physical activity	-	-	-	-	-

Other subjects taught					n/a

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Crestview is based on learning through play. Teachers lead some age-appropriate activities but children are not required to participate.

Parent #2
There is a very basic, thematic curriculum for 2-3 year olds, posted every week. During parent-teacher conferences, the teacher provided a very detailed assessment focusing on social-emotional skills and development and oral language, as is appropriate for this age group, I think.

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (5.0)

Full of energy and seemingly happy in job

Patient and affectionate with children

Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her

Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior

Provides feedback on what my child does during the day

Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate

Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses

If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off

Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute

Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them

Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn

Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts

Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children

Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Crestview has fantastic, mature and engaging teachers. Additionally, we have a weekly Creative Movement class led by a dancer that the kids adore.

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (4.2)

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

Savvy Source's Comments

The CUMP Parent Group was formed in Spring 2004. It is CUMP's version of a PTA. Its mission is to provide support to the preschool staff and parents through parental participation and education. The group's goals shall generally include support of classroom activities, director, staff, children, and parents. The CUMP parent group is open to all parents of enrolled students. Meetings are held about once a month. Participation is on a voluntary basis. No dues or fees are required for membership.

Separation

OVERALL RATING (5.0)

Director's and Parents' Comments

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
My daughter started in the middle of the fall, and during her second year all the children were returning students, so we did not experience any policies related to separation. However, the school has an open-door policy and welcomed/encouraged me to bring my daughter for gradually increasing periods of time at first (2 hrs, 3 hrs, 4 hrs). She never cried. When children find it difficult to separate, I think the teachers generally work with the parent to find out the best/preferred way of dealing.

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (4.5)

Parents:

- Fundraise

- Are able to visit the school anytime we want

- Volunteer in the classroom

- Receive newsletters

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

- Notes

- Phone Calls

- Email

- Special Meetings

- Two or More Regular Conferences

- Drop-Off

- Pick-Up

- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Parents committee with the Director bi-monthly and yahoo group

Parent #2
Teacher sends monthly email update to class parents as a group

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (5.0)
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

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
The preschool is located in an older church so the facilities reflect the age of the building but are kept very clean and in good working order.

Parent #2
The school does not provide snacks, so this answer does not apply. There is a pizza day at lunchtime once per month, though, which is rather unhealthy. Otherwise, parents are responsible for children's food.

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.2)

Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable

Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided

Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.5)

Screen and identify all visitors

Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others

Ages, Schedule & Tuition

Ages, Class Size, Days & Tuition

Ages	Class Size	Days	Tuition
From 4 years to 4 years 11 months			$285/Month
From 3 years to 3 years 11 months		Tue 9am - 1pm Thu 9am - 1pm	$170/Month
From 2 years to 2 years 11 months		Mon 9am - 1pm Wed 9am - 1pm Fri 9am - 1pm	$225/Week
From 2 years to 2 years 11 months		Tue 9am - 1pm Thu 9am - 1pm	$185/Month
From 3 years to 3 years 11 months		Mon 9am - 1pm Wed 9am - 1pm Fri 9am - 1pm	$210/Month
From 3 years to 3 years 11 months			$290/Month
From 2 years to 2 years 11 months			$305/Month
From 4 years to 4 years 11 months			$230/Month

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

A 105.00 supply fee is due on the first day of school.

Application & Admissions

Application Process

Applications are accepted: In february and march for the school year beginning in august.

Deadline for applications: Rolling

Application fee: $50.00

Admissions Process

Acceptance criteria: 1. Currently enrolled Crestview United Methodist Preschool families 2. Crestview's church families not currently enrolled in the Preschool 3. Members of the community not currently enrolled in the Preschool

Notification occurs: Immediately

Age/Child Requirements

Child must be 2 years to enroll.

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Director and Parents have not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source.

Parents' Admission Tips

Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions

Parent #1
no

Parent #2
We were open to mid-year enrollment and able to make a quick decision. We were called at the end of October and started school the next week.