Summary

Contact Info

Baby Steps Early Learning Center
1140 Peavy Rd.
Dallas , TX 75218
Tel: (214) 328-4242
Fax: (214) 328-4244

Director: Stella Finger
stel42@sbcglobal.net

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

Anytime

Wait list

No

Key Statistics

Total enrollment

40

Student/teacher ratio

8:1

Extended day

Yes

School year

Year round program

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Dealey Montessori Academy, Hexter Elementary

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: 5

Director survey: Yes

Savvy Source survey: Yes

General Info

Basic Stats

Total enrollment

40

Student/teacher ratio

8:1

Established

2004

% of teachers with:

- Teaching credentials

75%

- 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

- 7:00 AM is the earliest time a parent can drop off a child

Late Pickup Policy: $1.00 per minute past 6 p.m.

Features of the Preschool

Provide a third year	Yes
• More structure, circle time includes number and alphabet games, computer time, art class, cooking. Patterning and sequencing, science experiments.

Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program

No

Affiliated with a religious institution

No

Some experience serving children with special needs

No

Accreditation, Membership & Awards

Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children

No

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.1)

Building, bathrooms, hallway

Classroom equipment and furniture

Outside play equipment

Facilities Include:

Classrooms (with bathroom attached)

Classrooms (with kitchenette attached)

Music room

Art room

Library

Playground

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
none

Parent #2
Baby Steps is a very loving environment. We have enjoyed the preschool, although academics was not the main reason for my son to attend. I wanted him to be able to play with other children his age and use social skills, rather than worry about academics at age 3.

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

Our objective is to provide quality care in a loving environment where children are growing and learning through diverse, age-appropriate activities. Our sensory approach to learning has proven to be fun, stimulating, and effective.

Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

Baby Steps offers extended care in the mornings and afternooons. Our preschool classes begin at 9a.m. Each classroom uses a CIRCLE TIME puppet that the children really love! It helps motivate the children to sing, dance, and interact with their friends. After CIRCLE TIME the children choose the learning center that they would like to participate in. The lead teacher usually works one-on-one with each child and their special activity for the day. The assistant teacher assists the children in the learning centers. The children cook at least once a week. The cooking activity is centered around the week's curriculum. We have a nutritious morning snack followed by outdoor playtime. Before lunch the children choose activities in the book center or science center. Lunch begins at 11a.m. and naptime is from 11:45 to 1:15. Music classes are on Wednesday afternoons at 1:45p.m.

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

We always keep in mind each child's individual development.

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (4.1)

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					YES
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	-		-	-	YES
Time & space	-		-	-	YES
Sci. reasoning/physical world	-		-	-	YES
Music	-	-		-	YES

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

Other subjects taught	Our enrichment classes include cooking and gardening.Both of these are my favorites! I love watching children learn through all of our hands on activities. Whether it's using a rolling pin to make biscuits, or digging in the dirt, this sensory approach to learning is the best! We now offer computer center and art classes.				n/a

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
I like the fact that most of the teaching is play-based and fun for the kids. My kids have learned shapes,colors, etc, through play, not 'lessons' at home, and this is consistent at their school.

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (4.9)

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

Individualized Teaching

Description of how teachers work with children who are
"behind," "excelling" or "different" from the majority of students

The staff at Baby Steps understand the stages of development and work with each child on their own level.

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
My son's teacher was awesome with him. She is always encouraging, loving, patient, fair. We just love her.

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (3.3)

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

Director's Comments

Communication occurs daily and monthly. One of the benefits of having a small school is that the staff has time daily to speak to parents. I send home a letter at the beginning of each month informing parents of our curriculum for the month, special activities, birthdays, etc. I also subscribe to the Parent/Child magazine which I send home with each child several times a year.

Separation

OVERALL RATING (4.2)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
- Parents in classroom early on
- Abbreviated schedule at start of school year

Director's and Parents' Comments

Director's Comments

We consider each child's individual needs.

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Baby Steps has provided a loving, nurturing place for my child to have many positive experiences. He is happy and well adjusted. We love the program and the staff here. Great ratios and a hands-on curriculum. A truly terrific school!

Parent #2
Baby Steps is more of a daycare environment, but the educational and development curriculum are well thought-out and planned.

Parent #3
The staff at Baby Steps are warm, loving, and all are genuinely concerned for and affectionate with my children. It is a family-like atmosphere, in a converted house that has a central home-like kitchen, and the kids always seem happy.

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (1.8)

Parents:

- Are able to visit the school anytime we want

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
None of the above

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

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Daily reports on child's activity, appetite, demeanor, sleep.

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (4.6)
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

Positive guidance teaches children skills that help them get along in their physical environment. The aim is to develop personal standards in self-discipline, not to enforce a set of inflexible rules. Giving children understandable guidelines and re-directing their behavior helps them to develop internal control of their actions and encourages acceptable behavior. A caregiver may only use positive methods of discipline and guidance that encourage self-esteem, self-control, and self-direction.

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.'

Young children are ego-centric. It's usually not a good idea to try and force a behavior. The teacher would offer to read a book, play blocks, etc. with Child B.

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.6)

Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable

Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided

Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

Food Allergies

- We do not allow certain foods in the classroom

Medications

- We keep their medication on hand at all times

Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.3)

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 3 years to 4 years	10		$0/Week
From 2 years to 3 years	12		$0/Week

Extended Care

- This school does have extended care

Calendar Year

School Year

Year round program

Application & Admissions

Application Process

Applications are accepted: Anytime

There is no wait list for upcoming school year. • N/A

Parent visits tours are: Recommended

Child interview process: None

Parent interview process: Admissions Director-parent

Application fee: $150

Admissions Process

Acceptance criteria: First-come basis

Notification occurs: Immediately

Deposit required:

Parents must submit deposit within the following timeframe of receiving notification of acceptance: One week

Financial aid is not available.

Age/Child Requirements

Child does not need to be potty trained to enroll.

Director's views on diversity:
Not as much as I would like. We celebrate diversity and our doors are open to all.

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Dealey Montessori Academy, Hexter Elementary

Parents' Admission Tips

Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions

Parent #1
No, I did not do anything instrumental during the admissions process that I believe helped my child gain admission to the school.

Parent #2
No, I did not do anything instrumental during the admissions process that I believe helped my child gain admission to the school.