Summary

Contact Info

Leucadia Children's School
1337 N. Vulcan Ave.
Encinitas , CA 92024
www.leucadiachildrenschool.com

Tel: (760) 753-8084

Director: Cathy Strother
leucadiachild@yahoo.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

After a phone conversation with the appropriate person at the school

Wait list

Yes

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: 5

Savvy Source survey: Yes

Parents who send their child to this preschool also like the following preschools:

Discovery Isle (La Costa/ San Marcos)
The Gifted Preschool
Early Explorations Preschool (Encinitas)

General Info

Basic Stats

% 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

- Walk to the playground area

Features of the Preschool

Provide a third year

Yes

Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program

No

Affiliated with a religious institution

No

Accreditation, Membership & Awards

Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children

No

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (3.8)

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
I would like to have more feedback from the teacher about how my child is doing in school (which has been pretty much none to this point). Also, there is only one small bathroom which is shared by all the kids except for the 2 year olds. It is usually wet all over the counter and generally not very clean. A couple of times I've noticed there are no paper towels available in the restroom also. This is important during cold/flu season which is this time of year. On the positive side, the teachers are all very nice and seem to have a genuine interest in the children.

Parent #2
Great teachers - very sweet and patient; emphasis on social skills and play with some academic and art mixed in; not your typical "suburban" preschool... very earthy and organic feeling. 30 year history and great longevity of the teaching staff. We love this school!

Parent #3
The teachers are very personable and really seem to connect with the children.

Parent #4
This school provides a caring and safe environment. There are not many students per class so it is small which my son loves. It is perfect for his age and we look forward to the next several years at Leucadia Children's School.

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

We believe in a well-balanced academic program with an emphasis on learning, fun, motor-skills, art, and social development. We strive to provide a challenging, yet comfortable and secure environment that your children will want to be their home away from home. Our low teacher to student ratio ensures that every child gets the attention he or she needs.

We are owner directed and operated. Our personal attention to our staff, students and their families prove our thirty-year reputation for consistent high standards, caring and commitment.
(excerpted from website)

Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

7am School Opens
9am Part Time Children Arrive (outside time)
10am Snack Time
10:30am Circle Time
11:45am Lunch Time for 2 yr olds
12pm Lunch Time for 3 yr olds
12:15pm Lunch Time for 4-5 yr olds
12:30-1:30pm Outside Play
1:30pm Yard Clean Up and Nap Time for full day children
2pm Part Day Children Leave
3 pm Afternoon Snack
3pm - 4:30pm Outside Play (Friday Movie Day)
5:30pm School Closes

Curriculum & Teaching Approach

General Approach to Learning

Play-based

Play-based with some structure

Predominantly teacher-led instruction

Montessori

Waldorf

Co-op

Reggio-Emilia

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (3.5)

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
Again, this is a young class so the goal is to introduce the alphabet, art, songs, etc. but in a gentle manner. During circle time our teacher reads, sings a song, plays a name game and then they do a craft using letters or paint or free choice.

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (4.8)

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
My son's teacher is amazing. She is very patient and kind but gently firm when needed. My son loves her and we could not ask for a better situation.

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (2.9)

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

Separation

OVERALL RATING (2.5)

Director's and Parents' Comments

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
My son is 2 1/2 and his class does not have set goals for his age group. He will move up in September and it will be more structured with goals and developmental projects. They have a scheduled day with outdoor play, snack, circle time w/ songs & stories, free choice (painting, making a craft, playing), lunch and outdoor play. He only goes 2 mornings per week. This will increase to 2 full days in September this year. The setup is perfect for him and he is getting used to a preschool environment and being away from mommy for a few hours.

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (1.5)

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

- Notes

- Phone Calls

- Drop-Off

- Pick-Up

- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (3.5)
Parents' Opinions
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

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
I'm not sure how often they clean their toys. I'm afraid to ask. I don't think they get cleaned regularly. Bathrooms are cleaned daily by janitorial staff, but not until the end of the day. During the day, the kids tend to forget to flush.

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.9)

Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable

Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided

Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.1)

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 2 years to 5 years			$415/Month
From 2 years to 5 years			$520/Month
From 2 years to 5 years			$625/Month
From 2 years to 5 years			$730/Month
From 2 years to 5 years			$590/Month
From 2 years to 5 years			$680/Month
From 2 years to 5 years			$890/Month
From 2 years to 5 years			$785/Month

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

Children who are still in diapers are charged an additional fee each month:

Full Time: 5 days a week (in diapers) 7-5:30 $990; 4 days a week (in diapers) 7-5:30 $865; 3 days a week (in diapers) 7-5:30 $740; 2 days a week (in diapers) 7-5:30 $590.

Part Time: 5 days a week (in diapers) 9am-2pm $830; 4 days a week (in diapers) 9am-2pm $705; 3 days a week (in diapers) 9am-2pm $580; 2 days a week (in diapers) 9am-2pm $455.

Application & Admissions

Application Process

Applications are accepted: After a phone conversation with the appropriate person at the school

There is a wait list for upcoming school year.

Parent visits tours are: Recommended

Child interview process: None

Parent interview process: Director-parent

Deadline for applications: Rolling

Application fee: $0

Admissions Process

Acceptance criteria: First-come basis

Notification occurs: Immediately

Financial aid is not available.

Savvy Source's Comments

Comments

We take pride in our commitment to providing a positive and secure environment for our students and for our staff. All of our teachers are the most patient, caring, and dedicated people you will meet! And because they love their jobs, our students benefit from the stability of teachers that stay with us year after year. our very low staff turnover results in teachers that get to know each child's unique personality. In addition, each member of our staff is required to be educated above and beyond state childcare requirements. (excerpted from brochure)

Age/Child Requirements

Child must be 2 years to enroll.

Child does not need to be potty trained to enroll.

Director's views on diversity:
This school is operated on a non-discriminatory basis, according equal treatment and access to services without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, or ancestry. (excerpted from website)

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

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