Summary
Contact Info
Little Steps Christian Preschool
6551 Soledad Mountain Rd.
La Jolla
, CA
92037
www.littlesteps.org
Tel:
(858) 551-7780
Fax:
(858) 551-7783
Director:
Heather Hert
director@littlesteps.org
General Approach to Learning
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Play-based with some structure |
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| 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, after a face-to-face meeting at the school |
| Deadline for applications |
Rolling |
Key Statistics
| Student/teacher ratio |
10:1 |
| Age cutoff for enrollment |
2 months |
| School year |
Year round program |
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:
10
Director survey: Yes
Savvy Source survey: Yes
General Info
Basic Stats
| Student/teacher ratio |
10:1
|
% of teachers with:
| - Teaching credentials |
65%
|
Transportation and Drop-off Policies
Transportation
Dropoff Procedure
Features of the Preschool
| Provide a third year |
Yes
|
| • We provide a more intense curriculum covering increased academic skills to best prepare students for Kindergarten. |
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| Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program |
No
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| Affiliated with a religious institution |
Yes
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| Teach religious concepts |
Yes
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| • We respect all faiths and backgrounds. |
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| Some experience serving children with special needs |
Yes
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| • We work along side parents to provide screenings, IEP's, accomodate special services and adjust instruction accordingly. |
|
Accreditation, Membership & Awards
| Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children |
No
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Facilities
| CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.2) |
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| 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 strive to meet the indivudual needs of each child and their family.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
My children have been well taken care of at LIttle Steps. I have witnessed the growth and positive direction the school is heading and am looking forward to what lies ahead. I strongly reccomend Little Steps to any families with preschoolers.
Parent #2
caring, energetic, youthful staff. The teachers really care and the school is well run. The infant/toddler room has low ratios and attentive staff. When kids move classrooms, parents are well informed and a transition plan is in place. My kids are very happy there.
Parent #3
It was very important for my wife and I to find a school that we felt comfortable leaving our 16 month old child with. We were new to the area and visited a number of facilities and felt most comfortable with Little Steps because of their staff and caregivers. Additionally the locations is terrific, the hours are good and the facility is very clean and well cared for. While they have extensive policies on how to handle problems with children (well documented parent guide) we have yet to ever hear of or witness any issues. Our child has never hit, nor been hit or bit by another child and we see no signs of any bad habits. They are also very good about ensuring that children with colds stay at home until they are no longer contagious and helped us make the transition very comfortable. Our daughter was very use to being home with her mother 24/7. I would certainly recommend this school. There is also a very strong parent support group that puts and emphasis not only on the students but in helping to continuously develop the school as well for everyone's benefit.
Parent #4
We have been at this school for almost 3 years now and have watched it grow. The staff currently is the best I have seen...a great balance of caring and teaching in a christian environment. From day 1, this school just felt like "home" to us. I feel that my son will be very prepared for kindergarten next year and has been able to grow at his own pace. The administration is completely dedicated to the school and works well with the current staff. The playground has shade and sun and the babies are separated from the bigger kids. There is also a great Parent Support Group that meets monthly and allows the parents to be involved at the school, support the staff, and provides another line of communication to the administration. The school is currently shifting to a "green" business model so that most information will be distributed electronically via the website and email. My only wish is that there was always a person at the front desk (sometimes in the mornings or afternoons that person floats to a classroom temporarily). I would highly recommend this preschool! I encourage you to come check it out for yourself.
Parent #5
Teachers are fairly competent, some seem very lazy at times, when i pick up in the evenings they are conversing amoung other teachers on the playground not paying attention to the children. I have noticed myself that communication is pretty bad. Overall the care is good, most teachers have a genuine care for the kids.
Parent #6
I have experienced a higher that expected teacher turn-over at this school and some difficult transitions between teachers. When things are going according to plan, it is wonderful. However, it seems that there is constant transition with the staff, making it difficult for students to get comfortable and develop good routines.
Parent #7
Caring, loving staff who are dedicated to the enrichment of my child. Who show a love and general concern for my child and our family. A very family oriented center
School Philosophy & Day in the Life
School Philosophy and Mission
We believe that God created each child as a special and unique individual. (Genesis 5:2) Each child should have a well balanced early childhood experience that meets their spiritual, social/emotional, physical and cognitive needs. Through a parent/teacher partnership each child can achieve their full potential.
Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School
Children in our preschool are given a multitude of learning opportunities through the day. Some are teacher led (ex circle time) and some are free play in our learning centers. Children spend a minumum of 1 hour a day doing outside exploration. Children pray before each snack/meal. We provide a rest time for full day students.
Quality of Teaching
Teachers Are:
| OVERALL RATING: (4.5) |
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| 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
Teachers maintain a running record throughout the school year on each child's progress. Using this approach allows teachers to constantly be monitoring children's progress. These standards are updated and shared with the parents quarterly. If a child is found to be "behind", "excelling" or "different" the learning environment is tailored to meet that child's unique needs.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
My child was just placed with a new teacher and there has not been adequate time for an assesment
Parent #2
One teacher in the classroom was very harsh and only informed me when my child was having a bad day, it was almost like he was tattling. Very immature way of handling the kids
Parent #3
The teachers at the school now are a cohesive bunch and are the best quality that the school has had in the past 3 years. I am very pleased with the teachers.
Parent #4
Staff is well rounded, well educated and provides a wonderful mix of structure and free play for the children to discover and learn.
Home School Connection
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (3.9) |
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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 |
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Director's Comments
We have an open house at the beginning of the school year for a one on one contact with teachers and parents. This event gives teachers the opportunities to talk about goals and outcomes that are expected for the year. In mid spring we have an open house to share what students have accomplished over the school year. In our Pre-K program parent teacher meetings are held for a complete review of kindergarten readiness.
We offer several extra curricular activities children can participate in during school hours for a nominal fee.
Wee Dance
Amazing Athletes
Gym Ventures
Separation
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Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
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Parents in classroom early on
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Abbreviated schedule at start of school year
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Director's and Parents' Comments
Director's Comments
Parents are encouraged to participate in the classroom for the first few days. Sometimes an abbreviated schedule also works well in adjustment and transition for children. At parent's request we can arrange a pre-entry meeting with staff to answer questions or concerns.
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (3.4) |
Parents:
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
Discipline, Health and Safety
Discipline
| OVERALL RATING (4.5) |
|
| 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 focus at Little Steps Christian Preschool is to use discipline as a guidance tool rather than as punishment. The children need to have the freedom to develop autonomy as well as recognize the need to follow rules and guidelines established by adults. It is imperative the children feel safe and loved to best guide them. The staff will encourage problem solving skills and positive interpersonal relationships through the disciplining practices and provide an environment and standards which are developmentally appropriate.
Children are spoken to at their eye level and language is used that the children can understand and copy for use in their own conversations.
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.'
Staff would explain at eye level to child b that sometimes friends want to play with others and that is ok, we still love our friends, then staff would ask child a and c to consider having child b play with them all together because we are all friends.
Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
it seems as if they have made attempts to better enforce visitor policies, but have not really stuck with any of their plans.
Parent #2
Teachers can be a little harsh with bad behavior, tone can be a little rough at times from my perspective. Sick policy is non-existent
Parent #3
One of the things we really appreciate is the detailed report of our child's activities (eating, sleeping, diaper changes, et cetera). They are also initialed by the participating caregiver so you know who was involved with which activities and you can speak with them for clarification when necessary.
Health
| OVERALL RATING (4.5) |
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| 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 |
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Food Allergies
Medications
Safety
| OVERALL RATING (4.4) |
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| Screen and identify all visitors
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| • All staff are fingerprinted and background checks done through both FBI and Department of Justice. We are also notified about any changes to their criminal history. |
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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
2 months
to
2 years
|
12 |
Tue 7:30am - 5:30pm
Thu 7:30am - 5:30pm
|
$560/Month |
From
2 months
to
2 years
|
12 |
Mon 7:30am - 5:30pm
Wed 7:30am - 5:30pm
Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm
|
$764/Month |
From
2 months
to
2 years
|
12 |
|
$1272/Month |
From
3 years
to
5 years
|
20 |
Tue 7am - 6pm
Thu 7am - 6pm
|
$435/Week |
From
2 years
to
3 years
|
10 |
|
$819/Month |
From
2 years
to
2 years
6 months
|
10 |
Mon 7am - 6pm
Wed 7am - 6pm
Fri 7am - 6pm
|
$658/Month |
From
2 years
to
2 years
6 months
|
10 |
Tue 7am - 6pm
Thu 7am - 6pm
|
$498/Month |
From
3 years
to
5 years
|
20 |
|
$916/Month |
From
2 years
to
2 years
6 months
|
10 |
|
$980/Month |
From
3 years
to
5 years
|
20 |
Mon 7am - 6pm
Wed 7am - 6pm
Fri 7am - 6pm
|
$595/Month |
Extended Care
Notes on Schedule and Extended Care
Notes
We offer 2 day (Tuesday/Thursday) and 3 day (Monday, Wed, Friday) full and half day program.
Half Day 7am-1pm
Full Day 7am-6pm
Calendar Year
School Year
Application & Admissions
Application Process
Admissions Process
Director's Comments
Comments
We offer summer camps during July & August for students 2-5 years old. These camps are thematic and engaging.
Kindergarten Placement & Tips
Parents' Admission Tips
Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions
Parent #1
Followed through with phone calls.
Parent #2
not applicable
Parent #3
no i called in june and my child started the next week
