Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (3.4)

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

Each year our school has back-to-school night, some events partnered with the church and activities involving the community, such as street fairs. We also conduct observations and assessments on all children twice a year. We encourage parent involvement and volunteering in the classsroom if the parent desires, but is not a requirement. Other forms of communication are; personal notes, newletters, white boards and our Website.

Separation

OVERALL RATING (4.1)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
- Small group sessions
- 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

We offer "visiting times" with new enrollees which allows students to visit with the parent before their actual start date. We request at least two visits so a child can be involved at an indoor time and later during outdoor activity. This helps the child bond with the teacher, make friends and become familiar with the environment prior to starting school. Loving teachers have plenty of experience helping your child acclimate to thier new school and supporting you and your child into this new transition.

Parent #1
This pre-school offers any combination of days for 2-5 year old children. They do seperate by age, but they are flexible in the days/times the children can attend.

Parent #2
This is a mom's day out program for 2 year olds that is once a week for 3 hours. It is play-based and it is not nearly as formal as a preschool for 3 year olds. I don't believe the parents have high expectations for learning goals in this program. It is bascially to promote socialization amongst the kids and give the moms a break during the week.

Parent #3
Since the school has an open door policy, I am able to discuss my child's progress at any and all time with the teachers, so having a 'formal' sit-down, parent teacher conference is not necessary. I prefer the flowing communication as to a set once or twice a year meeting.

Parent #4
The teachers did not welcome my child to school in the morning, or give him an activity to help him integrate into the classroom. They did not say goodbye when he left in the afternoon, the teachers were too busy sitting and talking.

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (3.9)
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

Our goal is to encourage the children to become creative, independent, responsible and socially mature beings. With our low ratios we strive for a very preventative approach to problems. We use the environment, logical rules, curriculum, redirection and positive reminders to encourage pro-social behavior. Limiting a child's choices or renewal time(time-out) is rarely used, but may be required depending on the circumstance. We support our students in resolving their own conflicts to prepare them for later life challenges.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
The classrooms were clean, almost clinical. The rooms were small and not well equipt with materials.

Parent #2
The school is in the process of implementing a toddler play yard, specifically for the 2 and under age group.

Extended Care

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

We provide half day and full day programs. Parents may choose from 1 to 5 days per week of care depending on their needs. Lunch time is from 11:45 to 12:15 and is an option at just $2.00 per lunch period. Parents provide lunch and the center provides drinks.

We also have a Mom's Day Out Program for 2 year olds. This is one day a week from 9 am to noon and is offered on Wednesdays - Fridays. The cost is $75 per month.

Application Process

Admissions Process

Director's Comments

When touring schools we recommend checking on ratios as to how many teachers to students, and also how many students total per day, per classroom. Our center tries to accomodate working parents by providing half day and full day care, with flexible scheduling. We also remain open on many school district days off to provide care for working parents. Our preschool also accepts toddlers!