Summary

Contact Info

Fair Oaks Preschool
301 North Orange Grove
Pasadena , CA 91103
fairoakspreschool.com

Tel: (626) 229-9957
Fax: (626) 229-9958

Director: Laurie Moore
fairoakspreschool@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

While child is in utero, after a face-to-face meeting at the school

Wait list

Yes

Deadline for applications

Rolling

Key Statistics

Total enrollment

41

Student/teacher ratio

5:1

Age cutoff for enrollment

6 months

Extended day

No

School year

Year round program

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Most schools in our area, Waverly

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: 6

Director survey: Yes

Savvy Source survey: Yes

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

All Saints Children's Center
Children's Center at CalTech

General Info

Basic Stats

Total enrollment

41

Student/teacher ratio

5:1

Established

2002

% of teachers with:

- CPR

100%

- First aid

100%

Transportation and Drop-off Policies

Transportation

- Parents bring their children to and from school

- Located close to public transportation

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: Fair Oaks Preschool offers extend care between 6:00pm and 6:30pm for an extra cost of $10.00. The Center closes at 6:30pm. After 6:30pm the late late charge is an additional $50.00 per child, per day and after 6:45pm the late charge is an additional $50.00 per child, per day. If we are unable to contact a parent by 7:00pm we will contact the Pasadena Police Department to pick up the child.

Features of the Preschool

Provide a third year	Yes
• The third year's focus is on preparing children for kindergarten.

Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program

No

Affiliated with a religious institution

No

Teach religious concepts

No

Some experience serving children with special needs

No

Accreditation, Membership & Awards

Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children

No

Other Memberships

Director and Lead Teachers are members of NAEYC

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (3.5)

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

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?
That families log on to NAEYC.org and go to the area for parents. This will give parents a great starting place for questions to ask during their visit.

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
I loved this school. It has a developmentally appropriate, positive atmosphere. My son is in his 2nd year of attendance and had a wonderful experience. The school provides wonderful music, drama, and sports programs outside of the standard curriculum. Also, the school provides structured extended day care that is very reasonably priced. I can't think of one negative thing to say about this school.

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

Fair Oaks Preschool program is child centered, reflecting the interests of each child in the classroom. The program is play oriented to capitalize on the child's interest and encourages active learning to develop curiosity, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Each child has an opportunity to explore and learn at their own pace in a safe and secure environment. There is an emphasis on language development, cognition and motor coordination.

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

Director's Comments

At Fair Oaks Preschool we make the statement that play is children's 'work.' This statement is in response to the common adult perception of play as an activity with less value than that of work. We believe play is the activity by which children learn and develop. The teaching staff at Fair Oaks Preschool have solid understanding of play and its relationship to learning, one of the primary goals of our program is to sustain and enhance the play activity of our children.

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					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					n/a

Director's Comments

The Center's curriculum follows developmentally appropriate practices and is carefully planned by the teaching staff. Classrooms are set up in Learning Centers. These Centers are designed to encourage physical skills, cognitive learning, problem solving and independence. The daily schedule includes art, music, science, math concepts, storytelling, dramatic play and physical play.

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
This is a lovely, developmentally appropriate preschool. The "curriculum" is taught in a non-stressful way, preparing students for the challenges of kindergarten without causing anxiety. I highly recommend it to any parent and student.

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (4.6)

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

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (4.4)

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

Director's Comments

We have 2 parent-teacher conferences a year, daily notes, emails, newsletters, parent orientation, parent workshops, and a family BBQ.

Separation

OVERALL RATING (4.0)

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

Director's and Parents' Comments

Director's Comments

The parent and child are encourage to visit the Center prior to their child's start date. The Lead Teacher in the child's new classroom will contact the family to arrange the transition visit. The Lead Teacher works with the families on different strategies to enable their child to be successful in this process. Of course, parent's may also call the Center to inquire about their child and parent's are always welcome at the Center.

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
I am answering these questions in regards to Valley Vista school in Montrose CA. It is a fabulous school and should be on your list for sure!

Drop-in Policy

- During school parents are welcomed as the school has an open door policy

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (3.7)

Parents:

- Hold social events at the school to build community

- Fundraise

- Are able to visit the school anytime we want

- Go on field trips

- Receive newsletters

- Hold social events outside of the school (with and/or without children)

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

- Notes

- Phone Calls

- Voice Mail

- Email

- Special Meetings

- Two or More Regular Conferences

- Drop-Off

- Pick-Up

- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (4.2)
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

We are committed to developing a positive self-esteem, independence, responsible and caring behavior on the part of the child, we approach 'setting limits' in a predictable, clear, and sensitive manner. The limits are set from three areas of importance: not hurting oneself, not hurting others, and respecting ones physical environment. Our classroom environment are set up to minimize no's and help children be as successful as possible.

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.'

At the heart of teacher and child interaction, is a simple but heartfelt philosophy; 'Teachers must deal with children with humor, compassion, and respect.' So, we understand the importance of giving children an option, helping children to express their feelings and dealing with the needs of the individual child.

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

- We ask parents to provide child-safe snacks for their allergic child

Medications

- Medication is placed in a locked box in the classroom.

Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.3)

Screen and identify all visitors
• Lifescan

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 months to --	12	Mon 7am - 6pm Tue 7am - 6pm Wed 7am - 6pm Thu 7am - 6pm Fri 7am - 6pm	$0/Year
From 6 months to 1 years 6 months	8	Mon 7am - 6pm Tue 7am - 6pm Wed 7am - 6pm Thu 7am - 6pm Fri 7am - 6pm	$1200/Month
From 1 years 6 months to 2 years 6 months	12	Mon 7am - 6pm Tue 7am - 6pm Wed 7am - 6pm Thu 7am - 6pm Fri 7am - 6pm	$1100/Month
From 2 years 6 months to 3 years 6 months	10	Mon 7am - 6pm Tue 7am - 6pm Wed 7am - 6pm Thu 7am - 6pm Fri 7am - 6pm	$900/Month
From 3 years 6 months to 5 years	11	Mon 7am - 6pm Tue 7am - 6pm Wed 7am - 6pm Thu 7am - 6pm Fri 7am - 6pm	$900/Month

Extended Care

- This school does not have extended care

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

There is extended care from 6:00p.m. to 6:30p.m.

Calendar Year

School Year

Year round program

Application & Admissions

Application Process

Applications are accepted: While child is in utero, after a face-to-face meeting at the school

There is a wait list for upcoming school year. • When there is an opening we inform families on our wait list. We also inform families on our wait list in April for the following September. Priority is given to siblings of children already attending Fair Oaks Preschool, along with children whose families are members of the Neighborhood Church.

Parent visits tours are: Mandatory (in order to receive application)

Child interview process: We encourage children to visit with their parents.

Parent interview process: Parent have an opportunity to visit with Lead Teacher and Director.

Deadline for applications: Rolling

Application fee: $50

Admissions Process

Acceptance criteria: Priority is given to siblings of children already attending Fair Oaks Preschool, along with children whose families are members of the Neighborhood Church based on sibling priority

Notification occurs: Rolling

Deposit required: $200 non-refundable registration fee

Parents must submit deposit within the following timeframe of receiving notification of acceptance: 1 week

Financial aid is not available.

Director's Comments

Comments

I would encourage families to go to the NAEYC.org website, under parents, there is a list of things to look for when choosing a Children''s Center for your child. As you go through the list ear mark the things that are important to you. Then when you tour different Centers look, for those things and if you don't see them ask. Ask lots of questions. Most importantly there are a lot of great Centers in Pasadena, find the one that fits your child and family the best. Always trust your instinct.

Age/Child Requirements

Child must be 6 months to enroll.

Child does not need to be potty trained to enroll.

Inquiries accepted from January 1 onwards.

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Most schools in our area, Waverly

Parents' Admission Tips

Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions

Parent #1
Go visit and see it for yourself