Summary
Contact Info
World of Discovery Preschool
20300 Herriman Avenue
Saratoga
, CA
95070
www.lgsrecreation.org
Tel:
(408) 867-4683
Fax:
(408) 867-4683
Director:
Teri Fogarty
miss_teri@verizon.net
General Approach to Learning
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Play-based |
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Play-based with some structure |
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| Predominantly teacher-led instruction |
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:
1
Director survey: Yes
Savvy Source survey: Yes
General Info
Transportation and Drop-off Policies
Transportation
Facilities
| CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.0) |
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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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Parents' Comments
Parent #1
We were totally happy with our choice of this school, teacher, and preschool program. I only wish there were as many options for type of programs in the public elementary school system as there are for preschool.
Living in Almaden (near the Los Gatos border), I didn't feel as connected with the other parents who live in Saratoga. I have no regrets, however with driving the 25 mile round trip each day.
There was a different theme, letter and color that the children focused on each week. Some of the themes were: sports, wild west, sun/moon/stars, growing things/planting, dinosaurs, the zoo, moms & dads, birds & insects, doing it myself, seasons, America/presidents. Some of the colors were: sienna, ochre, maroon, fuchsia, cerise, ultramarine, navy blue, silver, aqua, & beige, in addition to the usual colors.
School Philosophy & Day in the Life
School Philosophy and Mission
Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source
Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School
Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source
Quality of Teaching
Teachers Are:
| OVERALL RATING: (5.0) |
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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
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
There were two field trips during the year; one to a pumpkin patch in October and the other to the Saratoga Library in the Spring. Parents needed to help drive. The children get to be in the Los Gatos holiday parade dressed as elves. It was a blast! The Saratoga Fire Dept. came one day to give a presentation on fire safety. The children got an opportunity to shoot the fire hose. One of the firemen dressed in a fire suit so that the children would not be scared if they saw a fireman in a fire. The teachers are wonderful at making sure the children learn how to play together and share. Pretend play must be gentle play (e.g. no pretending to have swords or light sabers.) Parents are educated on what a healthy lunch/snack includes (e.g. no soda or candy). The teachers are understanding and work with a child who has infrequent potty accidents. The teachers make sure that each child experiences each project/task/job, although the child may prefer to just do free play. The enclosed play yard in large and has climbing structures, sand area, play house, tricycles, balls, grass area, drinking fountain, and additional bathrooms.
Home School Connection
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (3.2) |
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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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Separation
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Extra staff dedicated to handle separation
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Director's and Parents' Comments
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
This preschool is located at Saratoga High School. High school students of the child development class are buddies to the preschoolers in the morning sessions. They help them on projects/tasks/jobs/stations such as cooking, science, art, letter packets, and puzzles. A phone list of buddies is provided for babysitters.
Drop-in Policy
- During school parents are welcomed as the school has an open door policy
General Parent Education
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (1.0) |
Parents:
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
Discipline, Health and Safety
Discipline
| OVERALL RATING (5.0) |
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| 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
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Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Parents are expected to provide their child's snack but if they forget one, didn't get enough, or as a treat/party, a healthy and nutritious snack is provided. Children are closely supervised. If an incident happens where a child does something wrong, like hitting another child, the teacher talks to the child who did the hitting and explains why that is not acceptable behavior. That child is then asked to apologize to the child who was hit. The parents of both children are notified of the event. If a child is exposed to an illness in class, the parents of all the children are notified.
Health
| OVERALL RATING (4.3) |
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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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Safety
| OVERALL RATING (5.0) |
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| Screen and identify all visitors
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| Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others |
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Ages, Schedule & Tuition
Director and Parents have not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source.
Application & Admissions
Director and Parents have not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source.
Kindergarten Placement & Tips
Parents' Admission Tips
Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions
Parent #1
The process couldn't have been easier. I hadn't planned on sending my then 3-year-old son to preschool in Sept of 2003 and he was not potty trained (nor would he be for another year and a half), so we were on no waiting lists. When he seemed ready for more social play with peers, all I had to do was fax over my registration to the Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation Department and we were admitted. There was plenty of room in the class we were interested in. There were no tests or restrictions, other than of age.
