Summary

Contact Info

Bethel Lutheran School (Finch Ave.)
10181 Finch Avenue
Cupertino , CA 95014
www.bethells.org

Tel: (408) 252-8512
Fax: (408) 252-8465

Director: Kelly Tamich
KellyTamich@aol.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 face-to-face meeting at the school (tour, conversation with director, etc.)

Wait list

No

Deadline for applications

Rolling

Key Statistics

Student/teacher ratio

3:20

Age cutoff for enrollment

2 years and 9 months

Extended day

Yes

School year

Year round program

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: 3

Savvy Source survey: Yes

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

Village Little Preschool (N. Stelling Rd.)

General Info

Basic Stats

Student/teacher ratio

3:20

Established

1964

Transportation and Drop-off Policies

Transportation

- Parents bring their children to and from school

Dropoff Procedure

- Parents walk their child into the classroom

Late Pickup Policy: Children must be signed out at pick-up time. Parents need to indicate what time they pick up their children. BLS charges a late fee that accrues at the rate of $1 a minute if your child is not picked up at the end of class. The minimum late charge is $10. This applies to all preschool programs.

Features of the Preschool

Provide a third year

Yes

• "Each child develops as a unique individual, socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually and spiritually. The goals of my Junior Kindergarten program are: To model Christian practices and teach Bible stories To facilitate social development individually and in groups To strengthen self-esteem To maximize children's intellectual development by focussing the curriculum on language development, critical thinking and math/science concepts To use art, music, drama, and expressive movement to promote creativity To foster large and small muscle development. These goals are addressed by creating a carefully designed classroom environment which invites children to play and explore in physical and emotional safety. We use individual interests and group discussions to communicate what we are learning. Junior Kindergarten students also have classes in art, music, and physical education." Extracted from www.bethells.org

Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program

Yes

Affiliated with a religious institution

Yes

Teach religious concepts	Yes
• "Our school is a mission of the church to provide a Christian education to the community. Bethel students come from many different backgrounds." Extracted from www.bethells.org

Accreditation, Membership & Awards

Other Accreditations

"Bethel Lutheran School is accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association and the Santa Clara Christian Schools Association." Extracted from www.bethells.org

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (3.0)

Building, bathrooms, hallway

Classroom equipment and furniture

Outside play equipment

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

"The nurturing of young children is an essential part of a healthy beginning. At Bethel Lutheran Preschool, we strive to educate, challenge and support children. We believe that children grow in God's love and therefore we teach and model how to talk to God through prayer.

Through the teachings of Jesus, our hope is that children will emulate a loving and nonbiased sense of morality. We are an accredited school.

The NAEYC has established a statement of 'developmentally appropriate practice.' This body of knowledge represents the early childhood profession's consensus definition of appropriate practices in early childhood programs. This concept is used as the framework from which teachers prepare the learning environment and plan the child's experiences.

Our attention is focused on the development of 'the whole child.' Equal emphasis is placed on the child's cognitive development, physical abilities, socialization skills, learning patterns and emotional and spiritual framework. Through play children explore the world around them; they try out new ideas and test their skills.

Development of language, problem solving skills, cooperation with others, as well as introductions to such cognitive concepts as mathematics/academics are all important by-products of children's play.

We are proud of our developmentally appropriate educational system, where children are motivated and excited to learn."

Extracted from www.bethells.org

Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

Sample Full-Time Preschool Schedule
7-8:30 a.m. Indoor Activities
8:30 - 8:55 a.m. Indoor/Outdoor Activities
9 a.m. School Starts with Morning Circle
9:20-9:40 a.m. Small Groups
9:40-10:30 a.m. Outdoor play
(Snack served from 9:40-10:15)
10:30-11:25 a.m. Center Activities - Art, Science, Sensory, Math, Blocks, Literacy, Manipulatives and Dramatic Play
11:25-11:30 a.m. Clean-up
11:30-11:50 a.m. Large Group
11:50 a.m.- 12:15 p.m. Lunch
12:15-1 p.m. Outdoor Play
1-3 p.m. Rest Time
3-5 p.m. Free Play & Art/Science Activities
5-5:30 p.m. Large Group
5:30-5:45 p.m. Cleanup
5:45-6 p.m. Departure."
Extracted from www.bethells.org

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	-	-	-	-	YES

Other subjects taught	"Chapel services are held every Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. Grades 3- year full-time preschool through Sixth participate. Parents are welcomed to stay for chapel." Extracted from www.bethells.org				n/a

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (3.4)

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
One teacher was very low energy. She seemed tired and moody most of the time. Since the school had a closed-door policy, I often wondered if she might take out her frustrations on the children. I started to be concerned about my child's safety.

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (3.9)

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

Savvy Source's Comments

"Class Newsletters Classes publish their own weekly newsletter about current and upcoming events. In an effort to get to know you and your child better, conferences will be scheduled with your child's teacher in early fall. Both parents or persons responsible for the child are expected to attend. Another conference will be scheduled in early spring to discuss your child's growth and progress. At this time four-year-olds will be assessed for placement in Jr. Kindergarten or Kindergarten for the following year. Only children that meet the Kindergarten birthday cutoff will be admitted into Jr. Kindergarten. Children must complete two years of preschool before going on to Kindergarten." Extracted from www.bethells.org

Separation

OVERALL RATING (3.0)

Director's and Parents' Comments

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Bethel had a very closed door policy. They were very close-minded and discouraged parent communication. I know from previous experience with an older child that Bethel is not the way to run a preschool.

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (1.7)

Parents:

- Hold social events at the school to build community

- Fundraise

- Are able to visit the school anytime we want

- Go on field trips

- Volunteer in the classroom

- Receive newsletters

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Really, no effort was made to connect parents. The teacher was not a good communicator with parents and was unable to create an environment conducive to parent conversation or communication. She seemed overwhelmed by the children and parents and just wanted to go to lunch.

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

- Notes

- Phone Calls

- Email

- Two or More Regular Conferences

- Drop-Off

- Pick-Up

- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
The preschool teacher was not accessible before or after school.

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (1.9)
Parents' Opinions
Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children: are mostly handled in a competent way, though there have been a few exceptions that from time to time have made me worried about the safety of my child

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
The bathroom in the 3/4s class is not located in the classroom. This means, when one child has to use the bathroom, the other nine children need to drop what they are doing and travel to the bathroom together. I felt this was very disruptive to a child's play/learning time.

Health

OVERALL RATING (3.8)

Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable

Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided

Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

Food Allergies

Medications

- We call parents when the child needs medication

- We keep their medication on hand at all times

Safety

OVERALL RATING (2.8)

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 4 years to --	20	Mon 9am - 12pm Wed 9am - 12pm Fri 9am - 12pm	$4100/Year
From 3 years to 4 years	20	Mon 7am - 6pm Tue 7am - 6pm Wed 7am - 6pm Thu 7am - 6pm Fri 7am - 6pm	$12600/Year
From 3 years to 5 years	20	Tue 9am - 12am Thu 9am - 12am	$3150/Year

Extended Care

- This school does have extended care

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

3 & 4 year olds: M-F 7am - 6pm
(12 mo. program) $12,900

Part Day Preschool
3 Yr Olds T & Th 9am - Noon $3,150

4 Yr Olds M-W-F 9am - Noon $4,300

4 Yr Olds M-F 9am - Noon $5,250
3 Yr Olds M-F 9am - 1pm
$6,900

Extended Care
(Min. Charge Two Hours) $12.00/ hr

Calendar Year

School Year

Year round program

Application & Admissions

Application Process

Applications are accepted: After a face-to-face meeting at the school (tour, conversation with director, etc.)

There is no wait list for upcoming school year.

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

Deadline for applications: Rolling

Application fee: $190

Admissions Process

Notification occurs: "The enrollment process usually includes a visit to the school with your child to meet the preschool director, tour the grounds and visit the classrooms. We host an information night in February for parents who are interested in enrolling their children in BLS the following fall. The enrollment process is complete when the responsible party has paid the required fees including a nonrefundable enrollment fee and has returned the completed enrollment application packet." Extracted from www.bethells.org

Deposit required: 310 plus first month

Parents must submit deposit within the following timeframe of receiving notification of acceptance: 1-Jun-06

Financial aid is available.

Savvy Source's Comments

Comments

"For the convenience of the responsible party, tuition can be paid monthly for the 10-month part-time preschool or the 12-month full-time preschool. We encourage families to sign up for our Simply Giving Program to have your tuition payments deducted directly from your checking account. Payment is due on the first of the month and is late after the 10th; the first payment is due on June 1 for returning families. New families need to make their first payment at the time of registration. You may deposit your check in our tuition box in the office or send it in the mail if you are not paying through automatic withdrawal. There is no credit given for illness or other non-attendance days." Extracted from www.bethells.org

Age/Child Requirements

Child must be 2 years and 9 months to enroll.

Child must be potty trained to enroll.

Enquiries accepted on a rolling basis.

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

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