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frequently asked questions
Q: What is the size of your school?
Small! Just the way we like it! We are a home-based preschool with a large, sunny classroom and fun, grassy play yard that is currently licensed for no more than eight children. In order to create a wonderful environment for your children to grow and learn, we try to enroll children in age ranges, which then affects our total enrollment numbers. Community Care Licensing has very specific regulations on the number of children enrolled depending on their ages. To find out if we currently have an opening for your child's age group, please phone 925.962.9335
Q: What do I need to bring for my child?
At least one complete extra set of clothing and whatever ointment cream you may
use. We supply everything else. However, if your child has special dietary needs
and/or uses cloth diapers, we ask that you supply those items.
Q: Do you take the children off-site?
Yes! We go for walks just for the sake of exploring as well as going to neighborhood
parks and the local library. As your child gets older, we will be introducing more field
trips and events that are all included with your tuition. As of right now, everything we
do will be within walking distance.
Q: What about parent involvement?
Parents are encouraged to become involved as much or as little as they would like.
There are no requirements. If just being able to join your child for a book in the
morning is as much as you’re comfortable with, that’s terrific! If you’d like to get more
involved, there will be plenty of opportunity for that. As time goes on, we will be
having different events that we would love for you to be a part of.
Q: What is your discipline policy?
Big, big question! One of my main goals here at Apple Seed is to teach children to
have courage, compassion & confidence. I can’t say enough about these tools in life!
What does this have to do with discipline? Everything. I believe in being direct and
dealing with each situation individually. Some events may just require some simple
redirection, while others we may need to focus in on a bit more and help the children
negotiate the interaction. For example, if there are two children involved, we will help
them find the language to resolve the conflict. I strongly believe in giving the children
the tools to deal with the situation. This is a very active role! The bottom line is that
we want to teach the children to take responsibility for their actions and be
compassionate to others as well as teach them to have the confidence & courage to
stand up for themselves! Time-outs are generally not used. If there are continuous
behavior issues, we will be working continuously with the child and their parents to
resolve them. If the safety and well being of the other children and/ or staff becomes
a concern, the child may be removed from the program.
Q: What is the enrollment process?
After you’ve read the information on our website, give us a call to schedule a visit.
We’d love to hear from you. Sometimes, our day can be a bit busy, so phone calls
may roll to voicemail—not to worry, we always try to get back to you within 24 hours.
Be sure to look around at other childcares as well. There is a range of programs
being offered which means that you’ll be able to find the school that really is a fit for
you! After you have had a visit, you’ll receive an application packet. Once you have
completed the packet and turned it in with a deposit, you will have secured a space
for your child at Apple Seed Little School!
Q: How do I help my child transition to school?
After your child has been enrolled we strongly encourage you to schedule some
time to visit Apple Seed where you and your child can hang out and play. You know
your child best, but usually two to three visits with mom and/or dad the week or two
before starting does wonders. I truly believe that when children see that their parents
think that this is a fun place to hang out and play, they’ll want to as well. Once your
child is attending on a regular basis, be sure to develop a routine for them, so that
they know what to expect when. For example, let them know that when you drop
them off the two of you will do one puzzle together, and then have a hug and a kiss
good-bye. Children don’t really have a concept of time, but they have a huge
identification with routine! Keep in mind too, that children go through so many
developmental stages, that they may hit pockets of having a hard time separating
throughout the year. This is totally normal and we deal with that on an individual basis.
Each child is so different.
Q: What happens when the staff is sick?
We work! Which is one of the reasons we have our illness policy – so that not only
are the children well cared for when they are ill, but also so that the staff can remain
as healthy as possible eliminating the need for subs. On the rare occasions that we
are sick, we just ask for your support and understanding. During those times, we may
take advantage of modern technology and play a movie for the children (Winnie the
Pooh, Little Bill…). If we are truly too sick to work, every effort will be made to find a
sub (we have a list of back-up people), if that is not an option, we will ask that the
parents use their back-up plans for keeping their children home.
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