|
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. We are licensed for
12-14 children per day, dependent on their ages. 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.
|
|
