FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Check out a few of our most common questions below from previous students and families. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out and we’ll get you the information you need.
What curriculum do you follow?
Play and theme-based, as well as Conscious Discipline, Handwriting without Tears, Music & Movement, Chapel, and Enrichment activities.
If this is a play-based school, how will I know my child will be academically prepared for kindergarten?
Overwhelming research-based evidence drives our philosophy. Our focus is on
preparing the whole child – socially, emotionally, spiritually, and cognitively -
through connection. When a child feels safe and loved, he/she will operate from the
highest center of the brain allowing quicker access to learning. We know that young
children learn best when engaged experientially in their environment. Our job is to
give our students the tools and skills necessary to thrive in the rigors of today’s
kindergarten – self-regulation, emotional intelligence, problem solving, empathy, and
confidence to communicate their needs. Shapes, colors, letters, and number
recognition will come, but through the avenue of fun and play. Our goal is for your
child to love coming to school – setting the stage for a lifetime of learning.
How is discipline handled?
We focus on redirection as well as tools from Conscious Discipline.
What is Conscious Discipline?
What is the educational and experiential background of your teachers?
Our teachers come from a variety of backgrounds, but all have experience working with children. Our Leads come with years of experience in the classroom as well degrees in education.
How do I communicate with the teacher?
We communicate through email, phone, and text, and offer Fall Check-ins and Spring Conferences.
When will I find out who my child’s teacher is?
You will receive a notification in mid-June. Teachers may not teach the same age every year. We are dedicated to ‘finding the right fit' for every age group and every teaching team.
Can I visit the classroom or volunteer?
Our classrooms are always open to parents! There are many ways to be involved in your child’s preschool experience – mystery readers, room moms, special events, classroom time, etc.
Is there a supply list?
No, but we have a ‘helping hands’ list asking for special needs.
How is snack handled?
Each student brings in their own snack. We are a nut-free facility.
Do you have extended days?
Yes. Lunch Bunch is offered for 3's and 4's -- children pack a lunch and play with friends from other classes Mondays and Wednesdays from 12-1:30 pm. Enrichment classes are offered for 4's, taught by our talented teachers Thursdays from 12-1:30 pm. Popular classes have included KidFit, Pete the Cat Math, Yoga, and Books and Brushes just to name a few.
Do you offer carpool?
Yes, except for our 1's class.
What safety precautions are in place?
All doors to the Preschool are locked while children are in the building, except during drop-off and pick-up. A staff member is always manning the unlocked doors during this time. Anyone who enters the building must ring the doorbell. We also have first aid and emergency procedures in place which we practice frequently.
How do I pay tuition?
You may pay by check, online, or by automatic bank withdrawal.
Why do I need to pay tuition in the summer when my child is not in school?
You pay a total of 9 monthly payments. The first installment is due in July and the last is in March. In essence, you pay 2 months in advance then don’t pay the last 2 months of the year.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
Children in our 3’s and 4’s classes need to be potty trained before the year starts. Children in our 1’s and 2’s classes do not.
What if I have questions about my child’s development?
We have excellent resources for parents with any concerns about their child’s development. We also partner with First Priority Occupational Therapy and The Speech Path to offer screenings and services in school or at home.
What if my child’s teacher has concerns about my child’s development or behavior?
If your teacher has any concerns, she will contact you to discuss them. If necessary, the director, teacher, and parents will meet to create a plan of action. We may recommend a further assessment to best support your child and the classroom. If we feel our environment does not provide the opportunity for your child to fully succeed, we may refer your family elsewhere.
What’s your Sick Policy?
Our sick policy is based on updated recommendations from the Virginia Department of Health, the CDC, and our licensing agency if required.
Does my family have to be Christian to attend your school?
No. We do have families of different religions who attend our preschool. We are a Christian mission of the Shady Grove UMC. We do have Chapel, say prayers, and learn bible quotes.