Frequently Asked Questions
How much work will I have to do? How much time will I need to give?
We have a mandatory parent meeting the first Wednesday of every month. Each family is be responsible for a 'family duty' - a regular cleaning or maintenance job that takes a few hours a month. Parents must help the teacher in the classroom alternately as 'snack parent' or 'cleaning parent' on a regular schedule, determined by how often you send your child or children, and the number of families currently enrolled. The minimum for a family would be one child enrolled for two days a week, in which case you will help in the classroom approximately once a month.
When you are snack parent, you are responsible for bringing a healthy snack of 3-5 different foods for the class that day. We also have occasional fundraisers, parties and special work projects, when we all chip in extra time. On days that we have field trips, there is no school, and you may either accompany your child on the trip, or arrange with another parent to take them.
Does my child have to be toilet trained to enroll in your program?
No! Children who are still using diapers or pull-ups are welcome. We have found that children often learn to use the potty much more quickly in preschool where "most of the other kids are doing it". However, until they master the art, we are happy to work with you and your child's needs.
My child does not speak English, is that a problem for your school? How do you handle this?
Almost every year our group includes children who came to us not speaking or understanding English at all, or only a little. We have found that they learn very quickly. Our teacher and parents are sensitive to their needs, and have not had any serious difficulty in communicating with them.
We have often been amazed by children who do not speak or understand a word of English in September, and are communicating in it quite fluently by the spring! We very much enjoy having member families from other countries and cultures. We also try to be considerate of parent members who are still learning English themselves.
May I bring my children to parent meetings?
We ask that you not bring your children when attending the monthly parent meetings. We find it much more difficult to concentrate on the meeting and hold discussions when our children are present. In addition, sometimes we must discuss school concerns that may not be appropriate for the children to hear. If a child has two parents or guardians, we only expect one to represent the family at the meeting.
However, if the only way you can be present at the meeting is to bring your child, we can make some exceptions.
If the horse visits or a field trip or party is scheduled on a day my child is not enrolled, will they miss out?
All of our children are invited to field trips and special school events, regardless of what days they are enrolled. You will know the times and days for such events well in advance, so if your child is not enrolled that day you can still bring them in to meet the firefighter!
Fun with 'Gak'!