FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• How and when do I register for your program?
Registration occurs every January. View the Enrollment page for specific registration dates, information and forms.

• How will I know if my child is ready for Kindergarten?
All of our 4's are fully screened by their teachers in the late fall/winter. We then set up a conference with you to discuss where we think your child should be placed the following fall. In addition, our Family Resource Center offers a "Kindergarten Readiness" panel made up of local kindergarten teachers. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions of teachers in the area. Please check the Family Resource Center (FRC) calendar for date/time of this year's panel discussion

• What do you offer the parents/families of the Children's Center?
The Family Resource Center plans speakers throughout the year — free of charge — as well as offering a lending library of parenting books. In addition, our Director, Non Mead, is available for conferencing at any time. We all believe that, after the children, supporting the families is our greatest responsibility.

• How religious is your curriculum?
Our curriculum is based on the Christian belief that all people are children of God and that the diversity of races, cultures and perspectives is a gift which enriches us all. Our children experience God's love and justice through their interaction with loving, nurturing adults who practice peaceful solutions to conflict and differences of opinion; teaching children to do the same.

• If my plans change after registration will I receive a refund?
No. All registration money is non-refundable

• Do you offer any extracurricular programs?
Jessica White's program is entitled After School Fun and is offered on the 1st Wednesday and Friday of each month from 1:00-2:00 and from 3:45-4:45.  Kim Kludt's gymnastics program is offered every Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 and from 4:30-5:30. Registration information is available in the fall or as openings present themselves.

• How qualified is your staff?
All of our teachers (and many of our Assistants) are credentialed teachers. They have all completed at least the 12 ECE units required by the State of California. We are very proud of our staff and feel that they are one of the most important reasons this school is so special.

• How is tuition calculated? Why do I pay the same for December when we are only in school a couple of weeks?
Tuition is an annual fee that we have broken into 10 payments for the ease of our parents. The June payment is paid at Registration. Parents can pay monthly Sept-May, or make a lump sum payment if they wish.

• Are you accredited?
No, we have not chosen to do that thus far.

• Why are the twos in the afternoon?
We do not feel that, developmentally, a two-year-old needs to be in preschool. We do not, therefore, give our morning classroom space to the twos. We are very proud of our two's program but look at it as a luxury rather than a necessity to the development of a two-year-old. This program is designed for the older two who is ready to give up his or her nap twice a week and is anxious to go to school.

• Why don't you offer a full day program for 3's and/or 4's?
The Children's Center is a Developmental Preschool. We are not a child care facility. We firmly believe that children need a variety of learning experiences to best awaken their curiosity for learning. Families may choose to take advantage of our extended care program if it meets their needs.

• Does my child need to be potty trained to be enrolled?
No, we do not require that children be potty-trained. If your child is "training" or has occasional accidents we ask that you bring a change of clothes, (clearly labeled), to school.

• How do you deal with discipline problems?
We are dedicated to the premise that one does not need to feel worse in order to behave better. Behavior improves as discouragement lessens. Teachers use "I" messages: "I can't let you...," "I can see that you are very angry." No discipline that shames or belittles a child will be employed.

• Do I need to provide a snack for my child?
No. The children's center provides fresh fruit, crackers and purified water during each class time. If your child has allergies please speak with the Director.

• Who provides lunch?
The Children's Center provides a healthy snack during each class time. If your child wishes to stay for lunch (or come early in the case of our afternoon students), then they bring their lunch from home — clearly labeled with their name and classroom. We are a peanut free school and request that you refrain from sending any lunch items containing peanuts.