FAQ
Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What time are the classes? What is the cost?
- 2. What's involved in being a part of the school?
- 3. How do I know when I help in the classroom?
- 4. Can I bring my other child(ren) on my "duty day"?
- 5. When is the monthly meeting?
- 6. What do you mean by a school job?
- 7. What is the ratio of adults to children?
- 8. What do the children do when they go to preschool?
- 9. Can I stay if my child is upset when I try to leave?
- 10. How do I enroll?
1. What time are the classes? What is the cost?
| Program | Days | Hours | Fees (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 year old class All children must be 3 by Dec 31. |
Tue-Thur (AM) | 9:00 - 11:15 | $70.00* |
| 4 year old class All children must be 4 by Dec 31. |
Mon-Wed-Fri (AM) | 9:00 - 11:35 | $85.00* |
| 3/4 year old class All children must be 3 by Jun 30, prior to the fall they're enrolling. |
Mon-Wed-Fri (PM) | 12:30 - 2:45 | $85.00* |
*Fees are subject to change when reviewed at the Annual General Meeting in May. |
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2. What's involved in being a part of the school?
Strawberry Vale Preschool is a co-op preschool. This means that parent participation is required. Each day there are up to two parents helping out in the classroom, alongside our licensed Early Childhood Educator. This is a great time to see your child learning and playing and making friends. Other responsibilities include attending a monthly meeting, participate in fundraising activities, and having a job within the school.
3. How do I know when I help in the classroom?
At the monthly meeting, a schedule is circulated so parents or caregivers may sign up for days, which are suitable for them. These "duty days" are usually about once every three weeks and occur during your child's program.
4. Can I bring my other child(ren) on my "duty day"?
No. As you can imagine, sixteen 3-4 year olds makes for a very busy group, and your full attention is needed to keep things going smoothly. It is your responsibility to arrange alternative childcare.
5. When is the monthly meeting?
Monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, from 6:45-9:00 P.M. The first part of this is a parent education presentation. Because parents are helping out in the classroom, licensing requires that we have ongoing parent education. This usually involves having a guest speaker, and is very interesting and informative.
The second part of the meeting involves school business. Being a parent-participation preschool means that the parents have a say in how the school is run, in terms of policies, hours of operation, how money is spent, etc.
6. What do you mean by a school job?
Every family in the school has a job. This can range from jobs that take less time like making playdough, mowing the lawn, mending costumes, washing the floor all the way to being on the Executive. Each family has an opportunity to express what they are interested in doing. Usually, new families do the easier jobs, while returning families do the more challenging jobs.
7. What is the ratio of adults to children?
There is a minimum of one adult per five to six children.
8. What do the children do when they go to preschool?
Co-op schools have a "learning through play" philosophy. Our ECE provides a wide variety of activities to be explored throughout the classroom, ranging from art projects, a science table, dress-up area, puzzles, games, music, and seasonal displays. Things are always changing to keep things interesting. These activities promote the development of the whole child- social, emotional, language, intellectual and physical. During the first part of program, the children are free to explore the classroom and play with their new friends. Then it's circle time, snack time, and if the weather permits, out door play!
9. Can I stay if my child is upset when I try to leave?
Absolutely! You are welcome to stay as long as your child needs you. However, the ECE will work with you and your child to help with this separation.
10. How do I enroll?
First you must call and set up an observation. This involves coming without your child or any siblings, and watching one class session all the way through. This allows you an opportunity to meet our instructor and it also gives you a chance to make sure it's suitable for you and your child.
Once you observe, you may pick-up an enrolment package available at the school. This will let you know what you need to do next.
Finally, there is a registration fee of $65.00. It is non-refundable in the event you withdraw from the school.