Frequently Asked Questions

Scheduling and Pick Up

Q:  I need full day child care two days a week but only part time care three days a week.  Do I have to sign up for full time for the entire week?

A:  No, New Beginnings Preschool has flexible scheduling that allows you to combine the number of full days and half days per week that you need to cover your work schedule.


Q:  My work schedule may be changing in a couple of months.  Can I change my child’s school schedule?

A:  Please speak with the school office to see if there is availability on the days you want.  If space is available, you may change your schedule.


Q:  I usually pick up my child by 4:30 pm, but occasionally I have to stay at work longer.  Is this a problem?

A:  No, New Beginnings Preschool is open until 7:00 pm.  Just let the office know if you will need to pick up your child later that day so she can alert the aftercare staff when to expect you.  (If your work schedule requires you to stay later frequently, you can discuss adjusting your child’s schedule with the school office.)


Q:  I am running late from work to pick up my child.  How do I let the staff know?

A:  You can email our aftercare staff through your mobile device using the Brightwheel app. Drive carefully, your child is in good hands!


Q:  Can I have someone else pick up my child?

A:  When you register, you are asked to provide a list of people authorized to pick up your child in the event you cannot. Just notify the teacher that someone you have authorized will be picking up your child on a particular day.  Your child will not be released to anyone who is not pre-authorized.

 

Attendance

Q:  My child missed several days because he was sick or we were on vacation.   Can he make up the days?

A:  New Beginnings Preschool tuition is divided into 10 payments (September through June) for your convenience. Parents should not expect to receive a tuition refund or credit when their child is absent for illness or vacation. (Please discuss any extenuating circumstances such as prolonged illness/travel with the administration staff.)

 

Communications

Q:  How am I notified of special events and other activities at the school?

A:  Your child’s teacher will send home notices in advance, and the school office may follow up with an electronic message.  Also, the school calendar highlights special events that are coming up.  Be sure to look for these communications regularly in your child’s backpack folder and by e-mail.


Q:  Lately my child has been acting up a lot at home and I’m worried about her behavior at school.  How can I discuss this with her teacher?

A:  Your child’s teacher will be glad to discuss any concerns you have at any point in the school year. Please schedule a conference directly with your child’s teacher so you can work together on the particular issue. Teachers are available for conferences before school, after school, at lunchtime or even in the evenings if you need, so be sure to schedule a time that is convenient for both you and your child’s teacher.


Q:  How will I know how my child is doing in school?

A:  Your child’s teacher will schedule two formal conferences with you to discuss your child’s progress on academic and social skills development during the course of the school year. The first conference is usually early in January at the mid-point of the year, and the second conference is towards the end of the school year in June. You will be notified in advance to sign up for a convenient day and time. It isn’t conference time yet and you are curious? Just ask your child’s teacher for some feedback.

 

Learning in the Classroom

Q:  My son talks about “Circle Time” all the time.  What is that?

A:  Circle Time is one or two times set aside during each class day for group instruction. The teacher may read or tell a story related to the current seasonal theme.  The children review the weather for the day and what impact it has on what they wear to school and what activities they can do outside or inside. The class recites the days of the week, counts the days of the month, talks about upcoming holidays, takes attendance (who came to school today?) and sings songs.  The teacher reviews the letter and the number of the week.  Whatever is going on in class is reviewed during Circle Time.


Q:  My child brings home a lot of art projects. Why are there so many?

A:  Art projects are carefully designed for learning and involve things like craft items, construction paper and materials with different textures. Through teacher guidance, usually individually with each student, the child learns to follow instructions, identify and choose colors, shapes, objects, and materials, and combine items either into a pre-designed project or a new creation of the child’s imagination.

 

Diapers and Toilet Use

Q:  Does my child have to be potty trained to attend New Beginnings Preschool?

A:  No, New Beginnings Preschool accepts children in our 2-Year and 3-Year Old classes that are still in diapers. Please send in a supply of size-appropriate diapers for your child and quality wipes until your child is fully toilet trained.


Q:  We have started toilet training our child at home.  How is toilet training handled at the preschool?

A:  Let your child’s teacher know you have started the process of toilet training at home.  The staff is prepared to take your child to the bathroom several extra times each day until they are comfortable using the bathroom at the times scheduled for the class.  Be sure to send in extra sets of clothing during toilet training, as accidents are sure to happen.  (The staff handles accidents routinely and children are never scolded for accidents.)

Ideally, children who are toilet training should come to school in underwear instead of diapers or pull- ups (expensive diapers). This minimizes confusion for everyone, including the children; it is very clear to them that they should use the toilet all the time.  Our experience is that if this is also done at home, the entire process goes more quickly.  Switching back and forth between diapers, pull-ups and underwear tends to prolong the toilet training process unnecessarily.  An exception would be for illness or a special physical condition, and this should be brought to the teacher’s attention so it can be accommodated.