Frequently Asked Questions
The Pre-K 4 SA curriculum is strategically designed to instill learning in every activity while they children just think they are playing. They will learn concepts in math, science, engineering, art, and linguistics; social and emotional skills such as sharing, conflict resolution, and responsibility; and executive function skills including planning, executing and analyzing. They will not have homework, but they WILL bring what they learn home.
We work diligently with our certified nutritionist to plan healthy meals and snacks that will fuel a child’s body and increase their comfort level with fresh, smart food choices. Because meals and snacks are an integral part of the instructional program and some children who attend the Center have food allergies, food from home is not permitted. For children with dietary restrictions, special meals are available.
The Pre-K 4 SA Extended Day Program is available for families whose work or school schedule prevents them from picking up their child at the end of the regular instructional day. In order to qualify for the extended day program, parents and/or guardians are required to adhere to the employment and/or school verification procedures. Qualification is determined based on the documentation submitted. Contact your Education Center for more information.
As required by law, Pre-K 4 SA uses RTI to support children who demonstrate need for additional support in any of the following areas: language, learning and behavior. As defined by NAEYC, “Response to intervention in EC may be seen as a means of providing high quality teaching and responsive care giving through the delivery of differentiated support for all young children. The RTI frameworks are means for implementing a hierarchy of support that is differentiated through a database decision making process.”
Staff meets regularly to review data, plan for differentiated instruction and monitor progress. When all interventions have been exhausted, children will be referred for additional assessment with our partner districts. If you suspect your child has a disability or he or she has been receiving services from a home healthcare provider or Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program, parents should notify the Center Family Specialist. As a safety precaution for all children, Pre-K 4 SA does not allow outside therapists to provide services at the Centers.
Each classroom has its own newsletter to keep parents informed on the subject matter being taught, activities children are doing and any upcoming events. Additionally, parents may reach out to teachers via email, phone, or Remind.
Pre-K 4 SA encourages home visits because we are truly vested in your child’s success and that means family involvement. The key to our assured future educational success is weaving educational concepts into the home environment and weaving the love and warmth of the home environment into the classroom. We are grateful that our families welcome us into their homes and it’s these strong relationships that will help your child thrive.
When you visit the classroom for Welcome Week, please bring the following supplies labeled with your child’s first and last name:
• Complete change of clothes including top, bottoms, underwear (training underwear, if needed) and socks.
• Small blanket.
• Small backpack.
• Reusable water bottle.
•1 box of tissues (does not need to be labeled). Each family will be asked to provide a second box in January.
We also recommend the children wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes/sneakers every day because they move, dance, and play as they learn.
Rest/nap time is an essential component of daily routine. Nap time is a rest time for all children, even those who cannot sleep. Our experience has shown that with the amount of stimulation, interaction and play the students bodies and brains are ready for the rest and it’s typically not an issue.
Our teachers are specially trained in conflict resolution. If a student is causing disruption in the classroom, the teacher will guide the student to change his/her behavior by asking questions, making suggestions or giving options. If two students are in disagreement, the teacher will get down on their level and guide them in working out a resolution on their own, by asking questions until they can come to a mutual resolution. The main goal with discipline is not to tell the child what to do, but to enable them to think and come to a resolution on their own.
Pre-K 4 SA staff use developmentally appropriate practice to help children understand classroom routines and expectations. Staff positively guide children’s behavior and support children in developing self-awareness, self-direction, self-regulation, and prosocial behaviors.
Pre-K 4 SA staff use positive methods of guiding children’s behavior, including:
1. Using descriptive words to acknowledge appropriate behavior instead of focusing on unacceptable behavior;
2. Reminding a child of behavior expectations by using clear positive statements, visual aids, and modeling;
3. Redirecting behavior using positive statements; and
4. Seeking counseling or other professional support for a child who is facing challenges that are affecting his/her ability to be successful at school.