| Most
frequently asked questions:
What is your
philosophy? What will my child learn at your school?
The Gingerbread Preschool program
has been carefully designed to help promote growth in your child's social,
emotional, physical, communication and language development. Our curriculum
is designed around a play-based philosophy, naturally encouraging your
child's self-concept in a nurturing, and challenging environment. Activities
are developmentally appropriate and are structured to encourage learning.
Children learn through play and the process of participating in activities.
We allow a child to move at their own developmental pace while gently
encouraging them to try new and exciting things.
My child
is not completely potty trained. Should I still register?
All of our participants are required
to be potty proficient. That means that your child should be able to
communicate with staff when they require a visit to the restroom and
can be independent in the toileting area. We give plenty of opportunities
for your child to be successful:
- Bathroom visits throughout the
day
- Assistance with our bathroom
routine such as flushing, washing hands etc.
- Children visit the restroom
with staff in a classroom group-providing peer modeling.
Children with wet/messy pants on
a regular basis will be considered "not potty-trained". Pull-ups
are considered diapers and are not allowed.
Can I stay with
my child on his/her first day?
Parents often ask this question
when bringing their child to class during the first few weeks of program.
Often this question is asked with the child present thus allowing the
child to hear that their parent believes they will already fail. Our
general guideline is as follows:
- The first day of school a parent
may remain in the classroom for up to 30 minutes.
- On the second day of school
a parent may remain in the classroom for up to 15 minutes.
- On the third day of school a
parent will drop off their child, say good-bye and leave.
Staff will advise you if they feel
this guideline need to be adjusted for your child's specific needs.
As children work through their
separation anxiety, they will begin the attachment process. It is critical
for you to support your child and the teaching staff. Soon your child
will begin to bond with their teachers and classmates and find comfort
in the classroom routine.
How will my
child be disciplined?
Children are at preschool to learn
how to interact appropriately with other children; dealing with conflict
is a part of the preschool experience. When a child is demonstrating
inappropriate behavior or is involved in a conflict with another child,
staff will intervene and provide guidance.
Guidance is a "process",
which includes:
- Modeling the appropriate behavior
- Positive reinforcement
- Redirection
- Communication and direction
about what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior.
If the behavior deems it necessary,
the "process" may include removal from the classroom or being
sent home for the day.
What are
the Education requirements for your staff?
Each teacher must have at least
twelve semester units in Early Childhood Education and be certified
in CPR and First Aid. All staff are fingerprinted, and processed through
the Department of Justice.
What is the student to staff ratio in my child's
class? How many children will be in my child's class
Our program provides a ratio of
one (1) staff member to every eight (8) children. This 1:8 ratio is
in accordance with the National Association for the Education of Young
Children Guidelines.
Our 3-year-old classes have twenty
two (22) students. 4-year-old classes have twenty four (24) students
per class.
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