Frequently Asked Questions

Q: “Would you say that your school is more free-play or structured? My child definitely likes to learn.”
A: “Happily, we fulfill both of these descriptions. Throughout the day there are short, structured periods for learning activities, as well as definite play-oriented periods of time. This seems to be very satisfactory for the children, and in fact, our play is often tied into our learning themes.”

Q: “Are you open year-round or just for the academic school year?”
A: “Our program is year-round. We welcome the majority of our incoming group in the Fall (which starts in late August). However, we offer admissions on a rolling basis throughout the year. Our strong, innovative program runs throughout the year, with different themed units. The periods of time during which we are closed includes federal holidays, a week in July, and two weeks in late December. We are dependably open!”

Q: “I’m just curious, are there any animals here?”
A: “Yes, we currently have two family cats who come in and out of the house. They are well-received by the children. In the past, we’ve had rabbits, mice, and fish.”

Q: “I’m interested in a couple of mornings per week, is this available?”
A: “Depending on the age of your child, there are minimum time requirements. For example, a child under age three would need to be enrolled for a minimum of two days per week until 3:00pm, and a child older than three would be expected to attend, at a minimum, three days per week until 3:00pm. We find that these guidelines maximize the child’s transition to our program and prepare for his/her readiness for Kindergarten.”

Q: “I notice a nice mix of children. Does that mean that you’re seeking a diverse population?”
A: “Yes, we have been fortunate to meet the nicest children, and we do value and embrace diversity. Although we strive for maximum diversity, realistically, our small size sometimes hampers these efforts.”

Q: “I’m interested in enrolling my child, what does the process involve?”
A: “Please call to schedule a visit for you and your child. When you visit, you will receive a Visitor Folder with further information about our program and the enrollment process. The first step is to return the blue ‘Wait List Request’ card to us. We will keep this card on file and contact you if we need more information. By mid-March, the admission process is completed. By this time you can expect to hear from us regarding any available openings. If no space is available, we will keep your card on file and notify you, should an opening arise later in the year.”

Q: “When it comes to picking the children who will be admitted, on what basis do you choose?
A: “Our commitment is to create a diverse and heterogeneous population which can work and play together. Therefore, balancing a number of factors, including gender, age, cultural diversity and requested schedules is of paramount consideration. We do give priority to siblings. Don’t forget that priority is given to children who apply for the greater number of hours.”

Q: “Right now, my work schedule will remain the same for three months but then it will change to a different schedule. It gets changed every three months. How do you handle this?”
A: “Our schedule is based on parents’ requests for days and hours, and there are three sign-up sessions per year. During each session, families commit to an agreed upon schedule. Because of this arrangement, someone in your situation would need to find ways to maintain your child’s regular schedule. This would include finding transportation to and from school, because we can’t readily reassign days.”

Q: “I am interested in enrolling my child and have returned the blue ‘Wait List Request’ card. How important is it to know the days and hours that I would need at this time? Are you flexible?”
A: “Our planning for each session’s daily schedule occurs several months in advance of the upcoming session. Therefore, it is imperative that we know everyone’s needs well in advance. We enroll children based on the information that you submit on the blue “Wait List Request” card. Your first and second choice preferences should accurately reflect your childcare needs. If there are any unforeseen changes, please contact us immediately. We try our best to accommodate everyone.”