Frequently Asked Questions
Do you HAve to be a highlands resident to apply?
Although our preschool is located within The Highlands gated community, families living outside of The Highlands are welcome to apply as well! As long as your child is of age, and potty-trained, you are welcome to apply.
How do I know which class is best suited for my child?
Your child's social and emotional growth will determine which placement will be best for them. Students may repeat the Douglas Firs Preschool Class or the Noble Firs Pre-Kindergarten Class depending on where they fit best.
Is food provided?
Snacks are provided for the children before recess and dismissal. (We are a peanut-free school.) Lunch is not provided. However, if your child will be attending the AfterCare program, you will be required to provide their lunch. They will be eating with students from both classes, and have some good playtime. Dismissal for the regular school day is 12:00pm; dismissal for the AfterCare program is 1:00pm.
What are the class sizes?
There is space for fifteen children in the Pre-Kindergarten class, and ten in the Preschool class. Each class is taught by one teacher and an assistant teacher. We will also periodically have our wonderful science and music teachers bringing such fun learning to the students as well.
How involved are parents/guardians?
We love our families, and include them every chance we get! Since we are a small school and the students are only here for 3 to 4 hours per day, in order to maximize our learning time, we do not allow parents to be in the classroom during that time. That being said, we have so many opportunities throughout the year where you will be able to join your child in their class activities such as the Holiday Program, Mother's Day Tea Party, Dads & Donuts, School Fundraiser, Graduation, and so much more! Some of these events are also open to extended family members as well.
How long do the children spend outdoors?
The location of our preschool makes it the perfect place to spend time outdoors! The younger class normally has a 10 minute mid-morning wiggle break outside, and both classes will have a 15 to 30 minute recess break, before the the end of each day. We have a wonderful playground that the children will absolutely enjoy!
How will i know how my child is progressing in their class?
We schedule parent-teacher meetings for every family, as well as check-in meetings as needed. Teachers keep track of each student's needs, and will communicate verbally and/or electronically with families regarding those needs. Daily work and projects are sent home with the students, and will be helpful for you as they will be a good indicator to know how your child is doing.
do you offer extended hours?
Our daily school hours are 9:00am to Noon and AfterCare runs until 1:00pm. You are welcome to sign your child up for our AfterCare program which is an hour long lunch and play period. Our school families are welcome to play on our playground after school!
does my child have to be fully potty trained?
Yes, every child has to be fully potty-trained, and also able to clean themselves without assistance. Of course, there are sometimes bumps in the road with regard to potty-training, so we ask parents to be sure to provide a change of clothes which will be kept on hand in case of accidents. Teachers check in with students often throughout the day, and provide designated potty breaks before recess.
how do you handle discipline?
We use stop-and-think strategies to teach children the process of understanding the consequences of their actions. We talk about the rules in class so that they know what to expect, and give them reasons to the rules so they understand why. We do not use timeouts, instead we redirect and restate, reward positive behavior, and also provide logical consequences for negative behaviors.
