What curriculum do you use?

We currently use the Creative Curriculum for Preschoolers in addition to teacher created themes and units based on seasons and holidays!

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What does your daily schedule look like?

Each classroom follows a predictable daily routine which includes 30 minutes of large motor play, two circle times (one curriculum/lesson based and one story/song/finger play driven), 45 minutes of free play with small group activities, and a whole water break.  In addition to these activities, each classroom participates in a music class once per week.

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Are your classes Part-Time or Full-Time?

We only offer Part–Time programming.  Our classes begin in September and end in May.  We offer a variety of different class options for 3, 4 and 5 year old students.  Classes run for 2 ½ -3 hours a day, depending on the class registered for. Once enrolled, the students remain in the same class with the same teachers for the remainder of the year.

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What if my child is ill?

Our preschool handbook outlines instances in which you should keep your child home for their health, and for the health of other students in the class.  Generally speaking, children need to be 24 hours fever free, without vomiting or diarrhea prior to returning to school. A fever is considered a temperature of 100 degrees or higher. They should not attend school if they have been diagnosed with a communicable disease until they have been cleared by a physician as no longer contagious.

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Does my child need to be potty trained?

It is expected that children are potty trained at the start of the school year.  We understand that potty training is a developmental process, and encourage students to have a spare set of clothes in their backpack.  If there is a wet accident, the teachers will assist the student into changing into dry clothing. If there is an accidental bowel movement, parents will be called to come in to clean and help change their child.   

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Do you go outside to play?

We make every attempt to go out to the playground.  However, if the weather is excessively wet, muddy, or cold, we have a wonderful large motor space that the classes will utilize instead.  As a result, large motor activities are built into the daily schedule. Each class is scheduled for 30 minutes of large muscle play daily.

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What if my child has an allergy?

If your son or daughter has an allergy, it is very important that the school is informed and the proper paper work is completed to keep your child safe while with us.  

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How frequently are hands washed?

Handwashing is the first line of defense in staying healthy, and as such is an important focal point in preschool.  Hands are washed when students enter the classroom, when returning to the classroom from outside, after using the toilet, and when dirty (body fluids, paint, etc.).  

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How can parents participate in the classroom?

We welcome parent participation, and have a very active POPS group (Parents of Preschool Students).  Our parents help run all of our class parties, are invited to attend events such as Goodies with Grown Ups, and are encouraged to reach out to the teachers if they have a special event they would like to do with the class.

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How is tuition collected?

Tuition payments are expected on the first of the month and can be paid in cash, by check made out to Hope Ridge Preschool, or via Brightwheel, our school/class management application.  There is a 3% discount for yearly payments made in full by the end of September.

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Are there any extra fees?

A registration fee is collected upon enrollment into each class.  There is an additional processing fee for payments made on-line via a credit or debit card. Hope Ridge pays for processing fees associated with automatic bank payments.

 

Do you teach religion?

We do not teach a religious curriculum, however, students will say a prayer/poem prior to their water break.  This might be a student directed prayer, a poem, or a class chant. During our Christmas concert, students may sing a few songs that are Christian in nature, and our pastor may read a book with a positive message related to character education a couple of times a year.

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