General Information

Getting Acquainted

The first days provide you with the opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and to spend some time in the classroom with your child, thus aiding in their transition process.

To give your child the maximum benefit of this experience, we strongly request you leave other siblings at home.

In order to aid the ’beginning-of-the-year’ transition, the first week of school is a shortened schedule.  This helps children gradually become accustomed  to their new surroundings, routines and separation from home. Our teachers use the expression, “Mommies/Daddies always come back.” Your using the same words will further reassure your child.

Upon entering the classroom the first day, feel free to walk through the room with your child.  Take your time, as you dialogue with your child about what you see.  In a calm fashion, remind your child you will see them at the end of their school day. When you and your child are ready, give a reassuring hug and kiss, with a pleasant goodbye. (You may be anxious, but don't let on!). You are welcome to remain in the school building, or call during the day, so you can keep tabs on your child. (Coffee/tea is always available in the Front Office.)

If your child  has difficulty with the separation, discuss it with the teacher.  You may wish to remain in the classroom for a longer period of time, bearing in mind, that the ultimate goal is for a smooth leave-taking and a pleasant learning experience.

Child Assessment Guidelines

Throughout the year, your child's teacher will maintain ongoing observations of your child's physical, cognitive, social/emotional and language development. Three times a year, a 'Progress Report' will be completed. This will provide a basis for Parent/Teacher conferences. Additional conferences can be held at any time if either parent or teacher requests one.

Parent Conferences

Regularly scheduled conferences will take place twice a year,  in November and  in March. These afford parents an opportunity to discuss the uniqueness of their child and to receive an in depth view of their child's progress.

Contacting Teachers

If you feel the need to talk to your child's teachers at any time, please call the school or leave a note at the office requesting a call back or a note of response. Faculty will return your call promptly. We trust you realize that drop off and pick up time is not the optimum moment to discuss your child's progress with the teacher.

Apparel Needs

Please keep in mind that your child will be engaged in wonderful messy crafts, floor activities and  water play. Choose simple clothing that washes well (for your sake), is free of complicated fastenings, and easy to handle in the bathroom. Outdoor play can be tough on clothing so choose attire that is sturdy. Please make sure all outerwear (mittens, hats, scarves, boots, etc.) is clearly labeled.

Toys from Home

Except for toys that are needed in the very beginning of the school year to help ease your child's transition from home to school, we ask that you leave your child's toys at home. If you have a book which may be of interest to all the children, please feel free to send it in.

Open School Night

You will be invited to an Open School Night a few weeks into school. A brief overview of the School philosophy will be shared and various school policies will be explained. At that time, the teachers will present a detailed outline of your child’s curriculum. You will have the opportunity to make a mini-project to leave in school  for your child to find the next day.

Class Lists

Shortly after school begins, you will receive your child’s class list with  names, addresses and phone numbers.

Class Trips

The various trips scheduled throughout the year are only for the children who attend school that day. We try to vary the days so that they do not always fall on the same day of the week. Children not in attendance that day may meet the school at the trip site. Parents of those children are asked to remain with their child.