Child Care Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
About Preschool & Child Care
Q. I’m concerned that my child is going to be upset and cry when I drop them off. How can I avoid that?
A. This is a common concern and one that our experienced staff knows how to handle well. Anxiety can be common the first few weeks of school, for both parent and child. Children pick up on the emotions of their parents; if the parent is stressed out, the child is more likely to be stressed out as well. The best approach is to have a quick goodbye rather than a drawn out one. We will stay close to your child and reassure them that you will be coming back soon. We will contact you if your child doesn’t settle in as expected.
Q. My child has speech delays. How do you help with that?
A. It seems that more and more children have speech delays. One of the most common things parents notice is how their child’s language explodes once they start at Sunshine House Preschool. One of the advantages of having mixed family-style learning, is that children hear language from a variety of age groups. Teachers also engage with the child by reading books, singing songs, and having conversations with them throughout the day to encourage them to use their words and further development their language skills.
Q. My child is rambunctious and I’m concerned about them being ready for kindergarten. How will you prepare my child?
A. We love active, curious children! They often go on to become engaged learners when they are allowed to explore at their own pace. Our open classrooms and mixed age learning allows for all of the children to explore where their brain development leads them. There is plenty of time, later on in life for them to learn sitting down at a desk. Our academic teaching uses playful, active methods, that appeals to children of all temperaments.
Q. I’m concerned about how my child is going to be treated. How do you assure that my child will be treated kindly and as an individual?
A. It’s natural to wonder how your child will be treated once you go out the door. Our open classrooms allow us to see what every teacher is doing. Our teachers have been hired for their love of children and teaching and they receive continuous training to build strong, caring relationships with children and parents. Our staff longevity (average 10 years) means that new teachers receive close, experienced observation and training.
Q. My child is not yet potty trained. How will you help me train them?
A. Children learn potty training at a variety of ages. We are here to help! We include children who have not yet developed in this area. We provide support in this important step for you and your child. Once they have transitioned out of diapers, we continue to give reminders as they become part of our “potty buddies” group.
Q. My child has food allergies. What precautions do you take?
A. Allergies seem to be on the rise. But for trained professionals, managing them wisely is a part of the job we’ve got well in hand. We have a list of known allergies, with a photo of the child, in the snack/lunch area. Children with peanut allergies lunch at a separate table.
Q. My child doesn’t nap. How will that be handled?
A. All children will have a 30 minute quiet time after lunch, with books provided. If they do not fall asleep, they will transition into our active play area. Often, children who do not sleep at home, will sleep at school because we keep them very active. A child who rests well midday, rests better at night, because they are not overtired. Most children sleep from 12:30pm-2pm, when naptime ends.
Q. How do you approach discipline?
A. Discipline is the helpful guidance, encouragement, and support that adults use to influence children. It is not founded in punishment, but rather in teaching children to resolve problems and seek solutions themselves. Appropriate discipline helps children learn how to interact and develop self-control. We follow a developmentally appropriate and character building strategy.
Q. I want my child to learn, but I also want them to have fun. Is your program play-based or academic?
A. We have a balance of both. Teacher directed learning times provide academic learning that give kids a thorough grounding in early math, science, reading, writing, and other subjects. During the rest of the day, children choose where and what they want to learn. This system allows your child to develop in areas that are of interest to them and exposes them to other areas that they might not be naturally drawn to.
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