Our Students | Our Program | Registration | Co-op Responsibilities
Our Students
Q: Do students need to be potty trained?
A: No. Teachers and assistants will work with you and your child at their developmental level. We use diaper changing time to bond with your child and increase their feeling of comfort and security at school.
Q: What if my child has separation problems?
A: Our school offers suggestions on how to prepare your child for school. During “parent training” we will lay the foundation for the transition from home to school. All children are different and we respect the child’s need for security.
Q: What ages do you accept? Is this cut-off firm?
A: Children must be three-years-old by September 1 of the enrolled year to register for our junior class, and four-years-old by September 1 of the enrolled year to register for our senior class. Younger children who will turn three-years-old between September 2 – September 30, can still tour and register for our Younger 3s wait list (effective 3/16). This wait list will be processed in late Summer on a space available basis. Other than the Younger 3s wait list, we do not allow for age exceptions to these guidelines.
Our Program
Q: What is the schedule?
A: The Junior program (three year olds) runs from 9:00am – 12:00pm M/W/F or T/TH/F. The Senior program (four year olds) offers a morning class from 9:00am – 12:00pm or a mid-morning class from 10:45am – 1:45pm M-TH. Lunch Bunch, an optional program, is available Mondays and Thursdays from 12-1pm. See our Classes page for full details.
Q: Do you have on-site babysitting for siblings?
A: No. Siblings must be cared for offsite.
Q: How will my child meet the state standards for kindergarten in a play-based developmental program?
A: We believe that preschool children learn through discovering and exploring their environment. Circle time develops the skills of concentration and attention. Block building bridges the world of pretend and reality. Water play encourages measurement, sensory experiences, and observation and prediction. Clay encourages fine motor development so important for writing. Dramatic play allows children to re-enact experiences and stories, fears and feelings. Outdoor play builds strong muscles and healthy bodies.
Q: What does the typical day look like?
A: The children enter and are greeted at the circle time by their teachers. We start the day with conversations, morning songs, and a variety of circle time activities. After morning circle, seniors are outside first while juniors are indoors in center play (dramatic play, art room, science center, block room, etc.) After an hour of play, children wash their hands and have snack. The seniors come inside for middle circle (which typically consists of a story) followed by center play, and the juniors move outside. Afternoon seniors have a similar curriculum. All classes conclude with a closing circle.
Q: How big are the classes and what is the student-teacher ratio?
A: Junior classes are limited to 16 students, and senior classes are limited to 18 students per day. Our adult-to-child ratio is 1 to 4. The permanent staff includes one full-time director, two full-time certified Early Childhood Education (ECE) lead teachers and four credentialed ECE teacher assistants.
Registration
Q: What is the registration process?
A: A visit to our open house or a tour, with your child, is the first (and a required) step of our registration process. This allows you to develop a clear understanding of our program and a chance to observe your child in the environment. Our open house and tours run from November through January. Online registration begins in late January for all new families who have attended a school tour. Alumni and current families may register online starting December 1st. > more
Q: What are my chances of getting in?
A: Enrollment is processed on a first-come, first-served basis via the date/time that your online registration form is submitted. New families must tour the school before submitting the online registration. Additionally, alumni and St. Paul’s church members have priority.
Q: What is the cost of attending St Paul’s?
A: See the Fees page for information.
Parent Participation
Q: How often do I work in the classroom?
A: You work one day per week. You have the same workday every week so you’ll really get to know your parent work group. Many long-lasting friendships have been formed this way! Half participation options may be available for families with siblings or Seniors who have already been at the school for a year. Half participation requests must be board approved and are only available if there is sufficient coverage by the parent work force.
Q: What is the additional school commitment required of me as a co-op parent?
A: Everyone in our co-op program works in the classroom once a week, performs a school job, serves on a committee and works shifts for our fall fundraising event. In addition, families participate in Sparkling Saturdays (a deep clean of the school) twice a year, and are responsible for towel washing once a year. If you take on a Board or Key Job position, you may be exempt from some maintenance commitments in recognition of the additional time you are putting towards your school job. Families with more than one child enrolled have a higher hours commitment. Buy-outs may be available on a space-available basis for some commitments and require board approval.
Q: Can someone else work for me?
A: Generally speaking, only parents/legal guardians can fulfill the parent-participation workday responsibility for our co-op. Some families alternate between two parents. On occasions when you are sick or your child is sick, or you have an emergency, you can trade work days with another family, or hire someone from our “Paid Sub” list (a list of current and alumni parents who are available to substitute). Everyone who works regularly at the school must attend a parent training, be CPR certified, and provide proof of a negative TB test, measles vaccination, pertussis vaccination, and current flu vaccination.