Frequently Asked Questions

The play-based philosophy means child-centered and teacher-supported learning where children are encouraged to explore the world around them with hands-on activities and play. Play-based learning supports child development in all areas: language/communication, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical. Play-based learning allows children to bring their own interests and skill levels into their own learning experience and, with the support of teachers/adults, the experience can be enhanced and expanded to best meet the needs of each individual child. Research has shown that children learn best through active, first-hand experiences and play is the best medium to facilitate learning experiences.

The morning program is staffed by a director, a teacher, and at least 4 parent participators. We have a 1:4 adult to child ratio in the morning program.

The morning program hours are from 9am-12:30pm. On your participation day, you are required to be at the school from 8:45am-12:45pm.

At APS we use redirection to deal with behavioral issues. We do not use time outs. Children are offered choices and the adults/teachers follow through with what is expected with the choice the child has made. We believe that expectations on children’s behavior should be made clear to each child. They are offered choices – all acceptable – to solve the problem. When needed, the child is reminded of what their choices were and we ask them to take ownership of their behavior, redirecting them to another activity or area of play if needed. Example: “It looks like you have chosen to continue to throw sand, so now you need to leave the sandbox area. Would you like to ride a bike or play at the water table?”

Albany Preschool is a two- year program for children prior to entering kindergarten. The preschool follows the same age cutoff date as the Albany Unified School District in order for children to start kindergarten upon graduating from Albany Preschool. The State of California began phasing in a new kindergarten age cutoff date in 2012. In order for children at Albany Preschool to be able to continue on to kindergarten after leaving the preschool, each child must turn 3 years old by September 1.

The play-based philosophy means child-centered and teacher-supported learning where children are encouraged to explore the world around them with hands-on activities and play. Play-based learning supports child development in all areas: language/communication, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical. Play-based learning allows children to bring their own interests and skill levels into their own learning experience and, with the support of teachers/adults, the experience can be enhanced and expanded to best meet the needs of each individual child. Research has shown that children learn best through active, first-hand experiences and play is the best medium to facilitate learning experiences.

The morning program is staffed by a director, a teacher, and at least 4 parent participators. We have a 1:4 adult to child ratio in the morning program.

The morning program hours are from 9am-12:30pm. On your participation day, you are required to be at the school from 8:45am-12:45pm.

At APS we use redirection to deal with behavioral issues. We do not use time outs. Children are offered choices and the adults/teachers follow through with what is expected with the choice the child has made. We believe that expectations on children’s behavior should be made clear to each child. They are offered choices – all acceptable – to solve the problem. When needed, the child is reminded of what their choices were and we ask them to take ownership of their behavior, redirecting them to another activity or area of play if needed. Example: “It looks like you have chosen to continue to throw sand, so now you need to leave the sandbox area. Would you like to ride a bike or play at the water table?”

Albany Preschool is a two- year program for children prior to entering kindergarten. The preschool follows the same age cutoff date as the Albany Unified School District in order for children to start kindergarten upon graduating from Albany Preschool. The State of California began phasing in a new kindergarten age cutoff date in 2012. In order for children at Albany Preschool to be able to continue on to kindergarten after leaving the preschool, each child must turn 3 years old by September 1.