General 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 afternoon program is staffed by a director, 2 teachers, and on many days, a parent participator. We have a 1:8 adult to child ratio in the afternoon program. Our ratios for both programs far exceeds Community Care Licensing ratio requirements for preschool programs. 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. The afternoon program hours are from 1-4:30pm. If you have chosen to be a parent participator, you are required to be at the school on your participation day from 12:45-4:45pm. 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?” Children that may need extra help will often spend one-on-one time with a teacher as they try to problem-solve together to turn the behavior around. If a child feels they need alone time, we have many areas throughout the school that allow for children to have their own private down time to regroup.What does play based mean?
What is the ratio for your programs?
What are the hours of each program?
What is your policy on discipline? Do you do time outs?
Enrollment Questions
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. * Children who miss the September 1 age cut off but will turn 3 years by December 2 may still apply. These applicants will be offered a spot after all openings have been filled by applicants from the 5 Enrollment Priority Categories.What are your age requirements?
