Is it difficult to get into the program?
We begin accepting applications from new families on October 1st of the year prior to desired enrollment. While we don’t encourage “camping out”, we do recommend that prospective families turn in their application as early as possible. Families that are currently enrolled in LACS or LACP, and families of First Baptist Church of Los Altos are given priority enrollment beginning December 1st. If you turn in your application early you have a better chance of enrollment for your child. Also, you may want to consider our afternoon program. If your child can do without naps, this program is ideal. The children in the afternoon classes consistently adjust more easily and are more eager to learn. Our theory is that these children have had the morning at home and are ready for something interesting to do. The afternoon classes fill up less quickly than the morning and are your best chance of a sure class placement.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
Children attending the two-day per week two-year-old class do not need to be potty trained. All other students must be potty trained. By this we mean they will know what to do when we take them to the bathroom. We ask that all children bring extra clothing in case of accidents. Children may not wear diapers or pull ups. If your child is still prone to occasional accidents please send them to school in training pants (available in the children’s section of all department stores) with plastic pants over them. This way they will feel wet if they do have an accident, but it will usually save the outer clothing and the floor!
Remember: POTTY TRAINING IS EASIER EARLIER RATHER THAN LATER!! We recommend beginning between the ages of 20 and 30 months.
What do I do if my child cries?
1. Smile reassuringly and say, “ You are going to have a great time! I will be back in a little while”
2.Then turn and leave quickly.
If a child is going to cry; they will do it no matter how long you stay. You will make it easier for them by making it quick and pleasant. We have empathy for those children that are a little slower to warm and who need extra attention. Those first few weeks of school we do a lot of holding on laps and talking reassuringly to children. Our director reserves the first several days of school for “rocking and talking”. Your child will be closely and kindly watched over and in a couple of weeks they will cry when you come to get them!
Why do you teach French?
We are a developmental school, rather than academic, so it may seem odd that we teach foreign language to preschoolers. Brain development research tells us that the language portion of the brain is the most active between the ages of two and five. The amount of language a child learns during this time is baffling. Likewise, because that portion of the brain is so active, children can pick up another language readily. To them it is more like learning synonyms rather than another language. Also, the larynx is more pliable at this time and the proper pronunciation is much easier than it is for older individuals to try to copy. Some children participate more than others, but this has to do more with the individual child than anything else. Even the child that does not repeat the lesson can still recall and repeat when they choose. According to research the exposure to foreign language at this time actually creates pathways in the brain that make additional languages more easily learned throughout the life of the child.
Can I volunteer in my child’s classroom?
Yes! We love our volunteers. Parents are encouraged to take part in our school in several ways. You may sign up to be a volunteer weekly in your child’s room. We can always use volunteers during our lunch hour. You can be a room parent, help with special activities on a need basis, and help as a PTF officer, chairperson or coordinator. We also love to have parents or grandparents volunteer to share a special talent or skill.
Do we need to be Christians for our child to enroll?
Our school is open to everyone. While the staff members of both schools are Christians, our students come from many different backgrounds.
Can my child opt out of Bible story time?
Being a Christian school means more than simply telling Bible stories. Our teachers and staff share a common Christian worldview. This means that our relationship with God through Jesus Christ is reflected in all aspects of our lives. Our school is set up specifically to share the love of God with the students, parents and fellow staff members. If, as a parent you are concerned that Bible stories are inappropriate, we can recommend other good preschools that might be more comfortable for you.
How is the school structured?
Los Altos Christian preschool is a nonprofit organization in accordance with the statutes of the State of California. We are a ministry of the First Baptist Church of Los Altos. A school board consisting of a representative of the church board, a secretary, treasurer, finance director, pastoral liaison, Parent/Teacher Fellowship representative, LACS principal and LACP director, govern us. Both the principal and director are hired and approved by the school board and serve on the board in an advisory capacity.
