Is My Child Ready For Preschool?
Preschool is a structured environment which helps children develop important social skills and get better at following instructions. Because young children develop at different rates there isn’t a checklist of must-have skills but there are some areas you can look at to see if your child is ready for group learning. Readiness is also dependent on your child’s maturity level and temperament.
- Has had opportunities to interact with other children in small group settings
- Is interested in or engages in peer to peer play
- Demonstrates some independent play
- Can separate from you for 2 hours or more
- Will accept direction from other non-family adults
- Can express needs & emotions
- Can tolerate small levels of frustration without frequent tantrums
- Interested in learning new things & meeting new friends
- Responds well to consistent routines
- Good listening skills
- Able to easily transition from one activity to the next
- Playdates- with and without you present. Encourages peer play and allows small opportunities for your child to adjust to you not being around
- Public Libraries offer story hours, craft sessions, dance parties, etc. This can help your child practice sitting quietly, learning social etiquette, and how to be comfortable with others around them. Most library activities are free of charge
- Community Association Activities- This prepares your child to take instruction from a non-family member. Also encourages cooperative play and participation in group activities. These activities often come with a very minimal charge
- Playing board/card games at home practices sitting still for an activity and improving concentration
- At the playground or park encourage your child to play with other children and to introduce themselves
What Is a Cooperative Preschool?
A Cooperative Preschool means that families play a role in the running of the Preschool in the classroom and out of the classroom. This is a very rewarding opportunity to watch your child learn and interact with other children as well as develop a sense of community between parents, students, and teachers. We are a non-profit organization where all fees go towards the successful running of the school.
What are my jobs as a parent?
Parents are expected to help regularly, approximately 1-3 times per month in the classroom on a rotating schedule. When parents are helping, no other siblings are allowed in the classroom. If parents cannot attend their scheduled day it is the parent’s responsibility to find a substitute; there is an emergency parent who can be contacted to assist. We rely on parents to ensure a smooth running of the classroom.
All adult volunteers helping in the classroom must complete a criminal record check with vulnerable sector search. A letter to waive the fee will be provided to the parents/guardians at the beginning of August. This document is due to be handed in at our Parent Information Night at the beginning of September.
Parents are expected to participate in one toy wash per year. This is usually a 1.5-2 hours time commitment.
Fundraising projects are run during the school year to help cover costs. Participation in fundraising projects are encouraged, but not mandatory.
Board of Directors
The Silverspring Cooperative Preschool is operated and maintained by its parent members. The Board of Directors consists of a minimum of 5 directors, all are parent volunteers. Volunteers are required in order for the preschool to operate. The Board of Directors typically meets once per month during the school year. If a parent wishes to attend a Board meeting, they must provide their Session Rep with two (2) weeks written notice requesting a spot on the Agenda stating the purpose of their attendance.
The Board of Director positions for 2023-2024 are as follows:
| President | Jenna Petrosian |
| Vice President | Jennifer Crickett |
| Treasurer | Kristen Humphries |
| Secretary | Brandon Hutchinson |
| Registrar | Anil Arora |
| Fundraiser | Teanna Taylor |
| Communications Director | Carissa Miskolczi |
| Session A: Monday/Wednesday/Friday PM Session Rep | Stefanie Knorr |
| Session B: Tuesday/Thursday AM Session Rep | Amanda Neely |
| Session C: Monday/Wednesday AM Session Rep | Jennifer Trischuk |
| Session D: Friday AM Session Rep | Camille Wionzek |
| Session E: Tuesday/Thursday PM Session Rep | Denise Craig |
Can someone else perform parent helper shifts for me?
Yes! If you are unable to perform these duties yourself, a trusted relative or friend can do them for you provided that they have submitted a criminal record check.
How Do Refunds Work?
Written notice must be given to the Registrar on or before the 15th day of the child’s last month in attendance or by August 1 for the start of the school year, then tuition payments for the remaining months will be stopped. This letter must state the last day the child will attend the Silverspring Community Preschool Cooperative Ltd. Registration fees are NOT refundable at any time.
Tuition is to be paid in monthly pre-authorized debit payments established prior to your child starting the school year.
Registration and cooperative fees are NOT refundable at any time. A letter of appeal for refund will be considered by the Board of Directors if there are extenuating circumstances regarding your child’s withdrawal where the ordinary withdrawal procedures were not followed. Each appeal is treated individually.
With the consent of the Board of Directors, a child may be asked to withdraw from the Preschool for reasons of immaturity, health problems, or consistently disruptive social behaviour which interferes with the successful operation of the Preschool.
What is the Snack Policy?
Silverspring School and the Preschool have a NUT-ALERT policy. Due to the risk of life-threatening allergies in other students, there must be no Peanut or Tree nuts in any snack items that the children bring. Please pay attention to whether prepackaged foods were processed in a “nut-free facility”.
What if my child is sick or will be absent?
If your child is going to be absent, please contact your teacher and let them know. You must also inform the teacher if someone else will be picking up your child after class.
What School Supplies Are Required?
- A backpack large enough to fit a water bottle, snack, shoes and a change of clothes.
- Clean, indoor shoes with non-marking sole
- Labeled water bottle for snack time. Please send water bottle full of water.
- There are no other supplies required to prepare for school. School supplies are shared amongst all the students.
- Please remember children are at school to play. Please dress them accordingly in suitable, comfortable and washable clothing