Philosophy and Goals
Today’s child is faced with many challenges as he or she starts on his road to a formal education. With guidance from experienced teachers, the children gradually learn to be independent and academically prepared to begin their educational journey. Preschool enhances their development, nurtures their maturation and provides them with a sound foundation which will foster their effective functioning in kindergarten. Socially, children will learn through teacher guidance to interact positively with their peers. Preschool gives them the opportunity to make friends and learn how to give and take and share. They will learn to function effectively with a group in a positive manner. Academically, the children will develop the readiness skills needed to function effectively in kindergarten. Our primary goal is to develop positive social interaction skills, independent reasoning, self-confidence and to academically prepare them with the skills they need to move on to the next level of their formal education.
Enrollment
We accept children from 2 years 9 months through 6 years of age. Visitations begin the end of January for the following September. Parents who are interested in enrolling their children should call the school for an appointment to visit the school. This visit usually takes place during the school day so parents and the child can see the program while it is in session and see the types of activities the children are involved in. It also gives parents the opportunity to meet the teachers. During the visit, the director will give a tour of the school, explain the program and answer any questions the parents may have. Parents will be given a parent handbook and a packet of forms to be completed if they decide to enroll their child. During this visit the director will encourage the parents to share information about their child and family’s interests and needs. The director will encourage parents to share any information on special services their child may be receiving by other providers in order for us to provide a positive learning environment for their child.
The School year begins the first week of September and ends in mid-June. Children are admitted throughout the year, when and if, vacancies in the enrollment exist. If the child is to enter mid-term, he/she should visit the school with the parents before being enrolled.
In order for the child to be officially enrolled in the program for September, the application needs to be returned to the school with the appropriate registration fee.
Tuition
Tuition is calculated and due on a monthly basis. September’s tuition is due on August 1st and then on the first of each month. The school does not bill and expects parents to make a payment in a timely manner. If your family has more than one child attending, tuition will be reduced by 15% for the second child. You may contact the school for current tuition rates.
School Calendar
An official school calendar is sent home in August and is available on the Web site. We will follow the Seekonk School Calendar with the exception of in-service days. We do observe all Federal holidays and school is closed on those days. School vacations will take place in December, February, and April. School begins in September and runs through June and is a 9 1/2 month program (38 weeks).
Transition
All children do not make the transition from home to school with the same degree of ease. We, as parents and teachers realize this is a whole new way of life for them. Therefore, we must give them the opportunity to grow and become accustomed to this new environment. Patience, understanding and praise are the keys to a happy and healthy adjustment.
Curriculum
Our program at Knotty Pine is structured to provide opportunity for the child’s development: mental, physical, social and emotional. This four-fold development is aided through play, stories, music, games, activity records, creative arts, and readiness projects. Children learn reading readiness skills and math concepts, outdoor play, association with other children, and growth of articulate expression. We are a traditional program that focuses on preparing children academically for kindergarten as well as fostering self confidence and independence.
Progress Reports
Progress Reports for each child will be sent home twice during the school year. These reports will be issued in January and May. The report will evaluate your child’s development, socially, emotionally and academically. Parent conferences may be arranged if the parent or teachers feel there is a need.
Special Programs
Children will celebrate holidays with a holiday party (Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter). Parents are encouraged to come in and help on these special days. Once a month, we have “Special Programs” come into the school to both entertain and educate the students such as, the Seekonk Fire and Police, Sparky’s Puppet Show, the Zoomobile, Davie the Clown, Mad Science and the Animal Rescue League. At the end of each school year a field trip is planned to a place of interest within our community. Parents can participate in the trip and do need to arrange transportation for their child. We also have a Graduation in June for all children leaving to go to kindergarten.
Transportation
We do not provide transportation to and from school. Each parent must complete a transportation plan designating who will be dropping off and picking up their child on a regular basis. If someone different is picking up the child, the parent must send a signed note giving permission for us to release the child to this person and that person must bring in a picture ID when picking up the child. They will be required to sign the child out.
Summer Camp Program
A nine week summer camp starting the last week of June and running through the third week of August is available for three or five days per week from 8:30 to 11:45 or a full day program from 8:30 until 3:30. You can register for two or more weeks and tuition is paid on a weekly basis. Each week’s projects and activities are centered around a specific theme (ocean week, dinosaur week, insect week, etc.). Many of the activities take place in our large outside play area. In the event of very hot weather, we do have an air conditioned room. This program is an excellent way to help children ease into their new school environment, as the group is smaller and teachers can give them more individualized attention. Please contact us for more information or a summer camp application.