Frequently Asked Questions:  Preschool

To help answer some commonly asked questions, we have put together this FAQ page. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you want additional information on a topic or have questions.

 
Is the preschool accredited?

Kachina Country Day School has been certified as meeting the standards of the prestigious National Early Childhood Program Accreditation Council since 1997. This program assesses the primary areas that concern you and your child:

1.      Developmental Program

2.      Health & Safety

3.      Indoor & Outdoor Environment

4.      Administration & Professional Quality

5.      Parent, Community & School Relations

 

How are your classroom groupings determined?

KCDS has 8 preschool classrooms allowing for the enrollment of children beginning at 20 months, in groupings with an age span of approximately 6-9 months.  This provides an environment for building self-esteem and curriculum developmentally appropriate and challenging for all.

 

What is the student to teacher ratio in the classroom?

In a class where students are under two years of age, there are two teachers for eleven students.  When children are two years of age and older, there are two teachers for fifteen children.

 

What are the Teachers qualifications?

One or both of the teachers in each classroom will have a child growth and development related degree.  Teachers may have a Bachelor’s or Masters Degree, an Associate Degree, or Child Development Associate Certification.  The average tenure of the preschool teachers is five years.

 

Do your teachers pursue continuing education?

All teachers are CPR and First Aid certified.  They attend workshops given on campus and various other seminars in the valley.  The teachers attend a minimum of 24 workshop hours annually.

 

How will my child be introduced to the classroom environment?

The children with their families (grandparents and caregivers welcome) participate in an orientation session before the classes begin.

 

How will I know what my child does during the day?

Each morning you walk your child to his/her classroom and at the end of your child’s school day, you pick up from the classroom.  This provides you with an opportunity to see your child participating and allows you to talk with the teachers.  This allows you the opportunity to gain insight for discussion with your child.  You should also review the daily highlights posted outside the classroom.  Monthly newsletters and calendars will also give you descriptions of the themes and activities planned.  For a more fulfilling experience, you are invited to participate as a “parent helper” in the classroom.

 

Will my child’s developmental progress be assessed?

Parent/Teacher conferences are held twice a year at which time developmental progress is reviewed.  Additionally, pre-kindergarten students are screened for kindergarten readiness.

 

What special programs are presented to my child?

The classroom teachers begin the “Zoo-phonics” program for reading readiness.  When children reach the appropriate age, we introduce Spanish and PE.  Field trips are also included in the curriculum of children ages four and above.

 

Do you offer extended day programs?

Childcare is available before school from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and after school in the afternoon from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Breakfast and a late afternoon snack are included.          

 

Do you offer summer camp?

Kachina offers three summer sessions of four weeks each.  Activities include special guests such as puppet shows and a petting zoo.  This offers your family a continuing program for you and your child to remain comfortable and secure in their familiar school setting.