How do I submit my application?
You register online through the link found on the school website.
What ages do you serve?
Children in our program are ages 3-5.
What age must my child be to attend?
Children in Enrichment 3’s classrooms must be 3 by October 1st.
Children in the Pre-K classrooms must be 4 by October 1st.
When will I know if my child has a spot in the program?
One week following application availability, we will begin making offers for enrollment. Once you are offered a spot in the program, you have 48 hours to pay the $150 non-refundable enrollment fee. If payment has not been received, we will need to move on to offer the spot to another family.
When does the school day begin and end?
The hours for a full-day preschool student are 8:00-3:15 and for half-day students 8:00-12:00.
Does the preschool program follow the St. Francis of Assisi School calendar?
Yes, we follow all school closures, including weather related closures, and we do not hold a program in the summer.
What are my schedule options?
For both age groups, 3-5 full or half-day schedules are available. In Enrichment 3’s, the only 3 half day schedule option is a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
If I request a part-time schedule, am I guaranteed the days I request?
No, with part-time schedules flexibility is a must so that we are able to accommodate as many families as possible.
Do full-day schedule requests receive priority over half-day requests?
No. However, in our oldest Pre-K room, 4-5 day schedules receive priority.
I’m interested in half days; may I have my child stay all day from time to time?
Your child may always add an afternoon if scheduled with the director, with 24 hours advance notice.
May I start the year with a half-day schedule and possibly move to a full day later?
Yes.
May I add a full day to my child’s schedule later?
Only if there’s space. We are usually full in all rooms, so adding days later is unlikely.
Do half-day children stay for lunch?
Yes. Children in both rooms eat lunch at 11:15.
Is there an option for before and after-school care?
Both Enrichment and Pre-K children may utilize the Extended School Program (ESP). ESP is a daily rate and a separate charge from preschool tuition.
Can I register for ESP now?
ESP registration begins in the spring.
What is your child-to-teacher ratio?
The State of Michigan ratios are 1:12 for the 4-5-year-old children in the Pre-K rooms and 1:10 for 3-4-year-old children in the Enrichment rooms. Depending on which age group, we strive for 3 full-time teachers in each room, with the exception of our Enrichment 3’s, T/W/TH half day classroom.
Do children go outside each day?
Yes, most definitely. We have an outdoor classroom and depending on the time of year, we utilize the nature playground more than our indoor environment.
Do children nap?
The Pre-K rooms have a 45-minute quiet time, and the full-day Enrichment room has a 1-1 ½ hour rest. Children are not required to sleep and will be given quiet choices, such as books and busy bags if they do not wish to sleep.
Do you provide snacks and lunch?
Children are offered snack in the morning and afternoon. Snacks consist of fresh fruits and vegetables in the morning and crackers like goldfish and protein such as yogurt, in the afternoon. Parents provide lunch.
Do children wear uniforms?
No. We ask that children wear comfortable clothes that can take the occasional paint or mud splatter.
Is this program experienced in managing allergies?
Yes, we have a great deal of experience managing allergies. SFA is a peanut and tree-nut-free facility. We work closely with parents to ensure your child’s safety with any allergy. All teachers on staff have current CPR & First Aid certifications and are also trained in the use of an Epi-pen.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
In the Pre-K (4-5) classroom, children must be fully potty-trained and in underwear vs. pull-ups. Teachers are happy to help with occasional accidents and they will always offer encouragement and helpful reminders. In the Enrichment 3’s classroom, we also expect children to start school potty trained, but recognize there may be more accidents. We strive for consistency between home and school. By November it is our expectation that children no longer be in pull-ups, rather in underwear with occasional accidents.
Any questions? Please contact Christina Busse, cbusse@stfrancisaa.org or 734-821-2290