FAQ
Here are are few FAQs from past parent interviews.
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1. What are the schools operating hours?
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9:00 am until 5:00 pm. You have complete flexibility to drop off and pick up at any time however, but for consistency the base tuition is the same for all school members.
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2. What is the child age range for the school?
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Children attending could range between the ages of 2.5 and 5 years old. Contact us for the ages of current school members.
3. Is this school an outdoor experience for my child?
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Yes. The location is a spacious private backyard that has a rustic feel, with dynamic provocation zones similar to what you might see at a Waldorf or Reggio program. A fully functioning restroom is available to the children at all times.
4. Are there adequate spaces available for inclement weather?
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Yes, there is a detached ADU on the property available with heating and air conditioning during extreme weather. There are also heat lamps and general shade available as needed. The children will be spending a majority of their time outdoors, so weather-appropriate clothing should always be considered.
5. Does my child need to be potty trained?
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Your child should be potty trained and able to handle basic bathroom hygiene on his/her own. Accidents are of course a part of growing up and will be handled with delicacy and understanding.
6. What basic curriculum is implemented in the school?
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NMN utilizes an emergent curriculum approach (which simply means that the activities planned will evolve based on the kids interest and each child's expanding development) combined with realia learning philosophies. In addition and as a tie that binds, there is monthly focus on a selected children's book containing important social/emotional growth concepts. We also welcome enrichment projects coordinated by parents in areas of their specialty, such as music, seasonal crafts, or other special skills.
7. What is the discipline policy within the school?
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Through modeling and positive guidance of desired behaviors, teachers will help the children gain self-esteem and behave in kind and responsible ways. Expectations will always be age-appropriate and clearly communicated to the children. We believe in providing children with choices and alternatives that empower them to make real life decisions while still embracing a learning opportunity via natural or logical consequences.
8. What is the system for day to day communication and injury reporting?
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All day-to-day activities, events, pictures, etc. will be shared with caregivers via the app Slack. It is highly recommend you keep notifications for the app turned on as not to miss any needed information or to take a peek at the fun that is unfolding during the day.
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9. Are lunch and snacks provided?
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A morning and afternoon snack will be provided at the school. Your child will need to come to school with a prepared lunch each day however. A refrigerator, freezer, and microwave are available for storage and reheating purposes.
10. How is tuition paid and when is it due?
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Tuition is due weekly by 5:00 pm on Friday. You may inquire about your preferred form of payment, but pay apps including Venmo and Zelle are acceptable. In order to preserve stable relationships for the children we would like families to have an intention to stay for the full school year.
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11. Will my child learn any reading, writing, or kindergarten prep?
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Yes. Play-based learning can sound deceptively easy to an untrained ear, but it is anything but, and involves carefully watching the children as they play to gain insight into the ways each individual child thinks and learns. Remember, learning styles vary for every child, and this holds especially true for children aged birth - 5 years. The key to appropriately integrating academia at this early stage is coming to understand the child, first as an individual, and then offering them time, space, and meaningful materials so they can actually make sense of what they are learning. At this stage of development they are most focused, and happy, when both their minds and bodies are engaged simultaneously.
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12. Is there any Zoom on Online component?
This school is a return to a fully hands-on immersive play-based experience that is not constricted by online programming and prioritizes the value of in-person relationships.
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13. Can siblings of different ages attend together?
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Most definitely. Research shows that healthy sibling relationships lead to empathy, prosocial behavior, and academic achievement. This is a benefit not only to the siblings, but those observing the relationship as well.
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