Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some typical questions that you may have. If you have other questions, please contact us.
Is preschool different than daycare?
How does a preschool help prepare my child for JK?
Can my child start preschool throughout the year?
Does my child need to be potty trained to attend preschool?
Do you take children younger than 2 1/2?
What is a co-operaive preschool?
What if my child doesn't speak English?
Is there a snack time for the children?
Do the children participate in circle time?
How do I register at Meadowest Preschool?
Why do I need a Duty Person Medical Form
Why do I need a Criminal Reference check?
If I need to withdraw my child, how much notice is needed?
A preschool (or nursery school) is an organization which provides early education for children ages 2 1/2 to 5 years old. Preschools are taught by registered early childhood education (RECE) teachers. At Meadowest, teacher to child ratio is 1:8 (2:8 for duty parents, as required).
The preschool is licensed by the Ministry of Community and Social Services, and adheres to their strict guidelines.
Is preschool different than daycare?
While preschools and daycares are both accredited and held accountable to the same government agency, preschools have a number of distinct advantages for your 2 1/2 to 5 year old child. Firstly, Meadowest Preschool specializes in this age group, whereas a daycare often cares for a wider range of age groups, including infants.
The curriculum at Meadowest Preschool is organized around a theme-based approach to learning, whereas the major focus of a daycare may be more custodial in practice.
Lastly, because Meadowest Preschool is a co-operative preschool, the tuition fees are often less expensive than daycares. Please note that although Meadowest Preschool offers both morning and afternoon classes, we do not offer a full day program.
How does a preschool help to prepare my child for JK?
The most important thing that Meadowest Preschool does for your child is to provide them with an opportunity to interact with other children in a nurturing, supportive environment. Preschool also makes the transition into kindergarten easier by teaching skills such as appropriate classroom behaviour, socialization (compromising, waiting, problem solving), building independence and improving communication.
The curriculum for Meadowest Preschool also includes the development of pre-reading, writing, and basic math skills.
Can my child start preschool throughout the year?
Our preschool calendar begins the week after the public and separate school boards commence school in September, and ends the week before the school boards finish school in June. If there is space available, we will take children during the school year, until the end of March. Please contact our teacher or the registrar for availability. Meadowest Preschool does not operate during the summer months.
Does my child need to be potty trained to attend preschool?
Although we would prefer that children are potty trained, your child is allowed to come to school with a diaper/pull-up if the mother/father/caregiver is immediately available to come in and change your child if they have a bowel movement. Please note that teachers are not allowed to change diapers.
Do you take children less than 2 1/2?
We have a limited number of spaces for children who are 24-30 months old. Please contact the registrar to see if spaces are available.
What is a co-operative preschool?
In a co-operative school, children, parents and teachers are equally important. The goal of a co-operative preschool is to provide an enriching preschool experience for children and to promote understanding and participation by parents in the early childhood education of their children.
Parents have the chance to be involved, creating an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone. A co-operative preschool is organized and administered by the parents, and operates under the direction of trained teachers.
In order for a co-operative school to run successfully, everyone must work together. There are certain duties and responsibilities which are divided up amongst the parents. The success of the daily operations of the school depends on the fulfillment of these responsibilities.
What if my child doesn't speak English?
Enrolling your child in Meadowest Preschool will provide them with opportunities to learn English through stories, songs and interacting with other children and teachers. In addition to developing language skills, all preschoolers express themselves through their body language, so even through the earliest days our teachers will be able to understand and communicate with your child.
Is there a snack time for the children?
Yes, the children are given a healthy snack each day at school. Snack time is also an opportunity to promote independence and socialization skills.
Do the children participate in circle time?
Yes, we usually have all the children come together for circle time following the outside play period, and again before the children are dismissed for the day. These times are focused on the calendar, weather, their names, stories, group games and songs. Additionally, children are brought together in small groups with the teacher by participating in the various play centres and craft tables.
How do I register for Meadowest Preschool?
To register, complete the Registration package in full. The package can be obtained from the teacher in the classroom, or printed from our website. Please ensure that ALL information is complete on the forms.
Why do I need a Duty Person Medical Form?
The Duty Person Medical Form is required for all Active parents who will be assisting in the classroom. This form requires you to have a TB test, an up-to-date diphtheria/tetanus/polio booster and an MMR booster or documented immunity. Go to your doctor and have them perform and/or record the necessary tests and boosters.
If there are extenuating circumstances which do not allow you to complete this form, please speak with the Registrar. If needed, Immunization exemption forms may be obtained from the local medical officer of health.
Why do I need a Criminal Reference Check?
The Criminal Reference Check is required for all Active parents who will be assisting in the classroom. This form is available only at the school and requires you to go to a Police Station (as listed on the form) and submit the form. There is no cost for this check.
The form will be sent to your home. Once received, it must be shown to the Registrar or teacher. You will get the form back to keep for your records.
If I need to withdraw my child from the school, how much notice is required?
Should you need to withdraw your child from the school, you must give at least 30 days notice by the last day of the month. Cheques will be deposited on the 1st day of each month and are non-refundable once cashed. Notice should be presented to the President and the Registrar.