FAQ

Choosing the right preschool is hard. You have more questions. Here are more answers. 

Participation

  • You are welcome to bring your infant or young child with you when you participate in the classroom; however, they must be carried on your back in a carrier at all times. Your child’s temperament (or your own) may not allow for this. Some parents have their younger child cared for by a babysitter, family member or fellow coop parent friend on their participation days. Once you enroll you may find a friend at Skytown willing to do a childcare swap. If you are considering buying out of participation, please make sure this option is available BEFORE enrolling.

  • According to the Bay Area Child Care Licensing Office only parents, grandparents and directly related adults of enrolled children are allowed to participate in our classrooms.

  • No. Participating parents are not fingerprinted or subject to background checks. This is not required by our licensing body (CCLD). All staff members are fingerprinted, and their prints and ID are run through a criminal background check.

  • No. Skytown does not use timeouts or any other type of punishment.

  • Yes. California State Law now requires all children entering preschool to be fully vaccinated. And another law requires preschool staff and volunteers to be vaccinated against pertussis, measles, and influenza. Parents participating in the classroom are considered volunteers and are therefore required to have these vaccines.

    All children entering Skytown must submit proof of the following immunizations:

    • 3 Polio shots

    • 4 DTaP shots

    • 3 Hepatitis B shots

    • 1 MMR shot on or after the child's first birthday

    • 1 Hib shotjh on or after the child's first birthday

    • 1 Varicella

    Parents participating in the classroom must submit the following:

    • A negative TB test

    • Proof of immunization against pertussis (inluded in DTap, DTP, or Tdap)

    • Proof of immunization against measles (included in MMR)

    • Proof of immunization against the current year's influenza (can be declined with a signed letter)

Toddler-to-Preschool Transition

  • When a toddler enrolls, we plan our preschool enrollment for the school year to make sure we will have a preschool spot available within a few months near their 3rd birthday. The timing of your child’s transition will depend on his/her readiness.

  • The indicators of readiness to move to the preschool side are sometimes subtle, and are linked more to development than chronological age. Developmental readiness is first established by the toddler teacher. She assesses the child’s established place on the toddler continuum and his/her ability to adapt to the different set of expectations in the preschool room. Once the toddler teacher makes her assessment, she then discusses with the preschool teachers, the director, the parents, and the administrator. If there is space at that time of year and the child is ready to move on, we then set a date for the child to become part of the preschool classroom.

  • The placement of your child in the preschool room before the age of 2.5 will depend on their developmental readiness. A verbally advanced child, for example, may still need support in other areas of toddler development. Before you enroll we can arrange for your child to visit both classrooms. You can speak with the teachers, and they can observe your child to help make an appropriate placement.

Diapering and Potty Training

  • No. At Skytown we support potty training at your child’s pace. When your child is ready, the teachers and parents will offer encouragement, remind your child to use the toilet frequently, observe his/her behavior, and change all wet clothing. We don’t give stickers or other rewards.

  • No. We cannot guarantee this at all. At Skytown, diaper changing is a responsibility shared by all teachers as well as all participating adults. There are always plenty of adults within sight and hearing of diapering and bathroom assistance. Doors to childrens’ spaces are to remain open at all times.

Food and Celebrations

  • We make note of all allergies and sensitivities and go over with you all procedures and guidelines you would like us to follow in taking care of your child.

  • No. Families are responsible for providing a snack and a lunch for their children every day they are enrolled.

  • At Skytown we celebrate a child’s birthday (if the child and family want it celebrated) by creating a happy birthday banner with the classroom in honor the child. At lunch time we sing the Happy Birthday song, and at the end of the day your child gets to take the banner home if they so choose.  We do not celebrate with food treats.

Skytown Schedule

  • Skytown is a half day school. Our core program is 9a.m. to 1p.m.

  • Skytown closes for the major federal holidays: MLK, President’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving. We are closed for two weeks for winter break and for one week for Spring Break. In addition, we close for one week in June and two weeks in August.

  • Yes. Skytown is open during the summer. Your commitment to the school is based on a 12 month calendar.

  • No. There is no adjustment to tuition.

Religion and Culture

  • No. Not as part of our curriculum. We do not celebrate any official, cultural or religious holidays at Skytown. Parents are welcome to share family traditions with the Skytown community. Please speak with your teacher first so s/he can provide developmentally appropriate adjustments to the presentation or activity. We also may explore seasonal materials (like pumpkins in October) based on what the children are interested in.

  • We are a tenant of Mount Zion. Skytown does not have any religious affiliation with the church.