FAQs

Early Childhood Program

1. A high quality early child program provides a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children.  Accredited programs provide such an environment.
   

2. In accredited programs, you will see:
   

3. ✓Frequent, positive, warm interactions among adults and children;
   

4. ✓Planned learning activities appropriate to children’s age and development, such as block-building, painting, reading, stores, dress-up, and active outdoor play;
   

5. ✓Specially trained teachers;
   

6. ✓Enough adults to respond to individual children;
   

7. ✓Many varied age-appropriate materials;
   

8. ✓A healthy and safe environment for children;
   

9. ✓Nutritious meals and/or snacks;
   

10. ✓Regular communication with parents who are welcome visitors at all times;
    

11. ✓Effective administration;
    

12. ✓Ongoing, systematic evaluation of the program.
    

Staff

1. San Marino Community Church Nursery School is staffed by a Director and teachers who are trained and experienced in Early Childhood Education.  A maximum student-teacher ratio of 7:1 is in effect.
   

Class Options

1. For 3 year olds:
   

2. ✓2 day program (Tues & Thurs) for those who turn 3 years old on or before December 2 of the year of enrollment
   

3. ✓3 day program (Mon, Wed & Fri) for those who turn 3 years old on or before July 1 of the year of enrollment
   

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5. For 4 year olds:
   

6. ✓3 day program (Mon, Wed & Fri) for those who turn 4 years old on or before December 2 of the year of enrollment
   

7. ✓5 day program (Mon thru Fri) for those who turn 4 years old on or before October 1 of the year of enrollment
   

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9. All classes are held from 9 AM until Noon.
   

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Tuition

1. The Nursery School is a non-profit organization and all tuition fees are applied to the costs of staff, equipment, supplies, and other operating expenses.  If  it is necessary to withdraw a child during the school year, parents are asked to give written notice as far in advance as possible, but no later than two weeks prior to withdrawal.  Two weeks notice is necessary for the refund of any previously paid tuition.  Tuition is due and payable at the beginning of each semester.  Each year the Nursery School awards a limited number of scholarships.
   

Admissions Policy

1. When the Nursery School has more applicants than available positions, students are admitted based on the following priority system:
   

2. ✓Returning students whose parents are active members of San Marino Community Church;
   

3. ✓Other students returning from the previous school year;
   

4. ✓Children whose parents are active members of San Marino Community Church;
   

5. ✓Children on the previous year’s waiting list;
   

6. ✓Children whose siblings have attended San Marino Community Church Nursery School;
   

7. ✓Children whose parents have attended San Marino Community Church Nursery School;
   

8. ✓Applicants of the community at large.
   

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10. A non-refundable registration fee is submitted with each application ($40.00)
    

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Assessing Readiness

1. Children are expected to be toilet trained at the time they begin Nursery School.
   

Acceptance

1. Health forms are mailed with the letter of acceptance and must be returned before school starts.  Children with illnesses are asked not to attend Nursery School until they are well.  Communicable diseases must be reported to the Director.
   

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3. The Nursery School takes no responsibility for transportation to and from school.
   

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5. The Nursery School believes in communicating regularly with parents and provides an array of opportunities for parents to appreciate the development of their children.  Fall Class Coffees and Fall and Spring School Coffees provide important information about curriculum, school policies, and procedures.  Each parent observes his or her child for a half an hour in November.  There is a scheduled conference with the teacher in the spring.  A parent may request additional observations and conferences by making arrangements with the Director.
   

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7. The Nursery School encourages play clothing that allows a child freedom of movement.