What is the admission process for Little Lights?
Acceptance into Little Lights requires a completed application and a tour to meet the Director of Little Lights.
See admissions page here.
What are the age requirements for Little Lights?
We operate on a rolling admissions basis so your child is eligible to join one of our classes when they turn 2, 3, or 4 throughout the year. Class placement is determined by multiple factors including previous drop-off experience.
Does my child need to be potty trained in order to begin Little Lights?
Children do not have to be potty-trained to take part in this program. If you are in the process of potty training your child we will help and support you in that process. If your child is still using diapers we will change them when needed during class time.
How do you handle separation?
For some children, separation from their parent is very difficult. In order to deal with this separation anxiety. Before the school year begins, we offer several ways for children to get used to coming to St. Pauls. We encourage you to participate in our Classroom Play Days, Meet the Teachers, and Orientation Days.
Classroom Play Days are optional opportunities for parents/caregivers and children to visit the classroom and engage in free play together. No teachers are present and it is a good way to meet a few other Little Lights friends in a relaxed, unintimidating environment.
Meet the Teachers are an encouraged set time to meet with each student and parent in the classroom for 15 minutes. This is an opportunity for teachers and families to get to know each other and for the student to become comfortable in their classroom. The gym is also open for free play before or after your classroom visit.
Orientation Days occur the week before classes are scheduled to begin. On the first day, students who are ready may walk in on their own. Parents/Caregivers are welcome to accompany their child to walk in to the classroom and help them get settled before leaving. The length of time for parent/caregiver to stay may depend on the child. Each child is unique in how they become comfortable with separation and we understand that initially, the length of time may be longer or shorter for others. Orientation Days are an excellent time for both parents and their child to become used to their new environment and bond with teachers and new friends. We host coffee in the courtyard for parents/caregivers while their student is in their shortened class (allowing socialization for adults too!), and for those who want to stay close by.
If a child seems to be having a particularly difficult time the following will occur:
Parents and teachers will discuss how they would like to move forward.
Parents will be invited to stay in the classroom to reassure their child.
Each following day, parents will shorten the time they stay with their child.
Children who are having trouble separating will be encouraged to bring a lovie or stuffed animal from home so that they can use it as a transitional object to help them feel more secure.
Family photos will be in the classroom for kids to look at when they are missing their families.
Teachers will share a picture schedule of the class and show the children the time in the schedule when their parents or caregiver will return for them. This helps them feel more secure knowing there is a plan and class time will come to an end.
How do you handle children with allergies?
Here at Little Lights we recognize that food allergies can cause serious, life threatening conditions for some children. To keep all our children safe, Little Lights will aim to eliminate those foods that have been determined to cause allergic reactions in children. We cannot guarantee a completely nut-free environment since other activities and programs occur within the classroom space outside of our scheduled hours. The classroom tables will be wiped down with a cleaning solution at the following times: prior to children arriving in the classroom, after any food is eaten by the children, and at the end of the classroom session. Children and staff must wash their hands upon arrival at school, before snack, and whatever other times are deemed necessary based on the activity performed.
Parents are responsible for providing their child(ren) with their own snack each class day. Students only eat what they bring from home and are not allowed to share snacks. A list of known allergies will be sent out prior to the beginning of classes starting so that parents are well informed of what snacks will be safe for our classroom.
How do you handle behavioral challenges?
A very important part of the preschool experience is helping children learn how to get along in the world in which they live, enjoy being with other children, and follow the directions of an adult other than their parent. A caring and positive approach will be taken regarding behavior management and discipline. The teachers will focus on the positive behaviors of the children and reinforce those behaviors as often as possible. Our goal is to help the children develop self-control and responsibility for their actions.
Our discipline procedures will consist of the following strategies:
1. Encouraging children to use their words when having a disagreement with another child.
2. Redirecting behavior when this seems potentially effective.
3. Separating a child from the group (take a walk or get a drink of water)
4. Counseling children individually about their behaviors.
5. Communicate behavior with parents and work together.
