Frequently Asked Questions
1) Do you prepare food or do I bring it in?
We do not prepare food. Snack and lunch are provided by the family. We are a nut free school as well. We do not heat up or refrigerate food, so a thermos to keep warm or icepacks to keep food cold is required.
2) What items do I need to prepare for my child’s time at school?
A crib size sheet and blanket optional for rest time. This will go home on Fridays to be washed and return on Mondays. Indoor shoes to stay at school. A water bottle that returns home each day. Two sets of spare clothing (seasonal appropriate) EMM will provide a Muddy Buddy (rain suit) and a backpack.
3) How is communication with parents managed?
We use an application called Brightwheel. We will update throughout the day with pictures, messages, milestones, incidents. Living Google Docs (e.g. school calendar, sign up sheets for mini camp, movie night) and a monthly newsletter on brightwheel. Tuition payments are made through Brightwheel. This is also where you check your child in and out each day.
4) What is nap time like?
We understand that all children have different nap needs. Some take longer naps than others while some don’t nap at all. It is required that all children rest each day for a minimum of 45 minutes. For those children who do not sleep they can remain on their cot quietly with a book, coloring or a puzzle. For those who do nap, we will allow children to sleep as long as permitted by the parent if a longer nap is needed.
5) Do you go outdoors?
Yes, we go outside rain or shine! As long as the temperature is above 32 degrees. We typically visit the neighborhood playground, Mother Cabrini park or the Urban Meadow Garden both located on President St. On rainy days we may just take a neighborhood walk.
6) What is your schedule?
Typically our morning starts with work time which includes a morning meeting and snack, then we go outdoors. For our full day students we then have lunch, rest and an afternoon enrichment activity including French, Spanish, Music and Yoga.
7) How do you transition new students?
We ask that all new students attend 5 half days (until 11:30) for the first week. We offer a meet and greet for 15-20 minutes prior to their first day so they can meet their new teachers and see their classroom with their caregiver present.