What is the student to teacher ratio?

Typically, for the Preschoolers, it is 18 children to one teacher, one teacher’s assistant and one helping parent. For the Early Learners, it is 15 children to one teacher, one teacher’s aide and one helping parent. Ratios meet state regulations.

What are the days and times?

The Early Learners' day is from 9:00am-11:30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Preschoolers' day is from 9:00am-1:00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

What is the cost of tuition?

The 2012/2013 tuition is $165.00 per month for Early Learners with a one time $105.00 activity fee. For Preschoolers, tuition is $240.00 per month with a one time $130.00 activity fee.

What parent participation is required?

Parent participation is an important component for making WPELC the special experience it is for the children and families alike. Parent responsibilities include:

*Be an active member of a standing committee, or a board officer, or a class representative.

*Participate as a helping parent on a rotating basis throughout the school year.

*Participate in all fundraising efforts or participate in the buy-out options.

*Attend school meeting and parent/teacher conferences.

*Participate in school-wide events, including annual classroom cleaning and open house.

What is the class schedule on a typical day?

The class schedule begins with morning circle time consisting of a greeting song and a welcoming. There is then “choice” time when the children choose from various activities the teachers have prepared in advance or various play areas that are more permanent in the classroom. Clean-up time is next, followed by circle time where stories, songs and movement activities happen while a snack is being prepared by the helping child and parent. Snack follows. The children then have outdoor time or indoor gym time, depending on the weather. The children return from the outdoors or the gym to shared experience time where children work in small groups on various skills. On Early Learner days, the class then transitions into the goodbye circle. On Preschooler days, the children return from the gym or the outdoors to shared experience time. The Preschoolers then have lunch. The day ends with a goodbye circle.

When do you accept applications?

Applications for new families will be accepted anytime after January 9, 2012. They can be mailed on or dropped off at our Open House on Saturday, January 21st, 2012. Applications are due by Friday, February 3, 2012. Applications may be submitted after the deadline and those will be put on a waiting list.

When will we find out if my child gets admitted?

On Monday, February 13, 2012, letters will be mailed out notifying all families that applied of either acceptance or waitlist status.

What happens if my child does not get admitted?

A waitlist will be formed for those applicants not admitted. If a child is not admitted from that waitlist, that child may reapply for enrollment the following school year (but does not have to pay another registration fee.)

How long do you keep your waitlist?

Waitlists are created anew each year. Any family on the waitlist will remain on the list for the current school year and must reapply the following school year (but does not have to pay another registration fee.)

Does my child need to be potty trained?

Yes. Our site and classroom arrangement does not allow for diaper changing or appropriate toilet learning.

How old does my child need to be?

We are licensed to accept children from 2 ½ to 6 years of age.  Early Learners must be 2 ½ by September 1, 2012 (which means they must be 2 by March 1, 2012).  Preschoolers must be 2 ½ by September 1, 2012 (which means they must be 3 by March 1, 2012). 

How long has your school been operating?

Washington Park Early Learning Center first opened its doors in September, 1973.

What is a play based preschool?

At WPELC our children learn through their play. Through play we provide rich multisensory learning experiences that engage the whole child and ensure deep and meaningful connections creating joyful life long learners.

Tell me more about your enrichment programs.

Enrichment classes at WPELC are typically taught by our teachers to provide consistency and comfort for our children. Classes are varied throughout the year and often include Storybook Journey, Music and Movement, Brainiac Gameiac, and Theater.

Any other questions?