Our School
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some questions you may have about our program. If you have other questions, or would like to schedule a visit to our school, please do not hesitate to contact us.
- How does a co-op work?
- What is my responsibility regarding the other children?
- Can I stay until I feel my child is ready for me to leave?
- How many kids are in a full class?
- What if a class is full—is there a wait list?
- When can I enroll my child at NPNS?
- Do they get a snack?
- How do we discipline the children?
- Does my child need to be potty-trained?
- What are my options if I have another child under 2½ years old?
- I'm interested in a touring NPNS...
1. How does a co-op work?
A co-op is run by its members (you and your family!). The director shapes the curriculum and the members participate in the day-to-day running of the school as well as the other aspects needed to keep a preschool in operation, such as weekly workdays.
2. What is my responsibility regarding the other children?
As a working parent, you will be in the classroom with no more than 5 children for every 1 adult. Upon enrolling your child for school, you will be given an orientation binder that explains all aspects of the school along with all of the daily schedules. Typically, each parent is assigned to an area in the classroom (such as the art area) to work with and engage the children in a chosen project or activity. The director is always present in the classroom to help if there are any questions regarding activities, discipline issues, or to give general directions.
3. Can I stay until I feel my child is ready for me to leave?
Yes. As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. Sometimes parents ask the director for special help in transitioning their child to make it easier to leave.
4. How many kids are in a full class?
There is a maximum of 24 children in each class.
5. What if a class is full—is there a wait list?
There is a wait list maintained when a class is full. To obtain a wait list application, families must first attend a school tour. Once your wait list application is turned in, you will be contacted by our Membership Chair as to the next steps. Please contact NPNS to attend a tour.
6. When can I enroll my child at NPNS?
- Returning students and siblings: Late January
- Wait list students: February
- Open registration: March
7. Do they get a snack?
Yes. There is a scheduled snack time every day at school. One of the working parents is assigned to bring snack – typically each parent brings snack once a month.
8. How do we discipline the children?
NPNS uses Positive Discipline in the classroom. Positive Discipline is a program designed to teach young people to become responsible, respectful and resourceful members of their communities. Based on the best selling Positive Discipline books by Dr. Jane Nelsen, Lynn Lott, Cheryl Erwin, Kate Ortolano, Mary Hughes, Mike Brock, Lisa Larson and others, it teaches important social and life skills in a manner that is deeply respectful and encouraging for both children and adults (including parents, teachers, childcare providers, youth workers, and others).
You will also be given an orientation binder upon enrolling your child, there is an entire section devoted to “interacting with children.” It gives examples of language to use and ways to handle various situations that may arise. At our general meetings we will periodically have workshops on this topic given by our director or a guest speaker. This is always a great opportunity to learn ways to better handle situations, and to answer any questions you may have.
For more information on Positive Discipline, please contact us and/or visit the Positive Discipline website.
9. Does my child need to be potty-trained?
No. If you leave diapers and wipes at the school, the director will be in charge of taking care of diaper changes. You also will find that children tend to potty-train faster while attending school because they see other children use the bathroom.
10. What are my options if I have another child under 2½ years old?
If your younger child is 2 years old, you can bring that child to school with you on your workday. This is a great way to get your toddler adjusted to the preschool program. If your younger child is under 2 years old, we have an "infant room." This room was designed so parents can have their younger child at the preschool while they work in the classroom. The parents alternate between the Infant Room and the classroom on their workday. The schedule is flexible depending on individual children and their needs.
11. I'm interested in touring NPNS...
Tours are conducted once per month and last one hour:
- First 30 minutes: talk and go over how the co-op works
- Second 30 minutes: tour the facility
We encourage parents to attend without children (except infants, of course) so that you can focus on the tour itself. Once you've attended a tour, you can schedule a time to come back with your child for a one-hour visit.
Important: a tour is required in order to obtain a wait list application for enrollment.
Please contact us to schedule a tour.
