FAQs | The Modern Schoolhouse

Frequently Asked Questions

Are both part-time and full-time care available? TMS is currently for full-time enrollment only. From our social-emotional wellness approach and carefully curated lesson plans, we believe it is essential for students to receive all the benefits of our program by attending a full day.

What are the child to staff ratios? Our program prides providing small group instruction to all of or students. Children in our Toddlers Program have a 1:6 or 1:4 ratio and students in our preschool class have a 1:6-1:8 ratio based on the school site and classroom size. All staff have an educational background with years of experience working with children. Staff will follow state vaccine and vaccination protocols, CPR-certified, mandated reporter training and go through a background clearance.

How do you keep in touch with parents during the day? Our teachers and admin communicate with parents primarily through an app for day to day care. Teachers are available to message and provide daily photos of the focus lesson, and even reach out when they scrape their knees!

I am on the waitlist, how long is the typical waiting period? We are so excited to meet you. Generally, we estimate a 6-12 month+ waiting period for all new families based on location. Openings are also contingent on age, classroom and readiness of students.

Is TMS open all year around? We understand childcare is essential for our families. Our program is closed on all major holiday's, and we provide 6 staff state required development days. For both winter and summer, we are closed for 2 weeks each and families receive an academic calendar upon enrollment.

Are immunization records required? Yes, the state of California requires all children to or be in the process of receiving immunizations on a schedule. Please be sure to submit all updated records during the year for your child's file to remain up to date.

Is there a contract or set commitment for enrollment? We believe in the quality of care we provide our families, therefore we have tuition on a month to month basis with no required commitment. [Please see program policies for more information.]

Do all students participate in curriculum learning? Yes, depending on the classroom, our curriculum learning is embedded into the flow of the day naturally, supporting students through transitions as needed.

Do children nap? Can my child be opted out from napping? As a licensed facility, California requires all children in care to nap and rest for a specific amount of time. All students are provided a cot to rest, and cannot be opted out from napping. In the event your child no longer requires a nap, teachers encourage rest time to relax and decompress prior to the second half of the day.

Are parents allowed to stay inside the classroom? To support the natural separation process, families at the moment are unable to attend the class outside of morning drop-offs and pick-ups based on location.

Does my child need to be potty trained? Children who are under 3 y/o do not need to be potty trained. Our program offers potty training assistance for families emerging classrooms. However, for any child entering directly into a 3s classroom, should be potty trained before their date of enrollment.

How do you discipline students? Children require connection, and while they are learning how they fit into the world, there will be times where redirection and boundaries are required. Each classroom is equipped with a safe space that provides the comfort of allowing children to feel their big emotions, while navigating them in healthy manners. Students are able to reset in the area for as long as it takes, and a teacher is generally nearby to provide support. Safe spaces come with sensory toys, family books and/or pictures to allow comfort. The safe place is used for emotional regulation, and not a time-out or punishment as we do not believe in these practices.

What is the sick policy? Our program follows specific guidelines for any illness. Children will need to be symptom and medication free for 24-hours prior to returning. Based on the illness, children may need to provide a doctor's clearance note to return back to class to ensure the health and safety of everyone. Our program does not administer any medication and alternative arrangements should be made with admin. In the event children fall ill at school, students will be isolated and parents will be notified with a request of an immediate pick-up.

How do plan for emergencies? Staff is trained to handle emergencies such as fire, earthquake and shelter in place. Each month, these drills are practiced. In the event of any site specific related emergencies, parents will be notified directly through the app.

How do you handle conflict resolution between children? Through the skills of Conscious Discipline, we align conflicts that arise in the classroom with the skill of positive intent. We support through navigating these conversations and learning to practice our big voices. Teachers are always there to provide support and nurture, while displaying the appropriate steps to teach resiliency and self-advocacy.

How is the facility maintained? Our program prides itself in keeping things clean. All students remove their shoes when indoors, (indoor shoes are allowed, if needed.) and we practice safe hygiene practices of hand-washing throughout the day. Teacher perform 2 daily cleans in their classrooms, including sweeping and mopping in both the AM and PM. Toys are disinfected and sanitized, all while using natural cleaning products. Each site has professional cleaning services set up, including natural sanitization fogging services.

What is the process of unenrolling? In the event any family wishes to exit TMS, parents are required to notify admin 60-days prior. At that time, we will have parents sign a release of care form. Families are responsible to pay for the any outstanding balances, or penalties due to failure to provide adequate notice.

Can I opt my child out of social media posting? Yes, we respect the privacy of all of our families. During the enrollment period, any family that wishes to opt out of having their child used for social media, website and other school-related promos, will sign-off on the media consent form.

Do siblings receive priority? Yes! We welcome siblings and understand the support it provides our families. Based on the age requirements for each program, any family interested for siblings should notify admin in order to be added to the waitlist.

How do you celebrate birthdays and holidays? At TMS, we love birthdays and welcome small celebrations in the classroom. Birthday treats may be brought in, as long as they are school friendly, and store bought. Celebrations take place in the afternoon for snack time and parents may attend. Holidays are special for each family, and we appreciate the diversity and traditions. Understanding that all families have their own value system, at TMS, we appreciate and celebrate the seasons, but do not celebrate holidays.

Still have questions?

We would love to hear from you!

hello@themodernschoolhouse.com

or call/text us at: (323) 577-8998

Please allow 1-2 business days for a response.