- Why does The Growing Place start after Pinellas County Schools begin and end early than Pinellas County Schools do?
We start later and end earlier than Pinellas County Schools for two reasons. The first reason is that The Growing Place staff is given an opportunity to be there for their own children as they begin school and to be able to participate in their end of the year activities as well. The second reason is that because we provide VPK during the school year, our calendar must be limited to 540 clock hours.
- What are In-Service Days?
In-Service days are when The Growing Place staff is completing the annual training that is required by The Pinellas County Licensing Board. This insures that the teachers and assistants in your child’s classroom are constantly learning new techniques to enhance the way your child is taught. The Growing Place preschool has the same In-Service days as Pinellas County Schools.
- Why do we dismiss three and four year olds in carline?
We sent home a parent survey at the end of the school year and based on your responses, parents agree this is the fastest and safest way to dismiss a large group of children at one time. It is also good practice for when your child starts elementary school.
- Why are the hours different at each age level?
We stagger the drop off times to allow families with siblings to be able to drop off older children first. The early pick up time for the one and two year olds allows our youngest children to get to and from their classes with fewer people in the hallway. It also prevents Tiny Tot parents from getting caught in our three year old carline.
- When is tuition due for The Growing Place Preschool?
Tuition is broken down into nine monthly payments and is due at the beginning of each month beginning on August 1 and ending with the April 1 tuition payment. Tuition is paid a month in advance. For example, in August you pay for September and in September you will pay for October. The only exception to this payment schedule is if a family joins us later in the school year, in which case they will make a May 1 tuition payment.
If your child does not attend school on the first of each month, you are still responsible for tuition. You will need to mail your tuition payment or stop by the preschool office to make a payment. Please be aware that tuition received after the fifth of each month is considered a late payment and will be assessed a $25 late fee.
- When will parents find out who their child has as a teacher?
Letters are sent out in the middle of August to notify parents who will be their child’s teacher and to let parents know about important dates and items needed for the beginning of school.
7. Potty Training
Potty training is a milestone that requires time and patience. Please be aware that children are required to be fully potty trained to enter our three year old program at The Growing Place Preschool. While we recognize starting school is an adjustment for children, it is difficult to keep the classroom a safe and sanitary environment when toileting accidents happen.
What does being fully potty trained mean? A child is not in pull ups or diapers. He or she recognizes and communicates the need to use the bathroom. The child is consistently using the potty and going multiple days at home without having an accident. He or she is able to attend the entire school day without having an accident. Finally, they are able to wipe themselves, flush the toilet and wash their hands once they have completed using the restroom.
As a parent, you can help by dressing your child in beltless and or elastic waist clothing. This makes it easier for your child to be successful in using the restroom.
By following these guidelines, we hope to make potty training a positive and successful experience for your child. Thank you for your cooperation.
8. Waitlist
Parents may put their child on a waitlist once a class has been filled during Registration. Parents may also add their child to the waitlist during the school year. Once the preschool is notified of an opening the Director or the Assistant Director will call the first person on the waitlist. Parents will be given 24 hours to accept or decline the spot. This procedure continues until the spot is filled. Please note that once classes begin a child that is currently enrolled will not be moved to another class, even if they were on the waitlist.
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