FAQ
COVID-19 Safety precatuions
At Village Preschool, we are very aware that our community is especially vulnerable. All adults who work with our children (parents, staff and visitors) are fully vaccinated. Additionally, masks are encouraged of everyone in the facility but at the discretion of parents/caregivers. We have taken extra precautions with snack time, staggering seating so children are at least 3 feet apart. Although we share a building with other groups, our classrooms are only used by Village students, staff and families. To further protect the air our children breathe, we have high-powered air filtration units in each classroom. We have a strong community policy that prioritizes student safety and transparent communication.
What makes Village Preschool unique?
At Village Preschool, we believe that children learn through play and by doing! Our teachers cultivate an environment where children are given the opportunity to gain the social and emotional developmental foundation for kindergarten and beyond. Parent involvement in the classroom promotes our sense of community while our unique education evenings empower parents with tools to help them in supporting and nurturing their children’s continued development.
What is a co-op school?
“Cooperative” or “Co-Op” is defined as a group of people coming together to accomplish a common goal. At Village Preschool, our common goal is to provide an outstanding learning experience for our children! Village Preschool is a place where a diverse set of families come together because they are committed to being an active participant in their child’s education, believe in our mission-philosophy, and want to be a part of a community. Village Preschool is a non-profit organization that is owned and operated by the parents of the current students. Parents assist the professional teachers in the classroom on a rotating basis. In addition, each family holds a position/job within the school that is an integral part of helping the school run.
What is the teaching method at village?
Village preschool is a play-based preschool. Our teachers implement a variety of techniques and methods but the overarching principle is that students are provided a judgement-free environment for learning and growing through play and social relationships with their peers.
What is Lunch & Play and how does it work?
Lunch & Play is an optional part of our curriculum that is offered to Senior children on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-1pm. During this time, Seniors eat their lunch from home with their peers and engage in free play. This additional creative play time allows the children to experience different social dynamics in a smaller group and experience a longer school day, which makes a wonderful transition to Kindergarten. The Lunch & Play rate is $9/day. The $9 is waived for the Parent Helper’s child working a Lunch & Play shift that day.
When does the school year start and end?
Our school year typically starts in early September and ends early June. Our holidays and other school closures generally follow the academic calendar established by the Portland Public School District.
Is Village Preschool associated with West Portland United Methodist Church?
No. West Portland United Methodist Church graciously rents us the space, but Village Preschool does not have a religious affiliation.
Do you have an outdoor play area?
We have a wonderful, fenced outside play area that we use every school day, rain or shine, so that students may explore and engage in gross motor activity when they are at school.
What celebrations do you have at Village?
While our program changes slightly every year, we have several special celebrations. Families are encouraged to participate in our summer playdates and end of school picnics. Other activities that we have had in the past include a holiday sing, pajama day, Family Day tea party and other small, developmentally appropriate celebrations throughout the year.
Do you offer a kindergarten program?
While we do not offer a Kindergarten program, we do offer a Pre-K program. This is a distinct program from our preschool program as it focuses on letter recognition and handwriting, numbers and math, and language and literacy and is offered to currently enrolled Seniors who turn 5 years by 4/1.
What if my child has an allergy?
We are a nut-free zone and we will work with families to accommodate other food sensitivities and allergies.
Does my child need to be potty-trained?
Yes, children are required to be potty-trained before starting preschool.
Can I enroll my child if they turn 3 in the fall?
Yes, Village Preschool is happy to accept children who turn 3 years by 11/1 for the Junior class. However, children must be 4 years by 9/1 for the Senior class and our families with children who have late fall birthdays complete a second Junior year before entering the Senior class. Our birthdate cutoff for the Senior class is fixed in order to be consistent with Portland Public School District’s age requirement of 5 years by 9/1 for Kindergarten.
How can I learn more about Village Preschool?
We offer in-person tours by appointment for 2-3 families at a time. Families can also get to know us through email, phone or video conferencing.