New Parents

Thank you for considering Mustard Seed Preschool.  We hope you will find all the information you need here to help you in your preschool selection process.

This page summarizes the just some of the information found in our Information Packet which you can download in PDF form.  Thank you for your interest in Mustard Seed Preschool.  After reviewing our information packet, if you have further questions about the school, or have a specific concern or need that you would like to discuss with us, please do not hesitate to contact us here.

Please visit our About School page and Staff page for further information. 

For details about our program content and tuition rates, please view the Information Packet.

Program Structure
The program structure of Mustard Seed Preschool consists of the Toddler Option (18 months—2.9 years old) and the Preschool Option (2.9—5 years old).  Both options have flexible schedules: 2 days (Tuesday & Thursday); 3 days (Monday, Wednesday, & Friday); or 5 days a week.  A school year includes 180 school days, 8 weeks summer session and 7 weeks holiday care. School is closed on national holidays observed by the school. 

Our regular program includes the morning sessions (9:00AM-1:00PM) and/or extended care hours, which includes early morning drop-off (7:30AM-9:00AM) and afternoon extended care (1:00PM-6:00PM).  Nap time begins at 1:00PM and rest time begins at 2:00PM.

Steps to Enrollment
  Read the Information Packet.
  Call to schedule an appointment to visit the school with your child while we are in session.
  If you decide to enroll your child, complete a Registration Form and return it to our main office with payments of registration fee and one month’s tuition deposit.
Please see below about our Wait List Policy.
  When a space at the preschool is confirmed for your child, you will receive an Enrollment Packet.  Complete and return all forms to the school as soon as possible.
  Attend one of our Parent Orientation Meetings (the Monday before our summer session  and the Thursday before Labor Day) to ask questions, learn more about our school’s policies and procedures, meet your child’s teachers, and visit your child’s classroom.
  The First Day of school begins the following Monday!		  About Our Wait List Policy
When our enrollment is full, you may choose to be placed on our wait list. To be placed on the school’s wait list, submit a completed registration form with one month’s tuition deposit and a non-refundable registration fee.  When a space is available for your child, we will notify you by phone.  If you decide not to enroll your child at The Mustard Seed Preschool, you will forfeit 50% of the tuition deposit.  In the event that the school is not able to find space for your child within four months from the first day of school, you will be fully refunded your one month’s tuition deposit.  Alternatively, you may elect to have your registration and tuition deposit applied to the following school year or any mid-year openings that may occur.

 
Extended Care Program
The extended care program consists of early morning drop-off and afternoon sessions.  The Extended Care Program provides an opportunity for children to work and play in small mixed age groups.  Children have many opportunities to practice their social and communication skills in a family-like setting.  Children are given choices and are able to explore activities planned to meet their needs, including experiences with creative arts, large and small motor activities and more. 

Throughout the afternoon many transitions occur as children say good-bye to Mustard Seed and rejoin their families.  Every transition is carefully monitored so that children have a positive and growing experience throughout the day.  We believe in allowing children to settle into an excellent rhythm for their day so that they return home to be wholesome and relaxed individuals, ready to spend quality time connecting with family members.  We believe that the pace of the morning program, if extended to the end of the day, will be less than optimal for children’s emotional development and for essential bonding with family members. 

Daily Schedule

A consistent yet flexibly followed daily schedule offers children the opportunity to develop routines, prepare for transitions, and play and learn in a low-anxiety environment.  Actual schedules are posted in the classrooms and each day will allow time for all of the following activities:

Indoor Free Play, Projects and Station Play
We employ a structure of station play to support young learners in choice play at one of several creative stations for a sustained period.  This facilitates intensive teacher observation and teacher support so that children can work on their developmental milestones and skills such as cooperative play, communication, and conflict resolution.

Each day begins with free-choice play.  Children may choose from blocks, puzzles, dress-up clothes, dolls, books, playhouses, science activities, manipulatives, and arts and crafts projects—all within their reach.  Children are given ample time and space to imagine, explore, and play cooperatively.  Children are also given an opportunity to work on multi-level, multi-sensory, multi-objective projects, which have been designed and presented with an emphasis on process and exploration rather than product.

Circle time/Devotions
Children gather in a large group for singing, a cognitive skill game, musical instruments, drama, movement, etc.  While the teacher directs this activity, children have many opportunities to involve themselves—they are not the passive audience.  Some of this time may be used for simple Bible stories, or contemporary value tales.

Outdoor Free Play
Our newly remodeled large outdoor yard provides opportunities for gross motor development and social, creative and dramatic play.  It is equipped with several climbing structures, slides, sandbox, garden, pet rabbit, play houses, basketballs with hoops, tricycles, and art and water play areas.

On rainy days, older children (4-5 years old) remain in their classrooms, while younger children in Roo, Piglet and Pooh Bear classrooms share a large Fellowship Hall for indoor active play. 

Lunch
Lunch is a warm, social time for teachers and children.  Children bring their own lunch to school.  We also use this time to read books together.