Q&A

This will occur through a lottery process. All parents/guardians who are interested in applying for a slot in the program will complete an application. The application will have specific questions regarding previous daycare/preschool experiences, family income questions specific to qualifying for free or reduced lunch, as well as any special services currently being received. The process will take all of the applications and place them in corresponding “buckets” based on answers. We will randomly select one from each bucket until the slots are filled.  All others will be on the wait-list if there is availability.

PreK will follow the CRES school calendar. PreK is a full-day program.  Students will only attend Monday-Friday, 7:30 to 2:30. Please see the CRES calendar for holidays, teacher work days, and early release days.

No - PreK is designed for our youngest learners and there is a developmental difference between a 4 and a 5 year old, which will dramatically increase during the course of the school year. PreK is specifically designed for children who will be 4 years old by October 15th and not turn 5 years old before October 15th.

An outdoor program means that the majority of the day is spent outdoors. As always, safety is the first priority, and if there are weather conditions that are deemed dangerous and unsafe to be outside, the class would remain in their indoor classroom space. In general though, all students will need to have the necessary clothing to go outside during most weather conditions - please see the handbook for additional information. 

Our nature-based program will provide our students with the opportunities to learn about the natural world, while also providing opportunities for personal growth and achievement. By connecting our students with the natural world, we hope to inspire a love and respect for nature, foster an environmental ethic and encourage a caring attitude that will follow each child throughout their lives. 

Yes. The PreK teacher is certified through the Maine DOE in Early Childhood 081(B-5 endorsement). The educational technician is authorized as an Ed. Tech III endorsement.  

Safety is our top priority whether children are inside or outside.

See handbook regarding clothing requirements - families will need to support us with keeping the impact of pests at bay. Nightly tick checks, at home, are encouraged as well as the appropriate clothing protocols during the day. We have also done some tree work in the hopes of abating the impact of the brown tail moth. Staff will conduct daily forest safety checks prior to student arrival. Students will be taught the difference between risks (age-appropriate) and hazards (safety issue).

Yes, PreK students will be able to ride the elementary bus (grades PreK-4). To meet district transportation needs, a few high school students may ride the elementary bus to attend the Midcoast School of Technology.

We think of discipline as guidance and an opportunity to problem solve together to resolve an issue. Through modeling and building relationships, along with positive reinforcement and clear expectations, we guide children to calm their bodies, describe what happened, listen carefully to each other and figure out how to fix the situation. This approach allows children ample opportunities to develop social skills, negotiate solutions and restore relationships. 

Choice, play and exploration are key components of our program both inside and out. Research shows that Preschool children who “play to learn” experience significant benefits from increased brain development, resilience, creative thinking, communication skills, and emotional regulation, just to name a few.

Yes, we will have a rest period after lunch each day.

A snack will be provided by families. If a student wishes to participate in the school breakfast and lunch program, there is no charge.

Yes, PreK students have a daily time with Specials teachers. 

We will be doing outreach to families on a regular basis. There may be times when we are seeking parent volunteers and would welcome parent participation - parents need to go through the district volunteer process found here.

In the parent handbook you will find a list of suggested clothing.  If any of the items are problematic for a family to secure, please contact the school.