Young Friends Preschool

Common Questions and Answers

What is the ratio of group to individual activities? 

Children will have about one hour with the whole small group and one hour of free choice activities alone or with classmate(s). Children are encouraged but not required to do activities.  Children initially decide on a center, however I may choose to rotate through some in 15 minute increments depending on the days activities.  I hope to interest the children in different activities and to spark their love for learning.

How are conflicts resolved?

In my classroom, we talk through tough emotions.  I ask them how they feel and verbalize visual clues classmates give. e.g: I might tell child 1 "She looks sad since you took the doll.  She wants to play in the house center with you."  I'll then encourage child 2, "Ask her for it back." Give time. Give her the words if needed ..."Can you give me back that doll?"  If others are unwilling to share.  I will ask them to play in another center.  A child's age and abilities play a determining factor in how these conflict resolutions occur.

What is your teaching philosophy?

My philosophy is really "learning is fun!"  I  provide the fun, I implement activities, and I note abilities of the children.  Children learn through play, trial and error, and also learn from others. Children are visual, auditory, or kinetic learner's - I strive to support all.

What curriculum do you use?

I use both Creative Curriculum, Little Saints, and High-Scope Curriculum.  This year I am also incorporating Early Learning Matters (ELM).

What is the teacher-child ratio?

I am the only staff member at this time.  This is a small setting here in my home. The current plan is to keep it small. If interest is high I will begin a wait list.

How can I be assured my child is safe here?

I have smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher in YFP. Our exit to the outside is from the classroom door, the low windows, or the stairway upstairs. We would exit to the backyard then move to side yard far away from classroom in the event of a fire. We would crawl under the desk or get into a supporting door framed area in the case of severe emergency weather.