Preschool

Thank you for your interest in Foundation Christian Academy!  We are dedicated to providing academic and social opportunities in a Christian environment.  We share the love of Jesus as our young learners engage in activities that stem from students’ interest and developmental needs.  In addition to planned lessons, students will enjoy guided free time for exploring in developmentally appropriate centers with their peers. Teaching social skills while integrating the fruit of the spirit is effectively modeled and practiced throughout the day as we guide our students in becoming confident in both their social and academic skills. If you are interested in learning more about FCA, it would be my pleasure to give you a personal tour. Should you choose to become a part of our school, it shall be a joy to serve your family. May you and your preschooler have the best experience possible as they begin these first steps toward future success.

Wishing you the very best in your search for just the right preschool,

Sherri Smith, Preschool and Elementary Principal

Choosing a Preschool

Choosing the right preschool for your child:

-Contact a few preschools, set up a time to tour, and ask questions.
-Spring is the best time to begin looking for a preschool.  Our students and teachers are still on campus and you can get the best feel for FCA’s environment.
-Get referrals; ask other parents to tell you what they like or dislike about their child’s preschool

What will I see and do on my tour?

Most often our preschool principal will give you a one on one tour.  You’ll see our school facilities including the library, classroom, and playground.You will see samples of our children’s artwork displayed in the classroom or hallway. Depending on the time of day, you may observe preschoolers engaged in circle time with their teacher, occupied in centers such as Dramatic Play, Science, Construction, Art, Writing, or Math, enjoying snack time, participating in a table activity, active on the playground or engrossed in a science lesson.  Teacher’s schedules will be posted in their classroom along with their monthly calendar. While every classroom will have its own personality, style, and design, hopefully, you will get an insight as to what Foundation Preschool is all about as you head out to visit other preschools in our area.

Preschool F.A.Q.

Common Q & A

1.    What age does my child need to be to enter your preschool program?
3 years old on or before Sept 1 for 3k, 4 years old on or before Sept 1 for 4k or VPK.

2.    Do you offer a 2-year-old program?
We do not offer a 2-year-old program, but some years we offer a young 3’s program. This is for children that turn 3 on or before January 31 and are potty trained.

3.    What days of the week do 3 & 4 year olds attend your preschool?
We offer 3 day (Mon/Wed/Fri) and 5-day (Mon-Fri) options for 4k. This varies from year to year. We typically offer a 2-day (Tues/Thurs) option for 3k but sometimes offer a 3 day (Mon/Wed/Fri) option.

4.    What time does preschool begin and end each day?
All classes begin at 8:30. Both 3k classes dismiss at noon. 4k-5 day dismisses at 12:30. 4k-3 day dismisses at 2:30.

 5.    Do you have a program for after preschool hours?
This program offer varies from year to year.

6.    What will the tuition rate be for my preschooler?
Please call the school office.  You will receive a packet with this information on the tour.

7.    When is tuition due?
Tuition is due on the 1st of each month and is late on the 5th.

8.    Is tuition due weekly, monthly, annually?
Tuition is due monthly, however we offer a 5% discount if you pay the annual tuition in full prior to the first installment.

9.    What other expenses will be involved in addition to tuition throughout the school year?
We sometimes have nominal fees to go on field trips or other special events. These are typically all under $5.  Purchasing items such as the school yearbook and school photos is optional.

10.     Will the children go on “out of school” field trips?
Yes, at least 2.

11.   Will the preschool provide snack or will this be the parent’s responsibility
Students bring their own lunch boxes with  their own peanut-free snack and drink.

12.   How many students will be in my child’s classroom?
10-12. Small classes allow our teachers more time to work with the students individually.

13.   How many teachers will be in my child’s classroom?
One full time teacher and one floating assistant.

14.   What are the dates your preschool starts and ends?
Our school year runs from the end of August through the first week of June.

15.   Do you follow the same calendar as the public school system?
For the most part, yes. There are a few differences.

16.   How do you notify parents of last minute school closings due to inclement weather or other?
We generally close if Hillsborough County closes however to be certain, call our school answering machine or check the webpage or Facebook page.

17.   What are your policies about illness and keeping children home?
Keep children home for at least 24 hours after their last sign of illness.

18.   Is your preschool licensed?
Yes

19.   Are your teachers credentialed?
Yes. All preschool teachers have at least a CDA.

20.   You offer VPK, however I see there’s still tuition. Why?
VPK offers a 3-hour program. Prior to VPK’s existence, we were offering a longer day, which we felt necessary to accommodate the curriculum needs of our students. You are required to pay for the time beyond the hours paid for by VPK.

21.   Do you offer a 3 hour program?
Not at this time.  However, we are willing to open an afternoon 3 hour program with enough interest.

22.   Is there a waiting list?
Sometimes. The sooner you enroll the better.

23.   What is your teaching philosophy?
We believe children learn best through interactive play in both structured and non-structured opportunities.

24.   What is your discipline policy?
Of course, this always depends on the situation and the individual child but basically the students receive a gentle warning, then a firm reminder, and then moved away from the situation. However, preschoolers are often going to school for the first time and learning how to play with others and in this new environment. That’s why we do a LOT of  teaching about appropriate responses to various preschool and friend situations.

25.   Will you contact me if my child misbehaves?
Of course, if it’s a big or ongoing issue. However, we aren’t going to contact you every time your child forgets to share or sits in another child’s spot. We will take care of those little things; after all, they are here to learn about those social expectations.

26.   What type of curriculum do you follow?
We are a theme based school. We explore themes through literature, art, and music. We will give you copy of our themes when you tour. We also use Zoophonics.

27.   Do you have a daily schedule I can keep?
Schedules might change slightly from year to year, but we will give you a copy of all the things we do in a typical day. The teachers have their schedules posted in the classroom.

28.   In what way do you provide parent communication?
Your child will bring home a folder that you and the teacher should both check daily.  We e-mail monthly newsletters both from the teacher and the school.  E-mail is also a primary source of communication. You will receive weekly FCA e-mail reminders about upcoming events.  Photos and updates are often posted on our parent Facebook page.

29.   Will you be having parent/teacher conferences?
Yes, one in the fall and one in the spring is automatically scheduled, however you can request one as well.

30.   How do you feel about parents visiting in your classroom?
Depending on the child and as long as it doesn’t interfere with the flow of our day, parents are welcome. A background check is required. We will share more about that on the tour.

31.   How do you feel about parents volunteering in your classroom?
As long as the background check is completed, parents are welcome.