{"id":570,"date":"2017-11-24T22:08:07","date_gmt":"2017-11-24T22:08:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foundationchristianacademy.org\/?page_id=570"},"modified":"2026-05-08T17:53:05","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T17:53:05","slug":"preschool","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.foundationchristianacademy.org\/?page_id=570","title":{"rendered":"Preschool"},"content":{"rendered":"

Preschool<\/h1>\n

\"\"Thank you for your interest in Foundation Christian Academy! \u00a0We are dedicated to providing academic and social opportunities in a Christian environment. \u00a0We share the love of Jesus as our young learners engage in activities that stem from students\u2019 interest and developmental needs. \u00a0In 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.\u00a0Should you choose to become a part of our school, it shall be a joy to serve your family.\u00a0May you and your preschooler have the best experience possible as they begin these first steps toward future success.<\/p>\n

Wishing you the very best in your search for just the right preschool,<\/p>\n

Sherri Smith<\/strong>, Preschool and Elementary Principal<\/em><\/p>\n

Choosing a Preschool<\/h1>\n

Choosing the right preschool for your child:<\/h3>\n

-Contact a few preschools, set up a time to tour, and ask questions.
\n-Spring is the best time to begin looking for a preschool.\u00a0 Our\u00a0students and teachers are still on campus and you can get the best feel for FCA\u2019s environment.
\n-Get referrals; ask other parents to tell you what they like or dislike about their child\u2019s preschool<\/p>\n

\n

If Foundation Preschool seems to be what you are looking for, call our receptionist at\u00a0813-654-2969\u00a0and make an appointment to see the school.\u00a0\u00a0This will be your opportunity to visit the classroom to get a feel for the environment and the personalities and teaching approach of our teachers. It is important that you love your child\u2019s preschool! We want you to feel confident in your choice, which will make the early learning years for your child and your family a successful experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

What will I see and do on my tour?<\/h3>\n

Most often our preschool principal will give you a one on one tour.\u00a0\u00a0You\u2019ll see our school facilities including the library, classroom, and playground.You will see samples of our children\u2019s artwork displayed in the classroom or hallway. Depending on the time of day, you may observe preschoolers engaged in circle time\u00a0with their teacher, occupied in centers such as Dramatic Play, Science, Construction, Art, Writing, or Math,\u00a0enjoying snack time, participating in a table activity, active on the playground or engrossed in a science\u00a0lesson.\u00a0\u00a0Teacher\u2019s\u00a0schedules will be posted in their classroom along with their monthly calendar. While every classroom will\u00a0have its own personality, style, and design, hopefully, you will get an insight as to what Foundation Preschool\u00a0is all about as you head out to visit other preschools in our area.<\/p>\n

Preschool F.A.Q.<\/h1>\n

Common\u00a0Q & A<\/b><\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0What age does my child need to be\u00a0to enter your preschool program?
\n<\/strong>3 years old on or before Sept 1 for 3k, 4 years old on or before Sept 1 for 4k or VPK.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Do you offer a 2-year-old program?
\n<\/strong>We do not offer a 2-year-old program, but some years we offer a young 3\u2019s program. This is for children that turn 3 on or before January 31 and are potty trained.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0What days of the week do 3 & 4 year olds attend your preschool?
\n<\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0What time does preschool begin and end each day?
\n<\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

\u00a05.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Do you have a program for after preschool hours?
\n<\/strong>This program offer varies from year to year.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0What will the tuition rate be for my preschooler?
\n<\/strong>Please call the school office. \u00a0You will receive a packet with this information on the tour.<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0When is tuition due?
\n<\/strong>Tuition is due on the 1st of each month and is late on the 5th.<\/p>\n

8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Is tuition due weekly, monthly, annually?
\n<\/strong>Tuition is due monthly, however we offer a 5% discount if you pay the annual tuition in full prior to the first installment.<\/p>\n

9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0What other expenses will be involved in addition to tuition throughout the school year?
\n<\/strong>We sometimes have nominal fees to go on field trips or other special events. These are typically all under $5.\u00a0 Purchasing items such as the school yearbook and school photos is optional.<\/p>\n

10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Will the children go on \u201cout of school\u201d field trips?
\n<\/strong>Yes, at least 2.<\/p>\n

11.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Will the preschool provide snack or will this be the parent\u2019s responsibility
\n<\/strong>Students bring their own lunch boxes with\u00a0 their own peanut-free snack and drink.<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0How many students will be in my child\u2019s\u00a0classroom?
\n<\/strong>10-12. Small classes allow our\u00a0teachers more time to work with the students individually.<\/p>\n

13.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0How many teachers will be in my child\u2019s classroom?
\n<\/strong>One full time teacher and one floating\u00a0assistant.<\/p>\n

14.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0What are the dates your preschool starts and ends?
\n<\/strong>Our school year runs from the end of\u00a0August through the first week of June.<\/p>\n

15.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Do you follow the same calendar as the public school system?
\n<\/strong>For the most part, yes. There are a few\u00a0differences.<\/p>\n

16.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0How do you notify parents of last minute school closings due to inclement weather or other?
\n<\/strong>We generally close if Hillsborough County\u00a0closes however to be certain, call our school\u00a0answering machine or check the webpage\u00a0or Facebook page.<\/p>\n

17.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0What are your policies about illness and keeping children home?
\n<\/strong>Keep children home for at least 24 hours\u00a0after their last sign of illness.<\/p>\n

18.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Is your preschool\u00a0licensed?
\n<\/strong>Yes<\/p>\n

19.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Are your teachers credentialed?
\n<\/strong>Yes. All preschool teachers have at least a\u00a0CDA.<\/p>\n

20.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0You offer VPK, however I see there\u2019s still tuition. Why?
\n<\/strong>VPK offers a 3-hour program. Prior to VPK\u2019s\u00a0existence, we were offering a longer day,\u00a0which we felt necessary to accommodate\u00a0the curriculum needs of our students. You\u00a0are required to pay for the time beyond the\u00a0hours paid for by VPK.<\/p>\n

21.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Do you offer a 3 hour program?
\n<\/strong>Not at this time. \u00a0However, we are willing to\u00a0open an afternoon 3 hour program with\u00a0enough interest.<\/p>\n

22.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Is there a waiting list?
\n<\/strong>Sometimes. The sooner you enroll the\u00a0better.<\/p>\n

23.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0What is your teaching philosophy?
\n<\/strong>We believe children learn best through\u00a0interactive play in both structured and non-structured opportunities.<\/p>\n

24.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0What is your discipline policy?
\n<\/strong>Of course, this always depends on the\u00a0situation and the individual child but\u00a0basically the students receive a gentle\u00a0warning, then a firm reminder, and then\u00a0moved away from the situation. However,\u00a0preschoolers are often going to school for\u00a0the first time and learning how to play with\u00a0others and in this new environment. That\u2019s\u00a0why we do a LOT of \u00a0teaching about\u00a0appropriate responses to various preschool\u00a0and friend situations.<\/p>\n

25.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Will you contact me if my child misbehaves?
\n<\/strong>Of course, if it\u2019s a big or ongoing issue.\u00a0However, we aren\u2019t going to contact you\u00a0every time your child forgets to share or sits\u00a0in another child\u2019s spot. We will take care of\u00a0those little things; after all, they are here to\u00a0learn about those social expectations.<\/p>\n

26.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0What type of curriculum do you follow?
\n<\/strong>We are a theme based school. We explore\u00a0themes through literature, art, and music. We\u00a0will give you copy of our themes when you\u00a0tour. We also use Zoophonics.<\/p>\n

27.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Do you have a daily schedule I can keep?
\n<\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

28.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0In what way do you provide parent communication?
\n<\/strong>Your child will bring home a folder that you and the teacher should both check daily.\u00a0 We e-mail monthly newsletters both from the teacher and the school. \u00a0E-mail is also a primary source of communication.\u00a0You will receive weekly FCA e-mail reminders about upcoming events. \u00a0Photos and updates are often posted on our parent Facebook page.<\/p>\n

29.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Will you be having parent\/teacher conferences?
\n<\/strong>Yes, one in the fall and one in the spring is automatically scheduled, however you can request one as well.<\/p>\n

30.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0How do you feel about parents visiting in your classroom?<\/strong>
\nDepending on the child and as long as it doesn\u2019t interfere with the flow of our day, parents are welcome. A background check is required. We will share more about that on the tour.<\/p>\n

31.\u00a0 \u00a0How do you feel about parents volunteering in\u00a0your classroom?
\n<\/strong>As long as the background check is completed, parents are welcome.<\/p>\n