Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have to be a member of FPC to enroll in the EP?
All are welcome to be a part of our EP family. You don’t even have to be Presbyterian! We do have a weekly chapel class for all children, and we do lead them in a worshipful time, singing, praying a hearing a bible story.
2. What does it mean to be accredited by NAEYC?
The NAEYC is the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Accredited programs have met their 10 standards for high-quality early childhood education. These programs have demonstrated that they provide a safe and healthy environment for children, have educators who are well-trained, have access to excellent teaching materials, and work with a curriculum that is appropriately challenging and developmentally sound. (From the NAEYC website)
3. What does it mean to be a 3 star center?
The state of Tennessee has a rating system that awards up to 3 stars for high quality. Every licensed childcare program goes through a stringent evaluation process, annually, to demonstrate high quality. First Presbyterian Church Early Preschool is a 3 star center.
4. What qualifications do the educators have?
EP educators are highly qualified, either by experience or education. Most of them have both! We know that training for Early Childhood educators is very important and provide at least 20 hours of training per year. EP educators hold a high value for children’s play and view children as capable, competent and rich in potential.
5. Does my child need to be potty trained to attend the EP?
We believe that potty training is a developmental skill and don’t have a requirement for children to be trained by a certain age. There is a child sized potty in every classroom, and we are ready to support your child in potty training when you and he/she are ready.
6. What does it mean to be an Allergy Aware Center?
We know that there are many children who have allergies to food, and that peanut allergies are especially dangerous. Therefore, we ask that no peanut butter, nut butters or products that might contain nuts be packed in lunches.
7. What is Brightwheel?
Brightwheel is our communication and billing platform. Parents download the app to their phone. Most of our communication is conveyed through the app, including daily notes and pictures, monthly newsletters, reminders, billing invoices and tuition payments. We use a QR code through Brightwheel for no contact check in/out.
8. Do you play outside even when the temperature is below freezing?
As long as it is safe to play outside, we do. Giving children time to explore the outdoors is one of the Early Preschool core values. We dress for the weather (raincoats & boots are kept in our cubbies) and play on the playground or we explore the many beautiful areas on the church’s 65+ acre campus. Children spend much of their time exploring creeks, hedgerows, trails, and other natural areas.
9. Is the EP open if it snows?
The EP follows the Oak Hill School closings for inclement weather. These closings do not happen often and are not made up. School closings will be announced on local television stations, and we notify parents through the Brightwheel app.
10. Do we provide lunch?
The EP asks parents to provide a well-balanced lunch that includes a protein, dairy, fruit and vegetable. Children eat together in their classroom.
