FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is special about Step-By-Step (link to the outline)

What is education and training of teachers?
Many of our teachers have their Masters Degree, or Bachelors Degree.
Some are still in school and studying child development or psychology.
For specific information on Teachers see the staff Biographies on our website.

What is class size?
Toddlers classes are led by one head teacher and one or two assistants
The class size is limited to 6 children. (1-4 ratio)
Preschool-Pre-Kindergarten is led by one or two teachers and two or more assistants.
The class size is limited to 12 children (1-5 ratio)

What does a typical day look like?
Arrival and play
Physical education (activity) and toileting
Circle time and plan for the day
Choices – social and developmental play
Toileting and wash up
Snack
Playground or Park
Choices
Closing circle

How do you handle discipline?
We use Positive Behavior Supports (See Article on line) We don’t use time outs.
We do help children self-regulate and clam their bodies so that they can make choices
Children are supported through their behavioral challenges.

What curriculum do you use?
State of California Framework
HELP Hawaii Early Learning Curriculum
Creative Curriculum for infants, toddlers and preschoolers
State of California Guidelines for Kindergarten
Guidelines for best practices from the NAEYC.

Do you help kids with special needs?
Yes we offer a variety of services to support children of all abilities in our classes.
We also offer Speech, Occupational and Behavioral Therapy and consultation
We do offer Psycho/social developmental assessments and screenings.

What is your philosophy in teaching (structure/unstructured)?
We meet the child at their developmental level. If they need structure in their day we offer
the amount of support they need to access the curriculum and environment.
We encourage independence and development of good problem solving skills.

What is sick policy?
If children have a fever, diarrhea, or other symptoms we will send children home.
If a child is lethargic and not feeling well they are isolated from the other children
and the parent is called. (for more specifics see the family handbook on line)

What theory or theories do you follow?
Our primary focus is on play, social communication and relationship development
We follow Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, Gerber, Ainsworth, Mahlar, Bowlby, Prizants,
Greenspan, Brazelton, Siegel, Stern and more.