Frequently Asked Questions
Are programs offered year round?
The school year runs from the end of August through May. While other classes may be offered during summer, our core programs are only offered during the school year. Click here to view our 2023-2024 School Calendar.
What is the difference between the co-op and non co-op programs?
The co-op programs require a parent or caregiver to work a half day each week in the classroom. The non co-op programs do not require a parent or caregiver to work a half day each week in the classroom. Both programs require families to hold a committee job, attend monthly parent education meetings, and to participate in two maintenance weekends and one work party each school year.
Where can I find more information on the school’s philosophy?
Click here to view our current handbook which outlines our philosophy and provides detailed information on how our school operates.
Can I drop my child(ren) off before 9am and/or pick them up after 3pm?
No. Our program does not do early drop offs or late pickups. If needed, we can accommodate late drop offs and early pickups only.
Do the full day programs offer a nap time?
No. The full day programs offer a 10-15 minute quiet time after lunch; however, no naps are offered.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
Children do not need to be potty trained. Parents provide supplies for diaper changing on days other than their work day. If you have concerns about your child’s progress with toilet training, you can discuss it with a teacher.
If I want to enroll my child in the full day program, do I have to work the full day from 9am to 3pm?
Based on our current ratios for the 2024 - 2025 school year families enrolling in a full day co-op program will need to work a morning and lunch bunch shift from 9am - 12:30pm.
I have a younger child, can I bring them with me to my work day?
Only children who are enrolled can be present during the school day due to licensing requirements. Families who have younger children can:
Apply for one of the non co-op spots available
Coordinate with another family who also has younger children to watch each other’s younger children on work days, or
Can ask the board if another family member or caregiver can attend the work day in lieu of a parent.
I have two children I want to enroll in. Do I have to participate in two work days?
Yes. For each child enrolled you must participate in one work day slot each week (half day). If you have more than two children enrolled SCPNS makes every attempt to excuse you from a third work day slot.
What is the total time commitment needed from parents?
Weekly: Parents will need to be on campus on their work day. The work day involves supervising play during the school hours.
Monthly: There are five mandatory evening parent meetings throughout the school year. During these meetings we discuss parent education topics as well as administrative items necessary for the running of the school. These meetings are in-person at the school on Wednesdays from 7-8:30pm and are for parents only.
Yearly:
Parents will be responsible for two maintenance weekends during the year. One weekend will be focused on maintenance and cleaning of the school building, the other on maintenance and cleanup of the outside grounds. During your weekends you can complete the maintenance anytime after school ends on Friday and then begins again on Monday. Children can attend maintenance weekends and often have fun helping “clean up.”
Parents are also required to attend one of the four Saturday work parties during the year. Work Parties are for parents only as they tend to involve larger maintenance items that aren’t safe for children.
Committee/Board Position: To help our community thrive, parents take on jobs that support school and its functioning throughout the year. Some jobs are weekly duties, and others are performed on an as needed basis. You are able to do these duties on your own time. We do our best to assign jobs based on the interests and strengths of our families. To view examples of committee and board positions click here.
Can a non-parent figure be the workday parent?
Upon board approval, yes. We currently have grandparents that work in the classroom.
Do I have to participate in fundraisers?
Fundraisers are not mandatory. We offer many opportunities to participate each year to fit each family’s budget and suggest a (dollar amount) to be contributed by each family.
What forms need to be completed for enrollment?
Click here to view our Enrollment Guide which includes links to all required forms and information on how to complete them.
When do I need to complete the enrollment forms and contracts by?
All enrollment forms, contracts, and registration fees are due by August 1, 2024 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
For families who enroll during the school year, all forms and contracts must be completed AND approved prior to the child(ren) attending their first day.
Please note that your child will not be able to start classes until all forms are received and processed by us. Forms can take up to two weeks to be approved, families must receive a confirmation email from the Membership Chair prior to starting at SCPNS.
Notes: The medical forms need to be filled out by your child’s pediatrician and/or your healthcare provider, depending on the form. Additionally, both you and your child must have had a physical within the 12 months prior to the first day of school in order for the paperwork to be valid. Scheduling physicals can sometimes take several weeks, so please plan accordingly.
Is my child required to have immunizations to attend Santa Clara Parent Nursery School?
Yes, all children are required to have: 3 Polio, 4 DTaP, 3 Hep B, 1 Varicella AND On or after 1st birthday: 1 Hib, 1 MMR. For more information on immunizations, their schedules, and requirements click here.
We are new to the community, is there an orientation before the start of the school year?
There is a MANDATORY parent orientation for ALL FAMILIES on Wednesday, August 21st from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the school.
Families who enroll after orientation will be provided with soft copies of the presentation and other orientation materials.
When does school start?
The first week of school will start on Monday, August 26. The first week is an “ease-in” week and you and your child will attend school together for one day only that week to help transition into our community and the new school year.
The first full week of school starts on Tuesday, September 3.
For more details, email membership@scpns.org