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Preschool FAQs

Preschool FAQs

(updated January 1, 2021)
 
When did you re-open?
The first day of the 2020-2021 school year was Tuesday, September 8. While many things are different, there are many wonderful aspects to this school year that we were not expecting. Please read “Three Reasons Why This is One of the Best Years Ever.”
 
What about next school year? When will registration open?
Priority registration for currently enrolled families will begin on January 19. Enrollment contracts and deposits will be due by February 10.
Priority registration for members of the congregation will begin on February 2. Enrollment contracts and deposits will be due by February 24.
Registration for formerly enrolled families will begin on February 16. Enrollment contracts and deposits will be due by March 10.
General registration will begin on March 2. Enrollment contracts and deposits will be due by April 7.
 
How will registration work?
Registration forms will be made available on the preschool website at 9 a.m. on the day registration opens for a particular group. The forms will be time-stamped and processed in the order in which they are received.
 
Are you going to have any Open Houses?
Yes, in January. Dates, times, and zoom links are listed here. 
 
You mentioned things were “different” this year. When do you expect to be back to normal?
We don’t know. Currently, we are planning on operating next year the way we’ve been operating this year. As soon as we can add elements back to our program, we will. We may be able to add some elements back before others.
 
How are things different this year? What kinds of operational changes did you make?
Classes have fewer children, and each class is its own cohort. Classes do not mix during the day. The same two teachers stay with the same small group of children all day. There is no whole-school programming (such as gathering in the chapel for Kabbalat Shabbat). Classes do not play in the social hall. When feasible and if developmentally appropriate, classroom activities have been re-imagined to allow for greater physical distance between children. Drop-off, nap time and pick-up happen in the classrooms. Parents and caregivers are not permitted to enter the building.
 
What about playing outside?
The classes spend as much time outside as possible. We take advantage of the many outdoor spaces around our facility. We have divided the playground into sections so the classes don't mix.
 
What is the mask-wearing policy?
Children and teachers wear masks throughout the day when social distancing cannot be maintained, except when eating or drinking or during rest time. We know that it is challenging for some young children to wear masks for an extended period of time, therefore we take into account the age and medical and developmental needs of each individual child when implementing the mask policy.

Do you still offer STEAM, music, movement and Ivrit (Hebrew)?
Our STEAM Lab is on hiatus, though we endeavor to bring STEAM to the children in other ways. We offer live Ivrit lessons via zoom and pre-recorded music and movement classes.
 
Have your hours changed?
Yes, we've had to adjust our hours of operation.
Boker Tov (optional early drop off): 8-9 a.m.
Gan Chaverim (core morning program): 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sha'at Mischak (optional afternoons): 1-4 p.m.
(Erev Tov/late pick up is not currently offered.)
 
Do you still provide snack?
The children still have snack time, but parents are asked to send their children to school with lunches AND snacks.
 
Are there any additional fees?
Yes, parents pay an additional $50 per child per month Health and Safety Fee (as of September 10, 2020) to cover the unexpected costs of enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, additional cleaning supplies and PPE.
 
Whose guidelines are you following?
Our guidance comes from the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), our regulatory agency. Their guidance is based on the recommendations of the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Education. VDSS issues guidance specific to childcare settings. To see the guidelines and updates, visit VDSS. We are also Pledge Partners with other Alexandria businesses. Learn more about ALX Promise.
 
Do you have any open spots right now?
Please contact us for information about current availability.
Thu, February 25 2021 13 Adar 5781