Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cooperative kindergarten and preschool?
A cooperative kindergarten and preschool is a program that is operated by a group of parents who take an active interest in their children's first educational experience. Parents help the teacher in the classroom, are given opportunities for education, and are involved in decision-making. (from PCPO Website)
What are the benefits to enrolling my child in a cooperative school?
Benefits a Cooperative School Offers Children:
New experiences and a wider world to explore and enjoy
A teacher who encourages their sense of self-esteem and self-confidence
Parents in the classroom which insures an above average adult to child ratio
Children of similar ages with whom to play and learn respect for the differences and rights of others
Play equipment, learning games, expressive materials, and art activities not generally available at home
Field trips, story-telling, musical and dramatic play, exercise for large motor muscles and activities to stimulate small muscle coordination
A positive attitude toward future school attendance
Benefits a Cooperative School Offers Parents:
Participation in their children's education away from home
A better understanding of their children''s individuality through observing them with other children the same age
A voice in school decisions and policy-making
Education in child development and parenting skills at parent meetings, PCPO Conferences, and through publications
Mutual understanding and moral support from other parents with the same concerns, interests, and problems
Memories of activities shared with children
When does the school year begin and end?
Our school year typically begins in mid-September and ends at the end of May. Our holidays and in-service days generally correspond to the Beaverton School District calendar.
Does my child need to be potty trained to attend the school?
Cedar Hills Kindergarten & Preschool requires that children are potty trained or are actively participating in the training process before the start of school, unless an otherwise neurological or physical disorder is delaying the process and has been diagnosed by a physician.
My child will be 3 in the fall. Can I enroll him/her in the Threes program?
No. Eligibility is determined by the State entrance age law ORS 339.115 (passed in 1983) and the Beaverton School District''s rule that a child must have his/her sixth birthday on or before September 1st of the year they wish to enter first grade. Therefore, all students must be 3 years of age by September 1st to be enrolled in the Threes program, 4 years of age for the Fours program, and 5 for Kindergarten. We do not offer a pre-Threes program at our school.
How many children are in each class?
Following are the maximum class sizes for each class:
Threes Class: 14 students per class
Fours Class: 16 students per class
Kindergarten: 18 students per class
Are the parents responsible for developing curriculum and lesson plans?
No. The school employs three teachers, one for each class (Threes, Fours, and Kindergarten). The hired teachers are responsible for developing the curriculum and daily activities for the classroom.
What is the adult to child ratio?
There are three parent teachers and one teacher in the each classroom daily. In the Threes class the adult to child ratio is 1:3.5, in the Fours class the ratio is 1:4.0, and in Kindergarten the ratio is 1:4.5.
Can I bring my younger child to the classroom when I parent teach?
No. The school's insurance policy does not cover siblings; therefore parents may not bring siblings into the classroom while they are parent teaching. This also helps us to minimize the disruptions of the classroom and to ensure our parent teachers are fully engaged in the classroom activities. Parents will need to make other arrangements for their care in advance.
What discipline methods are used at the school?
Parents and teachers provide helpful guidance to children by respectfully acknowledging feelings while redirecting or limiting behavior. The goal is to support young children as they gain the ability for self-discipline. We also use problem solving as the main strategy to help children resolve conflicts.
The steps of conflict resolution we use are:
Offer help.
Gather information.
Restate the problem.
Ask for possible solutions.
Evaluate ideas.
Get agreement.
Congratulate children on solving a problem.
Is the Cedar Hills Kindergarten & Preschool affiliated with the Cedar Hills United Church of Christ?
No. Though the Cedar Hills Kindergarten & Preschool has been located at the Cedar Hills United Church of Christ facility since it began in 1951, the school is not affiliated with the church or any other religious organization.
Does Cedar Hills Kindergarten & Preschool have a Non-Discrimination Policy?
Yes! Our Non-Discrimination Policy is that membership shall be available without regard to race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, or religion.
Can parents pay a higher tuition in order to reduce the parent teaching requirements?
No. We do not offer the option of reduced parent teaching requirements by paying a higher tuition.
What accommodations does the school make for children with peanut allergies?
The school strives to achieve a nut-free school environment. An allergy list is posted in each classroom so that all adults are aware of any allergies a child may have. All snacks provided by the school are peanut and tree nut free. Parents are also asked to provide peanut and tree nut free snack for their kids at school (parents are educated in the area at the beginning of each school year). Lastly, we hope to further limit peanut and tree nut exposure through regular cleaning of the classroom areas and hand washing by students, parents, and others coming into the classroom at the start of each class.
Can I visit the school to observe the class and teacher?
Please contact our Registrar or use our web form to schedule a tour. We also encourage you to attend our Parent Information Night in January.
Are scholarships or tuition assistance available?
Cedar Hills Kindergarten and Preschool offers a limited amount of tuition assistance at our discretion, as funds allow. See application to request more information.