Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does parent participation mean?
A: In our program parent participation looks like one volunteer day per week in the classroom, participation on one school committee, and attendance at all Caregiver Support and School-Wide Business Meetings. When you enroll at JMPNS you become a member of our cooperative community and are part of keeping our school running.
Q: What if I can't commit to volunteering one day every week?
A: For those who may not be able to volunteer each week we offer a couple of options. First, there are limited non-classroom volunteer spots in our enrollment each year. Getting one of those spots requires a higher tuition rate (see our Eligibility & Fees) and is secured on a first-come, first-served basis. Secondly, we allow all caregivers in your child's life to participate with us. That means that Moms, Dads, Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunties, and Uncles are all welcome to take your volunteer hours assuming they meet all of the requirements.
Q: How many children per class?
A: We consider ourselves at full enrollment with 16 students per class.
Q: Will I have to be alone with the children?
A: A volunteer parent/caregiver should never be left alone with a child that is not their own. You will always have help nearby.
Q: How many adults are there in the classroom?
A: As a parent cooperative school, state licensing requires us to maintain a 5:1 child-to-adult ratio. That means that there are no fewer than 3 adults every day, with several days per week with 4 adults total.
Q: Can I come to tour the school before I fill out the enrollment application?
A: Yes! We would love to have you visit! Use the contact form to let us know you are interested in scheduling a tour and we will contact you to set that up.
Q: Do I have to plan the curriculum on my volunteer day?
A: No you don't, although if you have ideas our director would love to hear them! Mrs. Hinton always has something planned for the day, but if you have a project or activity you would like to try with the children, let her know and you can plan it together for a day you will be in the classroom.
Q: How do I know if my kid is ready for preschool?
A: The tricky thing with humans is that everyone is different. This is one of the things that make us wonderful but also makes setting absolute rules and guidelines about when they might be "ready" difficult. Mrs. Hinton will help you determine if your child is ready by looking at a few key areas; potty training, separating from parents/caregivers, independence, and communication. If you're not sure, the best thing to do is speak with our director and talk through your concerns.