ABOUT US — Sand Tots

What is a Co-Op Preschool?

In a cooperative preschool, parents are an integral part. Not only do they participate during class time, but they also have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of other activities that directly affect their child’s classroom experience via the administration of the school, such as serving on the Board of Directors. This multilevel participation in the preschool enables parents to share in their child’s preschool experience and ensures a quality program through combined efforts and talents.

A cooperative preschool provides an opportunity to share and grow in parenting roles in an atmosphere of mutual support. Further, it provides an environment where children learn cooperation from the example of their parents and teachers working closely together. The experience gained in preschool participation also aids parents in acquiring skills necessary to become effective advocates for their child’s future educational experiences and opportunities.

Philosophy

It’s preschool. We believe kids need time to be kids. You won’t find any blackboard lessons here. During a child’s early years, there is a greater awareness of the world around them than any other time in their life. This is a time when young children begin to explore and experience their environment. Sand Tots’ philosophy centers on the concept that kids learn through spontaneous play so that intellectual learning is balanced with physical, social and emotional development.

Our staff facilitates each child’s learning by creating an environment that promotes reasoning and helps children realize patterns and relationships that they have intuitively observed. It is precisely these communication and socialization skills that ultimately provide children with the self-confidence and foundation to set the stage for successful “academic” learning in the early school years.

Sand Tots’ mode of ‘education’ centers on the concept that kids learn through spontaneous play and from being exposed to various creative and manipulative materials as well as new experiences. We provide exposure to the tools of early learning by creating learning centers within the classroom where children can often choose their own direction, explore materials and make discoveries. Fine motor and gross motor skills are enhanced through physical activities, which develop specific muscle groups. Learning centers and activities include:

Creative Art Activities: A time in which a variety of mediums and materials are offered. Each day there will be a special project planned by the teacher. Children are encouraged, but not required, to participate. Sand Tots focuses on the process of an art experience rather than the product.

Free Choice: An opportunity to explore the various learning centers. Children move through the classroom and are able to participate in various areas of curriculum such as science, dramatic play, writing, sensory/tactile, manipulative and block building activities at their own pace.

Snack Time: A time for children and adults to sit down together and enjoy a wholesome snack provided by a parent assistant. Snack provides an opportunity to learn about nutrition and reinforce appropriate table etiquette.

Rug Time: A time in which children and parents gather with the teacher for a story, music or group experience.

Music & Enrichment: Sand Tots offers a variety of enrichment programs including music, My Gym, yoga, and Spanish.

Outdoor Activities: A time for children to actively play outdoors under adult supervision. Children may choose from a variety of options such as a play structure, climbing apparatus, tricycles, balls, sand and water play.

Program Offerings

Sand Tots offers classes for children aged two through five. Potty training is not a requirement for admission. Any family of a preschool-age child is eligible for membership. Sand Tots has the cutoff date of September 1st of that academic school year to establish the correct age level for determining fall enrollment in all our classes: the 2/3’s class, the 3/4’s class and the 4/5’s. For example, to be eligible for the 2/3’s class, the child must turn 2 on or before September 1st.

Sand Tots does not discriminate against any child or parent, including but not limited to discrimination based on race, religion, color or creed.

Sand Tots Classes:

2/3s Program (children must be two years old by September 1)

Class Size: 13 children per class
Days: 2 days per week (Monday and Wednesday OR Tuesday and Thursday)
Time: 9:15 am – 11:45 am

3/4s Program (children must be three years old by September 1)

Class Size: 15 children per class
Days: 4 days per week (Monday thru Thursday)
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Stay & Play: an extended day program is offered during the spring semester for an additional cost. The program runs from 12:00 pm – 1:45 pm and is a two day commitment.

4/5s Program (children must be four years old by September 1)

Class Size: 15 children per class
Days: 4 days per week (Monday thru Thursday)
Time: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Kinder readiness curriculum is woven throughout the day, delivered in a developmentally appropriate and supportive way. Curriculum covered includes:
- Zoo-phonics: a multi-sensory program that teaches the letter sounds with engaging animal characters, music, and body signals.
- Handwriting Without Tears: is a developmental handwriting program that eases students into writing with appropriate tools and techniques.
- Students engage in regular free writing with support at their developmental level.
- Math concepts and number sense are developed through shapes, patterns, graphing, measurement, and daily calendar.
- Chapter books are read aloud, building a strong foundation for literacy by increasing a child’s attention span for longer stories and strengthening vocabulary and comprehension.

Tuition Information

STAY & PLAY PROGRAM (offered beginning in October)

Our Stay & Play program is offered to our 3/4 year old classes. The program is designed to be an extension of your child’s day, providing additional time outside to eat lunch, explore a variety of exciting activities, and socialize with Sand Tots peers.

Stay & Play Enrichment is entirely staffed by Sand Tots and requires no assisting obligation from parents. Tuition is billed monthly at $240 for two days per week, or $120 for one day per week, based on a 4-week month. Tuition may fluctuate depending on the number of classes in each month.

The Stay & Play program begins the week of October 3, 2022 and ends the week of May 22, 2023.

SUMMER CAMP

Summer Camp is an opportunity to extend the fun of learning for your child along with lots of water play! It is also a wonderful way to experience a different classroom setting and teacher experience and prepare for the following year placement. Sand Tots students who are entering our 3/4-year-old and 4/5-year-old programs, along with graduating students, may enroll in Summer Camp, which is entirely staffed and does not require any classroom participation from parents. Snack is also provided as part of the program. Summer Camp is scheduled in 4-day sessions running Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Registration is available beginning in the spring following regular class registration.

Membership Requirements

Class Participation

Members must commit to working in their child’s classroom on a rotating basis as an assistant to the teacher. Class work schedules are created in advance with an effort to accommodate the parent’s availability. A parent can expect the following number of workdays in each age group of classes:

2/3-year-olds = about 12 shifts per school year or 1 to 2 times per month
3/4-year-olds = about 17 shifts per school year or 2-3 times per month
4/5-year-olds = about 18 shifts per school year or 2-3 times per month

Note: A parent must assist. Caregivers, grandparents, etc. may not fulfill this requirement for you.

Class Meetings

Meetings with parents and your child’s teacher. There are three-four per year.

General Meetings

Meetings of the entire school membership. There are three meetings per year.

Parent Education

At Sand Tots we view parent education not only as a requirement but also an opportunity. Each year the Parent Ed. chairperson, along with our Director and President, puts much thought into programs that seek to address and illuminate the many complex facets of child development and parenting. Other outside programs such as Beach Cities Health District, Center for Positive Parenting and other events also offer wonderful speakers and engagements throughout the year. Members are encouraged to attend as many as possible but a minimum of two are required each year. Past speakers and/or topics have included discussions about what your children are learning at Sand Tots, School Readiness and even a lesson on Lice Prevention.

Fundraising

As a co-op and non-profit school, fundraising is very important to the success of Sand Tots. In addition to meeting our operating budget, it funds building/grounds improvements and curriculum enhancements. Along with supporting our school, fundraising events are designed to promote positive social interaction between parents in a fun setting. We work hard to provide unique events that are financially accessible to everyone, and we strongly encourage all parents to participate.

Every member is required to donate an item/service with a minimum value of $100 to be auctioned at one of these events. Additionally, you will be required to purchase at least one ticket to each annual fundraiser event.

Committee or Board Positions

Each member is required to participate in a “role” within the school. There are many ways members can participate and the school truly attempts to match jobs with strengths of the members. Depending on the role, monthly time requirements can vary from 3 hours to 6 hours, but in general a minimum of three hours should be planned.

This is much more of an opportunity than obligation. There is something for everyone with committee placements ranging from PR, Marketing, Event Planning, Fundraising, Apparel, Staff Appreciation, Parent Education, Building Maintenance, and even Towel Duty. You name your skill, and we probably have a great job for you!

Building Maintenance

Each new member is required to participate in one of eight (three-hours) building maintenance days held each year. You could be power washing the outdoor play areas, touching up paint, organizing toys, or smearing Goo Gone on table legs. There are usually bagels and coffee and we promise you’ll have a good time!

Teachers and Staff