We are a co-op preschool where parents play an integral role in administering the school. Sand Tots is not a childcare center. From working in the classroom, to committee work or serving on a committee or the Board of Directors, Sand Tots relies on the participation of its members.

No. Sand Tots offers class schedule in each age group:

· 2/3-year-old’s meet two days/week from 9:15am to 11:45am

· 3/4-year-olds’s meet four days/week from 9:00am to12:00pm

· 4/5-year-olds meet four days/week from 9:00am to 2:00pm

An optional “Stay & Play” Enrichment Program is offered two days a week from 12:00pm to 1:45pm beginning in January. This program is open to students enrolled in the 3/4’s classes, offering an extension of play based drama, art and science activities.

Sand Tots offers classes for two-, three-, four- and five-year-olds.

Yes, a tour is required as part of the application process. Please keep these things in mind:

Tours are for parents only and last 45 minutes; please arrange for childcare prior to the tour.

After requesting a tour, membership will contact you with a list of available dates.

Please make sure you get the tour date confirmation and email information from membership before arriving; tours are scheduled on a space available basis only.

To schedule a tour, please visit our Admissions page for information and submit an inquiry regarding “Request A Tour Date.”

No, your child does not need to be potty trained to enroll or attend Sand Tots. Sand Tots believes that potty training happens when a child is developmentally ready, and we do not have a training regimen in place at our school. That said, if a parent is in the process of potty training their child at home, we will provide support to ensure your efforts are being continued while your child is at school.

Yes. A complete and updated immunization schedule and physicians report is required prior to admission and class placement in Sand Tots. Sand Tots is a parent participation preschool with a campus that is open to the Sand Tots membership (including infant siblings). To protect the entire Sand Tots community, all enrolled children must be vaccinated against the following:

Measles | Rubella Diphtheria | Tetanus | Polio | Hepatitis B | Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Haemophilus Influenza Type b (Hib) | Varicella (Chickenpox**)

** If your child has had Chickenpox, please have your doctor note it on their immunization record.

Proof of vaccinations must be recorded on your child’s medical form and submitted to membership once the child has been officially enrolled. No child may attend class unless all paperwork is complete and on file at school. There is no “opt-out” in lieu of vaccinations unless there is a significant medical contraindication. If your child has a medical contraindication and is unable to receive a vaccine, you must provide documentation from your physician.

Please visit our immunization page for more information.

You will not find any group blackboard lessons at Sand Tots. 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. Intellectual learning is balanced with physical, social and emotional development.

We provide exposure to the tools of early learning by creating learning centers within the classroom and outdoor environment, where children can 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. Parents also learn how to better facilitate children’s experiences by asking open-ended questions and helping them solve problems.

As a co-op preschool, Sand Tots must maintain a 1:5 ratio of adults to children during school hours. The Sand Tots preferred ratio is 1:4 or better. Classes are structured accordingly.

In most cases, parents can expect to assist the teacher in their children’s class approximately two to three days per month.

There is no parent assisting requirement during the afternoon in the 4/5’s classes.

Each family is expected to assist in various capacities with the overall operation of the school.

There are six major areas where your participation is required:

· Classroom participation (Assist in your child’s class 2-3 times per month)

· Meeting attendance (3 general meetings and 2-3 class meetings per year)

· Parent Education (2 events per year)

· Facility maintenance (3 hours per year)

· Fundraising (Annual donation of an auction item with minimum $100 value)

· Serving on a Standing Committee or as a Board Assistant or Board Member.

As a working parent you are effectively an “aide” to your child’s teacher. You will be assigned to supervise and participate in the classroom or on the playground. As a new member you will attend Sand Tots’ New Member Orientation which will provide you with many of the tools for communication, conflict resolution, and how to follow through with Sand Tots’ guidance policy of “setting limits” using our Sand Tots Speak book.

There is also a member handbook as well as class meetings.

Sand Tots has many dual working families among its membership as long as at least one parent has a flexible work schedule that allows for the classroom participation aspect. We also see many families who successfully split the participation duties in order to enroll their children.

Please keep in mind that Sand Tots does not allow caregivers or extended family to fulfill the participation requirements of the school

In order for your child to be considered for enrollment, you must complete and submit an application to our Admissions team. The wait list fee is $50 and is non-refundable.

Visit our Admissions page.

While Sand Tots does enjoy a high demand for enrollment from parents who want to take an active part in their child’s preschool experience, there are many factors that go into the enrollment process. Please do not be discouraged from applying for your child if you think this is a program you want to be a part of.

Enrollment for our currently enrolled students who are matriculating to the next school year begins in January. This also includes siblings of enrolled students. We then move on to our alumni families whose children have completed our program. During February, contact begins for prospective members. Class schedules are offered based on space availability. Many factors determine space availability and while most openings are filled by Spring, there are often unforeseen situations (relocation, etc.) that may create openings for enrollment well into the summer.

Even if you have applied, your family will not be contacted unless you have completed a tour of Sand Tots. If you would like to schedule a tour, please Contact our tour coordinator to submit an inquiry form. Once this form has been submitted, you will receive a link to select a tour date.