Sand Tots is not a childcare center. We are a co-op preschool where parents play an integral role in administering the school. From working in the classroom, to committee work or serving on the Board of Directors, Sand Tots relies on its members.
No. Sand Tots offers classes that are three hours in length two or three days/week for two-year olds, three days/week for three-year-olds and four days/week for four-year-olds. Sand Tots does offer a 2-hour extended day for three- and four-year-olds two days per week. A child may be enrolled in extended day for one day per week. We believe these class offerings are age and developmentally appropriate.
Sand Tots offers classes for two-, three-, and four-year-olds.
Yes. To schedule a tour, please e-mail our membership committee at the email address below. You can also dial our hotline at 310.370.1318.
When scheduling a tour, please keep in mind the following:
· tours are for parents only; please arrange for childcare prior to the tour.
· after requesting a tour, membership will call with a list of available dates.
· please make sure you get the tour date confirmation from membership before arriving; tours are scheduled on a space available basis only.
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 ready, and we do not have a training regimen in place at our school. That said, if a parent is potty training their child at home, we will work with you to ensure your efforts are being continued while your child is at school.
A complete and updated immunization schedule and health history is required prior to admission and class placement in Sand Tots. Sand Tots is a parent participation preschool with classrooms that are open to the Sand Tots membership (including infant siblings). In order to protect the entire Sand Tots community, all enrolled children must be vaccinated against the following:
· Measles
· Mumps
· 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 before the first day of 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.
You will not find any blackboards 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 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.
Legally, 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 as many times per month as the class meets per week. For example, if your child goes to school three days per week, you can expect to work in the classroom (on average) three days per month.
Each family is required to help operate the school. There are five major areas where your participation is required: classroom participation, meeting attendance, maintenance, fundraising, and 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' parent ed, "How to be an Effective Parent in the Classroom," 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".
Sand Tots does not allow any caregivers to fulfill the participation requirements of the school; however, Sand Tots has several dual-working families among its membership. In general, these families have at least one parent with a flexible work schedule that allows for the classroom participation aspect of Sand Tots. Many families split the participation duties and have successfully done so.
To be placed on Sand Tots' wait list, you must complete and submit a Wait List Application to our Membership Chairperson. The wait list fee is $40 and is non-refundable.
Sand Tots does enjoy a high demand for enrollment from those within the community who want to take an active part in their child's preschool experience. However, each year is different and there are many factors that go into enrollment. Please do not be discouraged from wait listing your child. There is a very good chance that you will be offered an opening.
Sand Tots enrollment for current members advancing to subsequent years, as well as re-entering alumni, begins in February. During April, contact begins for prospective members. Class schedules are offered based on space availability. Many factors determine space availability and while the majority of openings are filled by May or June, there always seems to be a situation (relocation, etc.) that allows for further openings throughout the summer.