Does the preschool follow the Onslow County School Calendar?

Yes, we closely follow the Onslow County school calendar with a few exceptions. All of our significant holidays/breaks line up the same.

What is Brightwheel?

Brightwheel is your child's portal into the school. You will download the app to your phone, and through this account, you can communicate with teachers and the Director. We share your child's day with you through video and photos. You pay your tuition and fees. You will check your child in and out of the preschool through Brightwheel daily for safety. 

What does my preschooler need to start school?

• Your child will need a full-size backpack (elementary size 15"-17" H). No mini or toddler backpacks are allowed. Please consider a backpack with an outside side pocket for your child's water bottle.
• Your child will need a complete change of clothes, including socks labeled with their name in a gallon Ziploc in their backpack. 
• Your child will need a lunchbox/snack back that fits in their backpack.
• A water bottle that does not spill, preferably with a straw.
• A folder with pockets. (Anything can be on the front.)

What does my PMOer need to start school?

• PMO asks parents to provide their child with a 6qt shoebox size clear container. This container will be kept in the classroom with diapers, wipes, etc. the PMO staff will let you know when your items are getting low. 
• You need to provide a drink in a cup that does not spill. 
• PMO students Do Not need a backpack. 

What is the difference between 4's and Kinder Prep?

Both classes fully prepare the children for kindergarten. 4's class is Monday through Friday, 3 hours a day, 8:45-11:45. 

Kinder Prep is Mon.-Fri, 4 hours a day, 8:15-12:15 or 8:30-12:30. The main difference is that it is an extra hour a day. Kinder Prep has five additional hours a week to go over materials, etc., getting ready for kindergarten. 

When will I know what class my child is in?

At the beginning of August, you will receive a message through Brightwheel from your child's teacher and their Teacher Welcome Letter. This will include additional school supplies requested and optional donation items. 

When can I see my child's classroom?

Before school starts, we have our Meet The Teacher. Each family is given a date and time to attend the preschool for about 15 minutes to spend in your child's classroom. You can see the room there, meet your child's teacher, ask questions, and fill out any additional paperwork. Your date and time for Meet The Teacher will be in the same message with your Teacher Welcome letter at the beginning of August.

Can I request a teacher or that my child be with a fellow student we know?

You are always welcome to request a teacher, but please note that we can not promise—teacher requests or requests made to be in a class with a friend. 

Will my child move to the next classroom midyear with their birthday?

No, students stay in the same classroom all year and move up to the next age/class the following Fall. 

How do you define Fully Potty Trained?

Fully potty-trained students should be able to use the restroom independently. Children must attend school in underwear. No pull-ups or diapers are allowed for students three and older. We understand that accidents happen with young children. If accidents happen more frequently, a conference will be called with the teacher, director, and family to develop strategies and a course of action with a timeline. A once-in-a-while accident is not inappropriate for a young, developing child. It is essential that you keep a complete change of clothes in your child's backpack for these emergencies. 

What should I send for my child's snack?

Please send what your child would typically eat in about 15-20 minutes for their snack at home. We encourage healthy snacks—no candy, soda, etc. Typically, students bring a small variety, like half a sandwich, cut-up fruit, yogurt, a granola bar, cheezits, goldfish, veggie straws, etc. Some students even bring cold pasta or leftovers from home. We do not have the ability to heat or refrigerate items sent from home. Your teacher will inform you if your classroom has a child with a food allergy. 

What paperwork needs to be turned in?

Available to download from our website and Brighthweel is a copy of the Medical Form that needs to be filled out and signed by your child's doctor after June 1st. You will turn in that Medical Form and a copy of your child's shot records to your Meet The Teacher at the beginning of the school year. 

Can I volunteer at the school?

Yes, we welcome parent volunteers. All volunteers will be background-checked through the preschool. 

When is tuition due?

Tuition is due on the 1st of each month and is considered late after the 5th. A $25 late fee will be added to tuition paid after the 5th. 

Can I pay tuition with cash or check?

No, all tuition is paid through Brightwheel via bank card or bankdraft. 

What do I do if my child is no longer going to attend preschool?

Preschool policy is we have to have 30 days notice in writing turned in to the office. 

Is there anything we can work on over the summer to prepare my child for school?

While ABCs and 123s are important, encouraging independence is one of the biggest things you can work on over the summer with your child. While we will always help students when needed they often feel the excitement and empowerment of completing tasks themselves. Often, these are school and classroom skills not typically practiced at home. 

• Practice having your child zip and unzip their backpack.
• Practice putting their lunchbox and water in their backpack and zipping it up.
• Practice taking their lunchbox and water out of their backpack.
• Practice opening their water if it has a button and flip top lid. 
• If able to practice opening their lunchbox.
• Practice putting on their backpack and taking it off.
• Practice putting their small lightweight jacket/sweater in their backpack and taking it out of their backpack.
• Practice washing hands in the sink, pumping soap, turning the water on and off, and drying with a paper towel. 
• Some more advanced skills are putting on and taking off a jacket.
• Help them recognize their backpack, water bottle, and lunchbox before school starts. 
• For independence in the restroom, ensure your child is dressed for ease and success! Buttons and zippers can be tricky for little fingers. 
• For PMO , our walking friends go outside holding onto our classroom rope. They have to squeeze the rope in their hand. Practice holding and squeezing. Over the last few years, we have noticed children having trouble holding hands or objects. Practice having your child walk with you while they hold your hand.

Do you still have questions? Please don't hesitate to call the office at 910-346-9725 with any questions. We are always happy to help Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.