Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are the benefits of preschool?

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‘Play is a child’s work.’

Preschool-age is a time when your child’s brain is rapidly developing; children learn easily and well at this age. Activities that your child is exposed to in preschool form the building blocks for academic learning…songs and rhymes help with phonics and reading skills, play in water and sand with various containers develops basic math concepts and repetition of matching and sequencing activities contribute to readiness for academics.

Preschool is an excellent opportunity to help your child develop his/her independence and confidence being away from you. Your child will develop the social skills that will be required of him/her once he/she begins kindergarten; interacting with other children, learning how to wait, how to take turns, how to listen, being able to follow routine, how to problem-solve and to how to work in small and large groups. The preschool setting is ideal for such learning as there is a higher teacher-to-child ratio than in the kindergarten environment.

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When should my child start preschool?

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Most preschoolers begin attending preschool between ages two and four. If your child is able to speak in short sentences and/or can make their needs known to others, they are likely ready for preschool. You should also consider how well your child can listen and take direction from a teacher, how well they interact and get along with other children and how they handle separation from their parent/guardian. If your child is eager to learn, likes being with other children and is not getting enough stimulation at home or in their childcare program then your child is a likely candidate for a preschool program.

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Does my child need to be toilet-trained to attend Royal City Cooperative Preschool?

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Your child does not need to be toilet-trained to be enrolled at Royal City Cooperative Preschool. Our teachers work to the best of their ability to help carry over your training efforts while your child is at preschool. Proper changing facilities are available at the school.

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What is a cooperative preschool?

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A cooperative preschool is one that is owned and run by its members. Members form its Board of Directors and make important decisions about how the school is run. Participation of the preschool’s members is vital to the operation of the school. Upon registration with Royal City Cooperative Preschool, members complete a questionnaire indicating their interests and skill set. This questionnaire serves as a guide for the Personnel chair in assigning a job for each member. Examples of some assigned jobs are helping with laundry, maintaining the fish tank, assisting the teachers with purchases for the classroom and organizing field trips or fundraising opportunities. It is understandable that not all preferences can be accommodated as every job needs to be filled to ensure the smooth operation of the preschool.

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How long has the preschool been operating?

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Royal City Cooperative Preschool was founded in 1969 and was first known as Winnie the Pooh Cooperative Nursery School. The name was changed in 1979 due to copyright issues with the Winnie the Pooh name. We currently have members who attended Royal City Cooperative Preschool as children and are now bringing their children to the school!

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How can I be sure Royal City Cooperative Preschool is the right fit for my child?

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When researching a preschool, there are several important considerations. Check and make sure that the preschool is licensed and abides by the standards set by the government. The Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services website has a search function for licensed preschools and daycare centres (http://www.ontario.ca/ONT/portal51/licensedchildcare) which includes information about infractions and non-compliance. Royal City Cooperative Preschool has been licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services since 1979.

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Consider the amenities and services that the school offers. Royal City Cooperative Preschool is unique in that it has an outdoor playground to enhance the indoor activities that are offered.  Morning classes are specifically designed for younger preschoolers, younger than 3 years of age as of September.   Our toddler class and AM Preschool Class are the perfect introduction to having fun in a classroom setting.  Our afternoon preschool classes for older preschoolers (3+)  go further into teaching letters, numbers, science, art, music, and other educational and fun subjects.  By separating our preschool classes by age, preschoolers benefit by playing and learning with students closer to their own age.

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Ask other parents for their recommendations. View our virtual tour or arrange to visit the school during class time. Be mindful of what you envision and expect for your child as well as your child’s individual learning style and find a preschool program with a philosophy and program that supports all these things. Most importantly, you want your child to be happy and develop a love of learning.

 

 

Can my child start preschool at anytime of the year?

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You can start at the preschool at any time during the school year as long as there is availability.

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I’m interested in a spot at Royal City Cooperative Preschool. What’s next?

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Visit our registration page for all of the details on how to enroll!