How many classes do you have?
We have 2 classes:
Unicorns Class (Preschool) ages 2.0-4.0 years
Explorers Class (Pre-K) ages 3.0-5.0 years
We offer 5-day enrollment spaces
Unicorns Class (Preschool) ages 2.0-4.0 years
Explorers Class (Pre-K) ages 3.0-5.0 years
We offer 5-day enrollment spaces
HOW MANY CHILDREN ARE IN EACH CLASS?
Each class has a maximum of 15 children with 2 teachers each day. We maintain a maximum ratio of 1:8.
how Long is your waitlist?
All families will be considered once they have toured and completed a waitlist form. Our waitlist requires a $25 holding fee. Admission is performed on a rolling basis. Enrollment priority is given to returning families, siblings, and members of the University City United Church. At enrollment, consideration is given to maintaining the gender and age balance in each class.
what is your registration process?
Families will be notified of available spaces for registration. A non-refundable registration deposit is required to hold your child's spot. Families must complete all subsequent admissions forms.
how do you collect tuition?
UCUC Preschool collects tuition in ten (10) installments on the first (1st) day of the month through Brightwheel, our electronic billing system. Brightwheel is also used for electronic signature and serves as our primary means of communication between staff and families.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION DOES YOUR STAFF HAVE?
Each teacher on staff has educational qualifications and specialized knowledge about young children and early childhood development and meet or exceed the qualifications required of preschool teachers by the state of California. Teachers are certified in First Aid and CPR. Ongoing professional development is encouraged and required for staff.
HOW WILL YOU PREPARE MY CHILD FOR KINDERGARTEN?
Early childhood education is a research based field. Research has shown that children learn best through play. As such, UCUC Preschool implements curriculum rooted in the most recent tools to facilitate and enhance children's development. Developmentally appropriate curriculum for young children focuses on supporting children's innate dispositions and abilities, along with their natural inclinations. Our curriculum encourages and motivates children to seek mastery of basic academic skills such as beginning literacy, mathematics, and writing skills by embedding these opportunities into their intellectual pursuits.
Applying the project approach to early childhood education serves to promote deeper levels of learning in children. Children are able to investigate topics of their interest that demonstrate a range of basic academic skills related to mathematics and literacy as they work to discover and share their findings with one another, their teachers, and their families.
A wide range of abilities is needed for future academic success. These include critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, hypothesizing, questioning, conjecturing, investigating, and experimenting all in pursuit of gaining an understanding and comprehension of the natural world. Through intentionally and purposefully designed interest centers and long-term studies of investigation with these skills in mind, children at UCUC Preschool are prepared for their K-12 journey.
Applying the project approach to early childhood education serves to promote deeper levels of learning in children. Children are able to investigate topics of their interest that demonstrate a range of basic academic skills related to mathematics and literacy as they work to discover and share their findings with one another, their teachers, and their families.
A wide range of abilities is needed for future academic success. These include critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, hypothesizing, questioning, conjecturing, investigating, and experimenting all in pursuit of gaining an understanding and comprehension of the natural world. Through intentionally and purposefully designed interest centers and long-term studies of investigation with these skills in mind, children at UCUC Preschool are prepared for their K-12 journey.
WHAT IS YOUR ILLNESS POLICY?
Children must be healthy in order to participate in the program. We kindly ask that you keep your children home for the health and safety of the other families and staff if they are displaying any symptoms of illness. Daily health/wellness checks are performed on all children and staff during morning drop off. Should your child begin to show symptoms as the day progresses, you will be notified to come and pick them up. More detailed information can be found in our Family Handbook.
WHAT IS YOUR DISCIPLINE POLICY?
UCUC Preschool utilizes positive guidance in working with our children in order to help them learn self-control and self direction, without loss of self-esteem. Teachers recognize the possibility of potential behaviors before it becomes unacceptable and create plans of action to support the child. Each classroom may have slightly different expectations; all teachers ensure expectations are being followed by adults and children in the room at all times. Limits and expectations are clearly stated in positive terms. Children are supported and encouraged to use words to solve problems with others. Children will be redirected to acceptable activities and behaviors. For more detailed information about our guidance methods and strategies, please see our Family Handbook.
DO CHILDREN HAVE TO BE POTTY TRAINED?
Beginning summer 2024, children do NOT have to be toilet-trained to attend UCUC Preschool.
WHO PROVIDES Snack and LUNCH?
UCUC Preschool provides a healthy nutritious snack comprised of 2-3 different food groups.
Parents provide lunch for their children. Lunches are to follow nutrition guidelines of UCUC Preschool. Due to the increasing risk of life-threatening allergies, families are asked to NOT include any products containing tree nuts, including coconut, in their child's lunch. For a more comprehensive outline of UCUC Preschool nutrition guidelines, please see our Family Handbook.
Parents provide lunch for their children. Lunches are to follow nutrition guidelines of UCUC Preschool. Due to the increasing risk of life-threatening allergies, families are asked to NOT include any products containing tree nuts, including coconut, in their child's lunch. For a more comprehensive outline of UCUC Preschool nutrition guidelines, please see our Family Handbook.
DO YOU TAKE FIELD TRIPS?
Field trips are a wonderful way to deepen children's knowledge of their community. Staff will take children on walking field trips and typically request parent/family volunteers to accompany. Additionally, field trips are viewed as vital component to the project approach to early childhood education as they provide children with first hand knowledge and experience.
Community outings and other opportunities are offered throughout the year to families.
Community outings and other opportunities are offered throughout the year to families.
what is your NAP policy?
As a part day enrichment program, naps are not required of our children. However, UCUC Preschool will NOT deny a child a rest period if the child is sleepy.
WHAT FAMILY/PARENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU OFFER?
Family participation is welcomed and encouraged. Families are invited to participate in their child's classroom in a myriad of ways, including, but not limited to: serving as a guest expert by sharing a talent, passion, custom, tradition, or value; participating as a mystery reader; providing a presentation covering a topic; helping in our garden; playing an instrument; aiding with cooking projects; assisting with special events; and serving as a room parent.
All volunteers must meet Community Care Licensing requirements including proof of immunization for Measles (MMR), Pertussis (Tdap), and Covid-19 as well as a negative TB test within the last year. While immunization for influenza is not required, it is recommended.
All volunteers must meet Community Care Licensing requirements including proof of immunization for Measles (MMR), Pertussis (Tdap), and Covid-19 as well as a negative TB test within the last year. While immunization for influenza is not required, it is recommended.
do you offer summer school?
UCUC Preschool offers a 4 week summer program beginning in June. UCUC Preschool is closed for cleaning and organization, maintenance and repair, and staff development in July. Our school calendar closely follows San Diego Unified School District.
do you have more questions
For more information about UCUC Preschool, please email our Director, Meredith Saylor at [email protected] or call (858) 455-0336.