PRESCHOOL
Future Kids Philosophy
In a nutshell Future Kids preschool is:
Structured
There are mat times, learning times, bible and worship times, school readiness program, meal times and free play times.
Teacher led
Teachers provide learning opportunities, guidance, develop interests etc.
Faith based
The Bible forms the basis of our Christian faith and a biblical worldview is interwoven into all aspects of our curriculum.
Virtues
We intentionally develop the character of children.
Frequently Asked Questions About Future Kids Preschool
Q1: What age range is eligible for enrollment at Future Kids Preschool?
A: We welcome children aged 2.5 to 5 years old for enrollment in our preschool program.
Q2: What is the curriculum like at Future Kids Preschool?
A: Our curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education, focusing on early literacy, numeracy, social skills, creative expression, and physical development. We have a known reputation among Hastings primary schools for preparing 4 year olds well for primary school.
Q3: How do you ensure the safety of the children at the preschool?
A: Safety is our top priority. We have strict safety and security measures in place, including regular safety drills.
Q4: What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
A: We maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio to ensure personalized attention. Our ratio is 8:1
Q5: Do you provide any meals or snacks for the children?
A: Children bring their own packed lunches and teas. We promote healthy eating and encourage children to start with their healthy choices first. Treat foods are limited to 1 per day. (Please see the parent handbook for creative healthy lunch ideas for pre-schoolers).
Q6: How do you handle potty training?
A: We work closely with parents to follow a consistent potty training approach that aligns with what the child is experiencing at home. Our trained staff members provide guidance and support throughout this process. We ask that extra underwear and clothes be provided during this time too.
Q7: Can I visit the centre?
A: Parents and caregivers are welcome to visit at any stage during the day.
Q8: What should I do if my child cries when I leave?
A: Most children calm down within 5 minutes after a parent leaves. The staff will happily work out a plan with you should you need support in this area. They will also let you know soon after you leave how your child is doing.
Q9: What should I do if my child is sick?
A: Please don’t send a sick child to preschool. If your child contracts a contagious sickness please notify us. The stand down time for vomiting or diarrhoea is 48 hours after the last incident.
Q10: How do you communicate with parents about their child's progress?
A: Your child will be assigned to a whanau group and the teacher responsible will write learning stories capturing your child’s learning and development. These will be made available to you through EDUCA, an online platform which you can also share with family. These stories will also be printed off and placed in your child’s profile book which is kept in the centre.
Q11: How can parents be involved in the preschool community?
A: We encourage parent involvement through events and through sharing their skills or knowledge with our tamariki. We value the partnership between parents and the school in fostering a supportive learning environment.
Q12: What measures do you have in place for handling medical emergencies?
A: Our staff are trained in first aid and CPR. We maintain updated medical records for each child and have protocols in place to manage medical situations promptly and effectively.
Q13: What is your approach to discipline and behavior management?
A: We believe in shepherding the heart of a child not simply modifying behaviour. We coach children to take responsibility for their actions, to ask forgiveness and to restore relationship or put right what went wrong.
Q14: How do you prepare children for the transition to school?
A: Our curriculum is designed to prepare children for the next educational steps. In our Fantastic 4s program we focus on academic readiness, social skills, and independence to ensure a smooth transition to school.
Q15: What sets Future Kids Preschool apart from other preschools?
A: We pride ourselves on our holistic approach to early childhood education. Our commitment to Christian principles and values, our holistic curriculum, dedicated staff, commitment to safety, and strong parent partnerships set us apart in nurturing well-rounded young learners.
Q16: Are you open all year?
A: Future Kids Preschool is open all year except for a brief shutdown over Christmas and New Year.
Q17: What happens if I drop off early or pick-up late?
A: We have to ensure at all times we have the correct ratio of staff to children in the centre. Early drop-off and late pick-ups can affect this and put us out of ratio (meaning too many children and too few staff). Please always inform us if you know you’re going to be late so we can reassure your child. Early drop off and late pick ups incur fees (10 minute tolerance). If a child is consistently dropped early or picked up late you will be required to alter your booking to reflect the actual time and pay the necessary hourly rate.
Q18: What does 'Frequent Absences' mean?
A: Any absence of 3 continuous weeks or a pattern of absence over a period of 2-3 months will mean Ministry Of Education ceases to fund that child. At this point the parents/caregiver become responsible for all fees incurred at the full hourly rate without MOE subsidy. The Centre manager will monitor patterns of absences and will have conversations with you along the way to help you avoid this happening.
Q19: What if I decide to withdraw my child?
A: If you wish to move or withdraw your child from Future Kids Preschool for any reason other than going to primary school at age 5yrs, 2 weeks written notice is required prior to their last day.
Q20: What if I can’t pick up my child? Can someone else do it?
A: All those listed on your enrolment form can pick up your child. Please also inform a teacher where possible.
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or if you're interested in visiting our preschool campus!
Fees and payments
These are reviewed annually in February by the Future Kids Board and increases are implemented at the start of April. Please phone the centre for our prices.
We appreciate fees paid a week in advance. This can be done by direct debit or paying cash in the centre. Weekly invoices are sent out by email. Where fees are in arrears we reserve the right to stop your childs’ place until the debt is cleared.
Fees are charged for all bookings, including absences. No fees are charged for Public holidays and the end of year shutdown when the centre is closed.