What makes Peace of Mind different than other programs? 
     One aspect that makes us very different from other programs is the way that we structure the children’s time with us.  We believe children learn by doing, and play is their work.  We offer a setting that has a good balance of teacher-initiated and child-initiated activities, but all of which are planned and structured by the teacher who has specific objectives in mind.  The teacher’s ability to pick up on the children’s cues and ask open-ended questions can further enhance the children’s interest in each activity they try.  You won’t find the teacher simply “maintaining” the classroom, but rather you will find the teacher involved and “engaging” the classroom. 

 What are the teacher’s qualifications?
      POM requires that our lead teachers have a four-year degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education or other closely related fields. Each lead teacher works closely with program coordinator and curriculum coordinator.  Our program coordinator holds a B.S. degree in education and has been with Peace of Mind since 1991.  The curriculum coordinator holds both a B.S. and Masters degree in education and has over 10 years of experience in the field.  The owner of Peace of Mind, who is also directly involved in the programs on a daily basis, has an undergraduate degree in business entrepreneurship and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education.

 What are your goals for the children?
     Our main goal for the children in the half-day program is to develop the desire they already have to learn, and to prepare them for a life long love of learning as they begin a long journey through the school years.  When you build on a child’s current knowledge base, you spark in them a desire to learn more and more.  We want to ensure that each child knows they are valued, unique individuals who will make a difference in the world.  We also want to help develop a sense of kindness and what it means to be a good, ethical human being.  Individual, specific goals are determined with the parents at fall conferences.

 Which session is for the three-year-olds?
     We use open-enrollment for each of our sessions and let you decide which one will best fit your schedule.  Each session is for any child between 3-5 years of age.  The teacher assesses each child’s strengths and abilities, and then uses this information to develop lesson plans geared to each individual child.  This means, children will be challenged, but not overwhelmed.  We also truly believe, and research strongly supports, that a mix of ages among the children has great benefits in the learning process for preschoolers.  The younger children learn from those who have mastered some advanced skills, and the older children learn by teaching others.

 How is discipline handled?
     Our primary form of discipline is to use redirection.  We also make eye contact, use reasoning skills and help the children to understand and make decisions that everyone can be satisfied with.  We DO NOT use time out as a regular form of discipline.  Children are also involved in developing a set of classroom expectations, and for determining logical consequences if expectations are not met. 

 How do you assess the children’s progress?
     We use a portfolio system to assess the children in several different areas and tasks each month.  We hold conferences twice a year, in the fall and in the spring.  At the fall conference, we “show” you one sample of each of those tasks and where your child is starting out for the year, and also ask you to share your goals for your child with the teacher.  Then at the spring conference, we “show” you three or four samples of each portfolio task and celebrate how much your child has learned and progressed over the year. 

 What if my child is not potty trained?
     To meet the state requirements and rules of our license we hold for this program, children DO need to be potty trained.  We understand that accidents sometimes happen and we are prepared for that.  We recommend keeping a change of clothes in your child’s backpack in case of an accident or spill.

 Does my child need to be three years old by September 1^st? 
     Your child does not need to be three by September 1^st to attend our program, they must however, be at least 33 months old by Sept. 1^st to apply.  They also need to be potty trained.  Besides the fact that your child must be potty trained, the biggest thing to consider is the structure and philosophy of the program and whether or not you feel it will work for your child.

 Do you have transportation?
     For reasons of timing and safety, we do not provide any transportation to or from the program for any of the sessions offered.

 What if I can’t be there to pick up until 12:30 (or 3:00 )?
     The class you choose for your child begins and ends at a certain time, just like a swimming class would at the YMCA.  There is no care available before or after the class and you should make arrangements to be here to pick your child up promptly at the end of class.  A late fee of $10 for every quarter hour will apply if a child remains after class has ended. 

 Why is your tuition so different from others in the area
     It has always been our goal to provide the absolute best in quality care.  To do so requires that we set high standards for our teaching team.  We charge the lowest rate that we can, while maintaining the high quality that is essential for our children and families.  We believe that once you experience our program, you will quickly understand the differences between our program and all others, and that you will find our program to be a good value!