Re: Best preschools
Lavagal, great questions to ask any school. Some answers as it pertains to all of the Cole Academy campuses (downtown, west oahu and east oahu):
Security:
* Surround digital video monitoring and recording of every classroom and exterior area, and entrance/exit
* Biometric fingerprint scanning at entrance (requiring personal identification code specific to each adult, plus a match to a fingerprint scan)
* Direct-to-security alert system in case of emergency, monitored 24 hours
* Security system is monitored by both a professional monitoring agency, plus internally via in-person supervision and video.
* Staff supervision, staff-child ratios as low as 1-to-3, no higher than 1-to-8 for oldest groups (4-5 year olds).
Staff:
* Local and national criminal background checks prior to hiring.
* Pre-employment and random drug testing (eliminates such applicants in the first place!)
* Education and prior employment verification, by written form spanning several years
* Educational attainment includes bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in Early Childhood Education on staff, in addition to associates degrees for secondary caregivers and aides.
* Ongoing education: All staff must attend regular continuing-ed classes and workshops in early childhood development
Method:
* Whole-child development via curriulum focused on preparation for kindergarten and pre-K, academics, social/emotional development, artistic and creative expression and play, extracurriculars including baby sign language, foreign language, dance, music.
Price/Value:
* It's not going to be the least-expensive school among the many options available to parents, however:
* Tuition covers extensive service hours, up to 6 a.m.-through-6 p.m. depending on the campus.
* Tuition covers year-round service, only major holidays are taken off (no long summer breaks, spring break, etc. They work when parents work.)
* Tuition supports low ratios and small class sizes, which require lots of staff at a high qualification level and pay level (Cole salaries are as much as 30% above other schools).
Every preschool in Hawaii offers wonderful and unique features. Different schools will be right for different children. No matter the school you're considering, take a tour, meet the director and staff -- make sure it's the right fit for your child. Ask detailed questions and expect detailed answers.
Lavagal, great questions to ask any school. Some answers as it pertains to all of the Cole Academy campuses (downtown, west oahu and east oahu):
Security:
* Surround digital video monitoring and recording of every classroom and exterior area, and entrance/exit
* Biometric fingerprint scanning at entrance (requiring personal identification code specific to each adult, plus a match to a fingerprint scan)
* Direct-to-security alert system in case of emergency, monitored 24 hours
* Security system is monitored by both a professional monitoring agency, plus internally via in-person supervision and video.
* Staff supervision, staff-child ratios as low as 1-to-3, no higher than 1-to-8 for oldest groups (4-5 year olds).
Staff:
* Local and national criminal background checks prior to hiring.
* Pre-employment and random drug testing (eliminates such applicants in the first place!)
* Education and prior employment verification, by written form spanning several years
* Educational attainment includes bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in Early Childhood Education on staff, in addition to associates degrees for secondary caregivers and aides.
* Ongoing education: All staff must attend regular continuing-ed classes and workshops in early childhood development
Method:
* Whole-child development via curriulum focused on preparation for kindergarten and pre-K, academics, social/emotional development, artistic and creative expression and play, extracurriculars including baby sign language, foreign language, dance, music.
Price/Value:
* It's not going to be the least-expensive school among the many options available to parents, however:
* Tuition covers extensive service hours, up to 6 a.m.-through-6 p.m. depending on the campus.
* Tuition covers year-round service, only major holidays are taken off (no long summer breaks, spring break, etc. They work when parents work.)
* Tuition supports low ratios and small class sizes, which require lots of staff at a high qualification level and pay level (Cole salaries are as much as 30% above other schools).
Every preschool in Hawaii offers wonderful and unique features. Different schools will be right for different children. No matter the school you're considering, take a tour, meet the director and staff -- make sure it's the right fit for your child. Ask detailed questions and expect detailed answers.
Comment