Preschool FAQs

What is the main difference between the various preschool options?

Q
The main difference between each program is the amount of time per week students are in
A class. All classrooms use the HighScope curriculum.

Why are there more four and five day, and more full day preschool options?
Q
Based on the results of a community survey, we amended our options to better meet the needs
A expressed by the community.

What does it mean when an option says loop?

Q
A loop allows students to spend two consecutive years with the same teacher. For example, a
A student might be with a teacher for the three year old preschool one year, and four year old
preschool the second year with the same teacher.
A loop allows continuity for both students and teachers. Routines are established, the
relationship between teacher and student is secure, the teacher can easily scaffold the
students learning, meeting the student on a continuum of learning.

Are there any benefits to a mixed-age class?

Q
There are several reasons someone might select a mixed-age class. Depending upon the age
A of the student, the student might spend two years with the same teaching team. All Troy
preschools differentiate instruction, meaning the teaching team strives to meet children where
they are developmentally.

For the mixed age classroom, younger children can learn positive behaviors from older
children, and have great language models to learn from. Younger children get exposed to more
advanced play skills (dramatic play, etc.) and problem solving skills, while older children get
experience being leaders and helping the younger children.

Mixed-age grouping invites cooperation and other pro-social behaviors, the discipline problems
of competitive environments can often be minimized.

Older children scaffold younger ones. Younger children look to older ones as models. Its not
just the younger ones who benefit from the older; older children learn by being models for the
younger ones. Its a win-win.

Having a room full of children at different ages means no one has to feel judged for not
measuring upthey can all find people they relate to in different ways.

A mixture of ages within a class can be particularly desirable for children functioning below age
group norms in some areas of their development. These children may find it less stressful to
interact with younger peers than with same-age peers. Such interactions can enhance younger
children's motivation and self-confidence

If Im not able to register for my first choice for preschool what can I do?
Q
Families may ask to be placed on the wait list. Wait lists names are time and dated stamped.
A Families are contacted in the order on the wait list. Families may also select a different class
while on a waitlist.
If I decide I want to move my child to another preschool class, is there a fee to move my child
Q to another class?
 Yes. A $25 fee is charged when a student is transferred from one preschool class to another.
A
If my child attends Troy School District preschools, and we live outside the Troy School District
Q attendance area, will my child have a better chance or preference to attend Troy Schools for
kindergarten?
There is a lottery process for Schools of Choice acceptance. Please refer to Schools of Choice
A FAQs

If my child attends a half-day preschool, will they have school on a half day?
Q
Class is not held on half days for half-day preschool classes.(Hill, Niles 405, Troy Union, Wass)
A
If my child attends a full day program, will they have school on a half day?
Q
In most cases, full day programs follow the Troy School District calendar. If school is in
A session on a half day, the preschool program will be in session for a half day in the morning.
Families needing extended day child care for the afternoon, may register separately for half-
day child care on these days. Registration is online at www.troyceonline.com (Costello,
Hamilton, Leonard, Niles 403, 406, 407, Schroeder).

Is before and/or school child care available for preschool students?

Q
Several locations offer before and/or after school child care.
A Costello, Hamilton, Leonard, Niles, and Schroeder offer extended day child care. Depending
upon the number of preschool students enrolled, will determine if preschool students are
grouped separately, or grouped with the school age program. Preschool ratios are 1:12 in a
before and after school setting.
A separate registration with the CARE Company is required to attend before and after CARE.
Registration begins May 1, 2017.
Space at each location is limited, and space fills quickly!

Is preschool child care available for no school days/school break days?

Q
Children enrolled in the Costello, Hamilton, Leonard, Niles 403, 406, 407, and Schroeder
A preschool programs may register for the CARE Special for an additional fee. Information for
SPECIALS will be available online beginning October 1, 2017. Preschool SPEC IALS are held
at the Niles Center, 201 W. Square Lake Road.

Is there any summer programming for preschool children?

Q
Yes. We offer two (2) summer camp options for preschool children for summer 2017..
A Option 1: Mini-camps from 9am-12pm Tues/Wed/Thur during the weeks of June 27-Aug. 1
Option 2: Full day Camps from 7am-5pm Mon-Friday during the weeks of June 20-August 18

My family usually takes several weeks off for travel during the school year. Do I have to pay for
Q the time my child is absent?
Yes. A childs placement cannot be held without payment. If a parent chooses to withdraw, a
A two week written notice to the Niles Center is required.

If the school is closed due to weather conditions or an emergency school closing, will my
Q account be credited? What if my child is ill?
 Credits are not given for absence due to illness, school closings due to weather or emergency
A school closings, etc..

Will my child be prepared for kindergarten?

Q
While all children develop in their own time, teachers make every effort to prepare students for
A kindergarten. Through differentiated instruction, teachers work toward student achievement
and success. Teachers will communicate with families during everyday conversation, email,
and conferences regarding student progress.
Our preschool teachers collaborate with kindergarten teachers and reading specialists to
ensure students experience success and are prepared for kindergarten.
Parent involvement is crucial for student success. When families are involved it sends the
message that the childs work is important. Teachers will send home-school connections each
week to help families reinforce and support their childs learning.

What can I do to help support my child in school?

Q
Make reading in your home a priority. Being a role model showing your child that reading is
A enjoyable, can establish the beginning to becoming a strong reader, and lifelong learner.

Why do some classes have a five (5) month payment plan (August December), and other
Q classes have an eight (8) month payment plan (August-March)?
Half-day preschool classes have 5 monthly payments.
A Full day preschool classes have 8 monthly payments.
Full day program fees are comparatively higher. To allow families to maintain a manageable
monthly fee, we have provided a longer time for the yearly tuition.

Is it a requirement that students be fully toilet trained to attend 3, 4, & 5 year old preschool
Q classes?
Yes, however we do offer a 4 day/week half day class for three year olds where staff assist
A children with toilet training. The class is offered at the Niles Center Monday-Thursday from
8:45am-11:45am.

My childs birthday is a few days after the September 1st cut off date for admittance. Can I sign
Q an age-waiver?
We do not accept age-waivers for preschool. Our staff will be happy to assist you in selecting
A a program for your child. We offer classes for ages 18 months 5 years old. You may want to
consider enrolling your child in a blended age class.

I see that there are grant-funded FREE preschools offered. How do I qualify and apply?
Q
Preference for grant program admittance is given to students living in the Troy School District
A attendance area. Grant funded programs prioritize students based on the highest documented
need.
Call Niles Center 248.823.5100 to be placed on the screening list.

Great Start Readiness (GSRP)

Students must be four years old by September 1. The main qualifying factor for GSRP is low
to moderate family income. In addition to income, other qualifying factors are considered.

Title 1
Preference is given to:
Students in the Morse Elementary School attendance area.
Students who have previously attended Head Start.
Students with documented qualifying risk factors.
Open to children ages 3, 4, 5 by September 1, 2017.

Head Start
Accepts 3 and 4 year old children. Children must turn 3 on or before September 1st of the
current school year. Preference is given to three year olds.
Acceptance into the program is prioritized for families with income within the Federal Poverty
Guidelines as documented with a current income tax return (or other supporting documents).