Frequently Asked Questions About Our Program

This page has been prepared to answer the most frequently asked questions regarding the schedules, policies and structure of the preschool program.

How does the program work?

The Child Development Program has been developed to provide training for high school students in the field of early childhood education. 

The preschool program is high school student directed, under the guidance and supervision of the high school child development teacher. Students are provided with instruction in developmentally appropriate practices in accordance with guidelines established by the Montgomery County Public Schools.  To learn more about how the high school students fit into the program, click here.

How old does my child need to be?

The short answer is: Four years old.

The Maryland State Board of Education has approved new entry dates that gradually raise the age for children starting pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade for all public schools. The gradual phase-in of the new entry dates began in the fall of 2002 for pre-kindergarten students.

The chart below identifies each age grouping and the phase-in requirements,which adjust the entry age each year until the target date of September 1 was reached for all age groups in 2007.

QOHS lab school must enroll children based on the ages specified in the chart above.
*Example: If a child was born on September 15, 2004, s/he would NOT be eligible for preschool in the fall of 2008, but WOULD be eligible for the 2009-10 school year.

Are there any special restrictions or health requirements?

Yes. Montgomery County health regulations require that all children enrolled must be toilet trained and able to tend to their own bodily functions. High school students are not allowed to assist children with these needs.

Children attending our program must also have all vaccines and inoculations up to date. Medical forms will be provided (for completion by your child's physician) in our pre-orientation packet. Packets are sent to registered families approximately a month before preschool begins in October.

QOHS Cougar Cubs Preschool welcomes all children, regardless of race, creed, national origin, religion, physical or mental challenges. We do reserve the right to maintain an even male/female gender ratio.

What are the hours?

The 2008-2009 school year hours are: 8:30 AM - 10:50 AM.

Preschool will be held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Fridays are reserved for seminar days for the high school students.

Holidays, and bell schedule changes which disrupt the normal school day or force an early closing will alter this schedule somewhat. The high school runs a different bell schedule on Fridays, making delayed Friday openings a possibility if we need to open on Fridays. Whenever possible, the seminar day will be changed, so that preschool can still meet four days each week.

How much does it cost?

Tuition for the 2008-2009 session is $550.00 for the whole school year.

Tuition is $275.00 per semester, paid in full at the start of each semester. The total cost of preschool for the school year is $550.00. The non refundable enrollment deposit of $100.00 is applied to the first semester (Fall) tuition payment. Tuition payments are not refundable.

Students are expected to attend both semesters once enrolled.

Does the preschool take field trips?

YES!

The preschool takes a minimum of two field trips per school year. We traditionally visit Butler's Orchard in the fall. Past field trips have included: the National Aquarium in Baltimore, the Washington National Zoo, the Capital Children's Museum, Montgomery College Planetarium in Takoma Park, Maryland and the Oakton High School Planetarium in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Transportation costs and admission to the visited facilities will be charged to parents as needed to cover these optional expenses. Parents of the high school students serve as our group chaperones, allowing the student teachers to maintain their teaching 'authority'.

What about food at school?

Parents are strongly encouraged to provide their child with a nutritious breakfast before attending class each day. Please do not send food, candy, or gum to school with your child.

Parents are asked to send a healthy snack with their child to school daily. Due to concerns about allergies and other dietary restrictions the preschool does not allow children to share their snacks with others. All children are expected to sit together and enjoy this social time, whether or not they choose to partake in the snack.

Snack time rules include:

1. All children wait until their class mates are seated before anyone begins to eat or drink.
2. Children all leave the table together after snack. No 'early departures" for speedy snackers or non-eaters.
3. Use of basic manners ('please', 'thank you', 'no, thank you', closed mouth chewing, covering the mouth when sneezing, coughing or belching, and napkin use) is required.
3. Chairs will be used appropriately (no tipping, scooting, rocking, side saddle or straddling of chairs is allowed).
4. Children are taught and expected to 'bus' their own table, wipe up their own spills and push in their chairs after snack time.

Mrs. Mangene is UN-apologetically "old school" when it comes to these things.

Will my child nap while at school?

No. Please make sure your child is well rested when (s)he arrives at school.

Will my child watch television while at school?

Generally, no. Very, very rarely a SHORT video clip will be used to reinforce or introduce a lesson or topic. We do have a children's computer (no Internet access) available for use during 'free time' as well as during some teaching activities.

Will I have to purchase any start up supplies for my child?

No. The preschool will supply a canvas tote bag and all working school supplies for your child. The bag will be provided at orientation and the school supplies will be kept at school until the end of the year.

We are, however, constantly in need of the "classic" arts and craft supplies listed below. Any donations are greatly appreciated, and can be sent to school any time.

We Constantly Need:
Empty baby food jars, empty round oatmeal and salt cylinders, shoe boxes, zip lock bags of all sizes, empty bleach bottles (with handles), liquid hand soap, 'Simple Green' brand spray cleaner and sponges.

Do you have a "Show and Tell" time?

Yes. "Show and Tell" is held the last school day of each week. Children are asked to bring in and share with the class an item from home that relates to the current teaching theme.

2009-2010 Enrollment will begin in January of 2009

To enroll your child for the Fall of 2009, you must return a completed application form and a $100.00 (one hundred dollar) deposit to hold your place. Applications may be submitted via email or by regular postal service delivery. Emailed applications will hold your child's place for one week after arrival at school and become final when we receive the one hundred dollar deposit. All deposits are non refundable. Upon enrollment of your child, the deposit will be applied to the first semester's tuition of $275.00, making the balance due at the start of the fall semester $175.00 (one hundred seventy five dollars). All applications will be dated as received. Children who live within the QOHS boundaries will be given priority over other children. The vast majority of public high school offer similar programs, and recruit primarily from their own boundaries.

All information regarding the program, including application forms are available on this web site. To have a preschool information packet and application sent to you in the mail, please e-mail Mrs. Mangene your name and address.

Please feel free to call regarding unexpected openings that may occur throughout the year. Our phone number is 301.840.4545. If a student answers, please allow them to attempt to answer your questions. If your question is not answered to your satisfaction, please leave a message so Mrs. Mangene can return your call as soon as she is available. You may also email Mrs Mangene at any time.

THANK YOU !
Your interest in the QOHS Cougar Cubs Preschool is appreciated!