Frequently Asked Questions
This list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) is designed to address the most common queries we receive. If you require additional information or have specific inquiries, we encourage you to reach out to us through the Contact Us form on our website or by sending an email to office@alphabetpreschool.org. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the assistance and information you need to make informed decisions about our preschool programs and services.
What do I do with my younger children on days I’m scheduled to help in the classroom?
Although the school makes no formal arrangements for siblings, other families often get together and make a schedule for watching each other’s children. If that is not possible, you have to make your own arrangements. Younger siblings are not allowed in the classroom on co-op days.
What if someone else needs to pick up my child?
If someone else needs to pick up your child, please fill out a form authorizing that individual to pick up.
What if I’m running late to pick up my child?
We know that life happens, so if you are running late, please give the office a call and they will notify your child’s teacher. Repeat occurrences will be subject to the late pickup penalty.
What other responsibilities will I have as a member of Alpha-Bet preschool?
Each enrolled family is required to:
- Complete 2 work days per school year;
- Attend the Annual Membership Meeting in the Spring;
- Provide nut-free (or no trace of nuts) snacks for your child’s class on a rotating basis;
- Actively participate in the operation of the school by serving on the Board of Directors OR through completion of an ongoing Parent Job;
- AND if you decide to be a co-op, you will be required to assist your child’s teacher at least 2 times a month on a rotating basis.
Are there school related activities that happen outside of the classroom?
Yes! These events aren’t required, but they are a great way to get to know other families in our school.
Each year is as unique as the families we serve, but some examples are: Summer playdates, Work Days, Fundraisers, Social gatherings such as Trunk or Treat, Thanksgiving Feast to name a few.
Are you a member of NAEYC?
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation is a very common question asked when we have families visiting our school.
Alpha-Bet Preschool is not accredited. However, the school meets the criteria of NAEYC accreditation (the criteria is almost identical to Virginia state licensing, and we undergo unannounced licensing checks throughout the school year).
The actual NAEYC accreditation process is very expensive (running into the thousands of dollars) and time-consuming. As a non-profit preschool with low tuition — not to mention a volunteer board of directors without the time or resources to work full-time on the accreditation process — we prefer to put our money into school operations instead of a professional designation. We will gladly address specific points of NAEYC standards (https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/10-naeyc-program-standards#top) and how Alpha-Bet Preschool meets or exceeds them.
What happens on snow days?
Alpha-Bet follows Prince William County school closures and delays.
The President of the board will notify families if school is closed or delayed as soon as possible after PWCS makes the decision, the information will be available on the website.
If there is a 1-hour delay, Alpha-Bet’s class schedule will be 10:30am to 1:00pm.
For a 2-hour delay or Code Orange, Alpha-Bet’s class schedule will be 11:30am to 2:00pm.
Note: In the event of a delay in opening, parents will be asked to send lunch in with their child.