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Frequently Asked Questions
Classes
| General Questions | Class Structure | Parent Responsibilities |
General Questions
| Question | Answer |
What is a co-op school? |
A co-op school is a non-profit organization where parents play an active role in the school operations. This creates a sense of community, through parent involvement, and also keeps tuition low. The Director and Teachers are responsible for curriculum, while parents are responsible for maintaining the school. Each parent attends class with their child. Outside of class, parents participate in one 3-hour maintenance “cleaning” day each year, and perform a specific job that supports school operations. Each job typically takes 15-20 hours over the course of the school year. |
| What is the Sequoia Adult School (SAS)? | SAS is state-supported and offers reasonably priced adult education classes, including vocational training, computers, and parent education. Little Hands is one of seven parent education/parent participation programs which are partially funded by SAS. To qualify for those funds, all Little Hand parents (students) must complete a certain number of parent education hours. |
| How do the students fulfill their parent education hour requirements? | The parent education requirements are fulfilled by attending six required night classes plus the weekly classes with the children. The required night classes include four night classes, and two all-school meetings. Any missed required class must be made up, either by attending an optional night class - - such as a class covering sibling relations or selecting a pre-school -- or completing a research report. |
| What are the teachers' backgrounds? | Among child-related programs, Little Hands is one of the few schools that requires its teachers to have a 4-year degree and credential. All Little Hands teachers hold a California teaching credential, adult education credential, or a masters degree in a related field (e.g., child growth and development). All of our teachers have had extensive experience working with children and parents, and most of our teachers have also been parents at Little Hands! |
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Class Structure
| Question | Answer |
What are examples of supervising parent stations? |
While at school during class, every other week you will be supervising a station. Stations include play areas with playdough, blocks, music, sandbox, patio area, art project, climber, loft, playhouse, snack, and so forth. |
| What are examples of observing parents' observation and discussion topics? | Every other class you will be an observing parent. Each time you will focus on a different topic. The first half of class is spent observing your child, and the second half you meet with the teacher and fellow observing parents for a discussion. Topics include: ages and stages of development, eating or sleeping patterns, limit setting and discipline. |
| Can I follow my child and/or can s/he stay with me as I work? | As an observing parent you will usually be observing your child. At discussion time, children are welcome to sit down and do a quiet activity near you, but encouraged to play outside or in the other rooms, if appropriate. While supervising a station, you must remain at your station. Your child is welcome to stay with you. |
| What role do the teachers play? | Teachers welcome children and parents, facilitate the activities and interactions, model appropriate behavior for both children and parents, and lead the observing parent discussions. Finally, they close the class with music time. |
| I have another child. Can I bring him/her to class? | Very young babies that can be carried in front or back packs or asleep in a carrier (so that you can still do your supervising) are welcome in class. We ask that you make other arrangements when this no longer works. Your other (older) children are welcome to visit three times per year. |
| Can other adults attend class with me or in my place? | You may bring an adult visitor to class with you, but please check with the teacher first. If the visitor is a prospective member of Little Hands, we ask that they schedule a regular visit through the Registrar instead. On occasion, if you are ill or out of town, another adult may attend class in your place with your child. Since Little Hands is funded by the Sequoia Adult School as a parent education program, however, it is essential that a family member be the primary attendee (participating parent). |
| How is snack time organized? | Midway through class, the children wash their hands and meet in the playdough room for a snack. Snack is brought by a parent as her/his supervising duty for the day. In most classes, supervising and observing parents take turns going to the kitchen for a snack. Snack responsibility rotates, like all supervising parent stations. You usually have this job once or twice during the year. |
The class interferes with my child's (current) nap time. What can I do? |
We have arrived at this schedule after years of trying different class times for different ages. While it may not be perfect for all the children, we have found that most do adjust quite well. We suggest you try a few classes to see if your child can adjust to the class time. Keep in mind that your child's nap time may shift substantially between spring registration and the beginning of classes in the fall. |
What if one of us is sick and we miss a class? |
You are welcome (and encouraged) to make it up in another class (up to three per semester). Please call the teacher to let her know you would like to do a make-up so she can plan accordingly. Attend the make-up class with the participating child only. Please no siblings. Remember the ages of the classes are as of September 1 of the current school year. Longer absences due to the birth of another baby are frequently made up by a father or a grand-parent. |
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Parent Responsibilities
| Question | Answer |
What are examples of yearly jobs, and how much time should
I expect to spend on my job? |
There is a wide variety of jobs so choosing one that works for you is important. Typically a job will take 15-20 hours for the year. There are some that might be less, and some that are definitely more. Board members may spend 10-20 hours/month or more. We hope you will catch that co-op spirit and do what you can for the school! Examples of jobs are:
New for 2007, for those parents who have a family hardship, a job buyout program is also available. See below. |
| How does the job buyout program work? | Little Hands will begin accepting applications for job buyout among enrolled families starting in summer 2007. Parents who have a specific hardship or need will be given the opportunity to apply for the opportunity to buyout their 15-20 hour job for $300. A limited number of buyouts will be granted each year (based on enrollment and need). All buyout applications will be treated confidentially by the school director and board president, and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. |
| Does the job buyout also cover my Maintenance Day? | No. Maintenance cleaning days are an important part of maintaining our school – keeping it clean and safe for our families. Parents who are granted a job buyout option will still be responsible for participating in one 3-hour maintenance “cleaning” day each year. (A $150 maintenance deposit paid at the start of the school year will be refunded once participation is complete). |
| What are maintenance days, and how does the maintenance deposit work? Click here for Maintenance Day Schedule |
Each family is required to perform one three-hour maintenance day during the year. Maintenance days are usually scheduled on one Saturday each month and assigned to a specific class. You may attend with your class (a fun social time!) or another class if it meets your schedule better (in this case, you will have to schedule this with the maintenance chair). Either you or your spouse may attend, but children are not allowed. A maintenance deposit of $150 is required at enrollment. Maintenance deposits will be reimbursed to those in good standing approximately two weeks after a Maintenance Day is worked. |
| What fundraising participation is required or requested? | Little Hands has various opportunities to participate with fund-raising. There are events throughout the year, including Talbots Night Out, Cookie dough fund-raiser, eScrip (an easy way to contribute money without spending extra) or by buying T-shirts. As a non-profit, Little Hands also qualifies for your United Way contribution. While fund-raising is not required, we strongly encourage each family to help in this area. Fund-raising is what keeps our non-profit co-op going. We use these funds to make significant improvements to the school. In the past we have used our fund-raising money to remodel the bathrooms, install the trough sink, remodel the art room, and install new vinyl and carpet in the music and playdough rooms. |
| Why do I have to take a TB test? What if I am pregnant and my O.B. told me not to? | Because young children are highly susceptible to contracting tuberculosis, a TB test (PPD) is required by the State Health Department for every adult in the school (parents and teachers). Pregnant and/or nursing mothers may be excused, but we request a doctor's confirming note in lieu of the test. Little Hands requires that this test be current within the past 12 months. |
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