Frequently Asked Questions
What age range do you accept at your preschool?
We accept children 2.5 to 5 years old. We have two classes: Our mixed age pre-school for 2.5 to 4 year olds (tadpoles), and our pre-kindergarten class for 4 to 5 year olds (frogs).
What is the curriculum like at your preschool?
Please read an in-depth description of our curriculum here.
What does it mean to be a nonprofit preschool?
At Pixie Hill, our number one priority is the well-being and development of the children. Every decision we make comes back to that focus. We prioritize hiring highly qualified teachers because we believe it’s in the best interest of our students. We value their skills and dedication, which is why we ensure they are compensated fairly. Our school operates with a volunteer parent-run board, which helps us keep costs down while maintaining our vision. When we have a successful fundraising year or high enrollment, all proceeds are reinvested directly back into the school, ensuring that every dollar benefits our students. There is no owner profiting—everything we do is for the children.
Do you offer full-time or part-time enrollment options?
We currently offer a four hour morning program from 930–130. For families on Mercer Island, this allows you enough time to get older kids to elementary school prior to dropping off at Pixie Hill. If you are looking for a longer care option, there is an afternoon preschool program at Northwood Elementary. We have students enrolled in both programs and the bus picks up Pixie students to safely drive them across the street.
We allow our students to be enrolled in multiple preschools at the same time.
We are currently exploring the option to add an afternoon nature focused program. If this is of interest to you, please let us know.
What are your operating hours?
Our doors open shortly before 930 and we allow the children and parents/care givers to stay and play after pick-up until 2pm. This is a great way for families to socialize, get to know each other, build community, or set up playdates.
Do you provide meals or snacks for the children?
We have children provide their own nut-free lunch. Families take turns through out the year providing a nutritious and balanced snack. We are happy to work with you and your child if you have special needs regarding allergies.
What is your approach to outdoor play and learning?
Pixie Hill highly values time spent outdoors and learning through play! We play outside rain or shine for at least 60 minutes everyday. The only exception to this goal is severe weather. When weather allows we shift activities outdoors . We also have a a seasonal curriculum that focuses on the seasons using our large trees and raised garden bed as prompts. We believe in the importance of outdoor exploration for children's physical, cognitive, and emotional development, and provide ample opportunities for outdoor play, nature scavenger hunts, gardening activities, and plant/bug identification.
How do you handle potty training for preschool-aged children?
We work closely with families to support children in their potty training journey, providing guidance, encouragement, and consistent routines to promote success. Our experienced teachers are trained to assist children at various stages of potty training readiness.
What is the teacher-to-student ratio in your classrooms?
Our classrooms maintain a low teacher-to-student ratio to ensure personalized attention and support for each child. This varies from year to year, but most recently our average ratio was 6:1. We cap enrollment for our Tadpoles at 6:1 and Frogs at 8:1.
Can parents visit or observe classes?
Yes, parents are welcome to visit and observe our classes by appointment. We believe in fostering open communication and collaboration between parents and teachers to support children's learning and development. We also want to ensure the parent observation is not disruptive to the classroom.
What safety measures do you have in place at your preschool?
The following safety measures are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that our preschool remains a safe and secure environment for all children, staff, and visitors.
Secure Facility: Our facility is equipped with multiple locked gates and monitored access points to prevent unauthorized entry.
Emergency Procedures: We have established emergency procedures and protocols, including fire drills, earthquake drills, and evacuation plans, which are practiced to ensure preparedness in any situation.
Staff Training: Our staff members undergo thorough training in CPR, first aid, and child safety protocols. They are also trained to recognize and respond to signs of potential hazards or emergencies.
Health and Hygiene Practices: We maintain strict hygiene practices, including regular handwashing routines, sanitation of toys and equipment, and adherence to health guidelines to prevent the spread of illnesses.
Safety Equipment: We have safety equipment such as first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and emergency supplies readily available on-site.
Supervision: Our teachers and staff provide constant supervision and vigilant monitoring of children during all activities to ensure their safety and well-being.
Parent Communication: We maintain open communication with parents regarding safety protocols, emergency procedures, and any relevant updates or concerns.
Collaboration with Authorities: We collaborate with local authorities, emergency services, and relevant agencies to continuously assess and improve our safety measures based on best practices and recommendations.
How do you handle discipline and behavior management?
At our preschool, we believe in positive behavior management strategies that promote a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for all children. Our approach to discipline is guided by the following principles:
Positive Reinforcement: We emphasize recognizing and rewarding positive behavior. This encourages children to repeat good behavior and helps build their self-esteem. We use verbal praise, to acknowledge when children follow rules or show kindness to others.
Clear Expectations: We set clear, age-appropriate expectations and rules that are consistently communicated to the children. Visual aids, such as charts and posters, are used to remind children of these guidelines., as well as verbal reinfore
Redirection: When a child exhibits undesirable behavior, we use redirection techniques to guide them towards more appropriate actions. This helps them learn to make better choices without feeling punished.
Calm Down Corner: We have a dedicated calm down corner in our classroom where children can go to take a break if they are feeling overwhelmed or upset. This space is equipped with soft items, calming toys, and books that help children relax and regain their composure. It allows children the opportunity to learn how to manage their emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
Emotional Support: Understanding that young children are still developing their emotional regulation skills, we offer emotional support and teach them ways to express their feelings constructively. Techniques such as:
deep breathing
using words to express emotions
taking breaks in a quiet area are encouraged
Collaboration with Parents: We believe in working closely with parents to ensure consistency between home and school. Regular communication with parents about their child's behavior and progress helps create a unified approach to behavior management.
Modeling Behavior: Teachers and staff serve as role models, demonstrating positive behavior and social interactions. Children learn a lot by observing adults, so we strive to exemplify the behaviors we wish to see in our students.
Our goal is to create a positive learning environment where children feel valued, respected, and motivated to make good choices. By focusing on positive reinforcement and providing a supportive atmosphere, we help children develop the social and emotional skills they need to succeed both in school and beyond.
Do you offer any extracurricular activities or enrichment programs?
Yes! We offer an enrichment program with a focus on our STEAM curriculum.
What is your tuition fee structure?
Our fee structure is explained in detail on the registration page. We bill monthly tuition, have a one time activity fee in the fall.