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FAQs
Here are the answers to many questions frequently asked by prospective parents:.
1. What is the age cut-off at GFNS?
While Connecticut recently changed its Kindergarten age cutoff to September 1, GFNS continues to admit children to each age level based on a December 31 cutoff. (For example, children must be 2 years old by December 31 of the year they enter the Twos program.)
GFNS offers an outstanding Fives that forms an important bridge between the Fours and Kindergarten.
2. GFNS believes that early childhood learning happens best through play. What about academics? Will my child learn what they need to be optimally prepared for Kindergarten and beyond?
Pre-reading, pre-writing, and pre-math skills are all embedded in the playful lessons and activities at GFNS, from age one to five or six. Our teachers skillfully and intentionally plan every school day to facilitate the growth and development of each learning domain in each student. Through social, self-help and science-skill development, our students are provided with rich and playful learning experiences which help them grow into confident and competent Kindergarten and Elementary-ready five or six year olds.
3. What about security? How safe is your school?
GFNS’ comprehensive security measures and procedures were developed through consultation with the Westport Police Department as well as private security organizations. Safety is our number one priority and we have every measure in place to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for your child.
4. How do you handle discipline? Do you give time-outs?
A big part of what we value and what we are here for is to help children learn to get along – to share, to use their words, and to treat one another with kindness and respect. GFNS teachers use redirection to help peacefully navigate and resolve conflict between children. Once a situation is diffused, teachers turn the conflict into a learning opportunity for the children and class, no time-outs needed.
5. Do you provide snack?
Each child and family has his or her own unique dietary preferences and needs. Many of our students have food allergies. We therefore ask families to send in a (nut-free) snack from home each day. This ensures everyone’s needs are met, and snack time remains a fun and educational time for all.
6. Do you take field trips?
Field trips are an exciting and important part of our Fours and Fives curricula! On their way to and from the farm, post office, fire station or store, children learn about bus safety, and develop a comfort and confidence that eases the transition to Kindergarten. Fives students engage in ongoing Field Work, studying a local habitat from season to season, documenting the changes they observe through writing and illustrations in their treasured field journals.
7. What about parent-teacher communication? How will I know how my child is doing?
We consider ourselves partners with parents, and we take that partnership very seriously. From exchanges at drop-off and pick-up, to emails, weekly newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, and more, we want to share as much as possible, and work together to ensure the best possible preschool experience for your child! Our app-based program, ChildPilot, helps us keep in close and consistent communication with families.
8. How involved can parents be? Are we welcome in the classroom?
Parents can be as involved in our classroom and school community as they would like to! Each classroom provides ample opportunities for parents to take part in their child’s learning experiences. From mystery readers to room parent assignments to class party volunteers, parents play an important role at GFNS. School-wide parent coffees, nights out, and numerous family events throughout the year provide fun to all while helping to develop strong parent connections. GFNS is an extended family, and we cherish and value all of our members.
9. Why does school end early on Fridays?
At Green’s Farms Nursery School we pride ourselves on being the best we can be. This means staying up-to-date with the most current practices in Early Childhood Education, encouraging our staff to continue to learn, grow and develop their educational expertise. Professional Development takes time. Planning takes time. And problem solving as a team takes time. We close early on Fridays to allow consistent, ample, weekly time for our staff to do the work we need to do to be the best we can be, for our students and their families.