Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions 2024-25 School Year
EARLY CHILDHOOD (Preschool)
What preschool classes do you offer?
We offer School Day Preschool (8:30am-4:00pm) and Half Day Preschool (9:00am - 1:00pm). Families enrolled in School Day can sign up for before care (7:00 am-8:30 am) and/or after care (4:00pm-6:00pm).
Do you offer any classes that parents can attend with their child?
Yes, our Parent Child is a class where a caregiver and child (2-3 years old) will interact and explore together one day a week. Classes are designed to give caregivers and children a chance to interact with each other and their peers in a relaxed environment. Exploratory art, dramatic play, small and large motor, and discovery activities are provided in a free choice setting along with outdoor play opportunities.
What are your tuition rates for 2024-25 Preschool?
Our current 2024-25 rates are as follows:
- School Day Preschool- $63/day
- Before Care- $8.00/day
- After Care- $10/day
- Half Day Preschool- $42/day
- Parent/Child - $24/day
Is there a minimum number of days I have to sign up for?
- School Day- We allow families to select the days that work best for their schedule with a 2 day minimum (this also applies to before and after care)
- Half Day- We allow families to select either Monday/Wednesday/Friday, Tuesday/Thursday or Monday through Friday
What is a mixed-age class?
Our Half Day and School Day preschool classes are mixed-age, meaning a mix of children ages 3 through 5 years old.
Why mixed-age classes? What are the benefits?
One of the main goals in all of our preschool classes is to prepare children for kindergarten. Our teachers are skilled in differentiating instruction and scaffolding children’s learning to help them progress to the next level. Teachers meet children where they are developmentally, focusing on children’s strengths. When teachers plan activities they individualize for each child, supporting early, middle and later development.
There are many benefits to mixed- age classes including:
- Continuity of care- Children have the opportunity to remain with the same teaching team throughout their preschool experience. This helps to build strong relationships between children and teachers, as well as children and their peers. Ultimately building a strong classroom community.
- Builds leadership and self-esteem- Younger children maximize their intellectual potential and gain confidence as well as enhance their behavioral and language skills. Older children build empathy skills by gaining opportunities for leadership and “mentoring” younger children.
- Encourages cooperation- Having a classroom of children at different ages minimizes competitive pressure, fostering a cooperative environment where children work together and can relate to one another in different ways.
What will my preschoolers' day look like?
Sample Daily Routine
8:30- Arrival
8:30-8:45- Arrival/Sign-In
8:45-9:00- Message Board TIme
9:00-9:30- Breakfast
9:30-9:45- Large Group Time
9:45-10:30- Outside Time
10:30-10:50- Small Group Time
10:50-11:00- Planning Time
11:00-11:50- Work Time
11:50-12:00- Recall Time
12:00-12:30- Lunch
12-30-1:00- Rest Time Prep
1:00-2:30- Rest Time
2:30-3:00- Snack
3:00-3:15- Read Aloud Time
3:15-4:00- Outside Time/Departure
*Varies by classroom (Half Day is a condensed version of this routine)
What curriculum do you use?
Our preschool classrooms implement HighScope, a research-based curriculum that emphasizes active participation to promote children's development and learning, The five basic principles of HighScope include active learning, positive adult-child interactions, a child friendly learning environment, a consistent daily routine and team-based assessment.
We use a holistic approach to social-emotional learning through Second Step, an evidence-based curriculum that fosters student's emotional intelligence, empathy and problem solving skills.
Our Early Childhood Specialist supports each of our preschool classrooms to implement curriculum with fidelity. Coaching support includes observation-feedback, modeling, goal setting and ongoing professional learning opportunities.
What sets us apart?
- High-quality Early Childhood Educators
- Curriculum driven by elements of HighScope and the Reggio Emilia Approach
- Collaboration with Kindergarten and emphasis on school readiness
- Holistic approach to social-emotional learning including support from School Psychologist utilizing Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- Strength-based coaching and individualized professional development for teaching staff facilitated by Early Childhood Specialist
What is Studio?
The Studio is facilitated by a Studio teacher who works with children in small groups on extended projects that provide opportunities for children to express themselves, problem solve and work in collaboration with their peers.
What locations are these classes held?
Old Village School (OVS) located in downtown Northville, Ridge Wood Elementary and Thornton Creek Elementary.
How old does my child have to be to enroll?
Children must be 3 years old by September 1st (12/01 with waiver) of the school year to enroll for School Day and Half Day Preschool. To enroll in Parent Child, children must be 2 or 3 years old by September 1st of the school year. Children must be 3 years old by the start of the summer program.
Does my child have to be toilet trained to attend?
All children must be self-sufficient in all aspects of toileting. “Pull-ups” are not allowed, including at nap/rest time. Children must be self-sufficient in all toileting hygiene matters, including wiping. We understand children may have an occasional accident.
Are meals included?
A breakfast and an afternoon snack are included for our School Day programs. Lunches can be brought from home or purchased through school. Parents are asked to send in a morning snack and lunch in the Half Day programs.
*Breakfast and lunch were free in the 2023-24 School Year for School Day and Half Day classes. We will provide more information regarding this in the fall.
Who can attend the Northville Public Schools preschool program?
The placement of children in the Early Childhood and Extended Day programs occurs in the following order:
- Families that are currently enrolled in our program
- Age-eligible children living within the NPS district
- Children with a waiver and children living out of district
Do you offer a summer program?
Preschool Summer Camp is offered at Old Village School. The program operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Parents will register for the School Day portion (8:30-4) and then have the option to add on Before Care (7-8:30) and/or After Care (4-6). The program ends about two weeks prior to the start of the new school year to provide time for staff training, classroom cleaning and building maintenance.
EXTENDED DAY (School Age)
What school age programs do you offer?
We offer Kids’ Club (before and after care) at all six of the NPS elementary schools.
What are your rates for 2024-25 Kids’ Club (school age before and after care)?
Mornings: 7:00 - 8:50 a.m. FEE: $ 12 per morning
Afternoons: 3:45 - 6:00 p.m. FEE: $16 per afternoon (includes snack)
Is there a minimum number of days that I have to sign up for?
There is a 2 session/week minimum required.
Do you offer a summer program?
Summer Kids' Club will be offered at Ridge Wood Elementary. The program operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Parents will register for the School Day portion (8:30-4) and then have the option to add on Before Care (7-8:30) and/or After Care (4-6). The program ends about two weeks prior to the start of the new school year to provide time for staff training, classroom cleaning and building maintenance.