2018 Holiday Tips Survey: The Results are IN!
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Here are the key findings from the 2018, 7th annual Park Slope Parents Holiday Tips Survey in which Brooklyn residents report their upcoming end of year gifts to service providers, nannies, and teachers.
- Urban living has its costs. Having a full-time nanny, dog walker, parking attendant and living in a doorman building with a super will cost you around $1900 extra if you tip the average amount as holiday gifts this holiday season.
- Show gratitude with more than just money. One in three (34%) are giving something more than cash (homemade cookies, treats, wine) to their service providers. As is human nature, appreciation and recognition feel wonderful so going beyond a monetary gift is always appreciated.
- More than 9 in 10 (93%) nannies receive a monetary bonus around the holidays. The standard holiday bonus is a week’s pay.
- Caveat: If your nanny hasn’t been working a year then you can give less (e.g., ½ week’s pay if they worked only 3 months) but do let the nanny know if you plan on giving more next year.
- ALSO: Don’t assume a week off without pay is something that your nanny will appreciate. If they are available to work - and you give them time off without pay - most would rather work for pay than miss out on money to support their family.
- Daycare and preschool teachers feel the gratitude. The most frequent monetary amount for head teachers is $50 and $25 for secondary teachers. Unlike K-12, parents typically give separately with two out of three (67%) giving an individual gift only.
- Power in (organized) numbers. About nine in ten (88%) parents with kids in K-12 students contribute to a class gift. The most frequently given amount to these teachers is $20 but 45% give more than that amount (most frequently $25 or $50).
- Thank the little people. A kind gesture to the folks that support your life (e.g., crossing guards, lunch staff, accountants, after school staff, tutors, and therapists) need to feel appreciated too!
DETAILED FINDINGS:
Personal Neighborhood Service Providers:
Home Related Providers | Average Tip/Gift | Mode* |
Superintendent | $122 | $100 |
House Cleaner | $109 | $100 |
Daytime Doorman | $106 | $100 |
Dog Walker | $100 | $100 |
Occasional Babysitter | $121 | $100 |
Nighttime Doorman | $80 | $50 |
Porter | $70 | $50 |
Hair Stylist | $60 | $50 |
Parking Attendant | $51 | $40 |
Package Delivery (non-USPS) | $28 | $20 |
USPS Mail Carrier | $25 | $20 |
New York Sanitation Department Garbage/Truck Recycling | $24 | $20 |
TOTAL | $896 | -- |
*most frequent amount
Daycare, Preschool, and K-12 Teachers*
- Almost everyone (88%) give as part of a class gift to their K-12 teachers. Some parents use websites and apps like Frumus, Venmo, Payit2 and Signup Genius to organize and pool donations.
Type of Teacher | Average Tip/Gift | Mode* |
Preschool/Daycare Head Teacher | $62 | $50 |
Preschool/Daycare Secondary Teacher | $51 | $50 |
K-12 Teacher* | $40 | $25 |
Special Services Teacher | $36 | $25 |
Afterschool Service Providers | $29 | $20 |
*most frequent amount
Is it against the DOE to give teachers’ gifts? NO. The Department of Education K-12 teachers can receive gifts. Department of Education policy states: “Teachers may accept class gifts as long as parents are not asked to contribute more than a small amount of money towards the gift and all parents are given an opportunity to sign the card, whether or not they contribute to the gift.” Gifting too much, however, could get your teacher in hot water so avoid that!
*Learn more about holiday gifts for teachers, including do’s and don’ts, in the Park Slope Parents’ website article,How to Thank Teachers at the Holidays & End of the Year.
Nannies
- Virtually everyone (98%) use the holidays as an opportunity to give a yearly bonus or gifts.
- 80% of employers give amounts incremental to a week’s pay. Of these, 84% give a week’s pay, 15% give two week’s pay, and 1% give three week’s pay.
- The average end-of-year bonus a nanny will receive is $765.
- Almost half (47%) of Brooklyn families with a nanny also give a non-monetary purchased gift as well as a bonus.
Nanny Situation | Average Amount 2018 | Average Amount 2017 | Average Amount 2016 |
Full time (over 40 hours/week) (54% of respondents) | $1083 | $1032 | $969 |
Part-time (16-40 hours) (21% of respondents) | $530 | $551 | $540 |
Part-time (up to 15 hours) (25% of respondents) | $198 | $215 | $284 |
OVERALL Average for Nanny | $765 | $762 | $760 |
Range $50 - $4000
METHODOLOGY:
408 responses were collected from November 16 - December 5th, 2018 via an online survey program (surveymonkey.com). The survey was distributed online through the Park Slope Parents website, their email groups and social media outlets, online blogs, and other online parenting/ neighborhood groups. The results are based on tips and gifts in Brooklyn only.
ABOUT PARK SLOPE PARENTS
- Park Slope Parents (PSP) is a community in Brooklyn, NY of more than 6,500 local families who offer each other support and community throughout the parenting experience.
- PSP online resources include a public website with member reviews and parenting advice, online forums including an Advice List (exchanging information about parenting and community issues), a Classifieds list (a local buy/sell/trade group for swapping kid gear and finding nannies), and a Career Networking Group which connects parents to jobs and professional resources. It also has over 75 subgroups including pregnancy and new parent, dads, working moms, bilingual, LGBTQ, industry-related career, cooking, gardening, allergy, vegetarian and more.
- PSP offers offline, in-person events including parenting workshops, clothing swaps, community fundraisers, and networking events.
- PSP partners with nonprofits such as the Brooklyn Family Justice Center, Little Essentials, Sheltering Arms, and Lantern Community Services to provide donations to those in need.
- PSP sponsors community events such as the Celebrate Brooklyn Concerts, Prospect Park Alliance events, and more
- Park Slope Parents is open to all parents in Brooklyn and requires an annual membership fee of $50 ($45 for renewals) to support ongoing services like this Holiday Tips Survey. Membership includes discounts to more than 500 curated local products and services.
- WE'RE EXPANDING! ALL arents who live in Brooklyn can apply for membership here: http://parkslopeparents.clubexpress.com/
Holiday Happenings 2018
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Here are all the great Holiday Happenings in Brooklyn and Beyond this season. Also check out our article about Where to See Christmas Lights (including Dyker Heights):.Have another holiday event to add? Email for review. Scroll to the bottom for Photos with Santa!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
All Saints Church Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 16th
10am
All Saints Church 7th Ave & Street
Santa at Greenwood Park
Saturday, December 15th
Greenwood Park, 555 7th Avenue
Free
1 – 5 pm
Brower Park Annual Tree Lighting
Sunday, December 16th
Brower Park (Prospect Place & Kingston Avenue
Free
4 - 7 pm
Help decorate Shirley Chisholm Circle with Friends of Brower Park. Music, refreshments, 77th Precinct Choir
Children's Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 16
11am
The Park Slope United Methodist Church, 6 Avenue & 8th St
The Children's Christmas Pageant an imaginative interpretation of the story of the birth of Jesus, as part of our worship service.
Free Community Skate with Santa
Tuesday, December 18, 3-6 pm
LeFrak Center at Lakeside, Prospect Park, 171 East Drive, Brooklyn, New York 11225 More Info + RSVP: www.prospectpark.org/nypskate
Skate for free with Santa + the first 100 attendees can pick up a voucher for a free hot chocolate! Skate admission is waived (skate rentals are $7 per person.) Hot chocolate vouchers are available for the first 100 attendees at the NewYork-Presbyterian table located on site. Parking available in the LeFrak parking lot
Santa at Greenwood Park
Saturday, December 22nd
Greenwood Park, 555 7th Avenue
Free
1 – 5:00pm
A Visit with Santa! Hosted by Suzi Shelton
Sunday, December 23rd
12 - 2pm
Jalopy Theatre, 315 Columbia Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Suggested donation is $5 per family and all the proceeds with go tot he Uncle Shlomo's Brooklyn Kids Scholarship Fund.
All Saints Church Christmas Eve Services
Monday, December 24th
4pm Christmas Eve Family Eucharist
9pm Holiday Concert featuring Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra
10pm Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist
All Saints Church 7th Ave & Street
Park Slope United Methodist Church Christmas Eve Family Service
Monday, December 24 at 4pm
The Park Slope United Methodist Church, 6 Avenue & 8th St
Christmas Eve Family Service, simplified and suitable for young children, from birth to 94, followed by a Christmas carol sing-a-long at the piano.
Park Slope United Methodist Church Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Monday, December 24 at 4pm: Monday, December 24
8pm
The Park Slope United Methodist Church, 6 Avenue & 8th St
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, with music and carols.
Ring in the New Year in Prospect Park! Join Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and Prospect Park Alliance to start off 2019 with a spectacular firework display and live music.
Photos with Santa
Photos with Santa at Items of Interest in Park Slope
Thursdays – Sundays November 29th – December 23rd
Macy’s Santaland at Herald Square
November 23 – December 24th
Reservations only now, and you get there and still wait, but the Santaland keeps folks occupied. It's still a great tradition.:
Santa Photos at Kings Plaza
Daily from November 8th – December 24th
Reserve your spot online:
Older Events:
Winterfest 2018
Saturday, December 1st
11am - 4pm
Brooklyn Friends School, 375 Pearl Street
Crafts and workshops suitable for all ages
Holiday Market at P.S. 118
Saturday, December 1st
11am - 5pm
Inside P.S. 118 at 211 8th St. and 4th Ave.
Kids’ crafts and activities, delectable treats, and unique holiday gifts from 50+ vendors. Family fun that supports local artists, businesses, and students!
SinterKlass- St. Nicolas Day
Saturday, December 1st
1 – 4pm
Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum (5816 Clarendon Road)
Santa Claus will ride in on horseback at 2:30pm and photos with Santa (for a fee)
Meet Santa on Flatbush Avenue (Ditmas Park)
Saturday, December 1st
11 – 2 PM
815 Flatbush Ave
Santa, Caribbean holiday music, goodie bags for kids (while supplies last), fresh cookies provided by McDonald's at 943 Flatbush, and fun! Hosted by Church Avenue Business Improvement District and Flatbush Avenue BID (SHOP LOCAL!)
Santa on 5th Ave in Park Slope
Saturday, December 1st
3 – 4:30pm
Prospect Bar & Grill
Santa will be visiting with a Christmas tree, reindeer, Mrs. Claus and Elf! Carolers along 5th and Dean from 3pm – 5pm as well.
Jingle Fest! Holiday Concert & Cookie Swap
Saturday, December 1, 3-5pm
3pm Concert, 4pm Cookie Swap
All Saints' Episcopal Church (286-88 7th Ave at 7th Street, Park Slope)
$15 ticket includes refreshments and Santa photo op! | Kids 2 & Under Free | Bring a batch of cookies to exchange and get one free ticket!
Tickets here: https://bkcm.org/events/holiday-concert-cookie-swap/
Kane Street Synagogue Chanukah Party
Sunday, December 2nd
10:30 am – 12 pm
236 Kane Street
$20/family (All are welcome!)
Featuring crafts, cookie decorating, games, and a live musical performance by Shira and Friends! Ages 1-5.
BIG BKLYN Hanukkah Fest
Sunday, December 2nd
2 -5pm
City Point
Celebrate the first night with City Point + The Forward. Dreidel making, puppets, dancing, music, photos with a mensch on a bench and, of course, and LATKES!
FREE and everyone is welcome!
PSJC Hanukkah Party
Sunday, December 2nd
3:00PM - 5:00PM
1320 8th Avenue (at 14th Street)
Fun for children of all ages!
Suggested donation $5/person or $20/family. Visit our website (https://www.psjc.org/event/hanukkah_party) to let us know you are coming or for more information on other upcoming programs!
Light up your Hanukkah at PSJC! Join us for crafts, donut decorating, latkes pajama contest, professional face painting, and more! Plus a donut eating contest, sing-a-long, and candle lighting for the first night.
Brooklyn Artic Adventure (and Virtual Santa)
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays November 24th through December 24th
12 – 9pm
CityPoint |
Virtual Reality Experience. Ages 6 and up.
First Night: Menorah Lighting in DUMBO
Monday, December 3rd
5 - 6pm (lighting at 5:15)
Pearl Street Triangle
Free treats, dreidels, and menorash for all.
Light Up the Holidays at MetroTech
Monday, December 4th
5pm
MetroTech Commons in Downtown Brooklyn.
Celebrate with Santa, live reindeer, and performances by Brooklyn Ballet + Brooklyn Music School.
DUMBO Holiday Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 6th
4 – 7pm (tree lighting at 6pm)
Pearl Street Triangle
https://dumbo.is/hosting/2018-dumbo-holiday-tree-lighting
CAMBA Holiday Tree Lighting and Sing Along
Thursday, December 6th
6- 8pm
This is a fun local event put together by the folks who oversee the women's shelter at the Armory. Hot chocolate, cookies, performances and more!
1402 8th Ave, Park Slope Armory, 8th Ave between 14th and 15th Streets
Thomas Greene Park Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, December 7th
4 – 6pm
Santa Clause and a big tree! What more could you want!
Gowanus at 3rd Avenue and Douglass Street.
Carroll Park Holiday Tree Lighting
December 7th, 2018
6 – 7pm
Friends of Carroll Park will sing songs and light the Christmas trees.
Louis Valentino, Jr. Ballfield
Photos with Santa Clause at the Old Stone House
Saturday, December 8th
10am – 12pm
The Old Stone House, 5th Ave between 3rd and 4th Streets
Join Park Slope Parents, the Old Stone House and the Park Slope 5th Avenue BID for our 4th annual photo session with Santa, in partnership with Park Slope Parents and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID. Photographer Marc Goldberg will make his professional photos available on his website for purchase, and you’re welcome to snap your own photo as well.
Klezmer Hanukkah Party
Saturday, December 8
3:30-5:30pm
BKCM Concert Hall (58 7th Ave at Lincoln Pl.)
Co-hosted by Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and Congregation Beth Elohim. Get into the Hanukkah spirit with our Community Klezmer Band featuring renowned Klezmer artists, as well as Klezmer song and dance leaders. Warm up with latkes, Hanukkah crafts, and more!
Tickets here: https://bkcm.org/events/klezmer-hanukkah-party-2/
5th Annual Fort Greene Park Holiday Tree Lighting (Changed from 12/2)
Sunday, December 9nd
4 - 5:30pm
NEW LOCATION! The lighting this year will take place at the northwest corner of Fort Greene Park, near the Myrtle Ave & St Edwards St entrance.
Free hot cocoa and cookies, live music meet Santa and MORE!
http://myrtleavenue.org/event/5th-annual-fort-greene-holiday-tree-lighting/
Chanukah Village in Park Slope
Sunday, December 9
3 PM – 4:30 PM
For one day only, 5th Avenue in Park Slope will be transformed into a magical Chanukah Village! Free but please RSVP here.
Borough Hall Christmas Tree Lighting
Wednesday, December 12th
5:30 – 6pm
In front of Borough Hall in the Plaza
Holiday refreshments and musical entertainment at the annual tree lighting at Borough Hall Plaza on Wednesday, December 12 from 5.30 to 6 PM.
http://www.brooklyn-usa.org/event/christmas-tree-lighting-2/
Santa on 5th Ave in Park Slope
Saturday, December 15th
Du Jour Bakery
Free
3 – 4:00pm
Santa will be visiting with a Christmas tree, reindeer, Mrs. Claus and Elf! Carolers along 5th and Dean from 3pm – 5pm as well.
Santa on 5th Ave in Park Slope
Saturday, December 15th
4:30 – 5:30pm
Pure Bistro
Free
Santa will be visiting with a Christmas tree, reindeer, Mrs. Claus and Elf! Carolers along 5th and Dean from 3pm – 5pm as well.
Christmas Caroling around Park Slope!
Saturday, December 15th
4:30 – 6:30pm
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!Meet and practice (and have a snack!) from 4:30-5 at All Saints Church undercroft (on 7th Ave near 7th St, at the sign for “Park Slope Center for Successful Aging.”) We’ll leave at 5 to carol up 7th St to 8th Ave, along 8th Ave to 8th St, down 8th St, and then back to the church around 5:45-6 to warm up with some hot chocolate.Please let us know if you plan to attend by RSVPing to Andrea Robinson at .">
. Hope to see you there!
The Intellectual Vitamin for Kids: Dual Language Preschool
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Sponsored by
Dual language learning in preschool helps builds executive function, empathy, cognitive flexibility, cultural connections, and fluency.
Executive Function
Executive Function is often stronger in bilingual children. When kids are learning two languages, they really have to focus on which language to speak in the moment. Saying "Goodbye" to Mom and then "Boker Tov" (Hebrew for “good morning”) to your teacher demands close attention! This kind of fluid interaction improves their ability to switch from one task to another. “Task-switching” is a core building block for developing strong executive functioning skills like paying attention, organizing and planning, focus, and self-monitoring.
Empathy
Young dual language learners have to follow social cues to figure out which language to use and in what setting. This helps build empathy and social engagement skills. In basic social-emotional skills testing, bilingual children as young as three often score higher than their monolingual peers.
Cognitive Flexibility
Children’s brains are like sponges! They are constantly creating connections among different symbols, words, and concepts. Because we know that learning and speaking more than one language makes the brain more flexible, dual language classrooms help to further expand children's mental skills. Specifically in areas like visual problem-solving, pattern recognition, abstract thinking, and logic.
Cultural Connections
Through dual language learning, preschoolers effortlessly develop an understanding of–and deep familiarity with–two cultures. This helps to strengthen their own identities, creates a sense of belonging, and inspires cultural curiosity.
Improved Fluency
Studies have shown that after the age of seven, children start to lose the natural ability to reproduce new sounds. This makes second language acquisition slower and more difficult. The ideal way for a child to learn additional languages is continuous, regular exposure, but this isn’t always possible. For this reason, introducing languages in the early childhood years of education is the best way to make the most of this innate ability.
Thanks to our article sponsor, The Early Childhood Center at Congregation Beth Elohim; a preschool that fosters growth, curiosity, and self-esteem.
Fall and Halloween Events -- 2018 Edition
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- Category: Newsflash
Here's a sampling of the local events happening around Brownstone Brooklyn. (Are we missing something? Email us at .)
Want to go apple or pumpkin picking? Check out PSP-member recommended destinations here
Looking for apple & pumpkin picking destinations that are public transportation friendly? Check out these PSP-member tips here
78th Precinct’s Halloween Haunted House
When: Thursday, October 26-Monday, October 30, 4pm to 9pm
Where: 65 6th Avenue, Park Slope/Prospect Heights
How Much: Free
What: The 78th Police Precinct’s chilling, third annual Halloween Haunted House here. This is a scary, things jump out at you kind of experience, not for the faint of heart or young of spirit (or me!).
Saturday October 27th, 2018
Where: Brooklyn Botanical Garden (has three entrances: 150 Eastern Parkway, 455 Flatbush Avenue, 990 Washington Avenue)
When: Saturday, October 27, 2018 12 –5:30 p.m.
How much: members and kids under 12 free, tickets $10-15
What: Enjoy spectacular shows and weird workshops, meet local authors and illustrators at the book barn, and join in on the day’s grand finale: Brooklyn’s wackiest costume parade, featuring colossal puppets, giant drums, and stilt dancers.
Halloween Haunted Walk & Fair @ Prospect Park --- CANCELLED
Brooklyn BOO! Prospect Park After Party at City Point.
Where: Citypoint, 445 Albee Square West, Downtown Brooklyn
When: Saturday, October 27,2018 2 – 5 pm
How much: free but registration is recommended
What: Costume contest, photo booth, pumpkin patch, Nail Art, Face painting and more!
Spooktacular
When: Sat Oct 27th, 11am - 2pm
Where: Audubon Center, Carousel, Lefferts Historic House, NethermeadPs 282, 180 6th Ave
Get your costumes on and join us at PS 282 for an afternoon of Halloween fun! A sizzling BBQ by one of our fabulous chef dads will entice visitors young and old with burgers, hotdogs and corn, a variety of spooky treats will be available at the cake stall and all children will love the carnival Halloween themed games in the gym, getting their faces painted and rocking out in our costume parade and dance party!
For older children looking for a fright, we are unveiling a frightening spooky room and for the little makers we have a place to chill-out and craft.
Great way to escape the cold, have fun for the whole family and get in the mood for Halloween while supporting our lovely school, can’t wait to see you there!
Beyond x Industry City: Kids' Halloween Parade
When: Saturday, October 27, 10am to 4pm
Where: Industry City, The Frying Pan Wheelhouse, Courtyard 5-6
How Much: Free
What: Beyond and Industry City's second annual Kids' Halloween Parade...
Kids’ Halloween Parade & Trick-or-Treat
When: Saturday, October 27, 11:30 am to 3pm
Where: Industry City
What: Not one but two parades at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Playhouse, arts and crafts, face painting and trick or treat at the food mall.
Sunday October 28th, 2018
18th Annual Fort Greene Park Halloween Festival
When: Saturday, October 27, 11:30 am to 3pm
Where: Fort Greene Park, Fort Greene (Central Lawn)
How much: Suggested $5 donation per day of event entrant.
What: The 17th Annual Fort Greene Park Halloween Festival. Rides, games, prizes, face-painting, crafts, live music, and more!
Pumpkins, Pirates, Pizza and Parades! The PSP Halloween Costume Contest and more!
Where: The Old Stone House & Washington Park
When: Sunday, October 28, 2018 12:00 p.m.–3:30:00 p.m.
How much: free to enter the halloween contest, pumpkins and pizza pay as you go.
What: Wear your Halloween costume, with prizes for best in show! Plus, paint pumpkins and make pizza in the Old Stone House outdoor oven. The day will end with a mini-parade around the park with band Paprika; great for little ones who can’t make the larger parade on the 31st whch starts at 6:30!
Sean Casey Animal Rescue's Howl-o-ween Block Party
When: Sunday, October 28th, 12pm-5pm
Where: 153 East 3rd Street, between Caton Ave & Ft Hamilton Pkwy, Windsor Terrace (the entire block!)
How Much: Free
The animal rescue's 11th Annual Howl-o-ween Bark Block Party presents games, crafts, DJ, live entertainment, raffles, animal welfare information booths and pet adoptions. Costume contest and howling contests for kids and dogs. Sign up begins at noon for contests.
Pierrepont Playground Halloween Parade
When: Sunday, October 28, 10am
Where: Pierrepont Playground, Pierrepont Place, Brooklyn Heights
What: An annual Halloween parade followed by a bake sale, crafts, and playground fun!
The 20th Annual Great PUPkin 2018
When: Sunday, October 28, 11:30am to 1pm
How Much: $10 registration fee per dogWhere: Fort Greene Park (at Washington Park), Fort Greene
What: Fort Greene Pups' 19th annual Great PUPkin—”Brooklyn’s largest and most outrageous dog costume contest." Watch cutie pattutie dogs compete for one of ten Great PUPkin rosettes with prizes donated by local businesses.
Park Slope Civic Council's Annual Children's Halloween Parade
When: October 31, 2018 at 6:30
Where: Parade Start 14th Street and 7th Avenue, ending at the Old Stone House at Washington Park on 5th Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets.
How Much: Free
What: Children of all ages, including the young-at-heart, are welcome to join in the largest children's Halloween parade in the United States. Please let the paraders pass and join at the back!
BAMBoo!
When: October 31, 2018 4pm - 7pm
Where: 30 Lafayette Ave between Ashland Pl and St. Felix St
How Much: Free
What: This is a Ft. Greene based Halloween block party. Family-friendly music and mischief kicks off at 4pm!
Rocky Horror Picture Show Live Karaoke Revue and Halloween Extravaganza presented by The Occasionalists
Where: The Bell House
When: Weneday, October 31, 2018 Doors at 7pm, Show at 8:00
How much: $12/$15 day of show - VIP tickets available.
What: A 21 and over benefit for The Center for Anti-Violence Education. Every year, on Halloween, The Occasionalists do a special Rocky Horror Picture Show live karaoke night in which they play two complete live karaoke sets of the movie soundtrack with singers from the audience doing all the lead vocals. In between the two sets, they have a costume contest with some great prizes and there is also a raffle in which one can win, among other things, two round-trip airfares. To make the show even more fun, we have NYC RHPS who are the longest running group of Rocky Horror shadow casters (the people who act out the movie in front of the movie) who perform with the clips. Last but not least, the show is a benefit show for The Center for Anti-Violence Education, a Park Slope-based organization that "develops and implements comprehensive violence prevention programs for underserved individuals and organizations. https://caeny.org. The band proudly donates all proceeds to CAE.VIP package includes open bar (beer, wine and well cocktails) from 7 -9pm and a gift bag.
Top 10 Questions to Ask on Your Preschool Tour
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Top 10 Questions to Ask on Your Preschool Tour
- What is the school’s educational philosophy? Preschools have many different educational philosophies and approaches. That’s why it’s vitally important for you to understand the philosophy and approach of each preschool you are considering and how that aligns with the personality of your child and family.
- How long has this school been in existence? How long has the director been here? Get a sense of the school’s history and how long they’ve been operating. A director with a long tenure may indicate a more stable educational environment and this is good information to have when comparing schools.
- How experienced are the teachers? Preschool teachers’ training requirements vary by state, but it’s important to know some details. Did the teachers study early childhood development? Do they have a college degree? How long have they been working with children? Not all staff need to have formal credentials, but the head teacher should be certified in early childhood education and hold a B.A. or M.A.
- How much play time do the children have? Depending on the preschool’s educational philosophy, your child could have abundant or limited play time. Decide what’s best for your child’s personality, growth, and development. Make sure you tour the entire facility including the play areas. Well-maintained classroom and play spaces show a commitment to the children’s entire experience.
- How much parental involvement do you expect or want? Parental fundraising and volunteering is often expected. Find out exactly what is required regarding parental support. If you want to get really involved, cooperative preschools require parents to volunteer in the classroom. If it’s not a co-op, ask if the school has an open-door policy so you can visit whenever you’d like.
- What is the school’s separation policy? Preschool might be the first time your child will experience an extended separation from you or a caregiver. Depending on the child, being dropped off for school in the morning can be overwhelming. Find out what the separation policy is so you know how involved you’ll need to be at the start and to determine what will work best for your child. You could be required to stick around for the first few days, or the school may take a more cold-turkey approach.
- What is the school’s approach to discipline? It’s important that the school’s disciplinary style works with your beliefs, and that you have an understanding of when and why you may be called in. At many preschools, learning how to play with others is core to the curriculum. Social emotional development is the backbone of any good preschool's work, so getting a full understanding of how the school provides this is key.
- What does a typical day look like? What in the world will your child be doing all day? This is an important question to ask and the answer will inspire additional questions you may have regarding the daily school experience like: How much time will your child spend outside? Will they be fed lunch/snacks or do you need to pack these? Will the children be leaving the school building often? What does rest/quiet-time look like?
- Will my child be safe here? This may be the most important question. What is the school’s protocol in case of accidents and emergencies? Where are the first aid kits and emergency defibrillators (or lack thereof)? Are the teachers certified in CPR and pediatric first aid? What is the policy regarding drop-off/pick-up and ensuring that the school knows exactly where your child is at all times? If your child has any allergies, now’s the time to ask about allergy protocol and experience.
- Does the school meet my family’s basic needs? Every family is different. You may look at a highly regarded school and decide that it is the wrong fit for your family. Can you afford it? Is the location convenient? Do the hours work with your schedule? Are you comfortable with the nutritional approach? What’s your gut feeling right after the tour? Picking a school is a deeply personal family decision–don’t base it on popularity or what your friends are doing.
Thanks to our article sponsor, The Early Childhood Center at Congregation Beth Elohim; a preschool that fosters growth, curiosity, and self-esteem.
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