What is the difference between a four year old class and the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) class?

Four year old classes are for children who turn four on or before August 31 of that preschool year, and the TK class is designed for children who turn five on or before August 31. Children in the TK class could be enrolled in kindergarten according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s cut-off date, but parents choose to allow them to have an extra year of preschool. The TK class is a little more academic than the four year old classes because these children are older and have already completed a fours program. When they graduate from the TK class, they go to kindergarten and not into a first grade class.

Is parental participation permitted?

Our Open Door Policy always welcomes parents, but please remember that your child needs to adjust to preschool and a new class in order to become independent. If needed, you may observe in the classroom at a time that will not be disruptive to the children. There will be opportunities throughout the year where parents are invited to participate in classroom activities. We have a very active Preschool Parent Association (PPA) that does fundraisers and sponsors teacher appreciation events. Every classroom has one or two PPA representatives which gives parents additional opportunities to be more involved in the classroom.

Our emphasis is on children's overall development, self regulation, problem solving, social competence and cognitive skills. Early childhood specialists have found that the knowledge obtained through play is phenomenal. Each classroom day consists of both play and instructional time. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, "Child initiated, teacher supported play that incorporates math and language skills is an essential component of what is developmentally appropriate for preschoolers." Our priority is also their spiritual development through classroom experiences, chapel, and music. Upon graduating from Salem, our students are very well prepared for kindergarten. Many area elementary schools, both public and private, tell us they are excited when they get students from Salem Baptist Preschool because they know these children are ready for kindergarten.

What are your teacher requirements?

Our first requirement is for our staff to be mature Christians who follow the Lord in leading your children. Our three, four, and five year old lead teachers are required to have a four year college degree or the equivalent. Many of our leads have degrees in education. Even though our teacher assistants are not required to have college degrees, many of them do. All staff receive background checks on a regular basis.

What are your student-teacher ratios?

Our student to teacher ratio is as follows: Toddlers: 8:2 Two year olds: 10:2 Three year olds: 12:2 Four and five year olds: 14:2

Preschool begins at 9:15 AM and ends at 12:15 PM. We do not offer an early drop off or late pick up program.

How Does Enrollment Work

Our registration is held for the upcoming school year at the beginning of January. We have several different registrations, including in-house church members, in-house non-church members, church members who are new to the preschool, siblings of in-house students, alumni, and public. Public registration is done by lottery, so one person's chances of getting in are just as good as another's. Once your child is enrolled in our preschool, he/she is guaranteed a spot until graduating from one of our fours classes. After public registration, all openings are filled on a first come/first serve basis.

FAQs - Salem Preschool

What is the difference between a four year old class and the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) class?
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Is parental participation permitted?
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What do you teach?
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What are your teacher requirements?
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What are your student-teacher ratios?
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FAQs

What is the difference between a four year old class and the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) class?

Is parental participation permitted?

What do you teach?

What are your teacher requirements?

What are your student-teacher ratios?

What are your hours?

How Does Enrollment Work

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