Cascade Christian Schools | New Family FAQ's

What are your hours of operation?
Our early childhood center is open from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, year round (closed major holidays).

What is the difference between the Traditional Preschool and Childcare Preschool programs? What are the class sizes?

Traditional Preschool is offered for two to four days (depending on age) per week for approximately 2 ½ hours per session. Traditional Preschool follows the regular school year calendar. Our classrooms can have up to 15 students, one lead teacher and one assistant teacher.

Childcare Preschool is offered to serve working parents, five days per week for extended hours, year round. Our teacher to student ratio follows Washington State Department of Early Learning Licensing Requirements and takes into account classroom square footage. Toddlers: 2:12; Childcare Preschool 3’s: 2:15; Childcare 4’s and Pre-Kindergarten: 2:16.

**The same curriculum and lesson plan format is implemented in both programs.

For what ages do you offer Traditional Preschool?

Traditional Preschool 3’s -To start Preschool 3’s in the fall, children must be three years old by September 1. In addition, all preschool students must be completely potty trained.

Traditional Preschool 4’s - To start Preschool 4’s in the fall, children must be four years old by September 1.

Traditional Pre-Kindergarten - To start Pre-Kindergarten in the fall, children must be five years old by September 1. If space allows, children who will be five years old by December 31 may be considered for pre-kindergarten.

For what ages do you provide childcare?
Our early childhood center offers care for children ages 12 months (walking independently) through 5 years (pre-kindergarten).

What is a typical day like in Preschool?

Both programs offer daily opportunities for young children to experience teacher- led learning and child-directed exploration.

During circle time, some of the activities in which children may participate include: music, learning concepts exploration, show ‘n tell, Bible lessons, science experiments, calendar time, and theme related literature.

Large Motor skills will be developed during Power Gym, playground time, and Music and Movement (weekly).

Snack time will provide an opportunity to work on self-help skills.

Free-Choice time offers a chance for students to investigate and experience various theme-based learning areas: Science, Math and Manipulatives, Small Motor, Blocks and Building, Creative Art, Dramatic Play, Library and Language.

Childcare Preschool also provides a daily naptime.

Does the center provide snacks and meals?
Traditional Preschool families rotate the responsibility of providing a light and healthy snack for the class.
Childcare Preschool tuition includes: Morning and Afternoon Snack and lunch prepared on site, following USDA guidelines.

In which ways do teachers communicate with parents?
Parents will receive monthly newsletters and calendars from each teacher. Important information will also be posted on our website. Parents can expect regular notes home, phone calls, and face to face communication with our staff and administration. We have an open door policy at our center and parents are encouraged to spend time in our classrooms.

What training and education is required of your teaching staff?
Staff is required by the State to obtain 20 hours of training in Early Childhood Education. Each subsequent year, Cascade requires an additional 20 hours of approved training. Many of our teachers have Associates or Bachelor’s Degrees in Early Childhood or related fields. Cascade partners with Clover Park Technical College for on-site training and college credit courses for our employees. Our Early Learning staff is also certified in child/infant/adult CPR and First Aid.

Child Care Parent/Student Handbook

Preschool Parent/Student Handbook

Not finding the answer you where looking for?
Please give our campus a call @ 253-473-0590