FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
“What is the teacher to child ratio?”
We maintain a 1:6 teacher to child ratio throughout the day. We find that keeping our ratios low allows the teachers to provide individual support and attention to each child in the classroom.
“Does my child need to be potty-trained prior to starting at Utopia?”
Yes. Our facility is not equipped for changing diapers or Pull-ups, unless your child has an identified medical condition that prevents them from using the bathroom independently. Children should be potty trained, or close to potty trained, by the time they start at Utopia. Please check in with your child’s teacher if you have concerns about your child’s ability to use the restroom independently.
“Does my child need to bring a lunch to school or is lunch provided?”
Each family should pack a lunch with healthy options to keep your child energized throughout the day. Utopia provides breakfast for children that request breakfast (until 9:00 am), a morning snack and an afternoon snack. We take food allergies seriously and ensure that we are serving snacks that are safe and healthy for all of the children in our care. We encourage families to send lunch items in easy-to-open, disposable containers.
“What does “play-based” mean?”
Utopia is a play-based, child-centered, emergent program. The teachers follow the children’s interest as much as possible and provide a variety of materials and activities that support authentic exploration and investigation. We have a variety of interest areas for the children to explore, including: Writing, Art, Dramatic Play, Quiet Reading, Science, Sensory, Blocks, Manipulatives, and Outside. Play-based curriculum supports the development of social skills, independence, problem-solving skills, motor development, self-regulation skills, cooperative play skills and academic readiness. We integrate learning and academics through play and find that the children at Utopia are excited to participate in our daily activities!
“When will I find out if my child has been accepted? Do certain families have priority?”
The first round of acceptance letters are sent in January. After January, enrollments are processed on a rolling basis. Priority is given to St. Thomas More School and Utopia siblings as well as returning students.
"How is Utopia Preschool addressing the health and safety of children, staff and families in regards to COVID-19?"
Utopia Preschool has many COVID-19 protocols in place to support the health and safety of our children and staff. We update our plans and procedures as appropriate and will keep parents informed about any modifications. Please contact the Administrative team with specific questions regarding COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
We maintain a 1:6 teacher to child ratio throughout the day. We find that keeping our ratios low allows the teachers to provide individual support and attention to each child in the classroom.
“Does my child need to be potty-trained prior to starting at Utopia?”
Yes. Our facility is not equipped for changing diapers or Pull-ups, unless your child has an identified medical condition that prevents them from using the bathroom independently. Children should be potty trained, or close to potty trained, by the time they start at Utopia. Please check in with your child’s teacher if you have concerns about your child’s ability to use the restroom independently.
“Does my child need to bring a lunch to school or is lunch provided?”
Each family should pack a lunch with healthy options to keep your child energized throughout the day. Utopia provides breakfast for children that request breakfast (until 9:00 am), a morning snack and an afternoon snack. We take food allergies seriously and ensure that we are serving snacks that are safe and healthy for all of the children in our care. We encourage families to send lunch items in easy-to-open, disposable containers.
“What does “play-based” mean?”
Utopia is a play-based, child-centered, emergent program. The teachers follow the children’s interest as much as possible and provide a variety of materials and activities that support authentic exploration and investigation. We have a variety of interest areas for the children to explore, including: Writing, Art, Dramatic Play, Quiet Reading, Science, Sensory, Blocks, Manipulatives, and Outside. Play-based curriculum supports the development of social skills, independence, problem-solving skills, motor development, self-regulation skills, cooperative play skills and academic readiness. We integrate learning and academics through play and find that the children at Utopia are excited to participate in our daily activities!
“When will I find out if my child has been accepted? Do certain families have priority?”
The first round of acceptance letters are sent in January. After January, enrollments are processed on a rolling basis. Priority is given to St. Thomas More School and Utopia siblings as well as returning students.
"How is Utopia Preschool addressing the health and safety of children, staff and families in regards to COVID-19?"
Utopia Preschool has many COVID-19 protocols in place to support the health and safety of our children and staff. We update our plans and procedures as appropriate and will keep parents informed about any modifications. Please contact the Administrative team with specific questions regarding COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
