Do you close for vacations or school training days?

The only days we close are the six national holidays of New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Most other preschools are closed for: winter vacation, spring vacation, teacher workshops, teacher conferences, President's day, MLK day, teacher appreciation day, etc.

What about snow day schedules?

Our school rarely closes due to snow. We work hard to stay open. In case of inclement weather, please visit www.king5.com for school closure information.

Are meals included in the tuition?

Yes. As a convenience for parents, we serve a cold cereal breakfast before 8:30 am and lunch plus three snacks are provided for full-day students. Part-time students receive lunch plus one snack. We serve nutritious food that children love.

What are your student/teacher ratios?

Our teacher to child ratio for one year olds is 1 to 6; for toddlers the ratio is 1 to 7; for preschool children the ratio is 1 to 10; for kindergarten the ratio is 1 to 15; for before & after school the ratio is 1 to 15. We can provide excellent care by having superior teachers, quality supplies, a first-rate facility, and professional support and supervision.

What about staff turnover?

Our school's most important asset is the teachers who work with your children. Our wages, benefits, and work environment are at the top of the childcare industry. We treat our teachers as professionals, and our turnover is low.

What do the families like most about our Kirkland Children's School facility?

Our large campus has been built for children and their families. Both classrooms and playground areas have been thoughtfully designed for kids of all ages. There are big play toys for climbing and sliding and covered sandboxes that give children many choices on where to play and explore.

Our classrooms have a very open feel with appropriately sized furniture for each age group. Our sinks and bathrooms are built just for kids to make your child feel comfortable and capable in their school surroundings. Many parents comment on how clean and well-organized our classrooms are.

Parents also like our location with easy access to I-405 and Hwy 520; they can easily travel between school, work, and home.

What age children can be enrolled at Kirkland Children's School?

Children one year and older can attend full or part-time through kindergarten. Students enrolled in our kindergarten can continue in our before & after school program through age 10.

Which elementary schools do the children in your before and after school programs attend?

Lakeview Elementary and Peter Kirk Elementary.

What do parents with children in public elementary schools say they like best about your before & after school care for K-5 students?

Parents like the convenience of provided transportation to and from local public elementary schools. Kirkland Children's School is open even on days that the public schools are closed.

Do you include a curriculum in your toddler or preschool programs?

Yes. Beginning in our toddler classes, children receive age-appropriate instruction. See our program section for a description of our curriculum.

What is your discipline policy?

Our teachers guide the classroom interactions so that each child learns the value of cooperation and gains skills for solving conflicts in a positive manner. We use our best professional judgment when implementing supervision and correction. We stress positive reinforcement and redirection. Negative and/or disruptive behavior that persists will be discussed with the parents, and a joint plan of action will be taken. Corporal punishment is not used.

Do I need an appointment to visit my child at the school?

No. Our school observes an open door policy. Parents are welcome to observe the school and their child whenever they wish.

How do I prepare my child for the first day of school?

Try to visit with your child before their first day. Point out activities, toys or games that you as a parent know your child will find especially appealing. If possible have your child introduced to the teacher. In advance of your child's first day, tell your child you will be leaving and that their teacher will take care of them while your are away. Let your child know that you are looking forward to hearing about what they did and the fun they had while they were at school.

How do you recommend a parent leave their child at school?

Children do best with a predictable routine. Bring your child into the classroom and say hello to the teacher. The teacher will give you and your child a friendly greeting. If you have time it can be helpful to help your child get settled in to an activity. Say goodbye and perhaps some special words of encouragement, wave and maybe blow a kiss and then go. Once you say goodbye do leave right away. Parting is usually made more difficult for the child if the parent leaves and then returns. If your child cries as you leave allow the teacher to provide comfort. When you get to your destination you can always call and find out how your child is doing.

Do you have a kindergarten on site?

Yes. Our kindergarten has all the conveniences of our location as well as experienced teachers, a low teacher to student ratio, and a certified innovative curriculum.