FAQ

What makes your program unique?

Dual English / Spanish Curriculum: Our English / Spanish curriculum is designed around a global platform that recognizes that children have an incredible ability to absorb new concepts if presented in a logical, systematic way that they can easily understand.

Kindergarten Readiness Program: The Kindergarten Readiness Program focuses on children who turn five between September and January after the last date to enroll in the fall Kindergarten class. The program is designed as an individualized curriculum focusing on enrichment and advancement beyond the preschool curriculum.

Smaller Class Sizes: Our program is designed to accommodate fewer than the number of children approved for our facility. Our goal is to provide smaller class sizes, with higher teacher-to-child ratios in a stress-free environment fueled by warm, positive, language-rich interactions. We can provide individualized attention along with special activities and treats for each child which would not be feasible with higher enrollment numbers.

What are the benefits of applying STEAM to the Experience Early Learning Curriculum System?

The Experience Early Learning Curriculum is a scientifically researched and proven play-based curriculum that has been approved by the State of South Carolina. Our curriculum has age-appropriate learning and developmental objectives that guarantee your child will develop exceptional core academic skills and a mastery of cognitive and language developmental objectives, no matter what learning stage they are in.

In addition to language arts, our curriculum stresses STEAM. Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. STEAM is a way to take the benefits of STEM and complete the package by integrating these principals in and through the arts. STEAM takes STEM to the next levels and allows students to connect their learning in several critical areas. STEAM removes limitations and replaces them with wonder, critique, inquiry, and innovation.

What are the Spanish foundations, how are they taught and at what age do you begin teaching them?

We begin teaching Spanish in our 3-4 year old classroom. Recognizing that our toddlers are learning both English and Spanish simultaneously, we are careful to avoid confusion by placing the emphasis on connecting sounds with pictures. At this age, the English / Spanish curriculum covers letters, numbers, colors, shapes, animals, fruits and vegetables.

Our 4-5 year old classroom expands upon the initial principles of teaching children how to recognize the sounds of words, at this level children are also taught how to pronounce basic words in Spanish. The children are exposed to over 50 conversational language words (greetings, family members, commands, courtesies), etc., and basic simple word recognition. Our teachers will speak to the children in both English and Spanish throughout the day.

How will I know how well my child is progressing in the program?

We utilize Brightwheel, an online platform that allows us to share with our parents a real-time feed of activities throughout the day. You can watch your child's day unfold with snapshots delivered to your cell phone. You can stay in touch with your teacher and reinforce what your child has learned at school with additional activities at home.

In addition, Brightwheel also records your child's daily activities and learning goal, achievement plan, assessments, observations and overall progress. We host opportunities throughout the year to meet with our teachers either in person or via Zoom to discuss your child's progress and review your child's achievement portfolio. We feel that communication with our parents is vital!

What is the Kindergarten Readiness Program?

Our Kindergarten Readiness Program is for children who turn five before January 31st or by invitation only and is designed for children who have demonstrated proficiency in the standardized preschool curriculum and are ready for more advanced work. This course is taught by a licensed Early Education Teacher and is designed to emphasize building strong pre-reading skills, practicing letter formation, enhancing listening and communication skills, and acquiring an introduction to basic math and science concepts all while developing an active interest in the world.

How will your child be immersed in our enrichment program?

Tailored for 3-5 year olds, our specialized curriculum blends dynamic enrichment activities and accelerated lessons in a rotating format. Our aim is to cultivate logical reasoning, cultural literacy, leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, life skills and creative thinking. There is no additional cost for the enrichment classes which are taught in conjunction with the standard curriculum. Some of our favorites are Storytelling, Puppeteers, Dance and Baking, which all ages can enjoy.

What are your hours? How is a typical day structured?

Children are able to arrive as early as 7:00 a.m., all three to five-year old children must be present by 8:45 a.m. Formal instruction begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. Three to five-year old children are available to be picked up between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Infants, one and two-year olds can be dropped off and picked up at any time during the day.

Each day will consist of six dedicated learning modules (Reading, Writing, Science, Art, Math and Language Arts), outdoor playtime (weather permitting,) lunch and nap time and motor skills and dramatic arts playtime.

How can I be assured that my child will eat a healthy lunch and snack?

Children will bring lunch from home that has been prepared by their parents. This gives them a sense of familiarity and comfort and increases the likelihood that the children will eat their meal, while reducing the chance of any allergic reactions to unfamiliar foods.

The center will provide an age-appropriate morning and afternoon snack daily. The monthly snack menu will be posted in each classroom.

What safety and security procedures have been put into place to protect the children?

Your children's safety and security is our number one priority - and we've taken every step to make sure they're safe and secure while they spend their day with us.

Safety

All employees are certified by the American Red Cross in Adult and Pediatric CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use. In addition, our team members are familiar with the procedures required to handle a variety of medical emergencies.

Each classroom has a daily and weekly cleaning checklist outlining specific procedures required to prevent the spread of germs and to ensure that toys, equipment and furniture are sanitized regularly. We want to assure you that each room is disinfected nightly and is ready for a fresh start each day.

Security

We have a detailed emergency preparedness and emergency protocol process in place with an emphasis on saving lives and assuring all children are accounted for and are safe during an unforeseeable natural disaster. Our protocol assures response and rescue operations are in place in the event that an evacuation is necessary.

The facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art integrated security and fire system that is monitored 24/7. Cameras throughout the facility are monitored in the administrative offices during work hours.

All classrooms are equipped with a fire suppression system in addition to smoke detectors. The infant and toddler classrooms are designed with walls that have a 2-hour fire rating. Every classroom has exterior doors for emergency evacuations which leads to our secure fenced-in playground with designated areas for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

All staff are required to pass a comprehensive background investigation. Only staff, parents and their pre-authorized representatives will be allowed in our center unaccompanied.

All visitors must present a valid-state approved identification card and be accompanied at all times when in the center.

Do you welcome parent involvement? Can I stop by unannounced?

The answer to both of these is YES! At Gold Hill Preschool we are here for both the children and their families and would love to have parents and grandparents get to know us a little better while taking part in your child's education. Individuals who are pre-authorized to pick up your child are welcome to stop by at any time. We plan events throughout the year and we hope you will come and join us then as well.

What is your policy regarding sick children?

As a part of our morning check-in, teachers and children are required to have their temperatures taken. The teaching staff will observe each child daily as they enter the classroom for any signs of illness or contagious disease. Children who develop a contagious disease or fever over 101 degrees will be isolated in the wellness room and may not attend the program for a minimum of 24 hours and until they are fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication.

If a child becomes ill while at the center, a parent will be notified and will be required to pick up their child within one hour of notification. State licensing regulations prohibit the center from caring for even a mildly ill child.

How is tuition billed? What is the registration fee? What is included in the activity fee?

Tuition is charged by the month and is based on your child's age and classroom assignment. Parents will select whether they would like to pay the tuition on the first of the month, or in two installments, on the first and fifteenth of the month, bi-weekly, or by special arrangement.

Gold Hill Preschool has an annual registration fee of $125 which secures your child's place in the center. The fee also covers activity costs for special events and enrichment programs. 

Which elementary schools do Gold Hill Preschool graduates attend?