Lambrick Park Preschool & Childcare

Questions & Answers

IMG_6884Q: What is VICPA?
A:
Our preschool is a member of VICPA (Vancouver Island Cooperative Preschool Association), along with 15 other preschools on Vancouver Island. VICPA, which stands for Vancouver Island Cooperative Preschool Association, provides our preschool with affordable insurance, support and training for our ECEs, organization of the Making Tomorrow Conference, and an equipment sharing library.

Q: Are there different options for parent participation?
A:
YES! Families can choose between full and limited participation. Full participation families complete approximately one duty day per month, attend monthly meetings, help out with fundraising, and have a ‘job’ at the preschool. Limited participation families also attend a monthly meeting, help out with fundraising, and have a ‘job’, but are not required to complete a monthly duty day.

Q: How many limited participation spaces are available?
A:
All of the afternoon preschool spaces are limited participation. In the morning classes, a maximum of 40 percent of the class can be limited participation.

Q: Is it possible to opt out of fundraising?
A:
YES! Families can choose to pay an amount set by the membership (currently $200) at the beginning of the year to opt out of fundraising responsibilities. Please note, for those families who do choose this option, they are still welcome and encouraged to attend our fun community-building events!

Q: What is a preschool ‘job’?
A:
Our parents run the business of the preschool, which requires each family to contribute in some way. In recognition of the diversity of families and circumstances, however, the preschool jobs range from executive positions to jobs requiring very minimal time commitments.

Q: Is there a maternity leave from duty days?
A:
YES! New moms often take three months off from duty days.

Q: We have a nanny (or grandparent) but still want our child to benefit from the philosophy and structure of parent-participation education; how can we accomplish this?
A:
We are open to having nannies (or grandparents) act in the role of ‘parent’ and attend the duty days. Not only can your child still benefit from our amazing programs, but your nanny too will benefit from monthly educational sessions and our other educational resources. Your family will still be part of our community, assisting with specific jobs, helping out with fundraising, and taking part in other fun activities.
 

Q: What play activities are available for my child?
A:
We provide a huge array of activities for the children including the science table, cutting and pasting, table toys, dramatic play, music, play dough and clay, water play and sandbox, painting, block building, group time, outdoor play with extensive equipment, and much more.

Q: What about the bathroom?
A:
We understand that children have accidents and the ECE will assist your child and you with this area. Each child’s development is different and their privacy is respected. Just discuss your child’s individual needs at registration and again in September.

Q: What should my child wear to school?
A:
Our program includes exploring a variety of art mediums, including lots of paint and glitter. Wearing play clothes to preschool is a must. We go outside in the playground everyday and it is important that your child has suitable outdoor clothing for the weather.

Q: My child has food allergies; can he/she still attend this preschool?
A:
We are a school that supports children with allergies. Children do not share snacks and we ensure that children wash their hands when they are entering the preschool and before/after snack time. Please ensure to tell the preschool when you register about your child’s allergies.


Learning Through Play