High-quality Preschool Programming for 3 - 5 year olds.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Resources for Parents


Does the program make accommodations for children who are allergic to certain foods or need to follow special diets?

Yes. Parents are required to complete a Request for Special Dietary Needs Accommodations form and/or Fluid Milk Substitution Request form. Please request forms from your child's teacher. Completed forms should be returned to the teacher, and reviewed by nutrition staff, then appropriate substitutions and accommodations are made, as needed.

What if my child or family member has a nutrition concern such as: underweight, overweight, picky-eating or more?

BHK staff provide research based nutrition support and strategies that are specific to each child's developmental stage and family need. Teachers and Health/Nutrition Staff will monitor health and nutrition assessments and provide ongoing feedback to parents. At any time, parents are encouraged to discuss nutrition concerns with their child's teacher. BHK Nutrition Coordinator and Contracted Dietician are able to provide additional nutrition support when requested.

Does my child have to be toilet-trained to attend preschool?

No. Children do not need to be toilet-trained to attend preschool at BHK. The age in which a child is trained varies for all children and as such, BHK staff are willing to assist parents in the process.

Children learn by example and it is amazing how children can get excited about using the toilet when they see other children interested in using the bathroom. Sometimes, having your child see what his/her new friends are doing is a more relaxing way for him/her to gain this important skill.

Try sending your child dressed in pants with elastic waists that are easy to pull up and down. Make sure to pack two changes of clothes and a waterproof bag.

How many hours does my child spend in class each week?

Most BHK preschool classrooms operate 7 hours a day (8:30 am- 3:30 pm), 4 days a week (Monday through Thursday).

Infant-toddler classrooms operate 7.5 hours a day, typically 8:30 am- 4:00 pm.

How can I tell when my child is well enough to go to school and when they should just stay at home?

Never send a child to school who has a fever, is nauseated or vomiting. Children with mouth sores with drooling, unexplained rashes with fever or behavior changes, or communicable diseases should see a physician. Children that don't seem to be acting 'themselves', lose their appetite, are clingy or lethargic, or complain of pain, should stay at home.

Before sending your child to school ask yourself, "Can my child still participate comfortably in all activities, including outdoor play?"

Please notify the BHK classroom if your child is out due to illness.

How do I know if my child would qualify for free infant-toddler care or preschool?

BHK operates a federally funded Early Head Start program for children under the age of three and Head Start for children 3-5 years old. If your family meets the eligibility guidelines below, your child can attend at no cost.

Eligibility Criteria:

Family Size & Income

Head Start may provide services to families: (1) with a family income at or below the Federal poverty guidelines; (2) who are receiving certain forms of public assistance; (3) who are applying on behalf of a foster child; (4) who are currently homeless.

The current 2022 poverty guidelines for Head Start are:

1 person- $13,590
2 persons- $18,310
3 persons- $23,030
4 persons- $27,750
5 persons- $32,470
6 persons- $37,190
7 persons- $41,910
8 persons- $46,630

For families with more than 8 persons, add $4,720 for each additional person.

Automatic Eligibility

If any of the following circumstances apply, you may be automatically income eligible for Head Start programs.

• If your family is currently receiving TANF benefits

• If your family is currently receiving Supplemental Security Income

• If you are providing a child with foster care

• If your family is currently homeless (living in shelter, motel, car, or living with another family due to economic hardship)

• If your child is cared for by family (kinship care or guardianship)

Special Circumstances

If you would like to be considered for Head Start even though you may not otherwise qualify, please call us and describe the special challenges and circumstances of your family.

2022 Income Eligibility Guidelines for state-funded preschool for four-year-olds - Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) are:

1 person- $33,975
2 persons- $45,775
3 persons- $57,575
4 persons- $69,375
5 persons- $81,175
6 persons- $92,975
7 persons- $104,775
8 persons- $116,575

For families with more than 8 persons, add $11,800 for each additional person.
Families with household incomes less than the annual amounts listed above qualify as income eligible for GSRP and may participate at no cost.

How do I know if my child is developing normally?

Every child is different, and so is every parent's experience. Children reach developmental milestones at different ages. A developmental screening can determine whether your child is within the typical range. Contact your child's physician for a screening/evaluation.

Children enrolled in BHK programs receive ongoing developmental assessments, with the results shared with parents.

To find milestones organized by period of development and to learn new ways of supporting your child's growth and development visit:

www.healthychildren.org
www.zerotothree.org
www.cdc.gov/ncbdd/actearly/milestones

My child's dad and I have shared custody in which our child lives with her dad and then me for 2 weeks. Can she attend BHK?

Yes. BHK staff works closely with families in providing a consistent routine for children. Both parents and staff can provide each other with unique insight and different perspectives about your child, offering a more complete understanding of her abilities, strengths, and challenges. A home-school connection and ongoing communication is strongly encouraged.

In addition, BHK provides family support services to assist with unique family dynamics and circumstances.

Can my preschool student attend the Great Explorations (GE) program?

The Great Explorations programs are intended to meet the needs of school-age children. Students must be attending Kindergarten in order to attend the GE school year and summer program.

Do I need to income-qualify for the Great Explorations program?

No. Great Explorations programming is open to all students enrolled in the host school. The 21st CCLC grant funded sites, however, are required to give priority to those that meet a variety of risk factors, such as low-income households. In select cases, cost of attendance may vary based on student lunch status.

Is there a waiting list for Great Explorations sites?

Great Explorations program enrollment varies by time of year and site. Registrations are accepted on a continual basis. Families are encouraged to submit paperwork before the school year or summer session begins. Occasionally sites reach their capacity. Site coordinators communicate with families when a waiting list has begun and when spots become available.

 

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