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Choosing your child's preschool is a big decision and Early Horizons wants to make it as easy for you as possible. Below are some of our most commonly asked questions. Don't see the answer you need? Just shoot over an email to our Office Manager at stefaniealamo@earlyhorizons.com

  • Have all of your teachers been background checked?
    • ​Yes, according to state licensing requirements, every teacher is background checked and cleared before beginning work as a preschool teacher at Early Horizons (EH). 
  • What are the qualifications of  your teachers? First Aid and CPR Certified? Early Childhood Education units?Tenure at EH?
    • A fully qualified teacher at EH has a minimum of 12 ECE units, but many of EH's teachers have an Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in Child Development. Some substitute teachers are fully qualified, while others are not, but are working towards becoming fully qualified. Substitute teachers are never left alone with the children, not because they are not trustworthy, but because of state licensing requirements. 
    • All teachers are First Aid/CPR certified regardless of their number of ECE units. 
    • Our tenure varies at EH. We have many teachers who have been here more than 15 years, but we also have new teachers that are just starting out their career.
  • How do your teachers handle discipline?
    • At EH we aim to provide environments that are fully child centered, decreasing the number of encounters in which we need to use the word, "no". When a behavior occurs that does need attention, we start with redirection, an approach aimed at offering solutions. If a behavior is repetitive and needs extra attention, we do remove the child from the current environment causing them stress, and instead have them spend some one on one time with a teacher in order to discuss how to make good choices in a way that is developmentally appropriate. 
  • What do you do when one of your main teachers is our sick (during non-covid regulation times)?
    • We do ask our teachers to stay home if they are sick. When this happens we have a list of on-call substitute teachers available to jump right in.
  • Do all of your rooms have heating and air conditioning?
    • Yes, every classroom is equipped with central heating and portable air conditioners.
  • What’s the cleaning procedure of each classroom (during non-covid regulation times)?
    • Each day our teachers clean toys that have been mouthed on by the little ones. We also do a weekly cleaning of all the toys using a licensing mandated bleach solution. At the end of each week, we send all linen to be washed. If any illness were to occur, the toys and the linens are washed daily to help control the spread.
  • How many days in the year is your center closed?
  • What’s your overall center capacity (during non-covid regulation times)?
    • The max capacity at EH is 205 full time children. We may have more than 205 children if part time schedules are accommodated.
  • How do you handle children with allergies?
    • Upon starting at EH we ask all parents if their child has any known allergies. If yes, we have the parents fill out an allergy form which includes type of allergy, what happens if an allergic reaction occurs and a plan of action to mend the child during the reaction. This form is put up on the snack cupboard of our classroom and is attached with the child’s picture. Each teacher is briefed on the child and their allergy, which includes any substitute teachers that may work in the room. At mealtimes we do have an allergy table where children with allergies sit, to be sure no contact with any allergens occur. All children must thoroughly wash their hands before and after lunch.
  • What is your policy on parents coming into visit (during non-covid regulation times)?
    • We have an open door policy for every age group.  Many parents of infants come to nurse or bottle feed their baby throughout the day.  However, please note that as your child gets older it may become difficult for them to see you leave multiple times per day.
  • How do you handle transitions for new children starting (during non-covid regulation times)?
    • If a new family is able to accommodate a temporary transition schedule, we do recommend it. A transition schedule can vary based on the parents’ work schedule and/or the child’s needs. About a week before the child is set to start full time we ask that the parents visit the new classroom with the child for about an hour. Let them play. Let them interact with the other children and teachers, but reassure them you are right there and so excited for them. The next day, stay for about 20 minutes. Then say good-bye and that you will be back in an hour. Each day try to make the visit an hour or so longer. Fully adjusting to a new environment can be as short as a week or as long as a month. We know it can be heartbreaking to leave when your little one is crying for you, but know that it will soon get better once your child learns to trust their new caregivers. You may call throughout the time you are gone to check in on your child. Remember, your child can sense your feelings. Though you may be having a hard time with the transition too, try not to let it show in front of your child. The happier and more secure you feel, the happier and more secure your child will feel too.
  • What are the children learning at your center?
    • Your child will be fully prepared for Kindergarten when the time comes. At EH our children learn through interactions with their environment, their peers and their teachers. EH teachers facilitate activities including sensory, letter recognition, hands-on science and math concepts, intricate manipulatives, and both free art and directed art.  Your child will learn how to count, cut, sort, classify, trace, lace, measure, weigh, problem solve, tinker, scoop and pour.
  • What is your policy on vacation and sick days (during non-covid regulation times)?
    • EH does not give vacation or sick day credits as our tuition is divided into 12 equal months.
  • How often do the children get outside to play (during non-covid regulation times)?
    • At EH we love to get the children engaged in their outdoor environment as much as possible. Weather permitting, the children go out in the morning, before lunch and again after nap.
  • Are there any enrichment programs that I can have my child attend (during non-covid regulation times)?
    • Yes! EH works closely with Harmony Dance Center, a dance studio on site that holds classes for children 2 years and up. See more about them here…Enrichment Programs
    • EH also offers Soccer Shots. A weekly soccer program for children 2 years and up. See more about them here…Enrichment Programs
    • Mr. Clifford has been a vital part of EH for at least 15 years. Mr. Clifford comes biweekly to each classroom for a sing along and dance session as a part of EH’s music and movement program.
  • Does Early Horizons provide lunch for my child?
    • EH provides snacks for our classrooms (with the exception of Infants and Pretots), but parents must pack a lunch each day for their child.
  • What kind of snacks do you offer?
    • EH prides itself in offering all organic, fresh and nutritious options with whole grains and a full serving of fruit or vegetables at every mealtime. 
www.EarlyHorizons.com  1510 Lewiston Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94087  ​StefanieAlamo@earlyhorizons.com  408-930-3764