early education
How long is the school day?
Three year old children come two mornings per week (Tuesday and Thursday) from 8:15 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Starting in 2006-2007, four year old children will have the option of three mornings (M,W,F) or five mornings
(M-F) per week. All classes are 8:15 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
When does the school year start and end?
In general, preschoolers begin in mid to late August and end their school year in late May.
What about after school care and/or a lunch bunch?
Parents pick their children up at noon on school days. There is neither a lunch bunch nor afternoon program
provided for children in preschool.
I have to work. My child needs to be in a five-day-a-week program. How can I be sure that my child will be
able to get in at Calvary for Kindergarten?
Although we cannot make absolute guarantees, we are usually able to enroll most of the children in Kindergarten
for whom we have applications. If your child is not enrolled in our 4-year-preschool, we recommend that the Kindergarten
application be submitted by early December prior to the child starting Kindergarten the following August.
What is the dress code? Do children wear uniforms?
Children wear their own clothes to school - not uniforms. We ask that the clothing be appropriate for play and
classroom activities (which may include using paints). Shoes should be closed toe and heel for wear on the playground.
Children may wear shorts. We ask that children not wear halter tops or tank tops.
Are your teachers certified and/or licensed?
All of our lead teachers are either college graduates or have training in Early Childhood Development.
How many classes do you have in each age? How many teachers in each class?
We currently have one class of three year preschool children. Our maximum class size is 15 children with a teacher
and assistant in each class. We have three classes of four year preschool children. The four-year-old classes enroll
16 children with a teacher and assistant in each class
What curriculum do you use?
Our teachers have written their own age level curriculum, based on the Wee Learn curriculum published by the
Preschool Children’s Biblical Studies Division of the Southern Baptist Convention. Teachers integrate Bible stories
and thoughts into the daily themes. A typical school morning includes a Bible story time, large group time and small
group activities, a snack time, and (weather permitting) a play time outside.
Preschoolers learn best through play. Developmentally appropriate skills are taught though games, music, art,
dramatic play, literature and a variety of related experiences. Skills taught for the 3's include: number concepts
1-5, shapes (triangle, circle, square), name recognition, colors, recognizing seasons and four holidays. Four year
olds are involved in learning activities that help prepare them for kindergarten. They learn time and place orientation,
colors, days of the week, seasons, number and letter recognition, the meaning of position words (up, down, in, out, etc.),
music, art, role plays, etc. The instruction is a readiness-style program designed to prepare children for kindergarten.
What is your discipline plan?
Both 3's and 4's use a reward system that involves stickers for positive behavior. After the child accumulates a
designated number of stickers, he or she gets to select a prize from the goody jar.
How do I enroll my child?
Qualfied students may enroll at any time during the school year (provided that space is available).
Please contact the CBDS Admission Office at 336-714-5479.
You need to complete and application and return it to CBDS with you non-refundable $90 application fee.
In February or March (prior to school starting in August), someone from the school will contact you to bring your
child for screening. Three year olds are screened in groups of 3 to five children. Four year olds are screened
individually using the appropriate Brigance screening documents. Following the screening, the child’s application
will be presented to the CBDS Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee makes final decisions about enrollment.
In general, three year olds should be able to:
- meet the appropriate birth date guidelines
- meet normal growth and development guidelines
- have completed potty training
- successfully separate from their mother
- verbally communicate their needs to the teacher
- be age 3 by July 1 prior to start of school
In addition, four year olds should be showing:
- greater verbal skills
- appropriate self control for participation in group activities
- be independent in self-help skills (using the bathroom, putting on a coat, etc.)
- be age 4 by July 1 prior to the start of school
What about chapel?
The weekly chapel programs are for children in Kindergarten through 12th grade.
If I enroll my child now, will you guarantee a spot in Kindergarten?
Yes, provided you (the parent) and the teacher both agree that the child is ready for the next school grade or
level, we will assure you of a spot in next year's grade. You do not have to submit a new application each year,
although we DO ask that you complete the re-enrollment materials annually.
Is there financial assistance available for preschool families?
The school DOES have a need-based financial assistance program which is available for families with children
in early education through twelfth grade. We use an outside agency to process our financial aid applications.
You may apply online for this service at www.ffna1.com (CBDS Code #2105). A limited number
of paper packets will be available in the Headmasters office. You must apply annually and early for consideration.
Please check the CBDS Website.
The web site (cbdscougars.com) has regular information, current announcements,
etc. Please check it on a regular basis.
Last updated on October, 2005