Show All Answers

1. How do I set up a tour?

You can set up a tour by calling the center directly at 617-739-7598. Tours are conducted in the mornings between 8:30 a.m. - 11 am.

2. What happens between the time of enrollment and the time we start the program?

There are usually several months between the time you register your child and the time you start. You will receive a letter at the beginning of July detailing all the information you will need to join our program.

We will have a special parent orientation at the end of August. This meeting will give you a chance to meet your child’s teacher, see the classrooms, and ask questions. If your child is a current student we highly recommend that you attend this meeting.

There are 2 transition days when child and parents can come into the classroom together. The first day of school is a half day and is considered part of the transitioning process.

3. My child has never been in a formal program before and I am not sure that 2 days is enough of a transition, what can we do?

You and your child are welcome to visit our program during the summer. The last 2 weeks of the summer program are good days to come and visit.

We will make every effort to help your child to feel comfortable in the program and to gain their trust. Please set up a time to meet with your child’s teachers to develop a transition plan if you think you would like extra time.

We are surrounded by a beautiful play park and splash pad so there are many informal opportunities to join us!

4. What if my child’s nap schedule is different from the schools? What will happen when he does not need a nap mid day?

Most children adapt very quickly to the school schedules and will soon be in a routine. The teachers are keenly aware that this can be a difficult time for some children and will offer your child the support they need.

The mornings are very busy and most children need some kind of rest. If your child does not require sleep mid day the classrooms have quiet activities going on that they can join. No child is forced to sleep or lay on a mat for long periods of time.

Toddler children usually adapt to the classroom schedule quickly and sleep after lunch. If they are sleepy during the morning period they would be allowed to rest on a cot.

5. What is a typical day like?

Children arrive daily between 8 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. This is an informal work time while we wait for all the children to arrive. By 9 a.m. the classrooms begin their morning meetings. This is an important time for children and teachers to talk and set the framework for the day. All the classrooms have a work period, snack, and a second circle. The children go outside for at least 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoons. In warmer weather many of the classroom activities are moved outside.

6. What kind of extracurricular activities does the center offer?

We offer many interesting supplements to our curriculum including the following:

• Baby sign language 12 weeks a year
• Daily art in our 3rd floor Atelier or studio
• Ice-skating for both preschool classrooms in January and February
• Swimming for PS 2 in the fall and spring
• Weekly yoga

In addition, we schedule interesting additions to our program based on the particular curriculum of the classrooms. Some of our activities include:

• Native American Educators
• New England Aquarium
• Story Tellers
• The Star Lab

The children use all the facilities surrounding the Soule Center such as the splash pad in the summer, large playing fields, and tennis courts. We have acres of land for exploration and nature discovery. We also go on several field trips during the year such as apple picking and to the Pilmoth Plantation.

7. Is there an additional cost for these activities?

No, there is no additional cost for families.

8. How are communications handled at school, and what if I have a concern?

If you have concerns about your child or the classroom, please talk to your classroom teachers. If you have a concern of a more sensitive nature you can contact the director at any time. It is very important to keep the lines of communication open.

9. What is the curriculum?

The center follows an Emergent Curriculum inspired by the schools in Reggio Emilia Italy. Our approach to early childhood education encourages explorations and questions that offer the child the opportunities to discover their world and community. The teachers explore and discover with the children while providing a framework for learning. We support learning, discovery, creativity, and the development of independence and problem solving. Our classrooms provide a joyful place to safely explore the questions and ideas that children have.

10. Will my child be ready for kindergarten in a more traditional environment?

Children learn in many different ways and are at different levels when they enter our program and leave for kindergarten. Our learning environment exposes children to the skills they will need for the entrance into traditional schooling. The Soule Early Childhood Center works closely with the Brookline Public Schools, the BEEP program, and the special needs staff to ensure that families have access to everything their child will need.

Our classrooms provide opportunities for language and literacy development, pre-math and science skills, the creative arts such as music, dance, and studio art.

The school provides several parent education evenings so families can see how learning unfolds in the classrooms.

11. How will I know what is happening in my child’s classroom and the school?

Every classroom sends home a “Daily Page”. This is a one page synopsis of some import events of the day. It includes pictures from the morning and often the previous afternoon. They are posed on the classroom parent communication board daily and left up for 1 week. The teachers put them in their classroom portfolio for viewing at anytime.

The director also sends out monthly letters and communications as needed. She attends the PTO meetings monthly and gives updates. A monthly school calendar is sent home with events posted and a coffee with the director event is held monthly.

12. Can I check in with my teacher during the day?

Absolutely! Each classroom has a phone and numbers are listed in the parent handbook. Please feel free to call or set up an appointment at any time. It is often difficult to have long conversations at the door when you are dropping off or picking up so please let the teacher know that you would like to talk and they will call you to set up a time.

Teachers have their daily schedule posted in the classrooms so you will know the basic routine of the day.

13. I know that I need to bring snack for the class once a month, how will I know what to bring?

Each classroom has a list of acceptable snacks and we will review this at the parent’s orientation. The children help to prepare the snack each day so we only ask that you drop off the ingredients such as crackers and cheese, oranges, etc.

14. My child is used to a hot lunch each day; will you heat up the lunch?

No, we are not equipped to heat food in the classrooms. You can send a thermos in the lunch box with warm food.

15. How can I get involved in the school?

We welcome parents in many ways at Soule, in the classrooms as volunteers and working with our PTO. We have a very supportive community and we would love to have you volunteer in ways that you feel comfortable. Please talk with the school director for ideas and possibilities.

16. I know that the center is only for Brookline residents, what happens if we move to another community?

Yes, we only accept Brookline residents for admission. If you move during the school year you will be allowed to complete the current year. You will not be able to enroll for the next year. Proof of residency is required with yearly enrollment.