Frequently Asked Questions What is your covid policy? Please click on our clickable page to read all about our policies.
Can I enroll my child in the Jericho STEM Academy at any time? Yes. Enrollment is ongoing as long as space is available.
What are the Admission Procedures? Parents are offered a tour with an overview of policies and procedures and our curriculum. You will get to meet our staff. You can ask the director and assistant director any questions you may have. If you would like to join our school family you will get a packet to fill out which includes a medical form to be filled out by your physician.
What is your policy regarding diapers? Learning to use the bathroom is a developmental milestone and happens at all ages Our teachers will work with you through the training A child is never made to feel uncomfortable with needing assistance regardless of which stage they are in.
Will My child be prepared for Kindergarten? Graduates of Jericho STEM Academy move on to a variety of public and private schools. We receive very positive feedback from both parents and teachers that our graduates excel when starting primary school, and are at a significant advantage academically, socially and developmentally due to our STEM program. Many of our students go on to pass rigorous entrance assessments into prestigious private schools in the area.
What happens if my child cries at drop off? Often children have trouble transitioning from home to school. Occasionally a parent will be asked to join the class for the first few minutes until the child is feeling more confident. Our teachers are well trained to tell when a child is feeling stressed and needs the support of a familiar adult. Our teachers will work with you to ease your child’s anxiety about starting school. Our Toddlers have a slow separation. The parents come to school with their child the first few days.
What are your student:teacher ratios? As per OCFS regulations we maintain a 5:1 ratio with 10 children to 2 teachers in our 2’s program, a 7:1 ratio in our 3’s program with 2 teachers. In our pre- K program we have an 8:1 student teacher ratio with 2 teachers in a class. Floaters are always available to help. . My child has severe food allergies. Each child’s allergies are clearly posted in each room and teachers, subs and floaters review all student information in advance of the start of school. Safe, healthy snacks are provided to students. We are a nut free zone.
What are your security measures? All doors to our school are kept locked. We have a doorbell with a camera. Everyone has to speak to someone in the office in order to be admitted into the building.
What if someone else comes to pick up my child? The names of at least two individuals who normally pick up your child must be on file. If anyone else will be picking up your child, it is imperative that you notify the office in writing, or by phone. To comply with safety regulations, the school will not release a child to anyone who is not authorized to pick up additionally, the authorized person picking must have photo identification and be over the age of 18 years of age.
Do you perform background checks on your employees? We are licensed by New York State Education Department as well as The Office of Children and Family Services. As a result, all employees in the building have had extensive background checks in order to be in our building and working with our students.
Is staff trained in First Aid and CPR? Everyone who works at our school is trained in CPR and first aid.
How do we communicate with parents? Teachers and Administrators are always available to speak with parents about any concern, and a parent may request a meeting with their child’s teachers at any time. Dropping off or picking up can be a busy time for staff. We encourage you to make an appointment so that undivided attention may be given to you. Teachers will communicate and post photos regularly about student's progress and milestones being reached on Brightwheel, our communication portal. Each year in the spring and fall, teachers evaluate their students’ progress through assessments which accompany parent-teacher conferences. You can also communicate with the director via Brightwheel at any time.
During the warmer months, are the classrooms air conditioned? Yes! Our school has a maintenance staff that regulates the temperature everyday.
Is camp staff the same staff as the preschool staff? Many of our teachers and assistants work over the summer. We do have some staff who return for summers .