FAQs

> What sets A KID’S LIFE apart from other preschools?

A KID’S LIFE is a warm and welcoming place for all families and children. We like to think of ourselves as one big AKL Family! Our teachers are truly dedicated to your child and provide individual care in a loving and caring way. We enjoy the learning process with your child and are here to listen and work alongside you through the journey of your child’s development. We provide a quality language arts program that all teachers (not a state requirement) participate in Placer County Office of Education’s (PCOE) on-going workshops and seminars to better our education and understand new ways of child development.

We invite you to visit social media on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to really get a feel of our fun family-oriented environment! We know you will enjoy the home-like feel when you visit our school and we are excited for you to join us. Together, we can all live a kid’s life!

> How can I learn more information or schedule a tour?

We invite you to select the Contact Us page and submit some We invite you to select the Contact Us page and submit some information about you and your family. We receive your inquiry right away and someone will contact you to answer any questions you may have or provide you with more information. Afterwards, we can schedule a tour of our school.

*Due to COVID-19, tours are conducted via Zoom or other video methods. We understand that touring our center in person is much preferred and we can work with you for an on-site visit to ensure A KID’S LIFE is right for you. In-person visits can be conducted after our normal business hours to eliminate any risk for exposure to our children, teachers, and families. In-person tours are conducted on a case by case basis.

We welcome all family members to attend the tour, including your little one. At the end of the day, we want your family to feel comfortable knowing they are in safe hands.

If you prefer to contact us directly, please call us at (916) 786 – 3660 and we are more than happy to answer any questions.

> How can I enroll?

Once a tour has been completed and you have decided to join our AKL Family, our Center Director will provide you with an Enrollment Packet. The packet includes forms that are required by state licensing as well as information about you and loved one. Once an Enrollment Packet has been completed, verified by the Center Director and Registration Fee paid; a start date will be established. If you have additional questions regarding enrollment, please contact our Center Director.

> What are your COVID-19 procedures?

Our policies and procedures are based on current recommendations as they become available by both Community Care Licensing and CDC. Our number one priority is the safety of our children, teachers, and families. A prescreening area is set for all who enter the school including, children, teachers, and families. For drop off and pick up, families are asked to avoid entering the school to help prevent any unnecessary exposure. Accommodations can be made on a case by case basis considering the child’s safety. More drop off, pick up and screening area questions can be addressed with our Center Director.

Our teachers are dedicated to maintaining a clean and sanitized area. We have modified our already thorough cleaning schedule to ensure our classrooms are cleaned frequently and efficiently throughout the day. We are working diligently to ensure we stay safe during these times. With your help we can avoid unnecessary exposure. For more information please contact us at info@akidslife.org

We want all children to feel comfortable at their home away from home. To help monitor each child’s progress, our teachers are always open for communication. In addition, we offer FREE daily activity photos connected via Procare Connect app. For help signing up, please ask your Center Director.

> What are your hours of operation?

A KID’S LIFE is a year-round program. Our regular preschool program runs from August through May, with summer camps available from June and July. A KID’S LIFE hours of operations are Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

> My child has not attended a preschool before, how can we ensure he or she will be successful in a classroom setting?

We like to think of A KID’S LIFE as a part of your family. Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of your child during their time with us. We ensure all children are given the right amount of opportunity to become comfortable with their teachers, classmates and inside their classroom. The classroom is their learning environment, their own creative space. We communicate at a level that each child can understand and feel comfortable to voice their opinions and/or concerns.

> What programs do you offer?

We offer care for children as young as 6 weeks to 8 years old. Our classrooms are separated by Infants, Toddlers, Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten, and School-Age. For more information about programs, please visit our Programs tab.

> What is a typical day like in your classroom?

Although each age group’s schedule may vary, A KID’S LIFE offers structured opportunities for learning in and outside of the classroom. We remain consistent with our daily routine of free play, snack time, circle time, outdoor play and much more. We guide our children through day-to-day activities and also provide opportunities for growth and development. For more information about your child’s typical day, please visit our individual Programs Page.

> What is your curriculum?

Our age appropriate curriculum is designed for your child to gain a firm foundation of letter sounds, shapes, colors, words and so much more! We provide a structured learning environment, but still allow our children to have their free play. We tailor our curriculum on 5 essential elements needed for your child’s growth. All classrooms incorporate activities that focus on each child’s social/emotional, language/communication, thinking/problem-solving, movement/physical development as well as outlets for creativity.

In addition, we are proud to be a Zoo-phonics school and incorporate many effective ways your child can learn and grow! See more about Zoo-phonics in the section, “What is Zoo-phonics?”

> What is Zoo-phonics?

Zoo-phonics is a method developed to help children become strong readers and spellers using a “phono” (hearing), “oral” (speaking), “visual” (seeing), “kinesthetic” (moving), and tactile (touching) – whole brain approach. The goal of zoo-phonics is to create a phonemic awareness of the alphabet through physical movement, sounds, music, spelling and reading. A KID’S LIFE incorporates a fun and effective approach for each child.

> How old do you have to be to enter the program?

A Kid’s Life serves children between the ages of 6 weeks old to 8 years old. Incoming students must have reached their birthday by September 1 to be eligible for that years’ classes. For example, two-year olds must have reached the age of three by September 1 before they can participate in the class for three to four-year olds. If they have not yet had their birthday, they will remain in the two-year old class for the semester. Four-year olds wishing to enter our Prep for Kindergarten class must have reached their birthday by December 31 and be able to attend kindergarten the following year according to California district standards.

> What are your teacher’s qualifications?

All teachers are trained, experienced, and educated at a college level or beyond on early childhood education and development. Our teachers are experienced with working with children of all ages. We maintain our level of education and development by conducting in-house trainings as well as attending on-going educational courses and workshops with Placer County of Education.

> Do you have an immunization policy?

Yes we do. We follow California state policy on this matter. Children should be immunized against: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, and Haemophilus influenza (HIB.)

> What if my child becomes ill?

If your child becomes ill at school, the classroom teacher will separate the child from the group and make him/her comfortable on a mat while we notify you to pick him/her up. Please keep your emergency contact numbers updated so that you may respond as quickly as possible to the needs of your child. Children may return to the program after being symptom and fever free for 24 hours.

> What if there is an emergency?

Accidents sometimes happen at preschool. Our staff members hold certification in CPR and First Aid. In the event of an emergency, they will administer those skills appropriately. We will notify you of any action taken and contact you as soon as possible. State law also requires us to complete an accident/illness report that will remain with your child’s records. All procedures will follow our Emergency Standards Policy.

> I won’t be available to pick-up my child today, so I’m arranging for someone else to pick him up. Do I need to send a note?

Children will be released to only parents, legal guardians, or people authorized to pick up on AKL pick up authorization form. If changes must be made, it must be completed in writing with the Center Director. If someone else is picking up your child, you must inform A KID’S LIFE in writing and in person. Send us a note detailing your plans, including the name of the person you are authorizing to pick-up your child and we can verify their name on pre-determined authorization form. Please inform all authorized guardians that we will check picture IDs to ensure they are authorized to pick-up your child. No one under the age of 18 may escort a child from A KID’S LIFE. We cannot accept telephone authorizations. We will not send a child home with someone we do not know. For more information about Child Pick Up authorizations, please see our Center Director.

> Can my child bring special toys into the classroom?

A KID'S LIFE provides all necessary materials for our program; your child does not need to bring in anything. Each child does have a cubby to keep personal belongings in; however, we do not recommend sending in special/expensive toys with your child—these have a tendency to get lost or broken. Although we try to monitor children’s belongings, our main concern is the safety and engagement of our students; we cannot guarantee the security of any child’s belongings and will not be held responsible for lost or damaged items.

> How do you communicate with parents?

There are many ways we communicate to our families. In person communication during drop-off or pick up, phone calls, email or via Procare Connect app. Our Procare Connect app is a fast and easy way to communicate directly to your teacher. We advise all families to contact the school directly for emergency purposes.

> How do you manage behavioral problems/distractions in the classroom?

We believe that by setting appropriate guidelines and limits, children can learn in a positive environment without being hindered by fear of punishment. Our goal is to give guidance and security so that your child can develop responsible self-control.

Our rules and limits are set to protect the basic rights of others and their personal belongings and creations. By modeling behavior, we hope to foster an attitude of respect for people, property, and self. No form of physical or unusual punishment is allowed at A KID’S LIFE. For more information about addressing behavioral problems please see our Center Director.

> What are the snack and lunch procedures?

A KID’S LIFE offers two snacks to each child every day. Currently, we do not offer lunches at our school. Families must provide a lunch for their child.

> Do you help with potty-training?

We are happy to help your child with potty-training. Once potty-training begins at home, please notify our teachers and we can assist your loved one at school to help maintain consistently. We do ask all diapers, wipes and an extra change of clothes must be provided by the family.