Questions to ask

[Ceinwen]

We're having a 'parent/teacher' meeting Tuesday night for any questions the parents may have, and for a bit of an orientation.

I already know I'm going to be the annoying parent that everyone rolls their eyes at with all my questions.

Here are the topics I've come up with so far:

• background checks
• assistive personnel
• snack time (when, what, how much)
• lunch (same)
• rest/nap time (how long, alternatives, special blanket?)
• outside play time (how long, supervision, organized/free time)
• policies on violence, discipline, etc.
• early drop off times
• requesting to see student & teacher policy manuals
• securtiy measures (restricted pick up at days end)
• older children interacting with younger children (supervision)
• bathroom routines (again supervision, assistance, etc)

I was just wondering if there was anything obvious that I missed, or anything that you would want to ask? I'm sure once I'm there and I'm listening to the little intro talks that it will trigger some more questions.

Just want to cover all my bases. We're a bit nervous.

[ltr]

We had a new parent orientation a couple of weeks ago before ds started school. Many of your questions that you have listed were covered during the presenation. Ask away! This is your precious child! They would rather have informed parents that ones who do not have a clue!
Our meeting also discussed birthday celebrations. Our school does the traditional Montessori ceremony instead of sugary snacks. There is a parent roster on the website (secured area) for party invitations to be sent outside of class.
Health policies. Reasons that children should be kept at home. I know this is common sense to some, but believe there will be some parents that will send a sick child in a minute.
Parent/teacher communication methods. Notes, e-mail, parent/teacher conferences, if so, how many and when?
Along those same lines, how do they let parents know what the children did at school for the week? Do they send newsletters to parents? What are the volunteer opportunites at the school? Our school does not have the parent volunteer hours and/or monetary requirements.

I am sure there are more questions or things to find out, but these are the ones I thought of. Good luck!

[flyingspaghettimama]

Here are some I posted from an earlier thread (my daughter doesn't attend M schools anymore, but this is from when she did

*Go to observe - are the children kind to one another? How do they resolve conflict? How do the teachers/directresses respond to the children? Are the children busy and happy and social, a buzzy energy - neither running crazy stabbing each other with the pink tower or morosely sitting around, being scared of the teacher?
*What types of training do the teachers have? AMI or AMS or mail order (bad!)? Are ALL teachers in possession of AMI/AMS certification?
*How do they "do" holidays (I prefer either nothing or all holidays, not just Christian/Catholic)?
*How do they deal with separation anxiety, particularly for younger ages?
*Ask if there is a particular type of child that does not do well at the school (this will let you know how picky they are about "what kind of kid is allowed"). I have visited schools (of different stripes - Montessori and other private schools) that did not accept children who were high-energy or social and seemed to select only quiet, solitary, well-behaved children. Montessori is for all children.
*How is parent participation encouraged at the school? Is there a parent committee?
*Is the school affilated with any Montessori organization?
*What types of extracurricular activities are available (art, drama, language)?
*Ask the teacher/directress about her philosophies regarding discipline and see if they are compatible with yours. For example, I'm not a huge fan of any school that uses time-outs or rewards as discipline strategy, calling itself Montessori or not.
*Diversity - does the school offer scholarships (economic diversity) or make efforts to include diverse kids (outreach). Do classrooms reflect the outreach?
*How's turnover of staff/teachers?

[mightymoo]

Are you trying to decide if you are going to send your child or already enrolled? Some of the questions are things you should ask before deciding on a school, kwim? (like background checks for example...)

Do they have a parent handbook? Our school has one and sent that out after we signed our contract and it covered everything mentioned above and more.

They went over most of it at orientation too.