On-going Communication
At Spruce, we value open, on-going communication that aligns both school and home, and believe that partnering with families helps each child thrive. Here is what families can expect each year:
- Each child will have a “Primary” teacher, the first point of contact each day.
- Prior to the first day of school in September, your child’s Primary teacher will contact you to arrange a time to visit with you and your child at your home. These home visits are designed to increase the children’s comfort level with their new teachers and give them a sense of mastery as they show their precious possessions to their visitors. Home visits are a frequent topic of conversation between teacher and student for months afterward.
- Daily opportunities to check in with your child’s teachers at both drop-off and pick-up.
- Flexibility to connect with your child’s teachers to explore questions, concerns and progress in more depth. Teachers are open to arranging a meeting at any time throughout the year if you wish to have a conversation.
- We meet with families twice per year for Parent-Teacher Conferences.
- Prior to the conferences, families receive a narrative progress report outlining growth in the different areas of development.
- Weekly newsletters include updates from the Director and your child’s class, with photos that you can save throughout the year.
A Program That Supports Children and Families
Our program supports, not only the developmental needs of the children, but the flexibility needed by families across the day, week and year. At Spruce, we offer:
- An Early Arrival option from 7:30-8:30, which helps families who may have to get to work or an appointment early in the morning.
- Time for lunch during the Morning Program.
- Snacks, which are provided for our afternoon sessions.
- Built in rest/quiet time between 1:00-2:00.
- Afternoon Stay & Play, until 3:30, and Late Day offerings, until 5:30, for those needing additional care in the afternoons.
- The flexibility that all Extended Day options can be contracted (guaranteed spot) or scheduled on a drop-in basis, even at the last minute.
- On-site, outdoor, stroller parking for families who would like to leave their stroller at school during the day.
