Preschool FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What days and times is preschool in session?
Our session times are 9-11:30 am (morning session) or 12:30-3 pm (afternoon session) every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday.
Preschool starts in September on the day after Labor Day and concludes in May before Memorial Day.
We follow the Greencastle-Antrim School District calendar for MOST holidays, and all dates will be included in your monthly calendar.
What is your tuition fee?
Tuition is $175.00 per month and is due on or before the 1st day of each month. You can pay online or with a cash/check payment.
If your child is actively enrolled in Guiding Hands Preschool, you are expected to pay the tuition monthly regardless of attendance.
How old does my child need to be to attend preschool?
Eligible children must turn 4 before September 1. Children may qualify who turn 4 between September 1 and November 1.
If your child is too young to attend preschool this school year, please join our mailing list! We will be in touch when they are eligible to attend.
What will my child do at preschool?
We have so many instructional opportunities built into the school day, but there will also be TONS of FUN! We also take great care to create a loving Christian atmosphere where the children will learn all they need to know about appropriate social skills in the classroom.
Guiding Hands has a well-rounded curriculum that focuses on all areas of child development while preparing your preschoolers for Kindergarten.
- Our daily schedule includes:
- Gross motor activities through music and movement in the gym area
- Math and literacy activities in small groups
- Multiple learning centers to support the development of fine motor skills
- Traditional circle time – with story time and calendar
- Many opportunities for social-emotional development
- We also take several field trips in the Fall (i.e. Fire Station and Tayamentasachta) and Spring (i.e. Primary School, Police Station & Jerome King Playground). You will always have advance notice of field trips and they will be listed on your monthly calendar.
Do you provide transportation?
No. Transportation to and from preschool is the responsibility of the family.
Does my child need to be potty-trained? Can they wear a pull up to school?
Students must be completely potty-trained and independent. This means no pull-ups. We can help with buttons, zippers, etc. We are not a daycare and cannot help with any changing or wiping related to your child’s potty needs. We cannot make exceptions to this policy.
Does my child need to bring a snack?
Yes, but not every day.
Guiding Hands will assign snack providers each month on a rotating basis (alphabetically by first name). Each student can expect to bring snack about once every 5 weeks. The snack provider is also Star of the Day. They really look forward to this day!
We ask students to bring a small water bottle each day. They will be used for snack and throughout the school day when students need a drink.
Do you have a vaccine policy?
Students are expected to have all age-appropriate shots before they begin classes.
How will you communicate with our family?
Monthly calendars and handouts will be used to keep parents informed. Also, using the REMIND text program is mandatory for each family. These are quick and useful reminders for parents or anyone who helps with your child daily.
How do I communicate with you?
The preschool cell phone is the best way to reach us (via phone call or text) – 717-494-8787.
You can also send messages via the REMIND app.
What happens when there is winter weather?
When winter weather arrives, there will be days when we need to close down or change our hours. Announcements will be sent via the REMIND text app. In the case of #2 or #3 below, I will often make an announcement the night before but no later than 7:30 AM.
- If GASD decides to have an early dismissal, we typically cancel the afternoon session for the safety of our families and staff. Occasionally, we will make an independent decision based on the timing of the winter event and our school hours.
- If there is significant snow accumulation or icy conditions, we will close for the day.
- If weather conditions are expected to improve during the early morning hours, we will operate on a modified schedule. Morning session will meet from 10-12 and afternoon session will meet from 1-3.
When we decide to open preschool during wintery conditions, some families might decide not to come and that is okay with us! Travel safety as well as your family schedule takes precedence on days like this.
Can I volunteer at preschool?
Yes! We need volunteers for field trips and special activities. We want you to feel welcome at your child’s school, but for the safety of all of our students, we require all volunteers to obtain appropriate clearances and complete a Mandated Reporter of Child Abuse training. We follow similar guidelines as the Greencastle-Antrim School District.