Piedmont Recreation Department Preschool Childcare Programs:
First Step 2011-2012 Frequently Asked Questions
How old must my child be to attend First Step?
- Children eligible for First Step are between 18 months – 2.5 years old. If applicable, the family will meet the Head Teacher for an evaluation to determine eligibility.
Where is First Step Located?
- First Step is located at the Lower Level of the Community Hall, 711 Highland Avenue, in Piedmont.
What are the Dates and Times of First Step?
- First Step meets on Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday. Each session meets from 9:00am until 12:00pm.
What is the duration of the First Step Program?
- First Step is a one year program that runs from mid June to May of the following calendar year.
What is the class ratio?
- In each class there are 8 children to 2 teachers; a 4:1 ratio. Within each class, we prefer to balance the number of boys and girls in attendance.
How much does First Step cost?
- Tuition is broken down into five payments: Session I, II, III, IV, & V. Depending on number of classes per quarter, tuition varies slightly. There is also a marginal difference between resident and non-resident rates. A typical 8 week session of First Step is $344.00 for residents and $374.00 for non-residents.
When can I register my child for First Step for the 2011-2012 school year?
Pre-Registration
- You must submit a completed registration form with your $250 non-refundable deposit (Incomplete or unsigned registration forms will not be processed). Selections for preschool are done in a “lottery” style format.
- Piedmont resident pre-Registration deadline will be Friday, March 11, 2011, 5:00pm. Proof of residency is required at the time of registration. Use of grandparents or other Piedmont residences is not permitted.
- Non resident pre-Registration deadline will be held on March 25, 2011, 5:00pm.
- You will be notified by mail or email on the outcome of the lottery, usually within 7-10 days following the lottery cut-off date.
Registration/Enrollment throughout the 2011/2012 School Year:
- A child may be enrolled, from the waitlist, throughout the 2011/2012 school year. Tuition rates for students enrolled during the course of the school year will be determined by the child’s first day of attendance.
Is there a deposit to enroll my child in First Step?
- There is a one time non-refundable deposit of $250 that is required at the time of pre-Registration. If your child is enrolled into First Step, your $250 deposit will be deducted from your first session tuition. If your child is placed on the waiting list, your deposit will be refunded.
Should my child be Potty Trained?
- Children who attend First Step do not have to be potty trained as we provide diapering on site.
Can I register for more than one program, including First Step?
- You may register for multiple programs although we will only be able to enroll your child in one of these programs and one class session only (i.e. either First Step or Tiddlywinks and either MWF or T/Th, not both). Due to the transition process for children in this age group, we request that First Step enrollment be for the 2011/2012 School Year, and not for partial sessions (i.e. Summer Only).
Erin Rivera, Supervisor (510) 420-3072 | erivera@ci.piedmont.ca.us
