Want to Know More?We know it's a BIG decision to make - which preschool is right for your child and your family? We think Hunters Woods Cooperative Preschool is a great choice! Our Reston preschool has been helping children learn through play since 1970 and we would love for your family to be part of our community.
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Ask Us Questions!To learn more about our school and all that being a member of a cooperative preschool entails, email us at [email protected] - or call 703-851-2338 to schedule a tour and see the preschool in action.
Private tours are offered when school is in session. During the summer we have pictures to share, and we're happy to take you to see the place where school will happen. |
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How is a cooperative preschool different from other preschools?
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In a cooperative preschool, families are an integral part of the school’s daily functions. At HWPS, family members serve as teaching assistants in their child’s classroom, and they volunteer on the Executive Board or on committees that support school operations throughout the year.
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What are the benefits of a cooperative preschool?
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"They say it takes a village to raise one child, no one understands this saying better than a parent. Hunters Woods Preschool is this village! Visit the school and judge for yourself!" |
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How old does my child have to be to get started?
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Your child’s age is based on their age as of September 30 of the enrollment year. HWPS has programs for students who have reached their second birthday. Scroll up for details.
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Do children have to be potty trained?
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It would be nice if your child was potty trained before school starts. There is a little wiggle room when it comes to age and potty training. Kids develop at different rates and eventually they will all get older and they will all learn to use the bathroom. Talk to us if you have concerns or questions.
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How will I know what to do when it's my turn to help in class?
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After attending the orientation in early September, you will have a good understanding of how the class operates and what you will need to do when you are in the classroom. The teacher plans and prepares for all of the lessons. You are a helper in the classroom, and the teacher will direct you.
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What happens when it rains?
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We play outside! We make sure that the children and their grown-ups have training and gear so they are prepared to dress appropriately to play outdoors in all kinds of weather. The school has a carefully thought out weather policy, so if we do encounter hazardous conditions we may relocate to our classroom indoors.
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Do I have any input into the days I'm scheduled to be in the classroom?
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You will be able to sign up for the days that work best for you. The class parent will tell you the minimum number of days you'll need to be in class - we try to make it equal for everyone.
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How does the scheduling work for classroom helpers?
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Our awesome class parents create sign up sheets for each class day. Children's grown ups can choose the dates that work best with their schedule with the expectation that each family will share an approximately equal number of days over the course of the school year.
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How far in advance will I know which days I'm scheduled to be in the classroom?
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In late August, there will be an organizational meeting for your child's class. Sign ups for the classroom volunteer calendar for the full school year will begin at that meeting.
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What if I can't make it on my scheduled day because of an emergency or other conflict?
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You can make last-minute switches with other families in cases of emergency. You will have contact information for all of the other families in class. This is a supportive community and someone will be willing to step in to help you out.
Note: It is your responsibility to coordinate a replacement for yourself should you be unable to be in class on a scheduled day. |
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Does Hunters Woods Preschool go on field trips?
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Why, yes, we do go on many field trips! At least we do when we don't have a pandemic to contend with. Most years the Koalas and Rabbits classes visit lots of our community helpers and supporters in their settings.
Some of our trips may include visits to: Walker Nature Center, a fire station, Colvin Run Mill, the library, an elementary school, the fire station, a grocery store, Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE), and the Post Office. We choose destinations that are of interest to our students and parents, so they change from year to year. Our trips out into the community are very fun and enjoyed by all! |
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I really want to be a part of HWPS, but I have to go to work. Can my child still attend HWPS?
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We realize that not everyone can commit to helping in the classroom 15 - 20 days during the year, so we try to find a way to accommodate all families. Any designated adult (mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle cousin, au pair, neighbor, friend) can help in the classroom as long as they complete the required training and background check. If you would like to arrange for another person to cover all of your in-class duties, we can put you in touch with the right person. There are many options possible, and we'll help you find one that works for you.
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What do I do with my younger children on days I'm scheduled to help in the classroom?
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Although the school makes no formal arrangements for siblings, groups of families often get together and make a schedule for watching each other's children. The class parent will help to put families in touch to coordinate child care schedules over the summer.
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What other responsibilities will I have as a member of HWPS?
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In addition to helping occasionally in the classroom, you will be responsible for the following adult only activities:
Activities are designed to help families meet the minimum number of volunteer training hours required for state licensing. |
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What accommodations are made for students with severe allergies?
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All families in your class (or in the school, if necessary) are made aware of severe allergies. Pertinent precautions are made considering the allergy.
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Are there school related activities that happen outside of the classroom?
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Yes! These events aren't required, but they are fun :) Each year is as unique as the families we serve, but some examples are:
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Nondiscrimination Policy: Hunters Woods Preschool admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship program, and other school-administered programs.
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