Frequently Asked Questions
408.871.7350
771 Waldo Road
Campbell CA 95008
771 Waldo Road
Campbell CA 95008
What is a Parent Co-op?
In a parent co-operative nursery school, classes are taught by a fully-accredited teacher with the help of parents, who learn how to present lessons in art, music, math concepts, reading readiness, science, working together, and problem-solving. Parents also invest time at evening meetings to learn more about child development, positive discipline, nutrition, and ways to further kids' learning at home. By volunteering their time to run the school (from cleaning, making repairs, and making play-dough, to serving on our board and running this non-profit organization) parents help make tuition affordable for our members.
What are the benefits of sending my child to Sunnymont?
PARENTS participate once a week in the classroom and attend monthly evening classes, which give them the tools to be educators in their own right.
KIDS benefit from a school that supports their own individual needs, talents and perspective. Sunnymont prepares kids to be bright, moral and responsible.
FAMILIES benefit from strong community support. Our programs reach out to parents and kids from all cultural backgrounds and family situations.
Does Sunnymont require that my child be potty trained?
None of Sunnymont's classes require your child to be potty trained. This goes against our belief that children should learn at their own pace.
Is Sunnymont a religious organization?
Sunnymont is a wonderful blend of religions and cultures. We invite families to share their religious holidays and cultures, so that our children can learn to respect and appreciate the different cultures throughout our community.
Can I send another person to school with my child?
It is preferred that a parent participates. Discuss this with the teacher.
When do you have open houses or tours?
Tours happen by appointment. If you schedule a tour, please know that some is taking time to be there just for you. Call if you can't make it, so they don't wait for hours.
To get notified about open houses, email a request to the registrar who will let you know once they are scheduled.
What if my child turns 18 months in December? Can we apply then?
Our policy is that children must be within the age range as of Sept 1st. In Dec, your child will be months older, but so is the entire class.
Are ever age exceptions?
Age exceptions are usually only granted in the 1-day class and for days, occasionally weeks, and rarely a month. An exception is only for the year granted and must be reapplies every year. Your written request must be submitted to the board, and your child must be recommended by the teacher. Placements are first filled by children meeting age requirements, then in August age exceptions are considered. Age exceptions are give a 1-month trial period to ensure that the teacher and parents feel the child with thrive in the class.
I've read your handbook (.pdf). Are there ever exceptions?
Reasonable requests for exceptions will be considered by the board. Requests are usually made in writing and submitted to the president.
What if I can't ever make it to the evening meetings?
These are mandatory! Our school is part of Metro Adult Educations and funding requires that parents come to the evening meetings, the "lecture", and participate in the classroom, the "lab". Parents act as teachers aides and need some time away from the children to discuss things in the classroom, as well as the wonderful curriculum the teachers have planned to share with everyone. Not to mention the bonding and adult only time that parents often miss out on.
Once you go, you'll be happy that you do because you will get so much out of them!
How do I apply to Sunnymont?
Schedule a school tour by calling our Registrar at 408-871-7350 (be very clear when leaving your number) or by sending email. The school tour is a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to experience Sunnymont firsthand, and to have most of your questions answered regarding Sunnymont's philosophy and programs. After the tour, you can obtain an application form, which you can then fill out and submit with a $35 non-refundable application fee. Thereafter, we will notify you about class availability and the status of your application as soon as possible.
What are Sunnymont's parent participation requirements?
At Sunnymont, we believe that parent participation is essential to a child's learning experience. When you enroll your child in Sunnymont, you or your spouse/partner will be asked to:
Participating at Sunnymont requires strong family commitment and a significant time investment. However the rewards are well worth it: your child will enjoy an affordable, high-quality preschool program, and you will have the benefit of a supportive community of parents and teachers to help you every step of the way.
So why does Sunnymont schedule the toddler class in the afternoon when most toddlers are napping?
In an ideal world, we wouldn't! We have one classroom and since our 2 and 3 year olds also do best in the morning affecting them more days of the week, they got "dibs" on that time of day. The good news is that the afternoon actually works fairly well for most toddlers. It's only once a week, and for that day, we find that most of our toddlers do great during class, although they may fall asleep on the way home, and you might have a quiet dinner time on Sunnymont class days! Come and visit and ask current parents how it's working for them.