1- Teacher Veronica will not be working for the Scuola next year, as she will be moving abroad with her husband. We are currently in the process of recruiting a new teacher, but please be reassured that the standards and guidelines in choosing the right candidate are unchanged: a native speaker with preschool and/or elementary educational background and experience. Having a talented, motivated and dedicated teacher is a fundamental for any Scuola activity we pursue.
2- We are still dedicated to ensure a small child-teacher ratio, and we will retain the Reggio Emilia approach as our inspiration and guide.
3- It is possible that we could begin to accept younger students (starting at 2- 2 1/2 years old) as well as expand the age range to 5 years old (though this would not be a formal kindergarten program as of yet.)
4- It may be possible to add more mornings to the preschool, and if enough interest is shown, before- and/or after care hours as well.
5- We are endeavoring to make every effort to keep the Scuola as affordable as possible and not raise prices for preschool enrollment in the coming year (currently $10 an hour, with a yearly fee of $150 for registration).
For a 4 hours per day preschool, this would mean a monthly cost of approximately $800 for five days a week (or less, if you choose to attend fewer days a week).
6- Target prices for the basic before- and aftercare would cost approximately 30% less than formal instructional time. Full day (from 8 am to 3 pm, half an hour before care and 2 and half hour after care) would then cost in the range of an additional $400 a month (5 days a week). An additional cost of $400 (for 5 days a week) could apply for aftercare 3-6 pm. Before and after care activities would still be primarily in Italian, although the assistant teacher could be a non-native speaker.
7- Having our own facility could also allow us increased flexibility in offering new afternoon language classes, after school activities, summer camps, a proper library and a media center accessible to all Scuola families.
Are you ready to contribute in shaping your Italian preschool?