Classroom FAQ
What does Bemis provide?
You can cross “remember to bring sunscreen and snacks” off your list! These will be provided, so you have one less thing to worry about. We serve breakfast (6:45-7:30), and two snacks daily to give your child the fuel they need to keep them actively learning and playing throughout the day. Field trips and special guests are also included.
How do you handle problem solving?
Conflicts are a natural part of a child’s developing social skills. Resolving conflict is one of life’s most important skills children learn. At Bemis Farms we use Highscope’s six steps to solving conflict and problems the children may encounter throughout their day. Children are active participants in resolving issues with their peers. In our supportive climate, teachers see conflicts as learning opportunities and approach them in a matter-of-fact manner. Our teaching teams support children and help them learn to brainstorm for solutions, to communicate their own needs and to listen to the needs of others as a part of the conflict resolution process. These are all skills that will help them grow and develop as communicators as well as caring people.
What if my child doesn’t nap?
We provide, in the middle of the day, a time for a quiet rest. However, your child is not required to sleep. We will not prohibit a child from sleeping who exhibits signs of needing rest. If your child does not require sleep, after 20 minutes of rest they will be able to do quiet activities on their personal mat to allow their classmates time to nap or rest.
Does my child need to be toilet learned?
Children in this program need to be toilet learned upon enrollment.
Will there be an opportunity for my child to go outside?
We have access to climbing structures, play equipment, swings, and much more. Your child will have plenty of opportunities to explore, exercise and play games in the fresh air daily. Children will enjoy physical, noisy, and vigorous play. There are many benefits to playing outdoors such as: developing large and fine motor skills, social skills, and healthy risk taking. Staying active with their peers will allow your children to expend their energy after a day at school.
* See our outdoor learning environment page for more benefits.
How do you keep parents up to date on their child’s day?
Wondering what your child has been up to all day? Thanks to the Brightwheel app, you can check-in on your child’s activities, easily communicate with their teachers, browse photos, and download daily progress reports.
Why do kids play messy?
Getting messy is an essential part of children’s early childhood development. Playing in the mud or jumping in rain puddles is one of the favorite things children do at Bemis Farms. A few things that messy play provides are: hands-on learning experiences, the freedom to be creative, it enhances children’s sensory development and supports kinesthetic/tactile learning.
Are you open in the summer?
YES! We operate on a year round schedule to continue providing a developmentally appropriate learning environment and a play-based approach to learning. Children will have hands on learning experiences based on the children’s interest and teachers will scaffold learning through adult child interaction strategies and problems solving.
Is there an opportunity to discuss my child’s progress?
In addition to the information provided through Brightwheel, there are also two opportunities during the year where you are able to sign up for parent teacher conferences. Additional conferences throughout the year may be provided upon request.