MANZANITAS
FAQ'S
|
Are we a good fit for your family?
All children are unique. All families are unique. It is important to decide whether a particular program meets the needs of your family as well as the needs of your child. We recommend that families carefully evaluate whether or not a program meets the philosophical beliefs of your family, as well as matches the needs of the child. At Manzanitas, we have a variety of family and language backgrounds. We have many families with one Spanish speaking parent, some families with two Spanish speaking parents, some multilingual families where no parent speaks Spanish, and some English-only families who want the early language exposure for their children. All families are welcome to join la communidad de Manzanitas. |
|
What makes your program unique?
Manzanitas Spanish Immersion Playschool is a full-immersion Spanish language program for children ages 18 months to 6 years. Our teachers are native and fluent Spanish speakers who create a child-led, play-based curriculum. Most other Spanish immersion programs are very teacher-led and do not follow the standards of excellence set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Our teachers incorporate the research and evidence-based curriculum “El Curriculo Creativo” in all interactions with the children in additional to providing high quality language immersion.
What is your educational philosophy?
At Manzanitas, we believe that active play is how young children learn best. We balance the day with free play, small group time, large group activities, child-led, teacher-led, indoor and outdoor activities. We evaluate our program with high/scope PQA (preschool quality assessment) to ensure we are meeting the highest possible standards of quality in our preschool environment.
Manzanitas Spanish Immersion Playschool is a full-immersion Spanish language program for children ages 18 months to 6 years. Our teachers are native and fluent Spanish speakers who create a child-led, play-based curriculum. Most other Spanish immersion programs are very teacher-led and do not follow the standards of excellence set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Our teachers incorporate the research and evidence-based curriculum “El Curriculo Creativo” in all interactions with the children in additional to providing high quality language immersion.
What is your educational philosophy?
At Manzanitas, we believe that active play is how young children learn best. We balance the day with free play, small group time, large group activities, child-led, teacher-led, indoor and outdoor activities. We evaluate our program with high/scope PQA (preschool quality assessment) to ensure we are meeting the highest possible standards of quality in our preschool environment.
What ages do you take?
We take children ages 18 months to 6 years.
What are your ratios?
In our Toddler room, our ratio is 1:4. Our toddler room is able to hold 8 toddlers, and is often full.
In our preschool room, we are able to accommodate 18 children with 2 teachers. We also have a floater who assists the teachers in both rooms.
What are your prices?
Please visit our website and open the Welcome Packet for current prices.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We do offer a sliding scale program for families in need. Families must first apply for State Aid (DHS assistance) and also the Child Care Network before a sliding scale arrangement will be considered. Please visit the website for the sliding scale application.
We take children ages 18 months to 6 years.
What are your ratios?
In our Toddler room, our ratio is 1:4. Our toddler room is able to hold 8 toddlers, and is often full.
In our preschool room, we are able to accommodate 18 children with 2 teachers. We also have a floater who assists the teachers in both rooms.
What are your prices?
Please visit our website and open the Welcome Packet for current prices.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We do offer a sliding scale program for families in need. Families must first apply for State Aid (DHS assistance) and also the Child Care Network before a sliding scale arrangement will be considered. Please visit the website for the sliding scale application.
|
Can I come visit?
We’d love to schedule a visit! Please call 734-975-9104 between 9am and 3pm to schedule a visit with the program director. Typically, a visit can be arranged within a few days. We recommend families visit within 6 months of their preferred anticipated start date. Visiting 1 or 2 years in advance is not recommended. Do you accommodate different learning styles? Our teachers create lessons based on the emerging interests of children in the program. Teachers adapt large group and small group times to ensure all children are engaged, supported, and nurtured while at playschool. We participate with Washtenaw Intermediate School District Early On and First Steps referral program when we need additional support and resources to support a child. |
|
Can I get a referral from some other parents?
Of course! Feel free to read testimonials on the website or email the director to be put in touch with current parents on our referral list. You are also welcome to attend any of our public events and strike up a conversation with our families!
Where are you located?
We are located on the south side of downtown Ann Arbor on 2626 Packard Road.
Do you offer parent programs?
We offer an ongoing free monthly playgroup with a Spanish storytime and circle time. We also have a Parent Participation Committee where current parents may participate in creating additional parent education offerings. We are currently in the process of adding a Spanish Language class for parents looking to learn and improve Spanish language skills.
Of course! Feel free to read testimonials on the website or email the director to be put in touch with current parents on our referral list. You are also welcome to attend any of our public events and strike up a conversation with our families!
Where are you located?
We are located on the south side of downtown Ann Arbor on 2626 Packard Road.
Do you offer parent programs?
We offer an ongoing free monthly playgroup with a Spanish storytime and circle time. We also have a Parent Participation Committee where current parents may participate in creating additional parent education offerings. We are currently in the process of adding a Spanish Language class for parents looking to learn and improve Spanish language skills.
Do your employees receive benefits?
Our staff receives paid holidays, vacation time, sick time and health care stipends. Staff with children also receive a space for their child at a very nominal fee. The staff also receives 4 paid professional development days per year, as well as a reimbursement stipend for any additional professional development trainings attended. Our program participates with the state-funded T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program to subsidize the cost of university tuition.
Employees have the opportunity for compensation increases based on annual performance reviews, continuing education, and education level.
Do you have turnover?
Our program opened in 2011 and grew very rapidly. We have had turnover with our staff in these early years, however we have learned to be much more selective in our hiring process to ensure long-term success.
We have an established retention plan in place as well as ongoing professional development goals for every person on staff. Our administration team works hard in the hiring process to determine whether an applicant will be a good match for our program. We are very selective in our hiring and require a one year minimum commitment from our lead and co-teachers. We often employ university students for our aide and floater positions who frequently are only able to commit on a semester basis.
How are Green Apple and Manzanitas related? What is Apple Playschools?
Green Apple Garden and Manzanitas were both founded by our Executive Director, Kate VanHorn, in September 2011. Both programs started out in the same building, but with the large demand for playschool, and unique mission and vision of each program, Manzanitas moved to its own location in April 2012. Apple Playschools is the umbrella name used to refer to both programs at once. Children are able to share time between the programs if requested.
Apple Playschools shares in administration, family and staff policies, and occasionally substitute teachers.
Our staff receives paid holidays, vacation time, sick time and health care stipends. Staff with children also receive a space for their child at a very nominal fee. The staff also receives 4 paid professional development days per year, as well as a reimbursement stipend for any additional professional development trainings attended. Our program participates with the state-funded T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program to subsidize the cost of university tuition.
Employees have the opportunity for compensation increases based on annual performance reviews, continuing education, and education level.
Do you have turnover?
Our program opened in 2011 and grew very rapidly. We have had turnover with our staff in these early years, however we have learned to be much more selective in our hiring process to ensure long-term success.
We have an established retention plan in place as well as ongoing professional development goals for every person on staff. Our administration team works hard in the hiring process to determine whether an applicant will be a good match for our program. We are very selective in our hiring and require a one year minimum commitment from our lead and co-teachers. We often employ university students for our aide and floater positions who frequently are only able to commit on a semester basis.
How are Green Apple and Manzanitas related? What is Apple Playschools?
Green Apple Garden and Manzanitas were both founded by our Executive Director, Kate VanHorn, in September 2011. Both programs started out in the same building, but with the large demand for playschool, and unique mission and vision of each program, Manzanitas moved to its own location in April 2012. Apple Playschools is the umbrella name used to refer to both programs at once. Children are able to share time between the programs if requested.
Apple Playschools shares in administration, family and staff policies, and occasionally substitute teachers.
