Los Gatos / Saratoga
Observation Nursery School

For additional information, email kpaculba@gmail.com

How Classes are Filled

First priority is given to families currently enrolled in our Regular Program (all classes except Summer School and the Saturday 345 ’s class) who wish to re-enroll the same child for the following year.  Classes are then filled with other alumni families, and are then open to families that are new to LGSONS.

Please note: Children currently enrolled in the weekday 34s ’s class have priority over children in the 3’s class for enrollment into the 45’s class. Children currently enrolled in the Saturday 345 ’s class have priority to return to the Saturday 345 ’s class.

If a class has more applicants than positions, the class will be filled by lottery.  If your first choice class is filled, you are then added to your second choice class. If both your first and second choice classes are filled then you are added to your third choice class. If you are placed in your second or third choice class, you are automatically put on the waiting list for your first choice.

Currently Enrolled and Alumni Families

Currently enrolled families and other alumni families must be in good standing on all obligations before they may submit an application. These obligations include fundraising, maintenance, tuition, late fees, meetings, and observation requirements that were due on or before February 1^st of the current school year.

Children currently enrolled in the Regular Program at LGSONS will be guaranteed a spot in the Regular Program the following year if their application is postmarked within the designated application period, and if their family continues to be in good standing at the end of the current school year. Currently enrolled families should be aware that even if they are in good standing, placement in their first choice class is not guaranteed, so it is recommended to select at least a second choice class.

Similarly, children currently enrolled in the Saturday 345's class at LGSONS will be guaranteed a spot in the Saturday 345's class the following year if their application is postmarked within the designated application period, and if their family continues to be in good standing at the end of the current school year.

Waiting Lists

For families who are not guaranteed a placement, if all classes you choose are filled, you will be placed on the waiting list. Our waiting list is actively used during the summer and current school year to fill open positions. You will be called if a position becomes available for your child.

If you accept a position in a class that is not your first choice, your name will automatically remain on the waiting list for your first choice class until the second circle meeting in September. At that time, all waiting lists for currently enrolled families are eliminated. All other applicants who are not enrolled in the school will remain on the waiting list throughout the respective school year.

What are my choices? How do I decide?

You have a number of choices when requesting a class for next year. You may find it useful to visit one or more of the older classes. Please email or call the information chair Karen Paculba at info@lgsons.com or 408.356.8413, if you would like to visit a class.  She can help arrange any class visit with the appropriate teachers.  If you are currently in the school, your teacher will also be happy to make a recommendation based on your child's developmental needs.

Your child's needs and developmental level are the most important considerations when requesting a class for next year.

Your child:
    How old is your child (in relation to others in current class)?
    What is your child's place in the family (oldest, middle, youngest)?
    How socially aware is your child? How interested in engaging with others?
    Are mornings or afternoons better - or does it matter (tiredness; naps)?
    Is your child enrolled in other classes / day care?

Your needs:
    How many days do you want your child to attend?
    Would you prefer to car pool with one or two others families?
    Do you need to consider family or work schedules?
    

All of our teachers are sensitive to the needs of the individual children in their classes. The composition and 'flavor' of any class depends on the individual children and where they are - especially in their social and physical development.

2s Wednesday morning OR Friday morning OR Saturday morning; Teachers Karyn, Kathy, Leslie and Licia

Parents attend class with their child every week (one morning per week). They are there to observe their child and learn from the teachers and other parents. Children experience a safe and supportive environment where they can develop a sense of trust with teachers (and other adults); and be with other children. Physically, the 2s explore the outdoor setting (creek, hillside, rocks) and develop skills on the climbing structures. The garden and sand and water play are key activities for this class. Lots of different tactile experiences (finger painting, play dough, textures) are offered. Socially, the 2s engage mostly in parallel play with their classmates. They come together at cooking time and at circle time where they begin to learn how to be part of a group. Cooking is an integral part of the morning, both the preparation of the food and the sharing of it with classmates and teachers. The children come to understand where food comes from; and they have the opportunity to try new and different foods Indoors, there are lots of manipulative materials - e.g. puzzles, magnets, building blocks, farm, trains, cars, animals. A variety of art experiences are presented. There are materials for role playing and dress-up. Small animals like guinea pigs are part of the classroom. Stories, songs, finger-plays and movement are introduced, especially at Circle Time. Music and rhymes and silly songs are woven into the activities. This first "school experience" is sensitive to the age and developmental level of two year olds. It is fun and engaging; safe and supportive.

3s Tuesday & Thursday mornings; 2-way carpool; Teacher Jan

Parents attend class once a week with two children (their own plus their carpool partner's child). This class usually has the youngest of the 3s and there is less socializing than in the older classes. There may be a greater dependence on parents and teachers. Individual and parallel play is typical early in the year. The class provides a nurturing environment as children take steps toward more independence. Children are encouraged to enter into more cooperative play through the use of words and the successful handling of conflict. Language development, self-expression, and physical activity are important aspects of all activities.

34s Monday morning, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons ; 3-way carpool; Teacher Laura

Parents attend once a week and are responsible for three children (their own plus their two carpool partners' children). Children in this class are generally more active, more socially aware and adept, more adventuresome and anxious to try new activities and assert their independence. Teachers watch, guide, facilitate; and usually step back to let the children solve their own problems and conflicts. Children attend and participate in Circle time activities, songs and conversations. Language and school readiness skills are developed through conversation, discussions, science projects and special materials. Hikes and field trips challenge the physical abilities of the children and respond to their increasing independence.

45s Monday, Wednesday & Friday afternoons; 3-way carpool; Teacher Marie

Parents attend once a week and are responsible for three children (their own plus their two carpool partners' children). Children are usually very involved in group play and initiate many of the activities. Some projects take several class periods or weeks to complete. Children are held responsible for their actions and required to follow through on conflict resolution. They are required to attend Circle and are expected to help with cleanup. Language and readiness skills are developed through drama, journal writing, special projects and introduction to other cultures and languages. Hikes are longer and more demanding to reflect the children's physical capabilities. Field trips add adventure and richness to the program.

345s Saturday afternoons; Teacher Jeanne

This class meets once a week and is a mix of ages. Parents attend class with their child every week. Children in this class are generally more active, more socially aware and adept, more adventuresome and anxious to try new activities and assert their independence. Teachers watch, guide, facilitate; and usually step back to let the children solve their own problems and conflicts. Children attend and participate in Circle time activities, songs and conversations. Language and school readiness skills are developed through conversation, discussions, science projects and special materials. Hikes and field trips challenge the physical abilities of the children and respond to their increasing independence.

If you are currently enrolled in the 2s, you can request the 3s or the 34s.
If you are currently enrolled in the 3s, you can request the 34s or the 45s.
If you are currently enrolled in the 34s, you can request the 45s.

It is possible to spend another year in your current class, if you and the teacher feel it is best for your child.

For additional information, email info@lgsons.com

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