Frequently Asked Questions
What is Miraloma’s COVID policy?
At Miraloma Cooperative Nursery Preschool, we prioritize the health and safety of our students, staff and families. We follow the California Department of Public Health (CA DPH) guidance to COVID-19 policies to create a safe and healthy environment for our children.
How old are the children at Miraloma?
The children at Miraloma are age 2 years and 9 months up to 6 years old.
Does my child have to be potty trained before starting at Miraloma?
Children must be out of diapers and pullups. Teachers will help your child with using the toilets, and will give frequent reminders to go to the bathroom. If your child is new to using the toilet, pack lots of extra clothes as accidents will likely occur.
What is the student teacher ratio?
6:1
Two teachers and one or two parent teachers will be at the school to run the program.
What is it like during the first week?
Families are assigned a buddy family to help with the details of starting the new school. Parents can stay as long as they would like during the first week. Some children warm quickly, while others need more transition time.
Is there a curriculum?
Miraloma is a play based program with an emergent curriculum. Teachers and parents observe children’s play and make choices about activities and projects according to the children’s interest.
What are the holiday and vacation schedules?
Please visit our Calendar page.
Do parent teachers come up with their own projects?
No, our expert teachers and directors design our curriculum and projects. Parent teachers will support the teachers, as necessary. For example, as a parent teacher you may be asked to help students with a project that the teacher has planned, or you might lead a game, read books, or help supervise in one of our outdoor play areas.
Can I teach or substitute on a day my child is not attending?
No, a parent teacher must have their child present that day in order to teach.
Can my child start with more than three days?
Families are welcome to enroll their child in as many days as they would like.
What kind of family jobs are there and can I pick one?
When you join the school, you will receive a survey asking about your family’s strengths. The school then will try to match you with an open job that is compatible with your family’s skill sets.
What kind of parent participation is required to attend the co-op?
Read about what to expect on the Parent Participation page.
What happens if I cannot complete the participation requirement?
If by the end of the school year you did not complete any of your parent participation requirements, you will be fined for those missed responsibilities in accordance with a fine schedule. Each family is notified partway through the year how far along they are on their parent participation requirements, and are encouraged to reach out if they have any question or concerns.
Can I bring non-school age kids to the school?
You may bring siblings to the school for dropoff and pickup and for your janitorial shift.
You cannot bring siblings for your teaching shift.
You cannot bring any child to your weekend shift at school, such as for maintenance or housecleaning.
I have a younger child that needs care. How can I fulfill my last call and sub duties?
Pick a day you can attend the last call, on average of once a month, and twice during the winter cold/flu season. When a sub is needed, we first ask the community if someone else can take it. Some members of the community trade babysitting to accommodate last call.
What is the communication method used in the school?
Parents and teachers generally speak during pickups if any issues arise.
For emergency, teachers will call you or text you.
We use email for announcements.
We use Google Photos for the parent teachers to share pictures.
Brightwheel messages
What other curriculum is included in the tuition?
Music teacher (twice a month)
Playball teacher (twice a month)
Yoga
Reptile
Dance
My child has special dietary needs. Can Miraloma accommodate them?
We eat snack together and children bring their own food from home. We are a nut-free school, and our teachers have training on use of epi-pens if needed. Supervised snack helps kids learn to eat together, in community, but also facilitates avoiding food sharing, sitting to eat calmly, and curiosity and acceptance of everyone’s food needs and preferences.
