For Families Considering SJPPNS
Q. How do we know if SJPPNS is the right kind of school for us?
We hope you’ll start by visiting our school with your child. We welcome visitors during school hours – you and your child may participate in the class during your visit. This is the best way to get a feel for the way the classes are structured, the types of activities that go on during a typical day, and hopefully, chat a bit with the Director and other parents.
Q. How do I enroll my child in SJPPNS?
Pick up an application during school hours, or download one here. Return it, with your application fee, to the Membership Chairperson’s mailbox at the school or mail to SJPPNS Attn: Membership, 2180 Radio Avenue San Jose, CA 95125.
Applications are accepted from the general public (new families) from February 1st through 29th. All applications received during this time period are weighted equally. If we have more applications than spaces available in class, a lottery is held to fill those spaces and a waiting list is established. Applications received after March 1st will be equally weighted on a daily basis. The Membership chairperson will contact you regarding your status.
Q. What are the age requirements and class times?
For the 1-Day class, children are required to be 18 months to 2½ years of age by September 1st. The 1-Day class is Monday from 2:00-4:00PM. For the 2-Day class, children are required to be 2½ years to 3½ years of age by September 1st. The 2-Day class is Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00-11:30AM. For the 3-Day class, children are required to be 3¼ to 4½ years of age by September 1st. The 3-Day class is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00-11:30AM. For the 4-Day class, children are required to be 4 years of age by November 2nd. The 4-Day class is Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 12:30-3:00PM.
| Class | Age | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day | 18 months – 2 1/2 years by September 1st | M 2:00-4:00 PM |
| 2-Day | 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 years by September 1st | T, TH 9:00-11:30 AM |
| 3-Day | 3 1/4 – 4 1/2 years by September 1st | M, W, F 9:00-11:30 AM |
| 4-Day | 4 years by December 2 | T, W, TH, F 12:45-3:15PM |
Q. Can I register my child in a class for which he/she just misses the required age?
No. Your child must be age-eligible for the session(s) you’re applying for. If your child has special needs, you may schedule an appointment with a Director to discuss this.
Q. What are the class sizes and the adult/child ratios in each?
In addition to the credentialed Teacher/Director we have 24 children in each class. In 1-Day we have each child attends with a parent. In 2-Day and 3-Day we have 8 parents per day and in 4-Day we have 6 parents.
Q. Does my child have to be toilet trained to attend SJPPNS?
No.
Q. Exactly what kind of time commitment is required from each family?
Please see Fees and Requirements.
Q. What are the costs other than tuition?
Please see Fees and Requirements.
Q. Are TB tests required?
Participating parents are required to have negative TB tests (or clear chest X-ray) within 1 year prior to entrance in the school and every 4 years thereafter. Children are to be screened by their doctor who may or may not deem a TB test necessary. If the pediatrician decides a TB test is necessary, the above requirements apply to your children also.
Q. What are the Membership obligations for families with two (2) or more children enrolled?
- Fundraising and maintenance workday obligations are per family
- Families with multiple (2) children in the same 2-Day, 3-Day or 4-Day sessions will have the option of:
- Working one day per child per week, holding one committee job and paying full tuition;
- Working one day per child per week, holding two committee jobs or an Executive Board position, and paying half of the lower tuition, plus the full amount of the higher tuition (s); or
- Working one day per week, holding two committee jobs or an Executive Board position, and paying full tuition
- Families with multiple children in different 2-Day, 3-Day, or 4-Day sessions will work all sessions. These families will have the option of:
- Holding one committee job and paying full tuition for all sessions; or
- Holding two committee jobs or an Executive Board position and paying half of the lower tuition, plus the full amount of the higher tuition(s)
- Attendance at night meetings is required for each session in which a family is enrolled.
Q. What is the SJPPNS fundraising philosophy?
Fundraising helps San Jose Parents Participating Nursery School keep tuition low and fund school improvements, curriculum, field trips, scholarships, and more. Our approach is to offer SJPPNS members a wide range of fun, family-oriented fundraising activities that support the community spirit that is so much a part of the school philosophy. The school hopes that members will attend the fundraising events of their choice because they are fun and support the school. The only mandatory requirement is that each family support the fundraising activities by working a single 2-3 hour work shift at one of the fundraising events.
Q. How are fundraising monies used to benefit the school?
Fundraising activities are important to the school because they fund many special projects; however, fundraising money is not required to operate the school (that is, paying for director salaries, utilities, and supplies).
Instead, fundraising revenue is used for projects such as the new sand pond that was built toward the end of 2006-07, the new curriculum shed that was built in the summer of 2007, and the new roof over the science deck that was built in the spring of 2008. Since fundraising supports improvements and special projects, the school is able to keep tuition low and yet still implement important projects that affect the safety and security of our children as well as enhance their educational experience.
Q. What is the fundraising shift I keep hearing about?
Every SJPPNS member family is required to support the school’s fundraising activities by working a 2-3 hour shift at one of the fundraising events. This is a mandatory requirement. The school provides a number of opportunities throughout the year so families can choose an event that fits with their schedule and interests.
Q. What if you have two children enrolled at SJPPNS… are you required to do two fundraising shifts?
No. The fundraising shift requirement is per family. If you have two children enrolled a the school, your family is only required to work one shift.
Q. Can I “buy out” of my fundraising shift obligation?
No, you cannot buy out of your fundraising shift. The fundraising shifts are essential to making sure we have the staff to deliver fun events like the pancake breakfast, Carnival and more.
For Families Enrolled in SJPPNS
Q. How do I get reimbursed for things I bought for the school?
First, be sure you got approval for the purchase beforehand. Then fill out the reimbursement form and submit it within 10 days. You will be reimbursed within 30 days.
