Frequently Asked Questions
How often will I be scheduled to parent-help?
Each school day, two parents help in both of the classrooms (from 8:45 to 12 noon). The number of parent-help days depends on the number of days a child attends Youngset and how many families are enrolled in the class. On average, if a child attends two days a week, there will be 10-14 parent help days a school year; three days a week, 14-16 help days; four days a week, 16-18 parent help days; and five days a week, 19-23 parent help days. The schedule is made up by one parent in each class. Before putting the schedule together, the scheduler asks for day preferences and conflicts to attempt to craft a schedule that can work well with parent’s other commitments. And, once the schedule is set, as unexpected conflicts arise, parents may switch days with other parents or pay an emergency helper to step in.
Does my family need to have COVID-19 vaccinations to attend Youngset?
No, all adults in the classroom (Teachers and Parent Volunteers) are recommended to be maximally vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu, and up to date on boosters.. It is also recommended that all children be vaccinated for Covid-19 and up to date on all other CDC recommended vaccinations (including Polio). All vaccinations should be noted on their immunization Forms submitted at the Fall Orientation Meeting.
Can my child’s grandparent (or other relative) parent-help in the classroom?
Yes, grandparents and nannies/caregivers are permitted to parent-help in the classroom. The grandparent or nanny must comply with the background check policy. They are also encouraged to attend the Parent Helping Orientation at the beginning of the year.
Does my child need to be toilet trained to enroll in Youngset?
Yes, we require children to have age-appropriate bathroom skills before attending. If your child has special toileting needs, please contact the class teacher prior to enrollment.
Concretely, this means:
Out of diapers and pull-ups.
Willing to try to use the toilet when prompted.
Able to say when they need to use the bathroom or working towards that skill.
Independent in the bathroom or working towards independence.
May I bring my other children when I help in the classroom?
No. Parent helpers are essentially assistant teachers for the day, a parent must be able to fully focus on the children in the classroom and not be distracted by the needs of another child. Some families in our community work together to trade off caring for younger siblings during parent help days. Additionally, our liability insurance through PCPO only covers parents and students enrolled in the program.
What discipline methods are used at the school?
Parents and teachers provide helpful guidance to children by respectfully acknowledging feelings while redirecting or limiting behavior. The goal is to support young children as they gain the ability for self-discipline. We also use problem solving as the main strategy to help children resolve conflicts.
The steps of conflict resolution we use are:
Offer help.
Gather information.
Restate the problem.
Ask for possible solutions.
Evaluate ideas.
Get agreement.
Congratulate children on solving a problem.
Can parents pay a higher tuition in order to reduce the parent teaching requirements?
No. We do not offer the option of reduced parent teaching requirements by paying a higher tuition.
What is PCPO?
Youngset is a member of Parent Child Preschools of Oregon (PCPO). A Parent Child Preschool is defined as a program providing a multi-faceted curriculum consistent with the needs of young children, with parents assisting in the classroom on a daily basis, providing education, and making decisions. Members of the Board of Directors attend the monthly meetings with PCPO to encourage the exchanging of ideas between other co-op preschools.
What is Youngset’s relationship with the First United Methodist Church?
Youngset is fortunate to be a tenant of the First United Methodist Church, but does not share any religious affiliation with the church. Youngset is not a religion-based preschool and membership in Youngset is available without regard to religion.
What other commitments does Youngset require beside parent-helping?
As parents in a cooperative preschool, we are responsible for the operation and policies of the school. As a result, one parent in each family must serve on a committee or on the board (one job per child attending). Committee positions vary in the amount of time required and each family can request a job that works best for their interests and schedule. Some examples of committee positions include: laundry, librarian, secretary, fundraising, and special parties planner.
In addition to parent helping and committee jobs, there are a few additional obligations of members:
Attend general membership meetings one being a mandatory Parent Helping Orientation for new families.
Volunteer for an additional three to six hours of help each semester. This could include joining a cleaning party, providing childcare during a board meeting, lunch bunch parent helper, or being the emergency helper.
Participate by donating or procuring $500 worth of goods or services to auction at our annual auction, the primary school fundraiser, held either in the Spring or Fall (depending on the needs and planning of the current school year).
Why do I need to have a background check?
Youngset preschool is a recorded program with the Child Care Division of the Employment Department of Oregon. As a recorded program , all staff and classroom volunteers must be enrolled with the Central Background Registry and clear a criminal background check prior to having contact with children in the program. Youngset recommends that at least two adults per family are background checked and able to parent help when needed.
What are the 2023-2024 immunization rates for Youngset?
35 Children with 100% vaccines required
DTap - 100% Complete, 0% Non-medical exception
Polio (IPV)- 100% Complete, 0% Non-medical exception
Varicella - 100% Complete, 0% Non-medical exception
MMR1 - 100% Complete, 0% Non-medical exception
Hep B - 100% Complete, 0% Non-medical exception
Hep A - 100% Complete, 0% Non-medical exception
Hib - 100% Complete, 0% Non-medical exception