FAQ’S.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knowledge House Preschool
What is the daily schedule?
The preschool schedule may vary at times. Here is the general outline.
9:00–9:15 AM — Arrival
Children say goodbye to their parents and enter the school. They get themselves ready by removing coats & backpacks, and changing shoes with the help of a teacher.
9:15–9:30 AM — Circle Time
9:30–11:00 AM — Uninterrupted Work Time & Snack Time (nut-free)
Children choose activities that interest them, enjoy snacks, work independently or cooperatively with friends, and engage with a teacher one-on-one or in small groups.
11:00–11:15 AM — Circle Time
11:15–11:45 AM — Outdoor Play/Work Time(weather permitting)
11:45 AM–12:00 PM — Pick-Up
How do preschool Montessori materials work?
Children are naturally drawn to materials that interest them and match their stage of development. When a child shows interest in a material—or when a teacher observes that the child may be ready for a particular activity—the teacher presents a lesson on how to use it. Once the child can complete the activity independently, the teacher introduces a related material that builds on the skills and knowledge the child has already developed.
Will you teach my child to read?
Early exposure to words, letters and sounds helps children learn to read. In preschool, some—but not all—children will learn letter sounds and begin reading simple words. At Knowledge House, children are introduced to letter symbols, names and sounds alongside tracing and early writing activities.
Young children absorb language from their environment constantly. We provide a learning space rich in pre-reading experiences, offering many opportunities for children to engage with spoken and written language without forcing them to read before they are ready. Daily exposure to books, print, and conversation helps spark a child’s interest and supports the natural development of reading skills.
At what age can my child enroll?
We enroll children ages 2.5 to 5 years old. Children may start at 2.5 if they are ready for our environment. Readiness typically includes being potty trained, able to follow directions, and comfortable accepting gentle redirection while spending time away from their parents.
How are families involved in the preschool program?
We value communication with families and enjoy sharing children's preschool experiences with them. Families receive regular updates and photos through our school app, giving parents a glimpse into their child's classroom experiences and activities. We also encourage families to connect with one another outside of school.
To support children's independence, focus, and relationships with their teachers and peers, we do not have routine parent participation or observation in the classroom. We’ve found that children are generally more comfortable and engaged when they are able to participate in the classroom independently, without a parent or caregiver present.
Families are always welcome to communicate with us about their child's experience, and we are happy to discuss questions or concerns and work together to support each child's success.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
Children are expected to be fully potty trained before beginning preschool. We understand that children develop at different rates, and in some circumstances, we may be able to make an exception for a child who is in the final stages of potty training.
Any exception is considered on an individual basis and must be discussed and approved with the family prior to enrollment. Families should not assume that toileting assistance will be available unless it has been specifically discussed with the school.
Do you teach academics in preschool?
At Knowledge House, we believe in child-led learning—encouraging children to explore, investigate, and grow at their own pace to become independent, lifelong learners.
Our Progress Reports are geared toward the social-emotional, behavioral, and academic expectations for Kindergarten to help give parents a benchmark of their child’s current progress toward those goals. Our focus is on helping children develop the skills to be self-directed so they can learn independently, guided by their own curiosity and desire to understand the world.
We know children learn best when they are genuinely interested in something. That’s why our program provides ample opportunities for play, exploration, and hands-on learning with our materials. We help children discover that they can pursue their interests in their own way.
While children are exposed to academic concepts through many of our materials, we never push them before they are ready. True readiness comes from a child’s developmental stage, interest, and internal motivation to learn.
Why is there a 3-year age range in your preschool class?
Children of different ages work very well together and naturally learn from one another. Younger children observe older classmates and are inspired to try the activities they see them doing. Older children become role models, strengthening their own understanding and building confidence as they help younger peers. The mixed-age environment allows children to blend together, learn collaboratively, and appreciate one another without being singled out for being more or less advanced.
How do you handle discipline?
We use positive guidance to help children learn self-regulation, understand expectations, and develop the skills they need to navigate everyday challenges. Our approach includes positive reinforcement, gentle redirection, clear and consistent expectations, and natural or logical consequences when appropriate.
When conflicts arise, we help children use their words, express their feelings, listen to others, and work toward a respectful solution. We also take time to understand what may be contributing to a child's behavior and help them learn more appropriate ways to communicate their needs.
If a child is having difficulty following directions or meeting classroom expectations, we offer gentle reminders, choices, and redirection. We talk with children about classroom expectations and why they are important for keeping everyone safe, comfortable, and able to learn.
When a behavior calls for a consequence, we make sure it is appropriate to the situation and the child's developmental level. Our goal is not to punish children, but to help them understand boundaries, repair problems when possible, and practice the skills they need to participate successfully in the classroom.
If we see ongoing or concerning behavior, we communicate openly with the child's family and work together to better understand the child's needs and determine how we can best support them.
Who are the teachers?
Our preschool is family-owned and operated, with a Montessori-trained teaching team that has been part of our school for many years. Our teachers are actively involved in the day-to-day life of the school, creating a consistent and caring environment for the children we serve.
You can learn more about each member of our teaching team on our Teachers page.
Does anyone live in the schoolhouse?
No. The school building is used solely as a preschool and is not a residence. There is a separate private residence behind the school that shares the driveway, but it has its own address and is separate from the preschool.
Contact us
Get in touch to ask questions or schedule a tour!