Does the preschool follow the Onslow County School Calendar?

Yes, we closely follow the Onslow County school calendar with a few exceptions. All of our significant holidays/breaks line up the same.

We decided not to attend, or we moved. Can my registration fee be refunded? 

Registration fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable. 

What is Brightwheel?

Brightwheel is your child's portal into the school. You will download the app to your phone, and through this account, you can communicate with teachers and the Director. We share your child's day with you through video and photos. You pay your tuition and fees. You will check your child in and out of the preschool through Brightwheel daily for safety. 

What does my preschooler need to start school?

• When purchasing items like backpacks, snack boxes, and water bottles, please keep in mind the size and ease of use for your child. Daily, your child will need to take out and put away their snack box and water bottle from their backpack. A small backpack or a lunchbox that is a tight fit will lead to frustration for your child. 
• Your child will need a full-size backpack (elementary size 15"-17" H). No mini or toddler backpacks are allowed. Please consider a backpack with an outside side pocket for your child's water bottle.
• Your child will need a complete change of clothes, including socks labeled with their name in a gallon Ziploc in their backpack. 
• Your child will need a lunchbox/snack box that fits easily in their backpack. 
• A water bottle that does not spill, preferably with a straw. No open spout water bottles.
• A folder with pockets. (Anything can be on the front.)

What does my PMOer need to start school?

• PMO asks parents to provide their child with a clear 6qt shoebox-size container. This container will be kept in the classroom with diapers, wipes, etc. The PMO staff will let you know when your items are getting low. 
• You need to provide a drink in a cup that does not spill. 
• PMO students Do Not need a backpack. 

What is the difference between 4's and Kinder Prep?

Both classes are open to children who are 4 or 5 years old as of August 31, 2026. Both classes are 5 days a week, Monday through Friday.

• 4's Class is 3 hours a day (students may stay for Fun Bunch)
• Kinder Prep is 4 hours a day (Fun Bunch is not offered for Kinder Prep)

Both classes focus on preparing your child for Kindergarten using the same curriculum. Kinder Prep allows 5 additional hours of instruction per week.

What is Fun Bunch?

Fun Bunch is a program that lets you sign your child up for a 1-hour extension of their day. Fun Bunch has a daily rate and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Eligibility:

• Must be fully potty trained
• Only those students attending a 3-hour class may sign up for Fun Bunch

When will I know what class my child is in?

At the beginning of August, you will receive a message in Brightwheel from your child's teacher, along with their Teacher Welcome Letter. This will include additional school supplies requested and optional donation items. 

When can I see my child's classroom?

Before school starts, we have our Meet-the-Teacher. Each family is given a date and time to attend the preschool for about 15 minutes to spend in their child's classroom. You can see the room there, meet your child's teacher, ask questions, and fill out any additional paperwork. Your date and time for Meet the Teacher will be in the same message as your Teacher Welcome letter at the beginning of August.

Can I request a teacher?

While we welcome parent input, we cannot guarantee teacher requests. Our goal is to create balanced classrooms that support the success of all children.

Can we request that friends be in the same class?

Learning to build new friendships is an important part of early childhood development. For this reason, we do not guarantee placement with specific friends.

Will my child move to the next classroom midyear with their birthday?

No, students stay in the same classroom all year and move up to the next age/class the following Fall. 

How do you define Fully Potty Trained?

3-year-olds and up must be fully potty-trained and independent in the restroom to attend school. We view toileting independence as a partnership between home and school. Families should ensure their child is consistently successful at home before enrollment in a fully potty-trained classroom setting.

Fully potty trained and independent in the restroom means a child is able to:

 

• Recognize when they need to use the bathroom and communicate that need to a teacher
• Use the toilet successfully (not diapers or pull-ups)
• Manage clothing independently (pull pants and underwear up and down)
• Wipe themselves with minimal assistance
• Wash and dry hands independently
• Remain dry throughout the school day, with only occasional accidents considered developmentally typical.

If you are unsure whether your child meets the toileting expectations, please contact the Director. We understand that children are still learning, and it is often helpful to talk through situations on a case-by-case basis to determine readiness

What does Potty Training in Progress mean for the 2.5 Class? 

This class is offered to those students who are 2.5 or 30 months as of August 31, 2026. All students who are 3 as of August 31, 2026, must attend a 3-year-old class and be fully potty-trained. Our 2.5-year-old class supports children who are in the process of potty training. We view toileting as a partnership between home and school. Teachers will reinforce and mirror the routines and expectations families are working on at home; however, school staff are not solely responsible for initiating or completing potty training. Consistency at home is essential for success. Parents enrolling their child in this class should begin potty training their child no later than July 1, 2026. Students may attend school in a pull-up, and the teacher will communicate with parents about the best time for the child to begin coming to school in underwear. All students in this class must be fully potty-trained by January 1st, 2027. In December, the teacher will assess each child’s progress and, if it feels like your child will not meet the January 1st goal, request a conference with families to develop a game plan.

What should I send for my child's snack?

Please send what your child would typically eat in about 15-20 minutes for their snack at home. We encourage healthy snacks—no candy, soda, etc. Typically, students bring a small variety, like half a sandwich, cut-up fruit, yogurt, a granola bar, cheezits, goldfish, veggie straws, etc. Some students even bring cold pasta or leftovers from home. We do not have the ability to heat or refrigerate items sent from home. Your teacher will inform you if your classroom has a child with a food allergy. 

What paperwork needs to be turned in?

Available to download from our website and Brighthweel is a copy of the Medical Form that needs to be filled out and signed by your child's doctor after June 1st. You will turn in that Medical Form and a copy of your child's shot records to your Meet The Teacher at the beginning of the school year. 

Can I volunteer at the school?

Yes, we welcome parent volunteers. All volunteers will be background-checked through the preschool. 

When is tuition due?

Tuition is due on the 1st of each month and is considered late after the 5th. A $25 late fee will be added to tuition paid after the 5th. 

Can I pay tuition in cash or by check?

No, all tuition is paid through Brightwheel via bank card or bankdraft. 

Do you offer tuition assistance? 

No, we do not, but you can split your monthly tuition into two payments due on the 1st and 15th of each month. We find this helps some families with their budgeting.

Do you offer sibling discounts?

No, we do not offer sibling discounts at this time. 

What do I do if my child is no longer going to attend preschool?

Preschool policy is that we need 30 days' written notice turned in to the office. 

Is there anything we can work on over the summer to prepare my child for school?

While ABCs and 123s are important, encouraging independence is one of the biggest things you can work on over the summer with your child. While we will always help students when needed, they often feel the excitement and empowerment of completing tasks on their own. Often, these are school and classroom skills not typically practiced at home. 

• Practice having your child zip and unzip their backpack.
• Practice putting their lunchbox and water in their backpack and zipping it up.
• Practice taking their lunchbox and water out of their backpack.
• Practice opening their water if it has a button and flip top lid. 
• If able to practice opening their lunchbox.
• Practice putting on and taking off their backpack.
• Practice putting their small, lightweight jacket/sweater into their backpack and taking it out.
• Practice washing hands in the sink, pumping soap, turning the water on and off, and drying with a paper towel. 
• Some more advanced skills are putting on and taking off a jacket.
• Help them recognize their backpack, water bottle, and lunchbox before school starts. 
• For independence in the restroom, ensure your child is dressed for ease and success! Buttons and zippers can be tricky for little fingers. 
• For PMO, our walking friends go outside, holding onto our classroom rope. They have to squeeze the rope in their hand. Practice holding and squeezing. Over the last few years, we have noticed children having trouble holding hands or objects. Practice having your child walk with you while they hold your hand.

Do you still have questions? Please don't hesitate to call the office at 910-346-9725 with any questions. We are always happy to help Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.