Welcome to KNS! We’ve put together this summary of what is typically covered on our tours of KNS. This tour information reflects what a “typical” day at KNS would be like pre-Covid. Until we get back to the good ol’ days our cohorts are separated by room and are not allowed to move freely between the rooms. Each cohort has 10-12 children along with two dedicated teachers and will have access to indoor and outdoor spaces at KNS. That being said we are still providing the same or similar activities but in separate rooms.
We are currently offering a 3-day morning program from 9:00am-1:00pm. We have a T/W/Th cohort enrolled and are planning to open a second cohort for M/W/F in November depending on interest. When we transition back to pre Covid life we will once again offer an Extended Morning (9-3) and Full Time Program (7:30-6:00).
The front door leads you directly into the Loft room where you will drop your children off for a day of fun and play. (During Covid restrictions all families will drop their children at the front of the church). We have an electronic sign-in and out system with a PIN number for everyone you allow to pick up your kids. Each child has their own cubby for their jacket, snack, lunch and water bottle. Currently families need to provide snack for their own child. When Covid restrictions are removed each family will provide snack once a month for the whole school. We ask you bring in a full set of extra clothes which we store in their own box to use in case of water play, messy art project or toilet accident.
Each month will have a theme which our teachers create activities around. The themes are listed on the Information Board and will be included in the Newsletter that is emailed out monthly by our School Director Mardi Kaneko. Some examples of themes are Women’s Month, New Beginnings, Changing Seasons and Community workers. Along with the themes we incorporate a color and shape for that month which will also be included in monthly activities.
At 9:00 the kids have “Morning Meeting” where they go over the Calendar, celebrate birthdays, sing songs, practice counting in both English and Spanish and go over what activities will be happening in each room during the day. The meeting lasts about 15-20 minutes and is a great way to transition the kids from drop off to a fun day of play. We have a total of three indoor spaces, Loft Room, Music and Movement Room (M&M), Block Room (nap room) and two outdoor play spaces.
Loft Room
In the loft room there are several tables/areas where kids can filter through at their own choice. At the semi-circle table a teacher will have a daily directed art activity prepared for your children. On Fridays this table is used for a cooking project. The second table will have a selection of puzzles and other manipulatives. The third table is set up for non-directed art activities with paper, crayons, pencils and scissors for the children to create their own masterpieces. In the loft kids can grab a book from our extensive selection are relax on the big plush pillows. Under the loft area you’ll find dress up and imaginary play area. In the center of the room we have a low table where kids build puzzles, play with blocks etc.
Music & Movement Room
In the M&M room, which stands for Movement and Music, is where we have our “Morning Meeting”. Afterwards, the room transitions into an area set up for the kids to dance, tumble, build forts and bounce around to music. On the other side of the room there is a table set up for the kids to explore science projects put together by the teachers or parents. Some past science experiments include studying life cycles of insects, measuring our body, mixing colors, and creating volcanos. Kids and teachers will also be take nature walks around the school and too Blake’s Garden to explore under rocks, observe bugs, and collect sticks and flowers.
Block Room
In this last room we have large format puzzles and wooden blocks for kids to fill the room with. Another table is set up in this room for coloring and face painting by some of our very artistic teachers! This is also where our nappers rest after having lunch. If you have a napper, you’ll need to provide a sleeping pad and pillow which will be stored here but needs to be taken home each week for washing.
Outdoor Play
We have two play yards. Our upper yard has a play structure, swings, sandbox, and outdoor art activities such as painting. In the lower play yard we have scooters, bikes, basketball, chalk and bubbles. The kids spend at least 50% of the day outside playing. On the lower play yard we keep the kids emergency kits. You will pay $25 upon enrollment for an emergency kit that will be returned to you when your child leaves KNS.
Bathrooms
A bathroom is located just outside of our front door and is where we have individual boxes with your children’s extra clothes. Kids are not required to be potty trained and we will help with the training process. If your child is in diapers we ask that you supply us with diapers and wipes. Children will be asked to use the bathrooms throughout the day and are able to access the bathroom during indoor morning time easily.
Calendar
We are a year round school with some exceptions. The third week in August for Staff Development and school year preparation. The week of Thanksgiving we take the week off for Staff Development. The two weeks between Christmas and New Years. We follow the West Contra Costa School District calendar for the Thanksgiving and Winter Break. We also close early (3pm) the day before the Science Fun Fair and mid-June for a Staff Appreciation Dinner. Monthly tuition is not prorated during months with these mentioned breaks.
Next Steps
If you are interested in applying for a spot at KNS please email us at knschool@sbcglobal.net and request an application. Return the application to KNS along with a $75 application fee. As mentioned above we are aiming to start up a second cohort by November. Once we have enough interest (10-12 children) we will send out acceptance letters. You’ll need to return your acceptance letter along with a tuition deposit of one month’s tuition. This deposit will be refunded when your child leaves KNS as long as the 30days notice is given.