What are the child/adult ratios in
the classrooms?
2 year olds
up to 5 children=1 teacher
5-10 children=1 teacher/1 assistant
11-12 children=1teacher/2 assistants
3 year olds
up to 7 children=1 teacher
8-14 children=1 teacher/1 assistant
4 year olds
up to 8 children-=1 teacher
9-16 children=1 teacher/1 assistant
16-18 children=1 teacher/2 assistants
5 year olds
up to 9 children=1 teacher
10-18 children=1 teacher/1 assistant
What do children learn at New Discovery?
There is free time and structured time in all of the classrooms. The time allowed for each varies according to the ages of the children. Concepts are presented daily during structured time. Creative
expression, social development, cognitive skills and problem solving are incorporated into each day. All classrooms have a daily routine and teachers plan activities one month in advance. Guided play is part of each day. The age-appropriate curriculum
guide for each age group is available.
Do children have to be toilet trained?
It is not required that a child be toilet trained
in order to attend New Discovery.
What is the cut off date?
December 1st is the cut off date for pre-school
classes (ages 3, and 4). If a child lives in other than the Kings Park School district,
the cut-off of his district will be honored.
How is discipline handled?
Teachers distract children from inappropriate behavior
and encourage them to use words instead of actions to express their feelings.
How is separation anxiety handled?
This varies for each child and communication with the parent is important to understand the child’s feelings. It takes time and patience for children to adjust to being away from a parent or caregiver. Crying is a normal emotional release and may actually help some children deal with
this new experience. However, we will not let a child become overly distraught
without calling his/her parent. Separation anxiety or temporary regression of
behavior is not unusual and can
occur at any time during the school year. Our staff is experienced in working cooperatively with parents to handle these issues.
I don’t know if my child will attend AM or PM Kindergarten in Kings Park
Schools. How do I register for Kindergarten Enrichment?
During the registration period from February through May, a total of 18 children will be accepted,
insuring placement for those children in either an AM or PM class. When we have
reached 18 children, a waiting list is started. By the end of May, Kings Park parents
and New Discovery will be notified of the public school kindergarten schedule. The first 18 children registered will be placed in AM or PM and parents on the waiting
list will be advised of availability.
Are new staff members screened?
New employees are screened thoroughly by New Discovery. New employees are fingerprinted through New York State Office of Children and Families
and screened by New York State Central Clearing Agency.
Do I need to have all my child’s shots and physical
done by registration?
A child cannot start the program unless he/she has a current immunization record and we ask for that to
be submitted with the child’s application. Record of a medical exam within
12 months prior to starting our program must be submitted on our New York
State form before a child starts school.
Are full day classes the same activities as half day classes,
twice?
Children in the full day program do not repeat activities.
