FAQ's
Where is it located?
The SALT Playhouse for Preschoolers will now be taking place at Montgomery School! The address is 1141 Kimberton Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425. Here, the students will have the opportunity each week to play on the playground, work in a garden, and go on exploration adventures on the beautiful grounds of the campus.
What is the total cost and how are payments made?
Students must be either 3 or 4 years old (and potty-trained) on or before September 1, 2020.
Tuition breaks down to just $15/hr!
The monthly costs are (September-June):
2 days/week - $432.00
3 days/week - $648.00
5 days/week - $1,080
The hours are 8:30AM-12:30PM. (You may drop off your child in the morning any time between 8:30-9AM.)
Their session includes family-style-lunchtime. Students must bring their own lunch.
Payment can be made all at once for the year or monthly via credit card or check.
What are the exact dates?
The school year runs from September 8, 2021– June 8, 2022, and follows Montgomery School's calendar for days off.
I really want my child to attend the SALT Playhouse but I cannot drop off right at 8:30 because of my other child’s bus schedule.
No problem! We offer flexible drop-off between 8:30 - 8:50 AM for your convenience. During this time, the children will be participating in free choice time. Our academic day will start promptly at 9:00 AM.
Will my child be a Montgomery School student?
While your child is enrolled in the SALT Playhouse for Preschoolers program, he/she will be a part of the Montgomery community. The structure and offerings of the SALT Playhouse program will differ from what Montgomery Pre-K offers. For example, your child will participate in music and movement, tumbling, and dance, instead of science, technology, and Spanish. If your child would like to transition to Montgomery’s Pre-K or Kindergarten program, our team will talk to you about the application process.
Can my child attend the SALT Playhouse full time all day?
No, we do not offer full-day for the Playhouse program at this time. We offer sessions two, three, and five days a week from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM. If you are looking for a full-day option, we suggest that you explore the Montgomery School Pre-K program.
What if I sign-up for three days a week but decide I want to send my child five days?
As long as we have room in the program, you can switch your child’s enrollment mid-year.
Are the Instructors trained and background checked?
Absolutely! All of our teachers are passionate about and extremely gifted at working with children. They have years of training and professional experience in multiple settings working with kids. Additionally, each room will have a Teacher's Assistant. You and your kids will love them! They have all been thoroughly background checked (Criminal Background, Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Clearance) with extensive references given. Also, all of the Instructors are CPR and First Aid certified.
Can I attend an Open House to tour the campus and see what a morning for my child would look like?
Yes! Please contact Kelly Kunsch, our Playhouse Director, to schedule a visit! Her email is kkunsch@saltpa.com.
Do the three year olds need to be potty-trained?
All children must be toilet trained. Children are not permitted to come to the Playhouse in diapers or pull-ups. We ask that your child be as independent as possible in the bathroom but assistance will be given if needed. Each Playhouse classroom has its own restroom.
How is differentiated learning approached?
The SALT Playhouse program is designed to meet the needs of all types of learners. Our curriculum is designed to support the whole child in their early formative years.
What are the class sizes?
Our max class size is 15 kids.
How do you approach academics in a multi-aged classroom?
Our teacher has experience working in a multi-age preschool classroom and will be sure to meet everyone's individual needs, both socially and academically. If our registration numbers warrant adding a second classroom, we would then split the children by age. We will have the classroom teacher and an aide in the room at all times, so we will utilize small group, flexible instruction.
How do you approach behavior management?
Children respond best to positive reinforcement. SALT Playhouse teachers work to promote and accentuate the positive! At the Playhouse, our staff will treat negative behavior situations individually and appropriately. You will be notified if the behavior warrants parental involvement.
How many teachers will be with the students in each part of their day?
What ages are allowed to register?
Students must be at least 3 years old and not older than 4 years old by September 1st, 2021 and fully potty-trained.
Will my child eat lunch at school?
During your child’s morning at the Playhouse, we will build in lunchtime, however you will send in a packed lunch from home. We believe in the importance of sharing a meal together and using the time to teach important social skills and manners.
What happens if my child doesn't feel well during the day?
Montgomery has a full-time nurse who can assess your child’s needs and will communicate with home.
How is student progress documented and communicated?
Your child’s progress will be communicated through a written narrative and a conference in the Fall and Spring.
What can you tell me about the performances my child will do?
Throughout the school year, the students will have the opportunity to perform for their family and friends! This is where we will have them show off the things they are learning, as well as grow in their confidence in front of a crowd. We will shower them with lots of positive reinforcement for their courage to perform!
Will my child need any special supplies or attire?
Children will need to dress comfortably each day, ready to move. There may be times throughout the year where they will be asked to wear something specific, which they will likely already have in their closet (i.e.: black pants). They will need ballet and tap shoes. There will also be a one-time family registration fee of $35.
Do you have plans to remain open/operate next year on campus, despite setbacks with the pandemic?
Montgomery School has outstanding COVID mitigations and has been successfully in operation throughout 2020-21. Should mitigations be necessary in the coming year, the Playhouse will operate on its regular schedule with mitigations which will include masking, social distancing, and enhanced cleaning as needed.