Frequently Asked Questions
What is immersion?
Immersion is an approach where children learn a second language by being fully surrounded by it in their daily activities. At La Casita Day School, our Spanish immersion program helps children naturally acquire the language through engaging, meaningful experiences, fostering bilingualism and cultural awareness while supporting their academic and creative development.
What if I don't speak Spanish?
No problema! Many parents don’t speak Spanish, but they often learn key vocabulary from what their children bring home. Our program is designed to support non-Spanish-speaking families, and we encourage parents to embrace the learning journey alongside their children.
How old should my child be to start learning another language?
Children who start learning a second language before age five use the same part of the brain they use to learn their first language, making early childhood an ideal time to begin. We recommend starting as soon as possible to maximize your child’s ability to naturally acquire the second language.
When are your school hours?
Our school day begins at 9:00 am, with a flexible pick-up time between 2:00 and 3:00 pm to accommodate different family schedules.
Do you provide Early Care/After Care?
Yes, we offer Early Care from 8:00 am to 9:00 am and After Care from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm for an additional cost. These options are designed to accommodate your family's schedule.
What dates should I be aware of?
Parents will receive a school calendar outlining all important dates, holidays, and special celebrations. If there are any changes to the calendar, we will send notices home to keep you informed.
What supplies should I send with my child?
Please provide your child with a backpack, lunch box, water bottle, diapering supplies (if applicable), and an extra change of clothes to keep at school. These essentials help ensure your child is prepared and comfortable throughout the day.
Does the school serve school lunches?
No, the school does not provide lunch. All students bring their lunch and snacks from home, with parents responsible for providing these daily.
Do students wear uniforms?
No, students do not wear uniforms at this time, but it is something we are considering for the future.
How can I become involved? What if I work full-time?
We encourage parent participation, and there are plenty of ways to get involved! You can help with school celebrations, and join our fundraising/community-building committees. If you work full-time, you can still contribute by donating seasonal items, and garden supplies, or assisting with mending toys and materials. We’re always open to hearing any other ideas you have for getting involved!
What is the student/teacher ratio?
The student-to-teacher ratio depends on the program your child is in. For toddlers, we maintain a 6:1 ratio to ensure personalized attention. In our preschool and older classrooms, the ratio may be 12:1 or 15-18:2, depending on the classroom size. Our goal is to provide each child with an interactive and supportive learning experience.
How will I find out how my child is doing?
Parents can communicate with teachers during drop-off and pick-up times, as well as through the Brightwheel app for regular updates. We also schedule parent-teacher conferences and send several progress reports home throughout the school year.
How do I notify the school if my child will be absent?
If your child will be arriving late or absent for the day, please notify the school through the Brightwheel app.
What is your behavior management policy?
We believe in using natural consequences to guide behavior, and we do not use corporal punishment or “time-outs.” In certain cases, if a child needs additional support, the teacher will collaborate with parents to create a personalized behavior plan that fits the child’s needs within the group. Our goal is always to support each child, but if behavior continues to disrupt the class despite these efforts, unenrollment may be considered as a last resort.
Can my child bring personal items from home?
To ensure a focused and enjoyable learning environment, we ask that personal items such as toys, accessories, and electronic devices (iPods/iPads, cell phones, etc.) stay at home. This helps prevent distractions and keeps everyone's belongings safe. Thank you for your understanding!
May my child bring medication from home?
Yes, your child may bring medication from home, but it must be in the original container, labeled with your child’s name, and not expired. Please hand all medication directly to the Director or Teacher upon arrival to ensure proper care.
How will I be notified if my child becomes ill or is injured at school?
If your child becomes ill, you will receive a call and they must be picked up right away. For any injury that requires medical attention, we will contact you immediately. Depending on the situation, we will notify you via the Brightwheel app, call you directly, or in an emergency, call 911.