Here are some questions we often hear from perceptive parents... 

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First, we have a question for you.  Do you want the best for your child?  The fact that you're here, doing your  homework, makes your answer obvious.

At Adventure Time, KIDS ARE OUR BUSINESS!!  We offer a variety of PROGRAMS convenient for working PARENTS and those who want the proven advantages of a high quality preschool for their children.

IS ADVENTURE TIME THE BEST CHOICE FOR MY CHILD? 

Does Adventure Time measure up to my high expectations?  Is Adventure Time really that different from  others I saw in the yellow pages?

YES, YES, YES.  
WE ARE PROUD TO BE DIFFERENT!  
Here's how we do it.....

Q: What does your hiring process entail?

A: Primarily, we recruit at local colleges and universities to bring in the top graduates in the field of education.  We are able to choose from the best applicants, because we are always hiring, even if we don't have a current position that needs to be filled.  When making a new teacher selection, approximately 5 for each 25 applicants are invited for a follow-up interview.  We explore their experience and problem-solving skills with a series of probing interview questions and techniques that reveal their ability to understand and nurture children. Out of those five, we usually ask two final applicants to prepare an age-appropriate curriculum lesson plan and teach it to a classroom.  We follow up by offering feedback of what we observed during the applicant's trial teaching experience.  An administrative team selects just the right teacher for that classroom.  In addition to our extensive screening process, as a licensed childcare center, all our new teachers submit state-required paperwork and a background check is performed.  The new teacher will then begin our unmatched Adventure Time Certification process before starting in the classroom.   

Q:  How do you know when you've found,  THE ONE"?

A:  We have CHILDREN in mind throughout the whole hiring process.  Not only do we seek those who have experience working with young children, but applicants must demonstrate personal qualities that ensure their ability to love and nurture your child.  We are also committed to hiring teachers of the highest caliber who have skills that enable them to communicate effectively with you as a parent.  Professionalism is a high priority at Adventure Time.  We look for individuals who take initiative, who are responsible, teachable, creative and willing to work on our team as an employee, a co-worker, and most importantly, your child's teacher. Dedication and sincerity are personality traits we look for in our friendly professionals.  You're committed to your child, and so are we!

Q:  I've heard of TEACHERS in other centers getting  burned out."  How do you maintain teachers to reduce turnover?

A: One of the things we look for in applicants is their stability in the area.  We prioritize those who have a commitment to living in Utah Valley and a long-term interest in working for Adventure Time. Another unique structure of Adventure Time is our double-staffing schedule.  We maintain two teachers for each classroom; one to teach preschool during the morning shift and another who teaches a preschool session in the afternoon.  Both teachers work together for the benefit of the children so neither are in the classroom for extended periods each day.  We have found that partner teachers sharing shorter shifts greatly increases teacher longevity.  Finally, our administration funds ongoing programs that provide matchless support to teachers to help them remain enthusiastic in their desire to continue in the exciting field of professional childcare.

Q: What ongoing training and support does your staff receive?

A: As mentioned, new staff members participate in an initial ten-hour Adventure Time Certification which trains them with information and practice before taking over a new class.  Each staff member is assigned a Head Teacher who is on shift to help them with daily evaluations, goal setting, and problem solving.  This supervisor supports their staff members with frequent interviews and maintaining curriculum standards.  Weekly staff meetings are conducted by our administration to provide ongoing training, curriculum planning, in-services and information relevant to keeping our school running smoothly.  Adventure Time pays our employees to attend these required meetings.  They are also paid for their planning and class preparation. Furthermore, our staff receives salary increases for attending our annual overnight staff retreat that is jam-packed with instruction, team-building activities and FUN.

Q: What is your PHILOSOPHY regarding education?

A: We believe that a child learns through experience.  Providing those experiences is the substance of our curriculum.  We believe that  gooey" is good and originality is not optional!  Our emphasis is on developmentally-appropriate activities that are centered around hands-on exploration.  We don't just talk about birds, or merely show a picture of bird.  We devote time and resources each week to bring in something meaningful, such as a live canary.  

Children must use their five senses to build awareness and understanding.  Play must also be a part of every child's learning so they can further explore and practice what we're discussing.  For bird week we all  become" birds with wings, feathers, beaks and all!  We structure each classroom with a balance of play, high and low stimulus activities, and both child and teacher-initiated learning.  Most of all, we foster an environment where children feel safe and secure so they are confident in their learning abilities.  Our positive guidance techniques encourage children to eagerly venture forward and rise to meet expectations.        


Q:  What activities do the children participate in during the day?

A: We are called Adventure Time, because we want your child's time here to be an ADVENTURE!  Each classroom has a schedule that enables children to feel structure as they go to school each day.  They can depend on the same routine, which is vital to children's sense of security.  Within that daily schedule, each day is filled with new adventures which results in children who are excited to come to school.  

The full-day PRESCHOOL program includes two full preschool sessions, breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, a midday rest time, and a morning and afternoon outside play.  Our preschool sessions are based on WEEKLY THEMES and are planned ahead and approved by our Head Teachers.  Each week's lesson plans must include daily theme-related activities, such as constructing a pretend space ship during Transportation week.   "5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ready for take off!!"  

Five SKILL BUILDING AREAS also emphasized each week: Language & Pre-Reading, Pre-Math, Large and Small Motor, Music and Movement.  Our curriculum has been developed to support these skill areas by using weekly themes as a vehicle.  A passion for learning is the natural by-product of our curriculum because children are so busy having fun!

Q: What kindergarten readiness skills will my child learn?

A: Our language-rich environment allows your child to naturally establish basic pre-reading skills.  Books and literature are a large part of our curriculum which teaches children about symbolic language, letters and sounds, left-to-right orientation, sequencing, and rhythm and rhyme. In addition to the required activities in the Math skill area, teachers prepare students with daily math awareness through measurement in cooking, counting and number recognition such as in the daily calendar, rote and one-to-one correspondence counting and so forth. Writing skills are developed as children are given small-motor readiness tasks such as cutting with scissors, painting, drawing, and using lacing cards and other learning activities that strengthen finger dexterity.  

Our environment also reinforces increased attention span, problem solving, listening skills and student participation which are steps toward disciplined readiness.  Adventure Time also offers an accredited full-time Kindergarten program beginning each Fall for the school year.  

Q: How does the administration at Adventure Time effectively communicate with its parents?

A: Our office is strategically located at the front entrance so as each parent passes through they have easy access to our administration.  There are at least two administrators, including a Director, on shift to be available to answer your questions and help you in any way.  You are our priority!  New parents receive a personal parent orientation session and a handbook to review the most vital information.  As you look about the office, you will find many tools that help us pass information to you as the parent.  Hanging PERSONAL FOLDERS contain daily information such as tuition receipts, notes from your child's teacher, field trip notices and other general reminders.  When you check in and out each day on the computer, you may also find timely notices posted on your E-MAIL.  Each month you will find your child's CLASSROOM NEWSLETTER reviewing the highlights of the month.  Adventure Time also POSTS NOTICES that give you up-to-date information such as upcoming events and tuition deadline reminders.  


Q: How are the teachers encouraged to communicate with parents?

A: Consistency helps children feel secure.  Great efforts are made to bridge the gap between home and school.  Each teacher is required to write three notes a day to different parents that highlight what their child accomplished that day.  You can also expect a home call from our friendly teachers to talk over your child's needs whenever necessary.  Outside your child's classroom hangs two lesson planning pages (A.M. & P.M.) for the week.  We encourage the parents to read the detailed activities the teachers have planned so they can be informed as to what their child participated in that day and talk about it on that precious ride home.  

The teachers write the overview of the classroom activities in the Monthly Newsletter we publish in the office.  Twice a year you have the opportunity to sign up for a parent-teacher conference with your child's teacher.  Together you will discuss your child's development and set goals for your child's continued growth.  We also have other events throughout the year where you can meet your child's teachers in a relaxed and informative setting.


Q:  What programs are available to increase parent-teacher communication?

A: As previously mentioned, we hold Parent-Teacher Conferences twice a year.  In preparation for that event, the teachers will administer a developmental evaluation, based on your child's age.  This will help determine where you could set goals together for the next six months.  In the Spring, your child's classroom will perform in a Spring Program for parents.  In the Fall, Adventure Time sponsors a school Open House with an overview of your child's program and daily activities. That evening, we ask our parents to fill out a survey and indicate how they can share a talent, hobby or special interest with their child's class.  We also encourage parent and teacher participation in our summer Carnival, the 4th of July Children's Parade, and holiday Make 'N Takes.  Come join us!  After all, parents deserve to have a little fun too!!  

HOW IS YOUR FACILITY KEPT SAFE AND CLEAN?

Q: What are some indications of a quality program to look for as I look around the facility?

A:  Our fun facility offers an enriching environment!  One important factor is cleanliness.  Does the facility appear and smell clean?  Throughout the day our full-time housekeeper is on-site to maintain a healthy environment.  This valuable employee thwarts the attack of  'Mr. Germ' and allows children to learn in surroundings that are orderly and clean.  Ultimately, the teachers' focus is on the children, as they are not preoccupied with cleaning while supervising children.  

Another question is how well do we maintain our facility.  Our two super-heros, who often masquerade as humble Handymen, work hard to keep our facility in great order to maximize your child's learning potential.  We often hear,  I want to be a Mr. Fix-It-Up when I grow up too!

Q: What types of toys and equipment do you offer the children?

A: This is another vital factor that speaks to the quality of the learning environment.  Our focus is on providing quality and variety to enhance learning through play.  We stock an abundant supply of arts & crafts supplies and materials for the teachers to use in engaging small hands and inquiring minds.  Each room has a personal supply of learning equipment and toys, and teachers are provided with funds to enhance their classroom and curriculum.   Furthermore, we carefully maintain an extensive Learning Box Library of learning toys and other equipment to rotate through each classroom on a weekly basis.  This variety stimulates positive behavior because children are constantly discovering and never bored.  

Adventure Time's Children's Library holds hundreds of books for the teachers to check out for use in the classroom.  As you walk outside, you will notice three shaded, spacious playgrounds with a variety of age-appropriate equipment.  These fenced-in areas provide ample space for children to run and explore safely.  Our toys and equipment support our philosophy that learning should be an ADVENTURE!

Q: How can I be assured my child will be happy here?  What things should I look for?  

A:  In every room, on every playground, in every quiet corner you will find children engaged in positive activities, with kind and nurturing teachers who love their jobs.  You will find this at Adventure Time every day!  As you walk around the facility, ask yourself, "If I were a child, would I feel happy here?" The key word in our answer to your question is "feel."  WHAT DO YOU FEEL?  Notice the smiles on the faces of children.  Notice the teacher and you will see the focus is on children.  With high energy and enthusiasm you'll hear music and warm and nurturing tones.  If you stand closely, you'll sense what children feel as their teacher puts that friendly, reassuring arm around them.  Again, put yourself in the place of your child and ask, "If I were a child, would I feel happy here?"  At Adventure Time, your answer will be "Yes, yes, yes!"  We look forward to meeting you and your child.  

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