Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Starting preschool is exciting, and we know families have questions. These are some of our most frequently asked questions.
🧾 Enrollment & Eligibility
📋 How do I register my child?
- Registration is closed for the 2025–2026 school year. Please check back for 2026–2027 enrollment information.
🎂 What ages do you serve?
- For PreK 3/4, children must be 3 years old by October 1st of the school year.
For PreK 4/5, children must be 4 years old by October 1st of the school year.
🚽 Does my child need to be potty trained to start preschool?
- General education students are required to be fully potty trained before starting preschool. Students who receive special education services may have individualized expectations, as outlined in their IEP.
🕒 Schedule & Calendar
⏰ What are the preschool hours?
Preschool runs from 7:55 AM to 2:25 PM. Arriving on time is important so your child can take part in the full morning routine, be present for morning meeting, and enjoy a consistent start to the day.
🏡 Is there before or after care?
After care is available for preschool students through Catholic Charities Child Care Services
Details:
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Phone: 908-798-1351
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Email: [email protected]
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Pick-up Location: Side door of the all-purpose room
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Services: After school program and summer camp
For more information, visit the Child Care Services at Hatchery Hill website.
📆 What’s the school calendar?
Tiger Pride Preschool follows the Hatchery Hill Elementary School calendar. You can view it here: Hatchery Hill School Calendar.
🚗 Daily Routines & Procedures
🚗 Where do I drop off and pick up my child?
- Drop-off and pick-up take place at the preschool doors. Staff members will be there to greet your child in the morning and guide them safely to their classroom, and will bring them to you at dismissal.
🛝Does my child go outside every day?
- Yes! Weather permitting, we go outside daily. Outdoor time may include walks, play on the preschool playground, or activities on the blacktop such as riding bikes, using hula hoops, jumping rope, playing ball games, and more.
🧸 Can my child bring toys from home?
- We ask that personal toys stay at home to avoid loss or damage. Comfort items for rest time may be allowed; please check with your child's teacher.
🎒 What should my child bring each day?
Please send:
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Two snacks
- Lunch, if your child is not purchasing one at school
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A backpack
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School folder
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A reusable water bottle
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Weather-appropriate outerwear
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Sneakers are recommended for active play
🎉 Do you celebrate birthdays?
- Yes! We celebrate birthdays without food to ensure the safety of all students. Classroom teachers celebrate with the class, and families are welcome to send in a non-food item to share, such as stickers, or bubbles.
🍎 Do you provide snacks or lunch?
- We do not provide snacks. Children should bring two snacks from home each day, as we have snack time twice daily. Lunch may be purchased at school, and families can apply for free or reduced-price lunch through the Free and Reduced Lunch Application.
💤 Do the children rest or nap during the day?
- Yes, rest time is part of our daily schedule. Children are provided with a quiet space and will need a toddler-size sheet (28″ × 52″) and a small blanket.
🏫 Learning & Curriculum
📚 What curriculum do you use?
- We use a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards. Learning happens through hands-on activities, structured routines, and purposeful play that help children grow socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. You can learn more on our Curriculum page.
🐯 What is the difference between PreK 3/4 and PreK 4/5?
- PreK 3/4 is designed for children who are three years old by the program cutoff date and focuses on building early social, emotional, and academic skills through play and exploration.
PreK 4/5 is for children who are four years old by the cutoff date and preparing to enter kindergarten the following year. This program continues to support social-emotional growth while placing a stronger emphasis on kindergarten readiness skills such as early literacy, math, and independence.
📋 How is progress measured?
- Teachers observe students during daily activities and track their growth in all developmental areas. Progress is shared with families through conferences, report cards and informal updates throughout the year.
💬 Communication & Family Involvement
🔔 How will I get updates about my child?
- We keep families informed through ClassDojo, parent-teacher conferences, report cards, and communication by email or phone when needed.
🧡 How can families be involved?
- We love having families as part of our preschool community. You can join us for Parent Workshops and Family Events throughout the year, as well as additional classroom events determined by your child’s teacher.
📱 What’s the best way to reach my child’s teacher?
- The best way to contact your child’s teacher is through ClassDojo or email. Please allow up to 24 hours on school days for a response. Teachers are focused on students during the day and have limited access to messages during school hours.
If there is an urgent matter or emergency, please call the main office at (908) 852-8550