Rooster Valley Farm School FAQ
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Rooster Valley Farm School FAQ
Is RVFS licensed and how long has RVFS been in business?
Yes, RVFS has been a licensed preschool for 10 years. Jennifer Ward and Tricia Benson started
the school in 2012. They are the directors and two of the lead teachers at RVFS.
What makes RVFS unique?
Rooster Valley Farm School is unique among preschools in the Snoqualmie Valley because it is
the only school in which the students interact daily with farm animals, actively work and play in
a productive garden, spend half the time outdoors, and engage in a strong academic
program. Teachers are highly experienced, and most hold master’s degrees in education. RVFS
also offers a variety of full-day and half-day schedules.
What is your Teacher/Child Ratio? 1:10
What are the operating hours of RVFS? 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)
What days/holidays does the school close? RVFS operates on a school-year schedule. We break for
summer vacation (however, we hold weekly summer camps). RVFS closely follows the SVSD calendar in
terms of school breaks with some small variations.
Is my child old enough to attend?
Students MUST be at least age 2 ½ by September 1st of the school year they attend. They must
have turned 2 years old by March 1st if they enter RVFS that fall of the same calendar year. Even
if a child begins to attend RVFS mid-year (because of a random opening), the child must be at
least 2 ½ years old by September 1st of the school year.
Does my child have to be potty-trained to attend?
YES. This means children can independently:
• Know when they need to go potty
• Go into the bathroom
• Pull up and down underwear and pants
• Get on and off potty (a stool is available for assistance)
• Wipe
• Wash hands when finished
If a student does have an accident during school, we will use his/her change of clothing. However, in
the case of a poopy accident, we will call home, and a parent will need to come and assist the child.
RVFS is a preschool, not a daycare. We are not licensed to change diapers etc.
What class would my child be in at RVFS?
We have Preschool classes and Pre-K classes. Preschool classes include children ages 2 ½
through 4 years. Pre-K classes include children ages 4 turning 5. RVFS students may be in a
Preschool class for one or two years depending on their age when first entering RVFS. Pre-K
classes are for children who will be graduating RVFS and attending Kindergarten the following
school year. Pre-K is not designed to be repeated at RVFS.
How many children are in a class?
20 children maximumWhat is the tuition?
See this year’s “Tuition Schedule”
What is your educational philosophy?
RVFS uses a mixture of educational techniques and philosophies that promote independence
and creativity. Many times we “hide” academics in hands-on play activities.
Our goal is for our students to not only be successful academically, but to be well-rounded kids
who are not afraid to get dirty, jump in and help, work hard, take risks, have fun, and be kind to
others. *See barnyard and garden info as well for more.
What is a typical day like?
RVFS Sample DAILY SCHEDULE
9:00-9:15 Welcome / Circle
9:15-10:15 Centers / Snack / Project
10:15-10:30 Snack
10:30-11:00 Garden / Barnyard
11:00–11:40 Recess
11:45 Happy Trails / Dismissal
11:45–12:15 Lunch (for full day students)
12:15–12:30 Circle
12:30–1:30 Centers / Snack Project
1:30–2:15. Recess
2:15-2:45. Barnyard / Garden
2:45 – 3:00 Goodbye Circle / Happy Trails
During “Centers,” students freely move around to different areas of the classroom that are
prepared with different activities related to the theme that week. There are always academic-
based centers (math, language-arts, science, etc.) as well as centers like Construction, Dramatic
Play, Home Center, Art, etc. These activities are also changed throughout the week. Also, during
“Centers” time, students work with a teacher directly (i.e., handwriting, literacy, math, art
projects). Teachers read to the students throughout the day. “Circle” incudes many group
activities such as calendar, song, dance, questions, skills games, etc.
What will my child do in the barnyard and garden?
One of the main educational components at RVFS is animal care/interaction. Interacting with
farm animals teaches children responsibility, patience, and communication. Farm animals
provide challenges that can be used to build up a child's confidence. Life among animals means
that children learn to care about someone other than themselves. Children working with farm
animals and in a garden also have a practical, working knowledge of many things they may not
get elsewhere: biology, mechanics, safety skills, life cycles, growing food, etc.
Curriculum will be provided regarding each animal and how to interact gently and appropriately.
Children are always supervised in the barnyard and garden. In the barnyard, they will interact
with the animals and care for them daily. Over the course of a school year, it is likely that a child
will be stepped on, scratched, pecked, barked at, knocked down, bitten, pooped on, or even
licked by an animal. In the garden, students will dig, weed, plant seeds, water, harvest, and be
involved in all the activities a successful garden would require. We hope each child will be able
to grow their own food/plant. We use real garden tools (shovels, trowels, rakes, and more).
Are there any animals in the classrooms?
Yes. Ms. Jen has Beau (Bernese Mountain dog) and Poppy (Ragdoll cat) in her classroom. Ms.
Tricia has Slinky (Miniature Dachshund) and a tank of fish in her classroom. Students learn about
these pets and sometimes develop special relationships with their “classroom pets.”Do students take naps at RVFS? No. There is not a “nap time.”
What is the parental involvement like at RVFS?
Other than seeing parents face-to-face at drop-off and pick-up, each class teacher
communicates with parents on a regular basis with a weekly newsletter and lesson plan.
Teachers and parents communicate through emails, texts, and phone calls as well. Parents are
invited to curriculum night in early fall. This night provides in-depth information regarding
curriculum, schedule and routines. RVFS holds two parent/teacher conference times per year.
Your child will receive a report card at these times. There are opportunities for
parents/caregivers during the year to volunteer, although there is no requirement to do so.
RVFS has many parties throughout the year that families are invited to attend with their child.
What is your behavior management policy?
We encourage children to develop their own self-control, autonomy, management of feelings,
problem-solving skills, and to work towards cooperative social behavior. Teachers set clear,
consistent limits and strive to develop close, nurturing relationships with all children. We offer
choices, try to redirect, or point out natural or logical consequences of various behaviors.
Positive behaviors are strongly encouraged and noticed. No form of corporal punishment is ever
permitted.
Rooster Valley Farm School is a unique environment that has farm animals, specialized
equipment and frequent transitions. Because of this, we have high expectations for students to
be able to follow directions and transition well. Safety for all students and animals is our top
priority. Certain behaviors cannot be tolerated. These behaviors include but are not limited to:
physical aggression toward people and animals, defiance, property destruction, and fleeing of
the supervised area. If these behaviors occur, a parent conference will be arranged for all issues
to be discussed. Possible alternate strategies will be formulated and plans for implementation
may be reviewed. All options shall be exhausted prior to consideration of termination. However,
if these behaviors continue to occur the student’s contract will be terminated.
Rooster Valley Farm School reserves the right to exclude any child from attendance, temporarily or
permanently, under any circumstances deemed in the sole and exclusive discretion of RVFS, to be
interfering with the health, safety, or educational development of the child or any other child(ren), or
whose conduct is unsatisfactory. The school further reserves the right to deny continued enrollment,
or re-enrollment, to any student if RVFS reasonably concludes that the actions of a parent or
guardian are inconsistent or in nonsupport of the educational environment or counterproductive to a
positive working relationship between RVFS and that child’s parents or guardians.
Is RVFS a religious school? Does it celebrate holidays?
No. Rooster Valley Farm School is a non-denominational organization and does not instruct religious
activities. From time to time, however, we will expose children to diverse cultural holidays and
experiences that may have religious overtones. Children will not be required to participate in any of
these activities. We do have these holiday related parties: Halloween Festival, Christmas Party,
Valentine Exchange, Mums & Moms, Easter Egg Hunt, and the Rooster Daddy Dash.
How is the safety handled at RVFS?
We follow all state licensing requirements including emergency drills, having a disaster plan,
having buildings and equipment checked and maintained, etc. Drop-off and pick-up are
managed with sign-in and sign-out sheets and teachers are present to hand-off child. Families
must have in writing who is allowed to pick up children. Our campus is fully fenced, and children
are always supervised. We will contact parents if there is any injury (beyond the typical cut,
scrape) and follow emergency procedures. If needed, we will refer to your child’s medical forms
on file. All faculty are background checked.Does my child eat snacks and/or lunch at RVFS?
We provide morning and afternoon snacks. Students will be responsible for bringing in their
own labeled water bottle. Cooking with students is an important part of our school curriculum.
We utilize fresh fruits, vegetables & herbs from our school garden, and eggs from the barnyard
as much as possible. Full day students are required to bring labeled lunches from home. Every
lunch eater should have a fork/spoon and a napkin. Lunch should be ready to eat- we cannot
microwave items.
What if my child has a food allergy?
Your child may be able to eat many of the snacks provided, but you will need to provide some
“safe snacks” for him/her. Please notify us of any special dietary restrictions or allergies (with
doctor’s verification letter) when applying to RVFS. A classroom will be peanut-free if there is a
student in the class who has a peanut allergy.
Can my child wear a Smart Watch to school or bring a device to school?
RVFS students are not allowed any devices for communication outside of school including
phones, smart watches, GPS, and emergency alert devices. It is our belief that if our students
have an issue, they need help with, it is important for them to communicate that to
teachers. We provide qualified, experienced teachers to take on the important job of not only
teaching and caring for your child, but also supervising and keeping him or her safe.
Do you really play and go outside even when it is raining and bad weather?
Yes! You should expect your child to be outside half the time they are at RVFS. We ask for
students to either wear or bring layers appropriate for the weather.
What is the “Protection of Make-Believe” in your parent handbook?
Part of our philosophy at RVFS is that the world of make-believe is important to the social,
emotional, and educational growth of young children. We actively engage in make-believe
activities throughout the school year (i.e., gingerbread man hunt). We also respect the role of
make-believe in childhood through traditions and storytelling regarding holiday figures, tooth
fairy, etc. We respect parents’ decisions to deal with these topics as they see fit in their own
homes. However, if you choose not to engage in these make-believe activities with your child,
and instead explain to them the adult reality, we ask that you also explain clearly to your child
that other children find real joy in make believe, and that it is unkind to interfere with their
make-believe by calling it untrue.
Do you go on field trips?
Occasionally children and teachers may go on a walk around the neighborhood or to the local
park. Children are always closely supervised. For safety on these trips, teachers will carry first
aid supplies, the classroom cell phone, and emergency contact information. A general parent
permission field trip form is given out and collected at the beginning of the school year.
Can parents go to RVFS?
We get that question a lot! J Not yet, but you are encouraged to join your child at the parties
and celebrations!RVFS Tuition Schedule 2022-2023
Annual tuition is broken into ten equal installments due on the first of each month. Monthly
installment payments are listed below.
Morning Afternoon Full Day Session
Session Session
9:00am-11:45pm 12:15pm-3:00pm 9:00am-3:00pm
Two Days $365 Preschool
$335 $555
T/TH
$335 Pre-K
Three Days $440 Preschool
$410 $680
M/W/F
$410 Pre-K
Five Days $575 Preschool
$545 $1110
M/T/W/TH/F
$545 Pre-K
Fees
New-Student Application OR Re-Enrollment for Current RVFS Families $150
Materials (full school year) $350
(includes yearbook, more gear, project supplies, etc.)
Applying/Enrollment Procedure
To apply for admission to Rooster Valley Farm School, provide a completed & signed application form
accompanied by a non-refundable $100 application fee. Payment made out to RVFS. Application & fee
can be dropped off in locked black mailbox by front door of RVFS Falls Ave. building or mailed to RVFS
P.O. Box 1492, Snoqualmie, WA 98065.
If your child is accepted, the following items are required for enrollment:
1. A signed tuition contract with a parent/guardian signature. You will receive this when invoiced.
2. Payment of the non-refundable $350 materials fee for the full school year.
3. Payment of a non-refundable tuition deposit of 10% of the annual tuition. This deposit secures
your child’s spot at RVFS for the coming school year.
4. A signed RVFS Parent Handbook acknowledgment form.
5. Completed emergency medical consent, emergency contact information, health history,
immunization record, and other RVFS forms. The date of the most recent physical exam must
be recorded. These forms are due at Student Orientation in August/September.Financial Frequently Asked Questions: How much is tuition? Each class offering is a different cost. See tuition chart above for specific monthly cost. How often is tuition due? Tuition is due on the first of each month. What method of payment do you accept? Tuition and fees may be paid by cash, check (payable to RVFS), or online using ACH, debit, or credit card. Do you offer discounts? Families with more than one child attending in the same school year receive a 10% discount on the tuition of the child with the lowest payment. Is there a late fee? If your child is picked up after the end time of his or her session, you must pay a late fee equal to $5 per minute late. Is there a discount if I pay for the year upfront? We offer a limited amount of 5% lump-sum tuition payment discounts. These are offered during the summer and must be paid by August 1st. Will we be responsible for buying school supplies? No. All supplies are purchased by the school. Do you require parents to participate in fundraising efforts? No. We believe your year should be spent enjoying your child and the joys of preschool, not on fundraising.
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