What are the other requirements for the parents?
There are 5 main requirements for families:
1) Class Participation. The T/Th program requires classroom participation every 4-5 weeks. The MWF classroom participation is once every 3-4 weeks as well as 2 fieldtrips per year. For Pre-K, participation involves special events, holidays, parties and fieldtrips.
2) Attend monthly parent meetings (duration usually one hour)
3) Take part in one Work Day per year where parents clean, repair and organize the classroom
4) Select a Special Job such as a board position, party planner, website maintenance, etc.
5) Participate in and contribute to the annual fundraisers. Financial expectations for fundraising range from year to year.

Do the children participate in fieldtrips?
The T/Th class participates in short, exploratory walks near the school. The MWF and Pre-K students enjoy organized outings to local parks and educational facilities such as Crab Cove, Chabot Space and Science Center, the CHP, etc. Field trips are spread throughout the year.

In the Pre-K class, will there be formal instruction in reading skills, mathematics, and science?
Children are exposed to pre-reading concepts, literature, basic mathematic concepts and science (with an emphasis on our natural world) through a variety of small group activities, circle time, and discovery play.

How is a Pre-K different from a regular Kindergarten?
We recognize that a younger child (just barely or not yet five years old) can have a difficult adjustment both socially and academically in a Kindergarten setting. Kindergarten students are expected to listen attentively for extended periods, work independently, and begin word recognition, writing and mathematics exercises. Our goal is to prepare children for this more challenging environment.

Does the Pre-K program take the place of a regular Kindergarten?
No, this program is intended to prepare children for Kindergarten the following school year.

What are my financial requirements at LBCP?
In addition to the monthly tuition (see above), families are asked to fulfill an annual Scrip requirement as well as contribute to annual fundraisers.