FAQ
Infants
At Smiling Kids, we focus on offering a bilingual education in Spanish and English. While English is the primary language used in our classrooms, we also emphasize Spanish instruction to provide children with a strong foundation in both languages, preparing them for a multicultural and multilingual future.
Co-operative play is something we truly value. But it has to be learned, as well as appeal to our social instincts… The best way to achieve this is by copying what we see. Therefore, our nursery teachers and educators model play and co-operate whenever they can, so the kids get a sense of what it looks like. Taking turns, acting gently, speaking in a kind manner: all of these are examples of positive reinforcement. Soon enough, the play will start to diffuse social tension as a result.
We begin with short separation times, as children need to have faith that their caregiver will return. This builds trust and mutual understanding. Once these brief periods become the norm, we extend the length of separation. A comforter from home often helps, something like a blanket, toy or teddy bear.
It’s normal for a child to cry during their initial state at kindergarten of semi-independence. Please remember that it’s a natural, healthy response to the love you’ve given them so far… For transitions and promotions, too, we create a plan that’s tailored to their personality traits.
You may drop your child off in the school driveway as early as 7:30 am, 20 minutes before school. Kindergarten students meet and line up on the Kindergarten playground before school. Supervision is provided on the Kindergarten playground every morning.
We recommend that parents walk their Kindergarteners to the playground for at least the first few days of school. Park on the street or in the lot at St. James Church and walk your child into the kindergarten playground.
Additional information is available on our Arrival and Dismissal Procedures page.
Toddlers
We have a School Nurse or Health Clerk on campus 5 days/week. Your child will be evaluated and treated immediately. You will be called right away if the injury is severe, or if your child needs to go home due to illness.
Additional information is available on our Health Office page.
Preschool
At Smiling Kids, only children who stay for Creative Afternoons will have a rest period after lunch. At the Elementary School, Kindergarten students have a rest time after lunch, which often includes a read aloud story time.
Parents can access information instantly about their child(ren)’s classroom activities, schedule, and plans through our Smiling Kids Portal, which also provides access to family contact information and is where parents can update emergency contacts or the list of individuals allowed to pick up their child(ren). In addition to class specific information, all school events, notices, weekly newsletters from classroom teachers, monthly newsletters from specials teachers, Parent Association news and minutes, directory listings, school calendars, and photos live on the secure Parent Portal. In addition, we host numerous informational events for families throughout the year and send out Schoolroom Notes, our bi-annual all school newsletter, and our annual report.
Kindergarden
All class lists will be posted at the PTA social on the afternoon before school starts in August. They will also be accessible at the front door facing Washington Boulevard overnight.
Flex Care
Smiling Kids’ certified teachers design specific curriculum, so kids get structure and socialization! Our teachers are loving, attentive, smart and cater to the group!
Smiling Kids has traditional full time and flex care services available.
All class lists will be posted at the PTA social on the afternoon before school starts in August. They will also be accessible at the front door facing Washington Boulevard overnight.
For Oregon, you do not need to bring them in for Drop-in, but do require them for Full Time. But it’s great if you can bring them in for us. We do require vaccinations. For LA, both immunization records and vaccinations are required whether or not you are using Drop-in or Full Time. Skole’s immunization rates are here and you can find the Multnomah County Immunization Rates here, Clackamas County here, and Washington County here.
Art Program
All class lists will be posted at the PTA social on the afternoon before school starts in August. They will also be accessible at the front door facing Washington Boulevard overnight.