FAQ - Kiddy Club

What age groups does FUMNSK have programs for?

We offer classes for children ages 3 through 5, plus a caregiver-and-me program for 2-3 year olds. Children must reach the age of their class by December 31 of the year they begin.

• Littles at Play (ages 2-3): A caregiver-and-me program that runs in sessions on Mondays and Fridays.

• 3s: Children must be 3 by December 31. Choose five days (Monday to Friday) or three days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

• Pre-K (4s): Children must turn 4 by December 31. Monday to Friday, 8:45 AM to 11:45 AM.

• Kindergarten: Children must turn 5 by December 31. Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

What are the security measures?

The safety of our children is our top priority. The school entrance and classroom doors are locked during the school day and unlocked only at arrival and dismissal, and our playground is locked whenever it is not in use by a class. Children are only released to parents or adults the parent has authorized in advance through our Brightwheel app, and authorized adults must show identification at pickup. Children are supervised by staff at all times, indoors and outdoors, with head counts whenever they move between areas. All staff are certified in First Aid and CPR, and we maintain written procedures for emergencies including fire, severe weather, and lock-down.

How can I enroll my child at FUMNSK?

Start by attending a tour, then complete an enrollment form and submit a $500 nonrefundable tuition deposit, which is applied toward your child’s tuition. Enrollment for our 3s program opens in the fall of the year before your child starts, with early registration for siblings and church members in October. Current 3s and Pre-K families receive priority for the following year, and outside enrollment for Pre-K opens November 1 and for Kindergarten December 1, on a first come, first served basis. All new students begin on a provisional basis to make sure the program is a good fit.

What is the curriculum and educational philosopy?

FUMNSK offers a play-based program that fits the program to the child, not the child to the program. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum nurtures the whole child and promotes emotional security, school readiness and a love of learning. It is built on the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS), which are woven into daily activities as children explore, question, investigate and work with materials.

What is your teacher-to-student ratio?

At First United Methodist Nursery School & Kindergarten, we maintain at least one staff member for every ten children at all times, whether children are in the classroom, on the playground, at gym or music, on field trips, or in our extended day programs. In practice, our largest classes have no more than 19 children and at least two teachers, and Kindergarten has at least one staff member for every seven children. This means teachers can observe, interact with, and support each child individually, and children are never left unsupervised, indoors or outdoors.

When does the school year run from?

From Sept to June with optional summer program for ages 3 to K in June and July

What extended day options are offered?

We offer early AM drop-off starting at 8:00 am, Lunch Club (daily or permanent), Wednesday Creative Kids for 3's, and enrichment programs for Pre-K and Kindergarten. See our Program Details page for more information.

Is there a summer program?

Yes. We offer an optional daily summer camp in June and July from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm for all students, Threes through Kindergarten. Camp runs by the week, Monday to Friday, and is billed per session.

How does FUMNSK communicate with parents and how can parents stay informed and involved?

We use Brightwheel, our family communication app, to share classroom updates, photos, school announcements and billing, and to make it easy to message teachers. All parents are also members of the FUMNSK Parent Association, which plans family events such as Spooky Storytime, Cookies with Santa, Book Fair, Parent's Night Out, Donuts with Grownups and Teacher Appreciation Week.

What forms are required to attend?

Before your child’s first day, we need the following on file:

• A physical exam and immunization record, signed and dated by your physician and including all State of Connecticut health and immunization information. Physical exams are valid for one year.

• Documentation of an annual flu shot given between August and December 31, or a notarized medical exemption, to continue attending after December 31.

• A permission/emergency form listing two local emergency contacts who can reach the school within 10 minutes.

• A privacy waiver.

• A child history form (for all 3s and all new 4s and Kindergarteners).

• Allergy or asthma forms and medications, only if your child’s physician lists an allergy or asthma on the physical. These must be completed before you leave your child at school.

Frequently asked questions

Follow Us

Contact Us