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FAQs
I would like more information before I apply for a class, what are my options?
We have a parent night every October. At this event, we explain some of the exciting things your child will learn during their time with us. This is also a great night for parents who want to learn more about Wind and Tide for their future preschooler. We encourage you to create a family account so that you will receive updates regarding this event. Please be sure to enable email notification for all newsletters so that you get all updates emailed directly to you, and ensure that your email address in your account remains current. You are also welcome to contact our administration office with any questions you may have. Because teacher placement may vary from year to year, we encourage families to wait until they have been offered a position in an upcoming class to arrange specific visits (orientations) to the preschool classes. Families wishing to apply for any childcare location are encouraged to call the location directly to book an orientation of the facility when their child is 2 years of age.
I applied for a class, and I'm not in the top 20 of the waitlist. What are my chances of obtaining a position?
If you are in an area with multiple locations, your chances are quite good. Many families apply for multiple classes, thus a family above you on the waitlist may accept a position at a different location or class. Even if you are in an area with fewer locations (or just one), it is still quite possible to gain placement, as the waitlists do move quite a bit throughout the year. We see considerably more movement in afternoon classes, and encourage families to consider the PM classes if at all possible if they are further down the morning waitlists. As our new registration system is used, we will begin to color-code your placement on the waitlist based on the likelihood of gaining placement.
How do the waitlists work?
Waitlists are based on original application time for EACH specific class. Most waitlist movement for preschool classes occurs in early November, March as well as late June and early September. Most waitlist movement for the childcare occurs in June and September. When a space arises for your child, you will be notified via the parent portal (and email notification). Families are generally given a 2 day window to respond to waitlist offers and 10 days to submite their registration fee. Thus we encourage you to let us know if you will be away during a time of active waitlist movement. You will stay on your requested waitlists throughout the entire year, so if a position comes available to transfer mid school year, you will have the opportunity to transfer, or to pass on the position.
Can I accept a placement in one class, and remain on other waitlists?
Absolutely! We recommend that you only accept placements that will possibly work for you, but you are certainly able to stay on waitlists for a preferred class. You can even start a class at one location and/or time, and transfer to another that you are waitlisted for mid-year if a space comes available.
Why did my waitlist number increase on the waitlist?
Although it is rare, you may encounter this unsettling event. If a family is removed from a waitlist in error, they have the ability to contact us to be placed back on the waitlist, and will retain their original application time. Also, if a family moves, they are able to transfer their application time to another location waitlist.
What if I don't get my first choice (second choice/third choice etc)?
While we know it can be disappointing to not get your first choice, we will be doing our best to get you the best placement we can. You are welcome to be on as many waitlists as you wish and can continue checking the movement of those waitlists in your parent portal. Note that spaces are much more likely in PM classes, as compared to AM classes.I am an alumni family, do I get any advantage on the waitlists?
We have always given alumni families a 30 minute advantage window. With the new system, we will instead release classes to alumni families prior to the general public. For our first year, this will be several days prior to November 1st (you will be notified of your application time). For future years, we will be issuing application dates as classes are posted. Please check your portal periodically, or enable email notification on your portal so that you are emailed when new classes are posted and application dates have been issued.
Why are the deposit payments non-refundable after June 30th? I thought the withdrawal policy was 30 days?
We are always trying to maintain a balance between appreciation for those who have enrolled with sensitivity to other loyal Wind and Tide families on our waiting list. During the school year, our withdrawal policy requires a 30 day written notice. However, no refunds are given on deposits throughout the summer months. There are several reasons for this. The schools are closed during the summer months, and thus any families that were hoping for a space are not able to view the school or meet the teachers. This makes it extremely difficult to fill summer openings, and is also unfair to families that were hoping for placement and had to commit to a second choice. We also have to confirm our leases and our staffing prior to June 30th. We feel it is unfair to our staff if they return to work in September, only to find that the enrollment is no longer sufficient for their employment. Without the summer non-withdrawal policy, many families neglect to inform us of their change in plans. Non-refundable deposits help us to encourage families to let us know in a timely manner that they wish to decline their saved spaces.
What if I cannot attend the Open House?
In order to continue in your confirmed enrollment, you must provide your tuition fees, completed PAD agreement and completed registration form by the date of the Open House. If you cannot attend the Open House, please mail your forms directly to the office (Wind and Tide Preschools Ltd. 113-5455 152 Street, Surrey, BC, V3S 5A5).
What if I register after June 30th?
If you register after June 30th, we require your registration fee and deposit one week from the date of your registration. Both the registration fee and deposit are non-refundable.
Does my child need to be pottytrained?
While we do ask that it be something you are working on, we understand completely that most children do not respond well to our time-lines on this subject! We also know that even a fully potty trained child may get engrossed in play and learning, and may have accidents. Teachers are very discrete and comforting when an accident happens. It comes with the territory of the preschool age. The only thing that you need to be aware of is that in the preschool, they are not allowed to change a child if they have a bowel-movement. This is due to licensing - it requires a specific set up (change table attached to wall, specific cleaning stations, etc) that we simply don't have at our preschools because the classes are so short. It is also quite rare that this happens, as many children just quickly adapt to the new routine, and "save" those fun clean-ups for at home. But, you need to be aware that if it does happen, the teachers would call you (or a contact) right away. The teachers can be a great support during the potty training though, and can help continue with your efforts (reminding, scheduled bathroom breaks, etc) and help with further ideas if necessary. Also, sometimes the environment helps spur children onwards in their efforts, seeing other peers using the toilet may encourage them to quickly train when they were otherwise struggling a bit.
How am I going to make a PM class work when my child naps (or sibling nap)?
We know that many families get nervous about PM classes, but there are many advantages to a PM class. First of all, many children begin to drop their naps (or drop them completely) between 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 years of age. Thus, by the time September arrives, you may find that the PM works great. If a child is napping sporadically, it also keeps them very occupied and engaged on days they aren't napping (at preschool) and generally results in more consistent naps on non-preschool days. It also gives families more time to get ready and out the door for school, and often results in a calmer class environment. If younger siblings are napping, they can often adjust their naps to fit with the preschool class time. Finally, it assist in preparing children for full-day Kindergarten (particularly in the 4 year old year). Keep in mind that you will also remain on the AM waitlists (if requested) and will be offered a transfer at any time a space becomes available for your child. Afternoon class positions tend to come up more frequently than morning classes, and thus we encourage families to consider this option.
What about new locations and closing locations?
We strive to always meet the needs of communities and will consider adding new locations in areas that families request. Many times, however, we are restricted by available quality space to lease. We encourage families to contact us if they have an idea of a possible space and would like to see a Wind and Tide in a particular location. We also strive to never close schools, as we know families depend on our locations. This is why we only accept waitlist applications up until 10 months prior to the start of the class. In the event that a location is forced to close, we will try our best to get you in the closest available class of choice.
Is Wind and Tide directly affiliated with a church or school district?
We are a private preschool, run independently of the churches or schools that we lease space from. Wind and Tide is, however, a Christian based program and we seek to demonstrate and promote Christian values and attitudes. We do not require that families be Christian, and most of the families that attend our programs are from a variety of backgrounds and belief-systems. We welcome all families without judgment.
Can my 4 year old attend an open house?
Because each location only has a few new 4 year old students starting each year, we do not have an Open House at each location for the 4 year old students. You are welcome, however, to book an observation at your school once you have been given a placement. This process will be outlined when you are given confirmation of your placement or transfer. We also have a parent night in October, as well as a 4 year old curriculum DVD and parent handbook that you will receive.
I heard that your program is Christian-based. What does that mean?
It means that we will teach all children that come to Wind and Tide that God has created an amazing world; that God loves everyone and we can talk to Him whenever we want; the God sent his son Jesus to show us how much He loves us and that God designed us to be happiest when we are loving His world and each other. As a company there are some things that we will NOT teach your child. We will not teach that only families with similar belief systems are welcome. Everyone is welcome! We will not lead children to become 'Christians'. Wind and Tide is an opportunity for exposure, not commitment. We will not disregard other faiths that are represented in the classroom. We will not set aside separate teaching times for bible teaching. And lastly, we will not use our positions as teachers insensitively.