Our website covers the basics of our school's philosophy, hours, age requirements and fees, but you probably still have a few questions. Please feel free to call or email if you need any other information!
Membership Chairperson, Tracey Maytum (408) 265-4556
San Jose Parent Participating Nursery School (408) 265-3202
Prospective Questions
Q. How do we know if SJPPNS is the right kind of school for us?
A. We hope you'll start by visiting our school with your child. We welcome visitors during school hours - you and your child may participate in the class during your visit. This is the best way to get a feel for the way the classes are structured, the types of activities that go on during a typical day, and hopefully, chat a bit with the Director and other parents.
Q. How do I enroll my child in SJPPNS?
A. Pick up an application during school hours, or get one through the mail by calling the Membership chairperson. Return it, with your application fee, to the Membership Chairperson's box at the school.
Applications are accepted from the general public (new families) from February 3 through March 3. All applications received during this time period are weighted equally. If we have more applications than spaces available in class, a lottery is held to fill those spaces and a waiting list is established. Applications received after March 3 will be equally weighted on a daily basis. The Membership chairperson will contact you regarding your status.
Q. What are the age requirements and class times?
| SESSION | AGE | TIME |
| 1-Day | 18 months - 2 1/2 years by September 1st | M 2:45-4:45 PM |
| 2-Day | 2 1/2 by October 1st - 3 1/2 years by September 1st | T TH 9:00-11:30 AM |
| 3-Day | 3 - 4 1/2 years by September 1st | M W F 9:00-11:30 AM |
| 4-Day | 4 years by December 2nd | T W TH F 12:30-3:00 PM |
Q. Can I register my child in a class for which he/she just misses the required age?
A. No. If your child has special needs, you may schedule an appointment with a Director to discuss this.
Q. What are the class sizes and the adult/child ratios in each?
A. In addition to the credentialed Teacher/Director in each class:
1-Day: 24 children, each attending with a parent
2-Day: 24 children / 8 parents per day
3-Day: 24 children / 8 parents per day
4-Day: 24 children / 6 parents per day
Q. Does my child have to be toilet trained to attend SJPPNS?
A. No.
Q. Exactly what kind of time commitment is required from each family?
A. In all Classes, a parent must:
- Attend our Saturday Orientation workshop in September.
- Attend 3 General Meetings (held on Tuesday evenings in November, February, and April).
- Work a 2-3 hour shift at one of the fundraisers.
- Hold a committee job that allows the school to run smoothly (such as cleaning the school, mixing paints, or fundraising).
- Work one assigned day each week in their child's class. This includes 15 minutes (prep time) before and 30 minutes after (discussion time) class.
- Attend two (2) Saturday 4-hour Maintenance workdays (held the first Saturday of every month). [Members holding an Executive Board position are exempt from Maintenance Workdays]
- Attend monthly session meetings (held on Tuesday evenings in September, October, January, March and May).
- Be available for the on-call days you are assigned or sign up for.
Q. What are the costs other than tuition?
A. There is a $20 application fee for all new students and a $10 application fee for returning students. In addition, at the start of the school year, there are one-time fees as follows:
- Insurance Fee: $35 + $10 Fees and Dues
- Supply fee: $60 for 1-Day, $100 for 2-Day, $120 for 3-Day and $140 for 4-Day*
- You will also be asked to bring an occasional snack for the class
Q. Are TB tests required?
A. Participating parents are required to have negative TB tests (or clear chest X-ray) 1 year prior to entrance in the school and every 4 years thereafter. Children are to be screened by their doctor who may or may not deem a TB test necessary. If the pediatrician decides a TB test is necessary, the above requirements apply to your children also.
Member Questions
Q. How do I get reimbursed for things I bought for the school?
A. First, be sure you got approval for the purchase beforehand. Then fill out the Reimbursement form and submit it within 10 days. You will normally be paid back within 30 days.
Q. What is the SJPPNS fundraising philosophy?
A. Fundraising helps San Jose Parents Participating Nursery School keep tuition low and fund school improvements, curriculum, field trips, scholarships, and more. Our approach is to offer SJPPNS members a wide range of fun, family-oriented fundraising activities that support the community spirit that is so much a part of the school philosophy. The school hopes that members will attend the fundraising events of their choice because they are fun and support the school. The only mandatory requirement is that each family support the fundraising activities by working a single 2-3 hour work shift at one of the fundraising events.
Q. How are fundraising monies used to benefit the school?
A. Fundraising activities are important to the school because they fund many special projects; however, fundraising money is not required to operate the school (that is, paying for director salaries, utilities, and supplies).
Instead, fundraising revenue is used for projects such as the new sand pond that was built toward the end of 2006-07, the new curriculum shed that was built in the summer of 2007, and the new roof over the science deck that was built in the spring of 2008. Since fundraising supports improvements and special projects, the school is able to keep tuition low and yet still implement important projects that affect the safety and security of our children as well as enhance their educational experience.
Q. What is the fundraising shift I keep hearing about?
A. Every SJPPNS member family is required to support the school's fundraising activities by working a 2-3 hour shift at one of the fundraising events. This is a mandatory requirement. The school provides a number of opportunities throughout the year so families can choose an event that fits with their schedule and interests.
Q. What if you have two children enrolled at SJPPNS... are you required to do two fundraising shifts?
A. No. The fundraising shift requirement is per family. If you have two children enrolled a the school, your family is only required to work one shift.
Q. Can I "buy out" of my fundraising shift obligation?
A. No, you cannot buy out of your fundraising shift. The fundraising shifts are essential to making sure we have the staff to deliver fun events like the pancake breakfast, Carnival and more.
Q. What else can I do to raise funds for the school?
A. We now can recycle some brands of printer cartridges, toner cartridges, and cell phones! Bring them to school and put them in the marked box underneath the mailboxes. (A flyer with accepted makes and models is available online and on the box.) Recycling these items not only helps the environment, it also helps our school -- for each approved cartridge or phone donated, Office Max will give back to the school $3 in gift cards for supplies.