Frequently Asked Questions

School Overview & Philosophy

What is Westwood Academy's educational philosophy?

We believe in honoring each individual child as they develop. We communicate closely with families so that we know the child and their home life well. We believe that giving children an environment that is a mix of independent play and intentional instruction is the best way to ensure they build strong social skills, a sense of self, and school readiness.
How do you combine play-based learning with Montessori approaches?

We use a Montessori style approach in how we interact with the children, showing them deep respect and closely observing them in the classroom. We encourage them to participate actively and self-care and classroom care routines. But we also think that early childhood classrooms should have an abundance of imaginative play such as dress up areas, engineering zones full of blocks, and play kitchens.
How do you prepare children for kindergarten success?

We help children build two essential components of school readiness: a strong sense of self and successful pro-social behaviors and habits, such as helping others and following classroom routines. They also develop a strong foundational knowledge of language, numbers, art, music, and scientific concepts.
What does your inclusive, welcoming community look like?

We believe that love makes a family. We welcome families of all faiths, cultures, backgrounds, and structures. From adoption to foster care to single parents to nuclear families...your children are welcome here! We encourage parents to share their family culture with us so we can have rich conversations in the classroom with every child. We do not celebrate specific holidays to ensure that no child is excluded from special celebrations in the classroom.

Programs & Age Groups

What age groups do you serve?

We serve children ages 6 weeks through 6 years, dependent on location and availability.
What's included in your infant daycare program (6 weeks–18 months)?

We support our youngest learners through responsive caregiving. We know that every interaction with a baby is an opportunity for building emotional connection and learning. Our babies are supported as they move from being held in arms to crawling, cruising and walking. We hold them and engage with them during bottle feedings and work closely with the family to slowly introduce solid foods and get them comfortable using a spoon. Infant development is rapid and we are right there with your baby to support them every step of the way!
How does your toddler program (12–36 months) work?

Once children are walking, eating solid foods, and transitioning to one nap per day, they are ready to explore our toddler classroom. In this space, we focus closely on helping children continue to develop their motor skills while learning to speak and socialize with peers. They are encouraged to move about the classroom and explore independently while their learning is supported by our attentive teachers.
What does your preschool program (2.5–5 years) include?

Our preschoolers are ready to dive into big projects and group activities. Through a mix of independent play and teacher-directed learning time, our preschoolers begin to learn about letters, numbers, science, socialization, art, and music. With a focus on strong social skills, classroom routines, and direct teaching, your children graduate ready for school!
Do you have part-time and full-time options?

We offer a variety of schedules to support the differing needs of families.

Locations & Service Areas

What areas and neighborhoods do you serve?

We serve the west Denver Metro area. With our locations close to major highways and thoroughfares, we are conveniently located to support families on the commute to and from work.
Is parking available at both locations?

Our Arvada location has a large parking lot and our Denver location has ample street parking on a quiet street in a residential neighborhood.
Are both locations easily accessible by public transportation?

Both locations sit on or near RTD bus lines.

Enrollment & Admissions

How do I enroll my child at Westwood Academy?

Go to our admissions page to complete an enrollment application and use the “book a tour” button to visit us and see our classrooms in action!
What is your admissions process?

We enroll on a first come, first serve basis using our enrollment application as the pool of families we contact regarding spaces coming available.
Is there a waiting list for enrollment?

We sometimes have a waitlist and other times have spaces immediately available.
When can I tour your facilities?

We offer tours Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the morning and the afternoon. You can click the “book a tour” button at the top to schedule a time that works for you.
What documents are required for enrollment?

All families are required to submit a health appraisal and immunization record prepared by a pediatrician. Children with asthma, allergies, or serious medical conditions will also need to submit a care plan prepared by a pediatrician. We use a software program called Early Learning Ventures. All parents must complete their family ELV profile prior to their first day.
Do you require immunization records?

All children are required to be immunized or on an immunization schedule and records must be submitted at least annually updating each child’s records.
When does enrollment open for the next school year?

We enroll on a rolling basis. Families are welcome to join our community year round, as long as there is space available.
What's your policy on transitioning between age groups?

We transition children based on a combination of developmental readiness and space in the next age group. Transitions are always discussed with families first.

Curriculum & Daily Activities

What does a typical day look like for each age group?

Arrival begins as early as 7:30 am. We ask that children are at school by 9:00 am, unless the parent has notified their teachers otherwise. We serve our morning snack around 9:15 am. After snack, we begin our primary learning time for the day. This time includes free play in the classroom, playground time, group time directed by the teacher, and special activities directed by the teacher such as food preparation, science experiments, and craft projects.
What types of materials and activities do you provide?

Each classroom’s materials are selected based on the developmental range of the age group in the classroom. Infants are provided materials that encourage them to engage in movement and explore their senses. Toddlers are provided with a variety of gross motor and language development activities. Preschoolers have access to materials that help them build their knowledge of science, language, engineering, math, classroom care, art, and music. All children are encouraged to engage in social interactions with peers and imaginative play.
How do you support social-emotional development?

We know that being a small person can come with a lot of big feelings. We’re here to support children in learning how to identify, communicate, and manage those feelings. With positive reinforcement, and responsive caregiving, we help them build a strong sense of self and healthy relationships with teachers and peers.
Do you teach academic skills like reading and math?

We explore a variety of language and math concepts with children. This includes learning the alphabet, tracing letters, sounding out simple words, counting, matching objects to numbers, and doing a daily calendar.
How do you handle outdoor play and physical activity?

We love outdoor time! Our playgrounds are designed for children to explore independently and collaborate with each other. We provide a variety of tools, toys, and equipment to encourage active, imaginative play. Summers include regular water play.
What role does art and creativity play in your curriculum?

In our toddler classrooms, teachers engage in planned art time with the children on a regular basis. In the preschool classroom, we have an art shelf with plenty of creative materials for the children to use during free play time. Our teachers also engage the children in directed art and craft activities. Our classroom have musical instruments, play kitchens, and dramatic play costumes as well.
How do you support children with different learning styles?

We believe in meeting the child where they are at. This includes working with families to identify potential developmental challenges and find the right support for the child. Many children work with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists in our classrooms on a weekly basis. We support families in creating and implementing an IFSP or IEP as needed.
Do you provide STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) activities?

Yes! We have a variety of activities available to children that encourage them to explore STEM concepts. This includes a light table, blocks, ramps, gears, child-safe magnets, puzzles, and number games.

Teachers & Staff

What qualifications do your teachers have?

All of our lead teachers have a minimum of a Level II Credential through the Colorado Shines Early Childhood Teacher program.
What's your teacher-to-student ratio?

Maximum ratio in infant and toddler rooms is 1:5, though we often send in floaters to add an extra pair of hands during busy times. Toddler groups with children all over the age of 2 have a 1:7 ratio. Preschool rooms have a ratio between 1:8 to 1:10 depending on the ages of the children in the group.
How do you support ongoing professional development for staff?

Staff are supported in obtaining professional development through the State of Colorado Professional Development Information System as well as through group trainings during our staff in service days.
Are background checks completed for all staff members?

Yes. All of our employees are thoroughly background checked in accordance with state regulations.
How do teachers communicate with parents about their child's progress?

Our teachers communicate with families daily at drop off and pick up as well as through our school app, Early Learning Ventures. We also offer fall parent teacher conferences and spring reports, which includes a narrative and a developmental checklist on each child.

Health, Safety & Nutrition

How do you handle illness policies and procedures?

Our illness policy is dictated by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. We follow all state standards in determining when/if a child is too sick to be at school.
Do you provide meals and snacks?

We serve three meals per day: morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack. We provide morning and afternoon snack, the family provides a packed lunch.
Can you accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions?

Yes. We are happy to accommodate identified food allergies and dietary restrictions.
What cleaning and sanitization practices do you maintain?

We follow all cleaning and sanitization procedures as dictated by the health department. Staff are regularly re-trained on how to ensure classrooms are properly sanitized and disinfected.
How do you handle emergencies?

We have an emergency plan approved by the state. We train our employees regularly on how to follow the emergency plan and we do regular drills for practicing things like building evacuation and sheltering in place.
What security measures are in place?

Our facility is locked and inaccessible to anyone trying to enter who doesn’t have pre-authorization. All visitors must enter through the main entry door and sign in to the visitors log. Only authorized people may pick up children from the program.

Tuition & Financial Information

What does tuition cost for each program?

Tuition rates can be found in our “Programs” tab on the website.
Are there registration fees or other additional costs?

Each family pays an annual enrollment fee that goes towards ensuring benefits for our employees.
Is financial assistance or scholarships available?

We offer limited scholarships for families with an annual household income of $75,000 or less.

Communication & Parent Involvement

How do you communicate with parents about daily activities?

We communicate with families via our app, Early Learning Ventures. Teachers send updates on the children, including pictures of their day.
What opportunities exist for parent involvement?

Parents are welcome to join us for a small group activity by scheduling with the teacher in advance. We also have regular family nights at the school in which parents and children share a meal and special activities together.
How often do you provide progress reports?

Twice per year, in fall and spring.
Do you hold parent-teacher conferences?

Parent teacher conferences are held every fall, usually in October.

Transitions

How do you help children transition between age groups?

When children are preparing to transition to a new classroom, they have the opportunity to do regular short visits to get to know their new teachers and peers.
How do you support children transitioning from home to school?

Children are individually greeted and warmly welcomed into the classroom each morning at drop off. If a child is having a hard time separating from their parent, a teacher may step in to support by gently holding the child and comforting them as their parent leaves.
What social skills do children develop in your program?

We work very intentionally with children to help them develop strong social skills. This includes learning how to share, wait, line up, eat in a group, respect other’s bodies, assert themselves appropriately, and name their feelings.

Special Needs & Individualized Support

Can you accommodate children with special needs?

We can accommodate children with special needs as long as they don’t require persistent one-on-one care. We will gladly implement an IFSP or IEP, but we are not able to provide dedicated staff to children who need significant support in the classroom.
Do you work with therapists and specialists?

Yes, therapists and specialists hired by the family regularly work with children in our classrooms.
What support do you provide for children who are potty training?

Children who are potty training wear pull-ups to start and then eventually transition to underwear. We closely communicate with the family about this important stage in development. We try to make toilet learning a positive experience and we do not pressure or force children to use the toilet. We understand they will all learn in their own time.
How do you handle behavioral challenges?

Challenging behaviors are met with loving support and firm boundaries. We acknowledge feelings and provide developmentally appropriate options to the child. While all feelings are welcome, not all behavior is allowed without redirection. If a child is hurting themselves, hurting others, or damaging the learning environment, we will firmly stop them and move them to an area where they can get some individualized support until their emotions are regulated.
Do you provide additional resources for families?

We are always happy to get families connected with extra resources to support their needs.

Summer Program

Do you offer summer programs for enrolled children?

We are open year round.
What activities are included in summer programming?

In summer, we spend a lot of time outside. Our outdoor curriculum includes lots of water play with sprinklers, squirt bottles, and water tables. We also occasionally do gardening.
Can non-enrolled children attend summer camps?

Children who join us in the summer must be enrolled.

Technology & Screen Time

What's your policy on screen time and technology use?

We do not offer screen time to the children as part of our regular programming. We occassionally may show a short video to the children to demonstrate a concept or idea we’re discussing. For example, during our insect unit we may show a time-lapsed video of a butterfly exiting it’s chrysalis.
Do you incorporate educational technology in age-appropriate ways?

We do not use any type of tablets or apps with the children in the classroom. We do use other types of technology, such as light tables, view finders, and mini cash registers.

Visiting & Getting Started

How can I schedule a tour of your facilities?

Click the “book a tour” button on our website to schedule your tour.
Can I visit during regular program hours to observe?

Yes, tours generally occur during times the classrooms are active.
What should I expect during a tour?

You will have the chance to see the classrooms in action, meet some of the teachers, see the playgrounds, and ask any questions you have about our program. Tours are individualized for each family.
How do you handle transition visits for new children?

Parents are welcome to bring their child in for a few visits before they start full time in the classroom. Parents must stay with their children during these visits.