It never fails. We can never remember questions when we have the opportunity, and then remember them after the fact! We’ve found, so many questions are remembered in the car after touring Baan Dek, or families asking “what am I forgetting?” before walking out the door. Here are a few FFQ — Frequently Forgotten Questions.

How long is the waiting list?

After touring and observing, families submit an application to the waiting list, and we work from that list in the event of any openings. The answer to this is a bit messy, though we’re not trying to be obtuse, promise!!

Baan Dek serves children between the ages of 15 months and six years. Due to this young age group, families often apply before their children are eligible, even before their children are born! All those applications go to the waiting list in the order they are received.

When we have an opening, the first several names on the list might not be eligible. While the toddler program is often fully enrolled well in advance, occasionally a space opens, such as when a family moves or if a child is ready to move to their primary classroom earlier than anticipated.

Even when a child is eligible for the space, sometimes there are reasons a family decides to hold off on enrolling for the time being — they want to hold on to their nanny since there’s a baby on the way, one parent is changing jobs and there’s a lot of transition already at home, we applied before they were born and 18 months old came way too soon! For this reason, we can’t guarantee enrollment, and it’s often the case we can’t guarantee we won’t have spaces available! We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding with our response to this natural question. We truly wish we had a clear answer!

What do you do about lunch?

Children who stay full-day bring a lunch from home. It’s stored in the fridge through the morning, and after children have finished eating it’s put back in the fridge. We provide flatware, plates, and cups for water.

[quote]Do you provide milk? Can I send a carton of milk for the week?[/quote]

Water is available all day, and children can help themselves whenever they feel the need. Since families have different dietary expectations, we do not provide anything else to drink, but you’re more than welcome to send some in your child’s lunch. We do recommend lunch food is sent in re-closable containers, so uneaten food can be sent home and families can monitor nutrition. We ask that milk also be sent in a daily supply, also so it can be monitored. A glass jar works really well! We’ll help pour into a cup if needed.

Do children HAVE to be at school at 8:30? What if I can’t pick up at 3:30?

There’s a window for both drop-off and pick-up. Children are typically dropped off between 8:15 & 8:45, and picked up between 3:15 & 3:45. We do offer extended care from 7:30-8:15, and 3:45-6, for families who need care beyond the usual school hours.

When can my child stay all day?

Immediately! We require children stay full-day after they’re four-and-a-half, but all children are welcome to stay full-day. We do recommend when children stay full-day, they don’t return to half-days.

Does my child have to be potty trained?

In a word, no. But let’s unpack that!

It’s not our expectation that children come to the toddler room (for children 15-18 months to 3 years) independent with toileting, and we’ll help with the process as soon as a family is ready. As with so many things, consistency is critical for a child’s success, and working on toileting at home and at school is a strong support to a young child.

At the primary age group (children 2.5 to 6 years), we’re still very much here to help! Sometimes children don’t see that independence with toileting is important until they’re at school and see their peers taking care of business without an adult or a diaper, and this can be a huge catalyst for success. We do see a change when children are independent with toileting in how they work, interact with others, and carry themselves — a bit more confidence, shall we say. We’re here to help!

What are the next steps?

When families are interested in Baan Dek, we start by scheduling a tour to see the classroom after the children have left for the day. After touring, we strongly encourage families to come in for an observation, typically at 9:30 on a school day, to see the classroom in-action. Montessori really is just one of those things that needs to be seen to be understood. It’s another opportunity to ask questions, as well as incredibly helpful for seeing how children interact with the materials, the adults, and each other, how a mixed-age group works, how it can be a space for independent education and deep social learning. After observing, we’d love to have you submit an application to the waiting list, and we’ll be in touch!

Hope this helps! Many other answers can be found on the FAQ page, or send us a note at hello@baandek.org if we can be helpful in any way. Speak soon!