FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Thank you for your interest in Somerset Academy! We would like to provide you with
information based on some of the most frequently asked questions about our preschool and
prekindergarten programs. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact the
school.

What is the philosophy of the school?
Somerset Academy was established in 1982 and has a strong emphasis based on Dr. Jean
Piaget’s theory about children’s cognitive development. We believe children have a natural
desire to explore and understand the world around them. Therefore, learning takes place as the
child interacts with and reacts to the environment. Learning is an active process rather than an
absorption process. The role of the teacher is to provide opportunities, materials, curriculum,
and guidance that allow the child to construct knowledge in a rich and stimulating environment.

How does the environment encourage learning?
The classroom is divided into learning centers which support the development of skills in such
areas as language, math, science, technology, blocks, music, art, sensory experiences, gross
and fine motor, and dramatic play. Each area contains materials and equipment appropriate to
the children’s developmental levels. The teachers guide and encourage children to explore and
learn in each of these areas while implementing the curriculum through meaningful play. As
teachers facilitate and participate in children’s play, the children achieve specific learning
outcomes, develop problem solving strategies, build social skills, and enhance their curiosity
and sense of discovery.

What is the curriculum at Somerset Academy?
Somerset Academy follows the guidelines of the Early Childhood Standards of Quality
developed by the Department of Education in the state of Michigan as well as the standards of
NAEYC when developing its curriculum.
Students will achieve these goals through the implementation of the Project Approach, as age
appropriate.  This child-led approach provides authentic experiences, based on the children’s
interests and needs, through provocations, discussion, research and creation.

Children are individually assessed in many hands on and comprehensive ways. Teachers use
these assessments, along with information from parents, to develop individualized learning
goals.
The overall goal in the classrooms is to help children develop their potential socially,
emotionally, and intellectually. In accordance with the philosophy and curriculum goals of the
school, the staff provides carefully planned activities in each learning center as well as at large
and small group times. Both the materials and activities in the environment are designed to
support each child as they develop emerging skills in the areas of language and literacy,
mathematics, science, social studies, creative exploration, physical development, and
technology, while fostering social and emotional growth.
Each program accomplishes these goals in ways that are developmentally appropriate to the
ages and readiness of the children.

What types of schedules does Somerset Academy offer?
Somerset Academy offers tuition based, flexible scheduling for Preschool and PreK programs,
where families set a schedule around their needs (half days, full days or a combination of both).
To support adjustment, the minimum schedule is two half days per week.
Additionally, we offer a government funded GSRP (Great Start Readiness Program), based on
income eligibility determined by enrollment process through Oakland Schools. GSRP is a set
schedule of 4 full days.

Is Somerset Academy accredited?
Somerset Academy is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young
Children (NAEYC). NAEYC accreditation  is the gold standard for early childhood programs
across the country. Families of young children who attend NAEYC-accredited programs can be
confident that they deliver the highest quality early care and education. Somerset Academy
adheres to all the NAEYC guidelines which include ten standards and over 400 criteria. Our
program is among the select few in the area who have undergone this comprehensive process
of internal study and self-improvement every five years. Somerset Academy is also licensed by
the State of Michigan, MiLEAP (Michigan Dept of Lifelong Education, Advancement and
Potential) and meets all state requirements.

What are the qualifications of the teachers at Somerset Academy?
Our teaching staff consists of educators with degrees in early childhood education or other
related fields of education. Many of them have master’s Degrees. All teachers are trained in
the best practices of early education and have extensive experience working with young
children. In addition to their academic training, the staff also participates in ongoing
professional training and development. Teachers attend monthly planning meetings, weekly
classroom meetings, professional association conferences and additional professional
development opportunities. Staff members are all CPR and First Aid certified.

What is the teacher/child ratio in each program?
As a licensed center, we are governed by the Licensing Rules for Childcare Centers set by the
State of Michigan Licensing (MiLEAP). Somerset Academy sets ratios below the state
requirement, to ensure optimal learning opportunities for the children in our programs:

• Preschool: One (1) teacher for every seven (7) children.
• Tuition Prekindergarten: One (1) teacher for every eight (8) children.
• GSRP Pre-K: One (1) teacher for every nine (9) children.

 

What is the discipline policy at Somerset Academy?
Somerset Academy partners with Dr. Becky Bailey’s approach, Conscious Discipline as a
comprehensive classroom management tool and to guide social/emotional curriculum. This
research-based program is founded in current brain research, child development information,
and developmentally appropriate practices.
Somerset Academy and Conscious Discipline considers discipline to be part of the educational
experience for the child. We believe that each child needs to develop skills to be self-regulated.
The teachers provide children with consistency, choices with safe boundaries, and skills and
language to express needs, feelings, and emotions through appropriate behavior in a safe,
nurturing, and positive environment. Positive methods of discipline are used to encourage self-
regulation, self-direction, and cooperation. Teachers use redirection, logical consequences, and
conversation with the child to help achieve acceptable behaviors. Somerset Academy does not
allow, under any circumstance, punitive and/or physical punishment to be administered to any
child and does not use time-outs. Teachers are trained in Conscious Discipline and provide
information to families through parental meetings and by request.

Will my child be safe at Somerset Academy?
The safety of your child is a high priority at Somerset Academy. We have partnered with the
Troy Police Department to create safety policies and procedures and to train staff. Systems are
in place to ensure that only persons authorized by the parents in writing or listed on the
emergency card will be allowed to sign-out a child from school. We require that a photo I.D. be
shown by any person that a staff member is not familiar with. In addition, safety plans for all
emergency situations have been established. Drills are practiced as required by MILEAP so
that both staff and children are aware of and familiar with procedures. The outdoor play area is
secure and continually monitored by school staff.
As required by MiLEAP, thorough background checks are performed on all staff prior to hiring.
All teaching staff are trained in CPR/AED, First Aid, and emergency procedures.

How are health policies executed?
Your child’s success at school depends on his/her good health. Any child or staff member
must be kept home from school if they have symptoms such as a persistent cough, difficulty
breathing, chills, diarrhea, or vomiting. Current state regulations mandate that an individual
with a fever of 100.4 or higher must be excluded from the school environment. 

If a child develops a communicable disease (COVID, RSV, Monkeypox, head lice, chicken
pox, etc.) the director should be informed so that families may be notified as soon as possible
while confidentiality is maintained. The child must remain home until it is no longer infectious
(a request may be made for a doctor’s recommendation). 
We advise parents to refer to our annual Parent Handbook and Covid plan, shared at Parent
Orientation and updated as needed. Additionally, we provide links to Oakland County Health
Dept for easy access in gaining the most up-to-date information.

Is there a snack time or lunch time for children?
Each of the programs at Somerset Academy provides nutritious snacks for children during both
the morning and afternoon sessions. Snacks include fruits or vegetables. The snack period
encourages children to build independence skills and supports good nutrition.

Will my child with allergies be supported?
We have had extensive experience with children who have mild to severe allergies with the
following foods but not limited to peanut, tree nut, dairy, eggs, soy, sesame, wheat, oats, certain
fruits and vegetables.
We are a nut restricted snack/lunch environment and ensure that the dietary needs of the
children in our school are met.
Both our registration form and emergency cards have areas for parents to list/indicate their
child’s specific allergies. This information is then documented on a posted form and kept in the
classroom for easy reference by teachers preparing snacks or supporting lunch. When
necessary, parents are contacted for clarification regarding any allergy. Ingredient lists are also
referenced for packaged items at lunch.

What if my child doesn’t speak English?
We pride ourselves on being a global community! Currently, we have families speaking over 18
different languages. The staff at Somerset Academy are skilled and experienced in supporting
children who do not speak or comprehend English. For children needing this type of support,
communication is supplemented with gestures and reassuring tones. Teachers ensure that
children are able to express their needs. Parents will be asked to provide relevant words or
phrases in their native language to support their adjustment.
Studies indicate that children most easily acquire a second language between birth and age six.
At Somerset Academy, children quickly learn English through routine, peer/teacher interactions,
activities such as songs and stories, and planned curriculum.

Are children with Speech or Developmental delays supported?
Often young children may require additional support due to speech or developmental delays.
The staff at Somerset Academy are experienced in supporting these individual needs, often partnering with Early On, school districts, ABAs, speech pathologists, and other professionals to
maintain consistency for children.

How does Somerset Academy communicate with parents about their children?
Communication with your family is an important part of your child’s education at Somerset
Academy. Each school year begins with family visits and a parent orientation. During the
school year, classroom objectives are posted, and documentation is shared in a variety of ways.
Weekly e-mails are sent, and a photo website is updated to share highlights and information
about your child’s classroom. Teachers will provide individual information to parents regarding
the development of their child at least once a week through verbal communication, text
messages, or email.
Conferences are scheduled twice each year, in the fall and spring. During the conference,
parents and teachers will discuss developmental progress, set goals, and develop ways to
support each child. Parents are also encouraged to visit the classroom and participate in
special events.
Our Parent Advisory Committee consists of parents, teachers, and the school
director/administrator. The committee meets monthly to discuss policies and to support
teachers and children.  The committee is open to all parents.

How is separation anxiety handled by staff?
All staff recognize separation anxiety as part of appropriate development. In order to build upon
existing trust, parents/guardians are encouraged to tell their child that they are leaving but will
return. Lingering good-byes can be emotionally painful for the child, so it is helpful if the time
spent separating is short but supportive. After departure, parents are encouraged to contact the
school and speak with a staff member to ensure their child is beginning to adjust. If the staff
feels the child is stressed, recommendations will be made to make separation easier. Most
children begin to feel more comfortable with increased attendance, as trust and familiarity with
their new environment and teachers become part of the routine.

Does my child need to be toilet trained to attend Somerset Academy?
Toilet training is a normal developmental part of the preschool program and therefore children
are not required to be toilet trained. Our teachers support parents during the child’s period of
toilet training and handle this time in the classroom in a natural and positive manner, taking the
lead from the child. Children are checked regularly and encouraged whenever they appear to
need to use the toilet.
It is necessary for children in the prekindergarten programs to be toilet trained to
attend. If your child’s toilet training is delayed due to special needs, please reach out to our
school director to have a personal conversation.