FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are your Hours and Schedules?
Our hours are from 6:00 am-6:00 pm Monday through Friday.
At what Age does Little Minions Academy accept students?
We serve children from 3 months through 6 years of age.
How do you Group Children?
We typically determine the placement of your child based on age; however, we consider many other factors upon deciding the make-up of a classroom. Such factors would include: boy to girl ratio, different personalities, age, readiness, social emotional development, etc.
Is there Space in the program to enrol my child? Does my child need to be Potty Trained?
Enrolment is on-going and a child may enter at any time during the year. We do not have a potty-trained prerequisite for two or three year olds. Parents can email littleminionssa@gmail.com to find out about availability and space.
Is there a Transition Period for my child? How do parents handle Separation Anxiety?
The first few days of school are known as “Phase-In.” During a transition period children will meet their new teachers and classmates, and are gradually familiarised with school and classroom routines. Parents or guardians will receive a specific schedule for your child's transition. If you are in doubt as to whether you should leave the classroom ask your child’s teacher. One parent is expected to be available for portions of Phase-In to meet their children’s teachers and to fill out appropriate forms. Children are all unique.
Teachers and Principal are available to help any child who is having a particularly tough transition and teachers will provide necessary feedback to parents during the process.
Separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage where children experience anxiety when they are separated from their parent. Separation is a process. Some children have no separation anxiety and some children experience anxiety for several days. It is important to comfort the child and let them know it is okay to cry or feel upset. Teachers manage separation by utilising proven strategies to lessen the unknown, such as consistent schedules and routines, bringing familiar items from home, and creating open and honest communication with parents.
What is the Teacher Student Ratio?
All classrooms have a qualified early childhood educator leading the class and an experienced floating assistant teacher. Little Minions Academy Preschool is licensed by the Department of Social Development and meets all of their requirements.
Our ratios are as follows:
- Babies 3-12 months: 1 Teacher to 6 Babies
- Babies 12-24 months: 1 Teacher to 12 Babies
- Toddlers 2-3: 1 Teacher to 12 Children
- Toddlers 3-4/ 4-5/ Grade R: 1 Teacher for 24 Children / 1 Teacher and Assistant to 25 children.
What is your Discipline Policy?
Discipline is a process of learning self-control, respect for others, and responsibility. Positive methods of discipline will be practiced at all times so children are aware of an acceptable code of conduct at school. Efforts to help students understand behaviours that are allowed, accepted, and encouraged will be used. Other stop-and-think strategies that lead to positive results through positive reinforcement, good role modelling and redirection will also be used. For any on-going issues, teachers will communicate with parents so that school and home are working together with a child’s best interests in mind.
To help children learn to manage their actions and feelings, teachers will model sharing, waiting, taking turns, solving problems, controlling impulses, and expressing ideas through words.
No form of corporal punishment is allowed. We discipline children by positive reinforcement and by following a set routine daily.
What is the educational background and experience of the staff?
All teachers are trained annually on the Academy’s curriculum (In-House Training) for continuous development, as well as on-the-job practical training. This is called In-House Training. Our Annual Audits also form part of the development of our Teachers.
Is there an open door policy for parents?
Our parents are welcome to visit our schools at any time. Our doors are always open.
Can I schedule a tour of a school?
We are more than willing to arrange a tour of the school and answer any questions you may have.
How do you cater to Individualised Learning?
Individualised learning in a preschool setting can take on many different forms. First and foremost, it requires patience and dedication from the teacher, as well as top-notch organisational skills. The teacher must have ample time to observe the students in his/her classroom, and be able to implement lesson plans that cater to each of her student's needs individually. While lesson planning can still be organised in a general format, it will also be necessary to outline specific goals for each student. In some cases, it may only be necessary to implement preschool individualised learning in only one area, such as speech development. In other cases, the full curriculum will be affected. One child may learn best by listening, another child may be a visual learner and need to see what is being taught. Giving each child the opportunity to learn in the way that is best for them means that you are giving them the confidence they need to be independent learners.
What is Little Minions Academy’s Teaching/ Learning Philosophy and Curriculum?
We provide a nurturing program that unfolds the authentic spirit and character of each child while educating their hearts and minds. Our teachers seek to instill a deep and lasting academic excellence, one that prepares children to learn confidently for the rest of their lives and to give generously and joyfully to others.
Our curriculum, in line with the Department of Basic Education’s Early Learning and Development Areas (ELDAs), focuses on activity-based settings to educate students for academic excellence and personal integrity in a diverse coeducational community that emphasises responsibility, stimulates collaboration, and promotes mutual respect. Students learn to have confidence, independence, and high self-esteem and develop a joy of learning.
How safe is my child?
We have very strict standards that are aligned with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Our teachers are trained in CPR, First Aid and Fire Fighting. We have excellent hygiene systems in place in our schools. The school also has CCTV cameras throughout as an added service. Our schools do their very best to ensure the safety of all Smiley Kids children.
What kind of Hot Lunch Program do you provide?
Healthy eating in infancy and childhood, as part of a healthy and active lifestyle, is vital for optimal health, growth and development. The nutritional status of children influences their short and long-term physical and mental development. The damage to physical and mental well-being caused by poor nutrition has the potential to be irreversible. At The Academy, our cooks are trained to provide a diet that meets the nutritional requirements at every stage of development. All cooks are required to complete The Academy’s basic training.
The Academy is committed to delivering quality, balanced meals and snacks to all the children attending the school, and as such follows the Department of Health’s Nutrition Guideline for ECD Centres.
Some examples of meals are porridge for breakfast; Chicken-a-la-King for lunch; and sandwiches and juice for snack. Parents may also pack their child’s lunch. We use only the best ingredients and prepare everything from scratch in our own kitchen. The Menu can be viewed at the Academy.
When is Nap Time?
All day-care learners have a nap time. Classroom lights are off and soft/ classical music plays in the background. All classes rest either on cots or mattresses. Crib sheets and blankets are laundered weekly. Children who do not nap learn to remain quiet and respect others who are napping. Children who fall asleep are allowed to wake up naturally.
How frequently are Toys and Classrooms Sanitised?
The toys and classrooms are sanitised on a daily basis. Our housekeepers also maintain school appearance and cleanliness.
Our hours are from 6:00 am-6:00 pm Monday through Friday.
At what Age does Little Minions Academy accept students?
We serve children from 3 months through 6 years of age.
How do you Group Children?
We typically determine the placement of your child based on age; however, we consider many other factors upon deciding the make-up of a classroom. Such factors would include: boy to girl ratio, different personalities, age, readiness, social emotional development, etc.
Is there Space in the program to enrol my child? Does my child need to be Potty Trained?
Enrolment is on-going and a child may enter at any time during the year. We do not have a potty-trained prerequisite for two or three year olds. Parents can email littleminionssa@gmail.com to find out about availability and space.
Is there a Transition Period for my child? How do parents handle Separation Anxiety?
The first few days of school are known as “Phase-In.” During a transition period children will meet their new teachers and classmates, and are gradually familiarised with school and classroom routines. Parents or guardians will receive a specific schedule for your child's transition. If you are in doubt as to whether you should leave the classroom ask your child’s teacher. One parent is expected to be available for portions of Phase-In to meet their children’s teachers and to fill out appropriate forms. Children are all unique.
Teachers and Principal are available to help any child who is having a particularly tough transition and teachers will provide necessary feedback to parents during the process.
Separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage where children experience anxiety when they are separated from their parent. Separation is a process. Some children have no separation anxiety and some children experience anxiety for several days. It is important to comfort the child and let them know it is okay to cry or feel upset. Teachers manage separation by utilising proven strategies to lessen the unknown, such as consistent schedules and routines, bringing familiar items from home, and creating open and honest communication with parents.
What is the Teacher Student Ratio?
All classrooms have a qualified early childhood educator leading the class and an experienced floating assistant teacher. Little Minions Academy Preschool is licensed by the Department of Social Development and meets all of their requirements.
Our ratios are as follows:
- Babies 3-12 months: 1 Teacher to 6 Babies
- Babies 12-24 months: 1 Teacher to 12 Babies
- Toddlers 2-3: 1 Teacher to 12 Children
- Toddlers 3-4/ 4-5/ Grade R: 1 Teacher for 24 Children / 1 Teacher and Assistant to 25 children.
What is your Discipline Policy?
Discipline is a process of learning self-control, respect for others, and responsibility. Positive methods of discipline will be practiced at all times so children are aware of an acceptable code of conduct at school. Efforts to help students understand behaviours that are allowed, accepted, and encouraged will be used. Other stop-and-think strategies that lead to positive results through positive reinforcement, good role modelling and redirection will also be used. For any on-going issues, teachers will communicate with parents so that school and home are working together with a child’s best interests in mind.
To help children learn to manage their actions and feelings, teachers will model sharing, waiting, taking turns, solving problems, controlling impulses, and expressing ideas through words.
No form of corporal punishment is allowed. We discipline children by positive reinforcement and by following a set routine daily.
What is the educational background and experience of the staff?
All teachers are trained annually on the Academy’s curriculum (In-House Training) for continuous development, as well as on-the-job practical training. This is called In-House Training. Our Annual Audits also form part of the development of our Teachers.
Is there an open door policy for parents?
Our parents are welcome to visit our schools at any time. Our doors are always open.
Can I schedule a tour of a school?
We are more than willing to arrange a tour of the school and answer any questions you may have.
How do you cater to Individualised Learning?
Individualised learning in a preschool setting can take on many different forms. First and foremost, it requires patience and dedication from the teacher, as well as top-notch organisational skills. The teacher must have ample time to observe the students in his/her classroom, and be able to implement lesson plans that cater to each of her student's needs individually. While lesson planning can still be organised in a general format, it will also be necessary to outline specific goals for each student. In some cases, it may only be necessary to implement preschool individualised learning in only one area, such as speech development. In other cases, the full curriculum will be affected. One child may learn best by listening, another child may be a visual learner and need to see what is being taught. Giving each child the opportunity to learn in the way that is best for them means that you are giving them the confidence they need to be independent learners.
What is Little Minions Academy’s Teaching/ Learning Philosophy and Curriculum?
We provide a nurturing program that unfolds the authentic spirit and character of each child while educating their hearts and minds. Our teachers seek to instill a deep and lasting academic excellence, one that prepares children to learn confidently for the rest of their lives and to give generously and joyfully to others.
Our curriculum, in line with the Department of Basic Education’s Early Learning and Development Areas (ELDAs), focuses on activity-based settings to educate students for academic excellence and personal integrity in a diverse coeducational community that emphasises responsibility, stimulates collaboration, and promotes mutual respect. Students learn to have confidence, independence, and high self-esteem and develop a joy of learning.
How safe is my child?
We have very strict standards that are aligned with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Our teachers are trained in CPR, First Aid and Fire Fighting. We have excellent hygiene systems in place in our schools. The school also has CCTV cameras throughout as an added service. Our schools do their very best to ensure the safety of all Smiley Kids children.
What kind of Hot Lunch Program do you provide?
Healthy eating in infancy and childhood, as part of a healthy and active lifestyle, is vital for optimal health, growth and development. The nutritional status of children influences their short and long-term physical and mental development. The damage to physical and mental well-being caused by poor nutrition has the potential to be irreversible. At The Academy, our cooks are trained to provide a diet that meets the nutritional requirements at every stage of development. All cooks are required to complete The Academy’s basic training.
The Academy is committed to delivering quality, balanced meals and snacks to all the children attending the school, and as such follows the Department of Health’s Nutrition Guideline for ECD Centres.
Some examples of meals are porridge for breakfast; Chicken-a-la-King for lunch; and sandwiches and juice for snack. Parents may also pack their child’s lunch. We use only the best ingredients and prepare everything from scratch in our own kitchen. The Menu can be viewed at the Academy.
When is Nap Time?
All day-care learners have a nap time. Classroom lights are off and soft/ classical music plays in the background. All classes rest either on cots or mattresses. Crib sheets and blankets are laundered weekly. Children who do not nap learn to remain quiet and respect others who are napping. Children who fall asleep are allowed to wake up naturally.
How frequently are Toys and Classrooms Sanitised?
The toys and classrooms are sanitised on a daily basis. Our housekeepers also maintain school appearance and cleanliness.