Frequently Asked Questions:

I’m running out of snack/lunch ideas. What are some suggestions?

Click on COOL SCHOOL FUEL for other great listings of snack ideas and healthy food choices and a listing of nuts and foods that MAY contain nuts.

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A SCHOOL-WIDE BAN ON ALL NUTS AND NUT PRODUCTS! PLEASE CHECK LABELS CAREFULLY!

Fruits and Vegetables: (Ready to serve, Please!)
Oranges, grapefruit or tangerine wedges
Apple wedges (peeled for the younger children)
Seedless grapes (cut in half for the younger children)
Watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew melon
Apples 
Fresh Strawberries
Peaches, pears or plums
Bananas
Pineapple
Dried banana chips
Dried apricots or apples
Raisins and craisins
Prunes
Carrots, celery, cucumbers, radishes, bell peppers, or tomatoes
Broccoli or cauliflower

Proteins:

Crackers with cream cheese, or pimento cheese
Cubes of natural cheese
Cottage cheese

Grains:
Whole Wheat bread
Unsweetened cereals 
Bread sticks
Granola
Flour Tortillas
Rice Cakes

Other Favorites:
Popcorn (3, 4 & 5 year olds only please)
Flour tortilla sandwiches
Flour tortilla with honey
Vegetable dips
Nachos with chalupa chips
Quesadillas
English muffin pizzas
Yogurt – no Gogurts, please
Finger sandwiches (or use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches into shapes)
Pasta
String cheese stick
Applesauce
Muffins
Last night’s leftovers
Goldfish, graham crackers, pretzels, baked tortilla chips

*For foods that need to be kept cold, you may want to include a cold pack

How much do I owe again?
- There is a tuition rate sheet posted outside the preschool office above the tuition file folder. Tuition rates are also in the Parent Handbook and on the website as well on the “Tuition & Fees” page.

I need more gift wrap, but the sale is over, what can I do?
- Just because the gift wrap sale is over does not mean you can’t continue to support First United Methodist Preschool. Order gift wrap year-round by visiting: www.sallyfoster.com Our preschool account number is 0358392. Orders are paid by credit card only and are shipped directly to the address indicated by the purchaser. (By the way, thanks for your continued support.)

What is the Music Festival?
- The FUMP Family Music Festival is an annual event that is a great way to experience Austin’s unique music culture but it is specifically designed for preschoolers. It is open to the community and there are live musical acts that perform. Between performances, kids can participate in many different music-related arts and crafts, light concessions are available, there is a music walk where kids can win children’s music cd’s, a silent auction and raffle as well. This event runs from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, September 16 in the First United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center. Past performers include Sara Hickman, Joe McDermott, Lucas Miller, and Imagination Movers (from New Orleans). Don’t miss this wonderful event!

What are the “All School Picnics?”
- This year’s all school picnics are Thursday & Friday, May 17 and 18.
Weather permitting, all of the classes (except the infant class occasionally) gather on the capitol grounds for the picnic. You are welcome to bring your own food or the school usually arranges the opportunity to order lunch through a local sandwich shop. Children attending MWF or TTH classes attend the picnic on their class day. Children attending all week attend the picnic both days, and parents may join their child either (or both) days. The picnic typically starts at noon. Once you pick up your child(ren) from the classroom and sign out, he/she is your responsibility.

What day is tuition due?
- Tuition is due the first day your child attends preschool each month. Late fees accrue after the 10th of the month.

What if I’m running late at pick up time?
- Please call the preschool and let us know, if possible. You may want to call and see if another parent from preschool would be willing to watch your child for a few minutes until you arrive. (That person needs to be authorized to pick up your child.) If you are unable to find anyone when you arrive you will pick up your child from the preschool office. Please know that there is a charge of $1 per minute after 1pm that you are late. Please pay the teacher directly and in cash. We do not offer drop in After School Care.

What is the book fair?
- This  year the book fair coincides with Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences. The Preschool offers Scholastic books and other related items for purchase. The offerings are usually great books at good prices. This once a year event is another one of the school’s fundraisers, so please consider the book fair for your own library, your child’s class library (the teachers usually provide a wish list), and for birthday or other gifts.

arrow Are parents expected to get birthday or holiday gifts for their child’s teacher?
- No parent is obligated to buy or contribute to any teacher gift. Our Board Hospitality committee purchases small gifts for each staff member on her birthday. For those that want to contribute, some room reps (at his/her discretion) will choose to arrange the purchase of a “group gift” from the children in the class. Each parent is free to contribute to the “group gift” or give the teacher their own gift. In addition, like parents, the teachers always enjoy your child’s homemade gifts. A hand-drawn card by your child is an inexpensive, wonderful and creative way to show your teacher that she is appreciated. 

What’s the best way to provide feedback to the Preschool?
- We want to hear from you --- parent comments are critical to our improvement. The Preschool has a commendation/concern form to formally allow parents share any commendations or concerns they may have. Parents have the option to make their commendations or concerns confidential or can have them shared with the individuals involved.  Click to here access our Commendation/Concern form.