Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We are always happy to answer questions about our school programs and incredible community at Our Beginning. The following are some of the topics that prospective families ask during each tour.

You are an urban school, what security measures are in place?

Our Beginning has a security-locked entry door, alarmed doors, exterior lighting, and a parking lot to ensure safe drop-off and pick-up of children. In addition, all staff members undergo background checks with the Department of Children, Youth & Families and are trained on community safety and how to respond. All classrooms who exit the building are issued a company cell phone in case of emergencies.

What do we do to keep the community safe from COVID-19?

All faculty, staff and visitors are required to maintain all COVID protocols to ensure safety amongst the community. This includes wearing masks, regardless of vaccination status. Our Beginning requires and provides 3-ply masks for all employees. All persons entering (children, staff, families, and guests) are required to complete a temperature check at the door and wash hands upon arrival. Our Beginning follows Washington State Department of Health and CDC quarantine requirements for all unvaccinated individuals, including children.

Are staff all vaccinated from COVID-19?

We are pleased to share that Our Beginning has met the state of Washington vaccine mandate. Community safety is a high priority for Our Beginning.

Is there a system in place for families to communicate with the teachers and the school? All classrooms are assigned a phone extension for families to call in directly into the classroom. Each classroom also has their individual classroom email addresses. The classroom will send out daily communication to families regarding their child’s basic daily needs and will also send out photos/videos of the experiences their child had each day.

Is there a playground on-site?

Yes, Our Beginning has an on-site, outdoor playground, outdoor covered area for exercise/art, and a dedicated indoor play and exploration area. We enjoy visiting the Fremont community. Our students take walks to all the wonderful parks and amenities within the area.

When did Our Beginning open and what makes it different from other early childhood schools?

Our Beginning opened Monday, January 4, 2010. We are one of the few schools that remains committed to celebrating and elevating the joy of childhood. Children don’t have long for childhood and we embrace every moment of that time with them. The pressures of the adult world will wait while children at Our Beginning spend time at school laughing, exploring new concepts, building character, and learning academic, motor, and social skills.

Does Our Beginning provide meals for the children?

Our Beginning serves plant-based, certified organic meals to the children. The dietician approved meals include breakfast, lunch and two afternoon snacks. A full-time chef and their culinary team plan and prepare homemade meals for the children. Our handling of all organic items is certified by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).

We are excited to be in the process of evolving Our Beginning from a childcare model to a premier, NW Early Childhood School. Based firmly upon the Reggio Emilia pedagogy that connects creativity and learning, we are evolving every aspect of our program. Developing curricular continuity and a consistent teaching methodology within the school is a current focus for us. We are also working to create a series of student benchmarks and connect those skills to our integrated Reggio Emilia foundation.

Is there an application fee?

The application of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) per child is required with each admissions application to secure a space or be placed on Our Beginning's waiting list. This includes siblings of current or previously enrolled children. The application fee is not refundable and does not credit towards future tuition.

Is there a waitlist? If so, how does it work?

Our Beginning holds an active wait list for all age groups. Wait list times may vary for each individual family based on many rolling factors. This includes but is not limited to the age of the child at the time of the enrollment opening, position on wait list, ensuring spaces will align with future transition planning, etc. Our Beginning does give priority enrollment to siblings of currently enrolled families and children of employees.