
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).


What is new at Our Beginning? What are your future plans for the school?
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.