Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Primetime Preschool offered?
Our Primetime Preschool program is offered through the City of Santa Clarita and is operated out of local City park community rooms.
Where are these parks located?
Canyon Country Park, 17615 W. Soledad Canyon Road, 91387
Newhall Park. 24933 Newhall Avenue, 91321
North Oaks Park, 27824 Camp Plenty Road, 91387
Santa Clarita Park, 27285 Seco Canyon Road, 91350
The Centre, 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway, 91350
Valencia Glen Park, 23750 Via Gavola, 91355
Valencia Meadows Park, 25671 Fedala Road, 91355
What is the staff to child ratio?
At this time, Primetime Preschool will have up to 24 children with three City staff (one teacher, one assistant teacher, and one teacher aide) in each classroom with a one to eight teacher/child ratio.
With classes being held in a park community room, where do they use the bathroom?
Most community rooms have restrooms indoors. Staff will always accompany preschoolers to the restroom with “buddies”.
Does my child have to be potty trained?
Our bathroom policy is that all preschoolers must be completely toilet trained. No pull-ups are allowed. Children must be able to handle their bathroom needs on their own. Staff is nearby and can assist with buttons and zippers.
How can I be sure my child will be safe at a park open to the public?
Each day parents will sign their preschooler in and out. Staff teaches the children about park safety rules. Staff are constantly counting heads and keeping an eye on the children. Safety bracelets stating the children are enrolled into a City of Santa Clarita program are worn when the children go outdoors to play. At the end of the day, parents are required to show identification until staff get to know the parent. Forms are completed by parents listing names of those authorized to pick up the child in case of emergency or if the parent is unable to pick the child up. Classroom doors will remain locked while class is in session.
How do I register for Primetime Preschool?
Visit the City’s website at santa-clarita.com/seasons and create an online account. Once you have done so you will need to have your child’s birthdate verified by the Primetime Preschool office. You may do this by taking a picture of your child’s birth certificate or passport using a smart phone and emailing it to: primetimepreschool@santaclarita.gov.
Can you please explain the payment plan?
When you register for Primetime Preschool, you will be given the opportunity to pay for the whole year in full or divide the payments up into nine equal payments. To sign up for the payment plan, you will check “payment option” and will only be charged for the first month of school (September) at the time of registration. By selecting the payment plan option, parents accept responsibility to pay tuition each month and are required to have a credit card on file to be for automatic payments to be charged on the 1st of the month (October-May). If the payment is not received by the 5th of the month, a $15 late fee will be applied and added to your account. If the payment is not received by the 10th of the month, your child will be removed from the program and their spot made available to those on the waitlist.
Can I register my preschooler for all 5 days?
No, we do not allow 5 day attendance in Primetime Preschool.
How does the waitlist work?
If a class is at full capacity, parents are able to add their child(ren) to the waitlist at no cost. If a spot becomes available and your child is next on the waitlist, the Primetime Preschool office will phone the number listed on the registration account and hold the spot until the next business day at 9:00 a.m. After this time, your child’s name will be removed from the waitlist and the spot offered to the next person on the waitlist. We cannot hold a spot for longer than this period of time.
What is priority registration?
Priority registration into the 4 year-old class will be given to three year-olds who are currently registered in our Primetime Preschool program.
What if my child is sick and misses a day? Are there any make-up days?
No, we do not offer make-up days and preschoolers may not attend school on days that they are not registered due to staff/child ratios. A refund will not be issued for vacation or missed school days.
Is there a sibling discount?
A sibling discount is not available for Primetime Preschool as fees are determined on a per child basis, keeping costs low for all.
Do I have to provide Immunization Records for my child to participate?
No, immunization records are not required for participation in City programs. The State of California Education Code does provide for records of immunization to be provided prior to enrollment unless there is a valid exemption. The City of Santa Clarita does not operate licensed child care facilities or programs that fall under the State of California’s Educational Code. As the City is not regulated by the Education Code, copies of immunization records are not required for participation in any Parks, Recreation or Community Services program. Nonetheless, the City does have established policies, procedures, and protocols established for City programs, including making parents aware of contagious diseases known/reported. Specific to school enrollment, you are encouraged to check with your local school district to obtain their policies related to required immunizations.
For additional information on immunizations, please visit the California Department of Public Health
Is there before and after school care provided?
We do not offer before or after school care. Children must be picked up on time at the end of the preschool day: 12:00 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. depending on the program. A late fee will be charged if a child is picked up late from school.
What happens if I am late picking up my child from school?
A $5.00 fee is charged for each 15 minutes or portion thereof and $1.00 per minute thereafter that a parent is late and must be paid by check at the time of pick up. If parents are late picking up a child two times, they will be contacted by the Preschool supervisor or coordinator. On the third offense, the child may be suspended until arrangements can be made to ensure that the child is picked up on time.
How do I request a refund?
All requests for withdrawals must be submitted to the Primetime Preschool office on the Withdrawal Form located on the Primetime Preschool website under the Parent’s Corner tab. If you would like to request a refund after the school year begins, notification must be received by the Primetime Preschool office by the 15th of the month prior to dis-enrolling in order to allow the office to fill the spot. Tuition fees already paid for the current month are non-refundable and pro-rated refunds will not be issued for days missed. If a parent has paid in full for the entire school-year upfront, any remaining months will be refunded.
What does my child need to bring daily?
Preschoolers will need to bring a nutritious snack/lunch in a lunch box labeled with your child’s name along with a reusable water bottle. No other items may be brought to school. When the weather gets colder, please bring a jacket.
What if my child requires medication while at school?
Staff is not permitted to administer prescription or non-prescription medication to children (exception epi-pens and asthma inhalers as staff is trained for emergencies only). Staff can only assist a child who can self-medicate. Medication must be signed in/out daily with staff and brought in its original container with your child’s name on it. A signed medication consent form providing written instructions and authorizing the City of Santa Clarita to provide the medication to your child must be on file with the teacher. A log will be kept if medication is given.
What are the qualifications of staff?
Our staff are specifically chosen for their dedication to meeting the developmental and emotional needs of children. Primetime Preschool upholds the highest standards for staff selection and has a centralized process that entails an interview, negative TB results, and a criminal background screening (Live Scan). Each member of our staff meets the City of Santa Clarita’s qualifications, completes orientation and comprehensive training, and is certified by the American Red Cross in CPR and First Aid. Teachers have completed at least 12 units of Early Childhood Education classes with most holding degrees. As an early-childhood education provider, we strive for the best level of customer service, experience, and commitment to our children and their families.
What is Live Scan?
Live Scan is a process where digital fingerprints are submitted to the California Department of Justice for criminal history background check. All Primetime Preschool staff have to go through this background checking process before he/she is allowed to work with children.