A day at alps

“Heya” is what a typical day at alps begins with. Welcoming the glorious morning with an enthusiastic wave to Mr. Sun, or giving the teacher a high-five when she announces that its time for the “step-in” makes things extra special at alps.

Our lil alpers soon fall in line to get their train moving to the classroom, directed by a new engine driver each day. Sharing and Caring starts from right there. In class, children initiate the day with the alps prayer, a together song, social sundries, calendar reading and attendance…….. and all these are done in the special alps mode. Children are made to realize that there is always a new way to learn everything.

Since alps focuses on dual methodologies, every activity has a touch-feel-imbibe-learn technique to it, while the hand-in-glove with Montessori focuses on making the child independent.

All activities are based on developing Social skills and Physical growth; encouraging imaginative thought patterns and cultivating cognitive and emotional skills.
Activities are theme-based; each theme runs over a week or two depending on how extensive it might be. Audio-visuals support each concept along with field-visits, expert talks, projects, real life and pretence plays.

EASY DAYS let the kids do all the same………….splash around in the lounge pool to beat the heat; build castles in sand or just roll in it or play around at the play-pen. Puzzles, outdoor-games and sing-a- longs are great mood-lifters for young alpers.

Annual variety show (theme based class show); alps Exhibition day (knowledge based project displays and show ‘n’ tells’; Active Notice Board ( teacher-parent child based interactive sessions); Extra Curricular Subject (music and movement, yoga and deep breathing etc)add to personality development, confidence building and raising  self esteem and pride.

Each day at alps is a new day and different from the previous, giving its l’il alpers exciting and stimulating things to do.  If you drop by sometime, and see a líl alper crying………….know that it’s not because he wants to go home……………….but  only because he wants to stay some more…………….

Why should I as a parent choose alps for my child??   The academy for l’il people playschool or “alps” as everyone fondly calls it is not far from its objective. One look at it and its bright colors, the lush green frontal and warmly tucked porch speak for itself. The ambience is so enduring that no kid wants to leave this space, while every adult wants to be a child again. Even the interiors speak volumes. Each and every room has been carefully thought of, planned and executed. Attention to every minute detail has been looked into. While the building and its interiors-exteriors are just the framework of this envisaged reality, the soul of the school is really its curriculae and its heart, the teachers. And all this is supported with an up-to-date infrastructure which undergoes a thorough check from time to time to keep abreast with the latest in pre-schooling. Attention to improvisation and revamping of curriculae is given every year to suit the needs of each new batch that is welcomed with open arms into alps.   What is the teaching methodology at alps????   alps embraces a combination of the Play way and the Montessori methodologies. The play way method is best way to stimulate the nerve cells in a child’s brain. It improves alertness, memory, and the benefit is surely visible in the child’s interactive skills. Easy bonding exercises make the child more aware of people around him and his relationships; simple activities like crayon scribbling or splash painting minimize the anxiety levels of the child while improving his motor skills. The Montessori helps children reach their fullest potential at their own unique pace. It provides an open environment that emphasizes your child’s natural interests. A combination of the two gives the young alper a dual advantage.   What calendar pattern does alps follow??   alps works on a semester system; two semesters per year. Semester 1 – June to October / Semester 11 – November to April Public and government holidays are followed. Summer holidays (Mid April to early June) and Winter holidays (Mid December to 1st week January are given.   When may my child join alps????   Admissions are open in the months of March (for the June- October semester) and September (for the November – April semester) Monthly admissions are taken round the year. To make it easy to comprehend the age to category quotient, we have sketched out the tabular below:-   Eligibility Category   1.4 yrs Butterfly (PRIMA Level) 1.11 – 2.6 yrs Playschool 1 (BRIDGE Level) 2.6 – 3 yrs Playschool 2 (BRIDGE Level) 3-3.6 yrs & 3.6 – 4 yrs Nursery (equivalent to Kindergarten) (BRIDGE Level)   What is the class ratio to the instructor / instructors’ ?   At the PRIMA level, the ratio of alper to Instructor is 6:1 At the Bridge level, the ratio of alper to Instructor is 12:1 Each category consists of a Head Teacher, an Assistant Teacher and a helper.   What is the mode of communication at alps????   All teachers and staff communicate in English. While some children might speak only in their mother tongue, please know that children have a way around languages and are fast to pick up and adapt. Most of our teachers are affluent with Hindi and Tamil and would communicate with the child if the need arises. At class show ‘n’ tells, group discussions, appraisals etc, verbal and non- verbal communication from the child is considered at par.   What is the fees pattern at alps????   The school fee includes the following:- Induction Fee – To be paid at the beginning of each semester (may be paid in cash or cheque) Tuition Fee - May be paid for the whole semester or may be split into 5 easy payments mode. (may be paid in cash or cheque) Caution deposit – One-time payment, made at the time of Registration, which is refunded at the termination of ward’s final course or final graduation which ever comes later. (may be paid by cheque only) Extra Curricular Fee – To be paid at the beginning of each semester. It covers the fees for all the designated classes during that semester. (may be paid by cash only) The fee varies for all categories and is subject to change by the discretion of the Directors of ALPS.Inc   Does the school have a uniform????   Yes, the school does have a Uniform. while Butterflies are not required to wear the same, PS 1 children are required to wear their uniform on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and colour coded attire on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Children of PS 2 and Nursery must wear their uniforms on all school days. All special days and festival celebrations have a pre-informed dress code that alpers must adhere to. This is only made compulsory to instill a feeling of oneness and teach through a feel – share experience. The Uniform may be purchased at a nominal cost.   What is the admission procedure at alps?   Admissions at alps are very easy and swift. We insist that both parents personally visit the school and dispel all queries and doubts with the Principal/Director. The next step that follows is the Registration procedure which involves filling up the Admission form; alongside paying the above mentioned Induction, Tuition and ECS fees with the Caution Deposit. At the time of admission, the school would require photocopies of the following:- 4 Date of Birth proof – Birth Certificate or Passport 4 4 Recent Passport size pics of the child.   What is the snack facility at alps????   We follow a healthy eating regime from Mondays to Thursdays, while Fridays are easy when all is allowed. A rough time table is chalked out for the convenience of the parents who might find it mind-racking to churn out healthy finger food. Following a time-table ensures that the same genre of food is brought by each alper, so that he/she is encouraged to eat all types of healthy food. To make it more fun, alps has marked Tuesdays at “Healthy Tuesday” – a day where fun looking healthy sumptuous meals are catered by the school. All meals are prepared under strict supervision and hygienic conditions. We have also introduced the “Friday Fun Day” to show kids that when they are good, they are definitely appreciated. We take suggestions from the kids and plan meals accordingly. Fridays are days when staff and children sit together and enjoy their “fun snacks”! Please note- all snack days have to be paid for separately and collectively, since they are outsourced from the best in the city to ensure 100% vegetarian,quality produce.   Does alps provide transport facility????   alps does not has its own transport facility and consider it unsafe to depend on outsourced vehicles and drivers. However, we do encourage car-pooling and would help parents from the same area team up to follow the system.   What is the child-development observation pattern at alps??   We realize and appreciate that each child is unique and different; and that’s why the alper sets his or her own bench mark. Weekly, Monthly and semester appraisals are done via feedback forms, reports or one-on-one chats with the teacher and principal. Apart from these forums, parents are free to fix a day and meet the teacher or principal to discuss any details regarding their ward.

The alps Team
There is complete ownership of the school with each and every member at alps and that is apparent from their attitude and attribute. Structured organization prevails only for the reason of thoroughness and perfection. Each of us wants to extend our very best to the lil alper and his/her parents, so that once an alper………………………….always an alper.


Structure and Roles:
The academy for lil people is headed by Directors’ POOJA shah and RICHA tikmani. Each of these directors’ have their designated duties and related agendas. All Senior Staff Member/Lead Teachers and Junior Teachers, working staff, helpers and cleaners work under the governance of the Directors’. Lead or Main Teachers execute a structured curriculum along with assessing the needs of each child in his/her care throughout the day. She shows competence in caring for and educating young children and has the ability to communicate effectively with parents. In addition to training and certification in early childhood development, Senior Staff Members also have at least three years experience working in a childcare setting.

Lead Staff Members are responsible for:

• 4Establishing learning objectives that are consistent with the Centre’s philosophy.
• 4Working and conducting oneself in a manner that reflects the centre’s philosophy and programme.
• 4Dressing and conducting one's self in a professional manner.
• 4Reading and reviewing the Curriculum Guide and the Staff handbook.
• 4Working cooperatively with the Directors, as needed, in developing and implementing weekly lesson plans.
• 4Confirming a written lesson plan weekly, along with needed art projects for review by the director.
• 4Meeting on occasion with her Director to review objectives, plans and evaluations.
• 4Attending all staff meetings and in-service workshops.
• 4Preparing projects and activities that reinforce themes and extended learning.
• 4Having materials in on time.
• 4Planning at least one field-trip event per month.
• 4Taking children to the library and the park as often as possible.
• 4Taking daily attendance.
• 4Reviewing children's records monthly and updating as needed.
• 4Recording information pertinent to a child's development.
• 4Being attentive to health, sanitation, nutrition and safety at all times.
• 4Recording accidents in an accident log daily.
• 4Planning at least one classroom event per semester for parents to share with their children Planning a monthly conference with a    parent and filing a developmental checklist on children's progress.
• 4Assistant Teachers are responsible for maintaining harmony in a classroom; providing support for the senior staff teacher; sharing in    the care, safety, and healthy development of children in the group. Assistants are given the opportunity to interact with children of    all ages.
• 4All Lead Staff Members and Assistant Teachers are responsible to conceive, organise, prepare, and conduct all camps conducted     under the banner of ALPS.Inc in the current location.

Lower staff are responsible for all the maintenance and cleaning at grass root level. They will only under the supervision and instructions of the senior and assistant teachers take a child to the rest rooms and bring them back. They do not conduct or prescribe any activity for and with the child/ children.

The Centre Aide works under the direct order of the Directors’ and assists the Directors’ in all administrative areas of the company. She supervises maintenance of the premises of the company and the school. She is in charge of all procurement ans sundries of the company and school. The Centre Aid assists guides and informs parents about school procedures, fee payments, and directs all parents and guests to the Directors’. She may assist any senior staff member with art projects, or other activities as needed. Other areas the Centre Aide may be necessary are: Assisting Senior Staff members and children with graded projects, in the large Recreation/Computer room; outside activities; & field trips.

Admissions at alps are very easy and swift.

We insist that both parents personally visit the school and dispel all queries and doubts with the Principal/Director.

The next step that follows is the Registration procedure which involves filling up the Admission form; alongside paying the above mentioned Induction, Tuition and ECS fees with the Caution Deposit.

At the time of admission, the school would require photocopies of the following:-
4 Date of Birth proof – Birth Certificate or Passport
4 4 Recent Passport size pics of the child.