Mission Statement

Small Fry Preschool is a fully licensed and insured, not-for-profit cooperative, established in 1970 to promote the social, emotional, and physical development of children, and to encourage intellectual growth through creative play in a healthy atmosphere.  Small Fry has flourished as an educational organization rather than a day care since its inception.  Parental involvement is an essential element of membership in the Small Fry Preschool Cooperative.  Active participation provides opportunities for parents to acquire specialized skills and greater understanding of their own child’s individual strengths and needs.  The parent-child-teacher relationship is strengthened and facilitates the child’s adjustment to his/her ever-widening world.

A wide variety of materials and activities are provided daily for the children:  easel painting, finger painting, clay, salt dough, woodworking, science activities geared to the interest of the class, simple cooking, trucks and blocks, table toys such as puzzles, peg boards and books, and a housekeeping area including a stove, sink, hutch, doll equipment and dress-up clothes are just a few examples.  Field trips are also a part of the Small Fry experience and parents are required to help on a minimum of two trips.

School Calendar

Small Fry Preschool classes meet from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  The Tots (3/4 year old) students meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the Taters (4/5 year old) students meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  Classes are expected to start the Tuesday after Labor Day and generally follow the public school calendar until the end of May.  Enrollment is limited to 14 in the Tots Class and 18 in the Taters Class. 

Sample Daily Schedule

• 9:00-9:20 Sharing Circle
• 9:20-9:50 Arts, Centers, and Free Play
• 9:50-10:00 Clean Up
• 10:00-10:15 Calendar Time
• 10:15-10:20 Wash Hands
• 10:20-10:30 Snack Time
• 10:30-10:45 Large Motor Skills
• 10:45-11:00 Story Time
• 11:00-11:15 Music Time
• 11:15-11:30 Prepare to Go Home

Parent Participation

The key to Small Fry’s long-term success since 1970 is the involvement of parents in the education of children.  As members of this educational organization, each day a parent serves as the assistant teacher.  Parents are responsible for arranging a substitute parent helper, who is also a member, if they are unable to fulfill their own obligation.  Parent helpers are scheduled on a rotating basis.  A schedule is distributed in advance (at parent orientation, in August). 

Parents are also required to serve on a committee such as field trips, room parents, food committee, etc.. In addition, parents are also required serve as a driver for at least 2 field trips throughout the school year. 

Parent meetings are planned to meet the needs and interest of the parents and students.  Attendance is expected.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment will be established on a first come, first serve basis.      Missouri state law now requires that a child be five by August 1 in order to start Kindergarten that year.  It is the policy of Small Fry Preschool that a child must be 3 by August 1 to attend the Tots class and a child must be 4 by August 1 to attend the Taters class that year.  In addition, all children must be toilet trained prior to beginning preschool.

A health form regarding physical health inoculations will be required of each student accepted.  You will receive this form as well as a background check form (for parent helpers) at a later date for completion prior to the start of school.

Fees and Tuition

There is a $20 non-refundable registration fee payable when returning the application.  Applications will not be considered, nor a place in the class reserved until the registration fee is received.  This fee guarantees a place for your child in the class or on the waiting list.  It is not refundable.  Tuition is $70.00 per month for the Tots Class and $80.00 per month for the Taters Class.  This is payable by the 1st of each month.  If a child is removed from school during the year for reasons other than health or family relocation, a full month’s tuition is required for any partial month and an additional two months’ tuition is required if the vacancy is not filled.