What is the key ingredient for high-quality education? Low teacher-to-child ratios and low group sizes. Why is that important?

The teachers are able to know each child on an individual level.
Teachers track their children’s development in each domain of growth: cognitive, language, physical, social, and emotional.
Teachers create individualized curricula and classroom experiences accordingly to stretch their knowledge and learning.
Teachers can provide individual social and emotional support during conflict resolution (acknowledging feelings, sharing, taking turns, and more.)
Our classrooms are cheerful, calm, and full of enthusiastically exploring children, with ample room and materials.

Our tuition rates may be slightly higher than other programs due to our low ratios, and the benefits are tangible. FUMP is a high-quality program based on the preschool-aged child’s unique interests, needs, and abilities. At FUMP, we place children’s needs first, especially the need for connection with their teachers and peers in an optimal learning setting.

Teacher-to-Child Ratios

Age Group Experiences

Infants
Our primary concern is loving, responsive care for infants and young toddlers. There are many routines but few schedules. Each child’s needs for comfort, stimulation, nourishment, and sleep are met as they are presented. The environment is arranged to allow for individual growth and to encourage exploration. Parents are given written daily notes about their child’s day at preschool.

Toddlers and Twos
The classroom routine allows for busy, active times and quiet moments. Teachers carefully select activities and materials based on the children’s developmental level and interests. Children choose their learning centers, such as dramatic play, blocks, sensory experiences, books, and manipulatives. Each class gathers daily for group time to connect as a classroom community and further cognitive and social growth.

Threes
Building on the premise of the Toddler and Twos experience, FUMP supports children’s development through intentional curriculum and activities. These children are independent, eager to learn, and ready to include friends in play. Their classroom must challenge them to explore and create while providing security and comfort. Age-appropriate cognitive concepts, such as counting objects, recognizing letters, and handwriting opportunities, are introduced through the learning center materials. The collection of learning center materials increases, creating more opportunities for learning, experimentation, and creativity. Activities include quiet, individual/small group play options and busy, larger group efforts.

Prekindergarten
As children enter the prekindergarten program, they are encouraged to master the skills necessary for entering elementary school. Those skills include cognitive growth in literacy and numeracy concepts introduced in learning centers and group time. The classroom materials will allow for exploration and discovery while supporting cognitive development. Opportunities for creative expression in art, music, and dramatic play will enhance the school program. Further, they will learn about being self-sufficient in the classroom: maintaining their backpack, following directions, conflict resolution with peers, etc. Teachers will be communicating with parents about both developmental progress and kindergarten readiness.

Enrichment is a key element of our program. We bring our downtown neighbors into the school so the children can experience unique Austin experiences. We have the Austin Public Library visit us for story hour. The Austin Nature Center brings its traveling education program to us: insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fossils, and more. We have visits from the Austin Fire Department, the DPS State Mounted Patrol, and more. Also, our Prekindergarten classes travel via Cap Metro buses on field trips. They explore UT Austin and attend children’s theater performances at Zach Scott Theatre. We carefully craft age-appropriate enrichment that enhances children’s learning and gives a nod to our unique location in the heart of downtown Austin.