Confidence Starts with Clarity
Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem FAQs
Have questions about preschool enrollment, tuition, hours, curriculum, or daily care?
Our Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem FAQs provide clear answers for families exploring high-quality Christian preschool and daycare. From preschool age requirements and admissions to classroom schedules, safety practices, and tuition policies, we want you to feel informed and confident as you choose the best care for your child.
Enrollment & Admissions
What ages does Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem serve?
Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem serves children from 6 weeks through 10 years of age across our Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, and Before/After School programs at 4500 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97305.
Where is your Salem, OR campus located and what areas do you serve?
Who leads the Salem, OR campus?
How do I enroll my child at Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem?
The enrollment process follows three simple steps:
Schedule a Tour: Visit our 4500 Lancaster Dr NE location to tour our classrooms and meet our Campus Director, Brandon Lemon. It’s also a great time to explore the area, learn about our curriculum, discuss tuition and scheduling options, and ask questions.
Submit Registration: Complete your enrollment packet. (Note: Ask about our registration fee waiver for new families).
Meet the Teacher: Attend an individualized pre-start visit so your child feels completely comfortable on day one.
Families can expect a welcoming, step-by-step admissions process at our Salem, OR campus.
When does enrollment begin for the upcoming school year?
Enrollment for the upcoming school year typically begins in February before the fall start date. Priority is generally given to currently enrolled children, siblings of enrolled children, and families already on the waitlist. However, applications received later are still considered according to classroom availability.
Families with Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem enrollment questions should contact the school early to discuss openings.
What documents are required before my child’s first day?
Before attendance begins, families must submit all required enrollment documents.
These generally include the enrollment form, current immunization records, health history, photo-release authorization, parent agreement, and any additional forms required by Oregon childcare licensing. In addition, we ask that parents keep emergency contacts, health information, and authorized pickup details current.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
Children entering the three-year-old and four-year-old preschool programs are often fully potty trained.
However, when a child is still making progress, Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem will partner with the family to support continued toilet-learning development. Classroom placement also depends on the child’s age, developmental readiness, and available space.
What happens when a classroom is full?
When immediate placement is unavailable, the child may be added to the waitlist. Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem will then contact the family when an appropriate opening becomes available.
Because availability can change throughout the year, families exploring childcare admissions in Salem are encouraged to tour and submit their enrollment information early.
Do you have a waitlist for infant or preschool enrollment?
Because our classroom ratios are carefully managed, certain age groups—especially our infant and toddler programs—may experience waitlists during peak enrollment seasons.
We recommend reaching out several months in advance to check current availability and secure your spot in order to avoid placement on our Salem campus waitlist.
What are your preschool age requirements and classroom transitions?
Children are placed into classrooms based on developmental readiness and Oregon state licensing age guidelines. Transitions to the next classroom occur as children hit key milestones and age benchmarks, ensuring a smooth, supportive progression throughout their early education journey.
Classroom, Curriculum & Daily Experience
What curriculum does Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem use?
Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem combines the research-based Frog Street Curriculum, the faith-centered Go! Bible Curriculum, and our Learning to Listen Academy™. As a result, children receive a balanced early-learning experience that supports academic, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development.
Learning occurs through teacher-guided instruction, child-led exploration, play, music, movement, storytelling, creative arts, science, and outdoor activities.
Is your curriculum academic or play-based?
Both—intentionally. We blend structured learning with guided play so children build strong academic foundations while developing creativity, social skills, and a love of learning.
How do you handle outdoor play during Oregon winter weather?
We prioritize outdoor physical play on our secure playground whenever weather permits under local health and safety regulations. On extreme cold or rainy Oregon days, motor skills and physical activities transition into our indoor learning environments.
What does a typical preschool day include?
A typical day at Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem includes: arrival and free play, morning gathering, snacks, learning centers, small-group instruction, outdoor play, lunch, rest time, stories, music, movement, and afternoon activities.
Although exact schedules vary by classroom, children experience a consistent balance of active and quiet periods, teacher-led learning, independent exploration, outdoor movement, and rest.
What are the teacher-to-child ratios in each classroom?
We strictly follow low teacher-to-child ratios: Infants (1:5), Young Toddlers (1:5), Older Toddlers 2+ years (1:7), and Preschool (1:10).
(Note: Total classroom enrollment changes throughout the year, but our ratios remain fixed.)
How does Lion's Path Preschool™ Salem track my child’s development?
Teachers use the Frog Street Developmental Checklist to monitor children’s progress. Assessments are completed twice each year—once in the fall and once in the spring. Teachers then use the results to guide lesson planning, provide individualized support, and discuss developmental milestones with families during parent-teacher conferences.
How do you prepare preschool students for kindergarten?
Our Pre-K program focuses directly on kindergarten readiness standards in the Salem, OR area. We cultivate early reading, writing, foundational math concepts, problem-solving, self-regulation, and social collaboration, ensuring every child steps into kindergarten with confidence.
Do you provide meals and snacks during the day?
Yes! We provide two healthy snacks every day—one at 9:30 AM and another at 2:30 PM. In addition, we ask parents to pack a nutritious lunch for their child each day.
Hours, Schedules & Attendance Options
What are your operating hours and scheduling options?
Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. These extended childcare hours are designed to support working families while maintaining consistent daily routines for children.
We also offer full-day, core-program, and part-time scheduling options designed to support working parents across Marion County. Families may choose from the following options to meet their scheduling needs:
- Full-Week Program: Monday through Friday schedule
- Part-Week Program: Flexible 2-day or 3-day weekly options
- Full Day Program: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Core Hours Program: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM dedicated academic block
Families are encouraged to confirm holiday schedules and any campus-specific closures with the Director.
Do you offer part-time preschool and flexible schedules?
Yes, we provide flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s needs. You can choose from the following full-day and core-program scheduling options designed to support working parents across Marion County:
- Full-Week Program: Monday through Friday schedule
- Part-Week Program: Flexible 2-day or 3-day weekly options
- Full Day Program: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Core Hours Program: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM dedicated academic block
What is the difference between full-time care and the Core Program?
Full-time care is defined as attendance for more than seven hours per day. By comparison, the Core Program is a part-time option that runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Tuition is based upon each child’s selected enrollment schedule and reserves that child’s place in the program. Interested families should discuss the available two-day, three-day, five-day, and Core Program options with the enrollment team.
Can I drop my child off on unscheduled days and pay cash?
No, we cannot accept unscheduled drop-ins. To maintain safe teacher-to-child ratios and licensing standards, children may only attend on their designated enrollment days.
What time should children arrive?
Children should generally arrive no later than 9:45 AM so they can participate fully in classroom routines and learning activities. Consistent arrival times also help children transition comfortably into the school day. If a child will be absent, late, or leaving early, parents should notify the school as soon as possible.
Can I pick my child up early if they are enrolled full-time?
Absolutely, you are always welcome to pick-up your child whenever necessary. However, maintaining a consistent daily pickup routine is helpful because structure helps young children feel secure.
Who is allowed to pick up my child?
Children are released only to parents, legal guardians, or adults listed as authorized pickup persons. Families provide advance authorization when someone other than the usual caregiver will pick up the child.
What happens if I am late picking up my child?
Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem closes promptly at 6:00 PM. A late-pickup fee is charged for families that do not pick-up by 6pm.
Tuition, Assistance & Financial Policies
What financial assistance, childcare assistance, or state programs do you accept?
Lion’s Path Preschool℠ Salem accepts ERDC (Employment Related Day Care), Military Childcare Dot Com, and ChildCare Aware of America. We are also currently in the process of joining the federal CACFP Food Program to further support our families.
Do you offer discounts for military families?
Yes. We proudly support active-duty military, Guard, and Reserve families stationed across Marion County and surrounding areas. Our location provides convenient access for families connected to local installations like the Oregon Military Department Joint Force Headquarters, Salem US Reserve Center, and McNary Field Army Aviation Support Facility, as well as personnel commuting to the Portland Air National Guard Base and Joint Reserve Center Vancouver. We offer flexible transition support during PCS moves, flexible scheduling, and tuition discounts to honor those who serve.
Lion’s Path Preschool℠ Salem accepts ERDC (Employment Related Day Care), Military Childcare Dot Com, and ChildCare Aware of America. We are also currently in the process of joining the federal CACFP Food Program to further support our families.
Does Lion’s Path Preschool™ offer a sibling discount?
Yes. Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem offers a 10% sibling discount, which is applied to the child with the lower tuition rate. In addition, we offer several other eligibility-based discounts, including discounts for educators, first responders, active-duty military families, and qualifying church members.
Is there a registration fee?
Our standard registration fee is $250. However, we are currently waiving this fee for all newly enrolling families at our Salem campus!
Do you offer tuition discounts or special rates?
Yes, we offer several tuition discounts for eligible families. Specifically, you may qualify for a sibling discount (10%), teacher/educator discount (10%), first responder discount (10%), active duty military discount (10%), or church member discount (5%).
Additionally, Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem employees and Peoples Church staff receive special tuition rates.
How is tuition determined for Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem families?
Tuition at Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem is based upon the child’s enrolled schedule. This includes the number of days attending and whether the child participates in full-time care or the Core Program.
Tuition is charged as a fixed monthly amount as it reserves the child’s classroom placement. Current tuition options can be confirmed during a tour or directly with the enrollment team.
Will monthly tuition change once you join the food program?
No, your monthly rates will stay the same. Joining the food program will not cause any changes or increases to your regular tuition.
When is tuition due, and what payment methods are accepted?
Tuition is due on the first day of each month. Families are required to enroll in automatic electronic payments through the school’s tuition system, using a checking or savings account.
Are tuition payments reduced when my child is absent or the school is closed?
No, planned holidays and scheduled closures are already considered when tuition rates are established. Tuition reserves the child’s space and is not reduced for absences, illness, holidays, emergency closures, or weather-related closures.
Can I hold my child’s place during an extended absence?
An approved enrollment break may be available for up to two months. However there is a fee associated with all extended absences in order to hold a child’s classroom placement.
Health, Safety & Family Communication
How will I receive updates about my child and their progress?
The Procare app is our primary family communication tool. Families receive daily updates, messages, photos, videos, reminders, and important announcements through the app. Infant families also receive information about feeding, sleep, diapering, and daily care.
Additionally, parent-teacher conferences are held twice each year to discuss a child’s progress, strengths, and developmental goals.
How do teachers communicate daily updates to parents?
Parents receive real-time updates through Procare, our direct digital messaging system, featuring photos, activity updates, meal tracking, and messages throughout the day.
Is Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem nut-free?
Yes. Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem is a nut-free center.
What should my child wear to preschool?
Children should wear comfortable, washable clothing suitable for active, hands-on learning and the changing Oregon weather.
All walking children must wear socks and closed-toe shoes; flip-flops and open-toed shoes are not permitted. In addition, families should label clothing and personal items clearly with the child’s name.
Can parents visit during the school day?
Yes. Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem maintains an open-door partnership policy, and parents or legal guardians may visit during operating hours.
All visitors must enter through the main entrance, check in at the office, follow identification procedures, and respect classroom routines.
How does Lion’s Path Preschool™ Salem keep children accounted for?
Teachers use active supervision, frequent name-to-face counts, attendance tracking, and the Procare system to maintain awareness of every child’s location. Counts are completed during arrivals, departures, classroom transitions, outdoor play, meals, rest periods, restroom breaks, and emergency procedures.
What safety measures are implemented at 4500 Lancaster Drive NE?
Our campus features code-restricted entry points, secure check-in/check-out protocols, continuous monitoring, and background-checked staff certified in CPR and First Aid. All emergency practices align with Oregon state licensing and local emergency guidelines.