Parent Information
TCELA Frequently Asked Questions
Temple City Early Learning Academy
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the preschool located?
The Temple City Early Learning Academy (TCELA) is located at
9229 Pentland St., Temple City, CA 91780
Are we able to tour the preschool?
Yes, please call our office to set up an appointment to tour our preschool (626) 548-5210. You may also email us at tcela@tcusd.net
Do I have to be a resident of Temple City for my child to attend TCELA?
As of September 2023, families do not have to be a resident of Temple City to attend TCELA. We would like to encourage all interested families to submit their application and/or get on our waitlist. Children do need to be 3 years old and potty trained.
Can my child attend only 1 or 2 days a week?
Our preschool is currently offering full-time child care (3-5 days) at the regular monthly tuition rate.
Do I have to pay for snacks and lunch?
The TCUSD’s Food Services Department will provide lunch and snacks to the children in our program at no additional cost. Children enrolled in our Full-Day Program will be offered an AM snack, lunch, and PM snack. Children enrolled in the Half-Day Program will be offered a snack.
When is enrollment for preschool?
Please visit our website for our open enrollment windows.
How old does my child have to be to attend TCELA?
Children must be 3-5 years old to attend our preschool.
Does my child need to be potty-trained?
Yes, all students enrolled in our tuition-based program must be fully potty-trained. Fully potty-trained is when a child no longer needs diapers or pull-ups, initiates going to the restroom, and wipes himself/herself.
Students enrolled in the Special Day Class (SDC) are not required to be potty-trained. Should you have further questions regarding services provided by the Special Education Department, please call (626) 548-5020
What is the classroom ratio at TCELA?
TCELA’s tuition-based preschool will follow the Title 22 regulations of one adult to twelve children (1:12).
What are the teacher qualifications for TCELA?
Our Preschool Instructors are required to be CPR and First Aid certified and hold a current Associate Teacher Permit (or higher) from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Our Preschool Paraprofessionals are required to be CPR and First Aid certified and have a minimum of 12 Child Development/Early Child Development units.
What is TCELA’s curriculum?
Our preschool has adopted The Creative Curriculum®, a research-based curriculum that focuses on the whole child. These lessons and activities align with the framework from the California State Preschool Learning Foundations. This curriculum’s design supports our students with development and learning in the areas of social-emotional, cognitive, math, science, reading readiness, and creative art.
Where can I learn more about TCELA?
Parents can visit our website at https://tcela.tcusd.net/ to view our preschool’s philosophy, assessment, tuition, parent handbook, and more.
Are there any tuition assistance programs?
Our program works in conjunction with different subsidized programs. If a family qualifies through the program, TCELA will agree to accept the subsidized payment from them. Once a family has been approved, and space is available in our program, we would require a one-month tuition deposit (at the time of enrollment). This amount can be refunded at the end of the school year, once all payments have been received from the subsidized program. TCELA does not have any influence on outside program policies or procedures, including qualifications or waitlists/timelines. Please CLICK HERE for more information.
My child currently receives speech and language services. Can he/she enroll into TCELA?
Yes, as long as your child meets our eligibility requirements, he/she will be able to register for our tuition-based preschool. Should you have further questions regarding services provided by the Special Education Department, please call (626) 548-5020.
Are there any discounts available for TCELA?
We offer a 10% sibling discount for the older sibling attending TCELA.
Permanent TCUSD Staff can receive up to a 10% discount on their tuition.
Parent Volunteer Information
TCELA is now accepting Volunteers and Interns to support our early learners!
We understand the importance of parent involvement in their child's education, which is why we have implemented an open door policy. This policy provides parents with the opportunity to participate in their child's daily school activities whenever they are able to do so. By choosing to volunteer and actively participate in your child's classroom activities, you help to instill in them the importance of school and make a lasting impact on their education.
TCELA is also a learning environment for students working towards a career in Child Development and Teaching. Many college students are interested in interning and earning credits for their degrees. All interns are interviewed prior to their involvement with our program as well as TB tested and screened. Interns and volunteers are never allowed to be alone with children and may only be assisting our Preschool Instructors/Preschool Paraprofessionals in supervision and care.
Parent Handbook
Snack and Lunch Menu
TCELA is a peanut-free preschool. Temple City Unified School District’s Food Services Department provides snacks and lunch for our preschool at no additional cost. Parents are welcome to pack their child snacks from home. Snack and meal times will be shared with families during registration. Kindly note that our menu is subject to change due to product availability and unforeseen circumstances. Please see below for a SAMPLE of our weekly meals.
