Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cullen’s Abc’s Online Preschool?

Cullen’s Abc’s Online Preschool is a preschool program that is taught at home or any other suitable location. Miss Cullen, the beloved host of the popular Cullen’s Abc’s educational and entertaining videos, guides the class by talking directly to the children through interactive videos. You (moms, dads, caregivers, homeschoolers, nannies, babysitters) act as Miss Cullen’s in-room teacher’s helper and are prompted to pause the video and personally lead the children in hands-on developmental activities.

Why is it needed?

The Online Preschool offers a valuable at-home program to prepare children for school if you do not have the option to enroll your children in a traditional preschool, choose to homeschool or desire to supplement your child’s traditional preschool experience. Unfortunately, in many countries, a low cost high-quality traditional preschool program is not offered at the national level. In the United States it is estimated that over 33% of four year olds do not attend preschool and the percentage is even larger globally. The Online Preschool addresses this need.

What age? How many can I help teach? Do I need experience?

The preschool activities are enjoyed by children from 2 to 5 years old.

You can create a preschool class for only one child or for several children. If you are going to create a preschool class for several children, consider using a 4 to 1 child-to-teacher helper ratio.

You do not need past teaching experience. As the teacher helper, you can learn from Miss Cullen’s teaching expertise and set up videos.  You may even find that you have an ambition to teach!

How do I get started?

First, join the Online Preschool for free and watch the free “Setup Your Preschool” videos. Miss Cullen guides you in several short setup videos on the why’s and how’s of setting up your preschool program. Also, you learn the purpose and benefits of each preschool activity you can choose to do.

Begin with simply deciding on the structure of your preschool program.

1. How Many Days? Cullen’s Abc’s Online Preschool is designed to be used up to three days a week. (It is recommended that you schedule at least two days a week.) To determine how many days, consider how much time you can dedicate each day to the class and the developmental stage of your child. If you would like to get feedback from someone with preschool experience, post a question in the Forum.
2. Which Days? Pick the day or days of the week that your classes will be held, and start at the same time every day!
3. Create a Daily Schedule. Use the provided daily schedule of activities (Circle Time, Letters & Numbers, Worship Time, and Art & Science). Also, you can develop your own schedule for each day you have class starting with Circle Time and use only the other activities you desire, in the order you want. Consider the amount of time you have and the needs of your child. You do not have to use all the activity categories. If you create your own daily schedule Miss Cullen strongly recommends that you start your day with Circle Time and add other activities you want to use. If you would like your schedule to be reviewed and receive feedback, you can post a question in the Forum.
4. Schedule & Routine. When you start your preschool, it is important to hold class on the same days every week, start each day at the same time, and always maintain the same order of the activities in your daily schedule. Schedules, repetition and routine are great for building confidence in preschool age children, because they know what is coming next and realize what is expected of them.
5. Watch the free “Setup Your Preschool” videos. First watch the “Leading Circle Time, and then watch the other activity videos for Letters, Worship, and Art & Science.

Why is a schedule and a routine needed, and what is the difference?

The schedule is made or set by you, while the routine is the physical execution of the schedule that children get used to. Schedules and routine allow children to learn what will or will not happen next. Children desire and need to know what’s coming next. A regular routine builds confidence in preschool age children, because they know what is coming next and realize what is expected of them. This helps build trust between you and your child. A schedule will help young children begin to understand that their needs will be taken care of on a regular basis. If your child has too many unknowns, you may see anxiety building up and they may act out by having emotional reactions to the inconsistency.

So when you start your preschool, it is important to hold class on the same days every week, start each day at the same time, and always maintain the same order of the activities in your daily schedule. You will have to be flexible to allow for special days that routine changes and that is ok, but special days should not happen on a regular basis. When there is going to be a change to the schedule tell your child ahead of time so they will be prepared and have less anxiety.

What do I need?

The most important aspect of your preschool program is your dedication and time. You will need supplies that will have some low costs, but many of the activities require supplies that you may have around the house.

How do I prepare for a day of Preschool?

There are short videos showing you how to prepare for every activity in the “Starter Days.” In the a prep videos, Miss Cullen discusses how to do the activity, lists supplies needed, explains how to use the activity with different ages of children, suggests words and phrases that can be used with children while doing the activity, and explains what skills are being developed from the activity.

What is the difference between a “Starter Day” and “More Preschool Days?”

“Starter Days” are the first four themes and days a new “Teacher Helper” should use to start their preschool. The “Starter Days” provide much more guidance, instruction and interaction with Miss Cullen, so a Teacher Helper becomes comfortable with how the Online Preschool works and their own schedule and routine. “More Preschool Days”  are for Teacher Helpers who have completed the “Starter Days” and are prepared to take a bigger role in the classroom. “More Days” don’t feature customized videos for each activity. Instead, they have an interactive song introduction from Miss Cullen, and the Teacher Helper leads the activity from there. For each “More Preschool Day’s” activity there is a detailed activity description, skills developed, materials needed, and some days even have additional games, prep videos, and music.

When can I start?

You can start your preschool any time, by design there isn’t a school calendar you must follow. When you are ready to start, review Miss Cullen’s Preschool setup videos. If after viewing the videos, there’s something that you don’t understand, you can ask questions in the Forum.

What kind of preschool program is the online preschool based on?

Cullen’s Abc’s Online Preschool is based on a developmental program. It is designed to be flexible so you can help children at their own developmental stage. You may choose to start with activities that your child can build on and learn more about. Start and do activities based on your child’s needs; it is not a rigid program requiring that every step be followed. In the program, skills that are developed and built upon include: academic, social, creative, listening, following instructions, completing simple tasks, cooperation, increasing vocabulary, and small and large motor skills.

Does the online preschool replace a traditional preschool?

No, Cullen’s Abc’s Online Preschool is not intended to replace a traditional live preschool. If your child does not have the opportunity to attend preschool or you choose to homeschool, this program can be used to support your child’s development.

Can the online preschool supplement a traditional preschool my child is attending?

Yes! While it is not intended to be a substitute for a traditional preschool program, it can certainly augment the curriculum your child receives from a traditional preschool. You can use the online preschool on the days that your child does not go to school. All of the activities are entertaining and educational, so they are great for you to do with your child.

Questions and Support?

You can share your experiences, ask questions, and seek help not only with Cullen herself, Miss Erica, and also an online forum of parents, teachers, homeschoolers, babysitters and caregivers who are going through the same process that you are, or have early child development experience to share with you.

Cullen’s Abc’s Overview

Cullen’s Abc’s is pioneering the use of online educational videos. Since 2007 Miss Cullen’s online site (http://www.cullensabcs.com) has offered free videos for children to watch interactively with adults, and videos specifically for adults to watch for activity ideas. Miss Cullen is an experienced Preschool Teacher with over 15 years of working with young children.