How much does it cost to enroll a child in a childcare center?
The first thing most parents want to know is how much the program costs. However, the first question parents should be asking is what the philosophy of the school is; what curriculum it follows; what schedule each age follows and what the safety features are. Then, you should find out how much the program costs. Some centers include lunch and snacks and some don’t. Make sure to find out what the tuition covers.
What do you do when a child comes in for the first time to your center and does not want to leave his/her parents and cries a lot?
It is normal for children to cry the first day or couple of days of school. The teachers will devote special time to the new child making him/ her feel comfortable and at ease. Little by little we encourage the child to join group activities and meet his/ her new friends.
Do you provide lunch or do parents have to bring their own lunch and snacks?
The center provides one snack in the morning, one in the afternoon and a hot lunch to all the children in the center. Lunch and snacks are included in the tuition.
Are all your teachers credentialed? And what’s the turnover at your center?
All teachers are credentialed and have completed their 40 hours of Introduction to Childcare required by the Department of Children and Families. They are also experienced, passionate and very professional. Most teachers have been working in this center since it opened.
What do you do after lunch is served?
If children are in diapers, their diapers get changed and then their hands get washed. Then mats are set with each child’s bedding. Mats are never shared neither are their sheets and blankets. Each child has an assigned and numbered mat that they use throughout the year. Parents are required to bring in clean sheets and a blanket on Monday.
Why is it important for a child to play outside and what are your recommendations about that?
Physical exercise and fresh air are important for your child’s health. We take children outdoors every day so they can run, jump, climb and use all their large muscles in their bodies. By playing outdoors children learn to appreciate changes in nature; discover how water puddles after the rain and disappears when the sun comes out; to follow shadows around and to use their body in skillful ways.
Outdoor play isn’t just about play; it’s also socializing. Children are playing with their friends; they are sharing bikes, balls, hulas and other materials. Children spend 45 minutes on the playground both in the morning and in the afternoon.
What is your sick policy?
If a child has a 101 fever or over, is vomiting, has diarrhea, or is complaining of an earache, we immediately call the parents to have the child picked up. We, then, isolate the child until the child is picked up. A child has to be 24-hour-fever free to be able to come back to school. In case of communicable illnesses, the center will require a doctor’s note.
Can you tell us about your monitoring cameras?
Web cameras are very beneficial for both the children’s families and the operators of the center. It helps the center monitor what is going on in each room and the playground. It gives the parents the opportunity to see how their child’s day at school is like, too. It is also a remarkable tool in case there is an incident since everything is recorded. This feature gives the operators the opportunity to go over what happened and when.
As parents, one of the concerns that we have is our child getting sick mostly when you bring them to preschools. What are you doing in your academy to try and prevent that?
Children get sick. They need to build up their immune system. Our facility has bacteria static floors, which prevents bacteria from growing on them. Because of this, we only use cold water to clean them avoiding harsh chemicals, which are not good for young children.
What kind of security systems do you have in place at your school?
The center has a key code to allow parents to get in the lobby. Once inside the lobby, there is a touch screen. Parents get fingerprinted in order to check in and out their children and to enter the school. This software system offers a great safety feature.
What other safety features do you have in your center?
Our furniture also offers great safety features. They do not have splinters or screws. The staff checks all the equipment on a regular basis to make sure there are not hazards. All the supplies, materials and toys are age-appropriate too.
What is the teacher- child ratio at your center?
The state requires minimum standards as regards ratios. Our center is a high quality center so as a result, we go over the ratios required by the law. As an example, the teacher-child ratio in the two-year-old room is 1 teacher every 11 children. We believe that this number is too high for only 1 teacher especially because most 2 year olds are in diapers; they are constantly exploring, climbing, and trying things out. Therefore, we have two teachers even if the numbers are much lower than 11 children.
Can anyone work in daycare?
All owners, directors and other childcare personnel shall complete the background screening requirements, including fingerprinting, prior to the first day of beginning to work in a childcare facility. A successful background screening clearance from the local licensing agency is required before working. Teachers must have first aid and Pediatric CPR training, 40 hours of Introductory Training to Childcare, staff credential and experience.
Could you tell us more about you and tell us why you decided to open a childcare center?
Donna Morgan- the director: When my children were young and I had to go to work, my children went to a daycare called Tanglewood Academy. I always loved going in there and seeing the little children. Opening a childcare center had always been something I wanted to do. Once my children settled down, I went back to school myself to get my credentials, became a director and opened Providence Children’s Academy.
What are your hours of operation?
The hours of operation are 6:30 am to 6:30 pm five days a week Monday thru Friday.
How do you handle challenging behaviors or fighting situations?
We believe that challenging behaviors can be prevented. Children have to be supervised and occupied all the time. Our day is filled with hands- on activities and experiences that keep children busy and interested. If a child, however, misbehaves or is not acting appropriately, we redirect the child.
We always encourage positive behaviors and praise children for helping one another and doing the right thing.