FAQs
Tuition and Fees:
What is the tuition cost, and what does it include?
Our tuition rates vary a bit depending on your child's age, and they're all-inclusive, designed to provide exceptional care and enrichment. For your convenience, tuition covers 10 hours of care each day, our fully accredited, faith-based curriculum, and meals – breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. We also feature a variety of engaging guest educators, including musicians, storytellers, zoologists, pastors, singers, and even Spanish teachers. We'd be happy to share the exact tuition rate for your child's age group – just let us know, and let’s schedule a tour!
What is the cost for each additional hour over the included 10 hours per day?
An additional $10 for each additional hour over the included 10 hours per day.
How is tuition collected or how do I pay?
To keep things running smoothly, tuition is due every Wednesday for the following week. We offer a few convenient ways to pay. You can set up automatic payments from your checking or savings account, or we can charge the payment method you have on file. We also accept credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express). Just a heads-up that there's a small 3% processing fee for card transactions. We're happy to walk you through the payment options and answer any questions you might have!
Are there any additional fees (e.g., registration, supplies, field trips)?
There are a couple of upfront costs when you enroll, including a registration fee and your initial tuition payment. Beyond that, the only other potential costs that might come up are for optional field trips. We try to keep everything as transparent as possible, so please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions about our fees – we're happy to explain everything in detail.
What payment options are available?
Payments can be made via direct withdrawal from a bank account or by credit/debit card. Card payments are subject to a 3% processing fee.
Is there a tuition assistance program?
We understand that childcare expenses can be a consideration for many families. While we don't have a direct tuition assistance program through our center, there are several third-party programs available that can help, and we gladly accept all approved assistance from those programs. If you find that you don't qualify for a third-party program, or if the assistance doesn't quite meet your needs, please talk to us. We're happy to discuss the possibility of applying for a scholarship. We want to work with you to make quality childcare accessible for your family.
What is the policy on refunds or withdrawals?
We understand that circumstances can change, and sometimes families need to withdraw their child from our center. To properly process a disenrollment, we do require a written two-week notice to be submitted to the Site Director. We also want to let you know that the registration fee and the first week's tuition are non-refundable. We're happy to discuss our withdrawal policy in more detail if you have any questions – just let us know.
Hours and Availability:
What are the hours of operation?
We're open from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Is there a waitlist or is there availability?
We understand that sometimes our programs fill up quickly, and we do maintain a waitlist when necessary. To add your child to our waitlist, we require a non-refundable $200 fee per child. This helps us manage the list effectively and ensures that families who are seriously interested have a place secured. The best way to find out if your desired location has a current wait for your child's age group is to give us a call or request a tour online. We'd love to chat with you and discuss your options!
Is there flexibility in scheduling (e.g., part-time options)?
Yes, we offer both part-time and drop-in care options! Generally, we appreciate a two-week notice if you need to change your part-time days or schedule a drop-in day, as this helps us with staffing and planning.
What is the policy on holidays and closures?
Our tuition remains the same even if the center is closed for a holiday or other reason. This is because many of our costs, like staffing and building maintenance, are ongoing and don't change based on whether we're open on a particular day.
Facilities and Environment:
What is the classroom environment like?
Imagine a room filled with bright colors and engaging learning materials. We believe a stimulating environment sparks curiosity and encourages exploration. You'll find our classrooms decorated with artwork made by the children, along with educational posters and displays that reinforce our weekly themes. We also incorporate Christian themes into our decorations, showcasing Bible verses and images that reflect our faith-based approach.
What is the condition of the building and playground?
We take pride in keeping our building and playground well-maintained! Our dedicated maintenance staff works hard to ensure everything is safe, clean, and in good condition for the children.
Is there adequate space for the children?
Absolutely! We have plenty of space for the children to play, learn, and explore.
What types of toys and equipment are available?
We provide a variety of state-approved toys and equipment. We make sure we have the required types and amounts to create a stimulating and engaging environment for the children.
Health and Safety:
What security measures are in place?
We take the safety and security of your children very seriously. That's why our center uses secured access, either with a key fob or a convenient mobile app. We also have security cameras at every location for added peace of mind.
What is the procedure for handling sick children?
We understand that keeping our little ones healthy is a top priority for everyone. That's why we follow the Anywhere Department of Human Services guidelines very closely when it comes to caring for children who are feeling unwell. These guidelines help us ensure a safe and healthy environment for all the children in our care. Basically, if a child develops a fever (100 degrees or higher), has symptoms of illness like a persistent cough, diarrhea, vomiting, or a contagious condition, or just isn't feeling well enough to participate in daily activities, we'll need to exclude them from care. Of course, we'll contact you immediately if your child isn't feeling well while at the center so you can pick them up. We know it can be inconvenient, but it's important for everyone's well-being. Generally, children can return to care once they've been symptom-free and fever-free for 24 hours without any medication and are able to participate in their usual activities. There might be specific return-to-care requirements for certain illnesses, so it's always a good idea to chat with our center director or staff if your child has been sick. We want to partner with you in keeping everyone healthy, so please let us know if your child has any illness, and don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions about our health policies. You can also find all the details in our Parent Handbook.
Are parents still expected to pay if their child is sick and cannot attend?
We understand that unexpected things come up, like when your little one isn't feeling well and needs to stay home. It's a valid question to ask about tuition when your child is sick. While it might seem difficult to pay for days your child isn't able to attend, our tuition structure is based on your child's scheduled days of attendance, not their actual attendance each day. This is because many of our costs, like staffing, are planned around the number of children enrolled and the days they are expected to be here. We have to maintain appropriate teacher-to-child ratios to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for everyone, and those staffing decisions are made based on the schedules we have in place. Think of it a bit like a school year – even if your child misses a day, the costs of running the school, paying teachers, and maintaining the facility still continue. We do our best to balance the needs of our families with the operational realities of running a childcare center. We're always happy to discuss this further with you if you have any questions or concerns.
What is the center's approach to discipline?
We believe in nurturing positive behavior and helping children learn and grow through gentle guidance. Our primary approach to discipline is redirection. This means that when a child is engaging in a behavior that isn't permitted – like climbing on furniture, running indoors, or playing too roughly – our teachers will gently redirect them to a more appropriate activity. We find that this approach is very effective in helping children understand boundaries and learn acceptable ways to express themselves. Beyond just setting limits, our curriculum also emphasizes important character traits like kindness, love, peace, and patience. We weave these values into our daily activities and interactions, creating a supportive environment where children learn to treat each other with respect and understanding. We want to help children develop not only good behavior but also a strong foundation of positive values that will stay with them for life. You can find more details about our discipline policy in our Parent Handbook, and we're always happy to chat with you if you have any questions or would like to discuss this further.
What is the center's vaccination policy?
We want to ensure a healthy environment for all the children in our care, so we do require either vaccination records or a valid exemption to be uploaded before a child can begin attending. This helps us protect everyone's well-being. We're happy to answer any specific questions you have about our vaccination policy – just let us know!
Will the staff administer medication, including emergency medication?
We understand that sometimes children need medication during the day, and we're happy to help when we can. To ensure we administer medications safely and correctly, we do have a few important guidelines we need to follow. All medications need to be in their original containers, clearly labeled, and not expired. We also require a signed medication permission form from you, detailing the dosage and instructions. These steps help us protect your child and ensure we're following best practices. If you have any questions about medication administration, please don't hesitate to ask – we want to make the process as smooth and safe as possible.
How often do you sanitize toys and the facility?
Keeping our center clean and healthy is really important to us! We have a detailed cleaning schedule in place to make sure all areas, including tables after meals, cribs, and toys, are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected regularly. We want you to feel confident that we're doing everything we can to maintain a healthy environment for your children.
Do you have a medical emergency kit in every classroom?
Yes, absolutely! We keep a well-stocked medical emergency kit in every classroom, so we're always prepared to handle anything that might happen.
How many medical staff are available daily?
Licensing regulations do not require childcare centers to have dedicated medical staff. The regulations focus on staff training in first aid and CPR, health policies, and emergency procedures. We adhere to all of these regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in our care.
Meals:
What meal plans do you offer, and what is the schedule?
We believe that nutritious meals and snacks are essential for growing little ones! Our Nutrition Policy reflects our commitment to providing healthy options for all the children in our programs. We also take food safety very seriously, and all of our staff are trained in proper food preparation and handling to ensure a safe and healthy mealtime. And the best part? Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are all included in the tuition, so you don't have to worry about packing extra meals! We'd be happy to share more details about our specific meal plans and schedules and we can provide you with the information.
Are meals prepared in-house or bought from outside?
We're happy to tell you about our meal program! Our breakfast and afternoon snacks are prepared fresh right here in our kitchen. For lunch, we partner with a licensed childcare catering company that specializes in providing nutritious and delicious meals for children. This allows us to offer a variety of balanced lunches while ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality.
Can you accommodate special dietary needs or allergies?
We understand that many children have specific dietary needs, and we're happy to work with families to accommodate them. Our staff are always made aware of any dietary restrictions and are careful to ensure children don't receive anything that could cause a problem. We usually have alternative options available for breakfast and afternoon snack. For lunch, if we can't provide a direct substitute for a particular item, parents are welcome to bring in just the component that needs to be replaced. We'll still provide the other parts of the meal, which typically include an entree, vegetable, grain, fruit, and milk. We want to make sure mealtimes are enjoyable and safe for every child! Please don't hesitate to discuss your child's specific dietary needs with us so we can work together to create a plan that works best.
Curriculum and Learning:
Can I see a lesson plan?
Yes, absolutely! We're happy to share an example lesson plan with you – just let us know, and we'll provide one. We also make sure parents see the lesson plans ahead of time so they can stay connected to what their child is learning and even talk about it at home.
How does the center help children reach developmental milestones?
We're passionate about nurturing each child's growth and development! We help children reach their developmental milestones through a variety of enriching activities woven into our daily routines and curriculum. Our teachers create engaging learning experiences that encourage exploration, creativity, and discovery. We focus on all areas of development – physical, cognitive, social, and emotional – with age-appropriate activities. For example, we might use building blocks and puzzles to develop fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities, engage in dramatic play to foster social interaction and imagination, and sing songs and read stories to encourage language development. We also provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor play, which is crucial for physical development and exploring the natural world. Our faith-based curriculum also incorporates values like kindness and compassion, which are essential for social and emotional growth. We keep a close eye on each child's progress and work closely with parents to support their individual developmental journey. We believe that learning should be fun and engaging, and we strive to create a nurturing environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.
Do the kids go outside?
Absolutely! We believe outdoor play is so important for children's development. Weather permitting, we take the children outside twice a day – once in the morning and once in the afternoon. We know how much they love to run around, burn off energy, and breathe in some fresh air, and we value that time just as much as they do!
Is music part of the curriculum?
Yes, definitely! Music is a wonderful part of our curriculum. We incorporate music throughout the day in various ways, from singing songs and playing instruments to listening to music during activities. It's a fun and engaging way for children to learn and express themselves!
What kind of books do you read to the kids, and how often?
We love reading to the children! We share age-appropriate books with them every day, and we also include faith-based stories from time to time. Reading is such a wonderful way to spark their imaginations and introduce them to new ideas.
What is the center's educational philosophy?
Our center's educational philosophy is all about creating a warm, nurturing, and faith-based environment where children can develop a lifelong love of learning. We believe that children thrive when they feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore their world.
What curriculum is used?
We use a comprehensive, age-appropriate curriculum that focuses on nurturing the whole child – their mind, body, and spirit. It's a curriculum we've developed ourselves, and it's been approved by the state. Our days are filled with a variety of engaging activities, from gaining knowledge and participating in music to learning faith-based lessons and stories, and growing in self-awareness. We believe in creating a well-rounded experience that helps each child thrive!
What types of activities are offered (e.g., arts and crafts, music, outdoor play)?
We offer a wide variety of engaging activities to spark every child's interests! Children have opportunities to participate in everything from self-directed play to teacher-initiated activities. We encourage them to explore creative arts and crafts, enjoy music, discover the joy of reading, learn through engaging learning stations, and participate in both large and small group activities. And of course, outdoor play is a big part of our day, weather permitting! We believe in offering a balanced mix of activities that nurture their creativity, curiosity, and social skills.
How is learning incorporated into play?
Learning is woven into everything we do! Our program is designed to be age-appropriate and educational, which means that learning happens naturally through play. We believe that children learn best when they're engaged and having fun, so we create activities that encourage exploration, discovery, and creativity. Whether it's building with blocks, engaging in dramatic play, or exploring nature outdoors, learning is always a part of the experience.
Is there a focus on specific skills or developmental milestones?
Yes, absolutely! We focus on supporting all areas of child development – social/emotional, physical, and cognitive. We believe it's important to nurture the whole child, and our program is designed to help children reach their developmental milestones in each of these key areas.
Napping / Rest Time:
What are the nap/rest time procedures?
For our infants, we work closely with parents to create a sleep and eating schedule that fits their individual needs. Our toddlers and preschoolers have a designated nap/rest time once a day in a quiet, darkened environment. They each have their own cot to rest on. If a child has trouble falling asleep or wakes up early, we have quiet activities available, like reading, so they can still have some peaceful downtime. We want to make rest time a positive and relaxing experience for everyone.
Do you practice safe sleep practices?
Yes, we absolutely prioritize safe sleep practices for all children in our care. We maintain constant sight and sound supervision during nap and rest times, and we adhere to the back-to-sleep recommendation for infants. Our cribs are equipped with firm mattresses and fitted sheets, and we follow strict guidelines about what's allowed in the crib – no pillows, blankets, or stuffed toys for infants under one. We also have procedures in place for infants who fall asleep outside of the crib and for the use of swaddles (with parental consent and in accordance with state regulations). We can share more details about our safe sleep policy if you'd like, and we're always happy to answer any questions you have.
Will my child have their own crib?
Yes, each child will have their own labeled crib. We believe it's important for each little one to have their own safe and comfortable space for rest time.
Do I need to provide my own crib sheet and sleep sack?
No, you don't need to bring a crib sheet. We provide all the crib sheets and ensure they're kept clean and fresh for each child.
Will you support the sleep schedule I set for my child?
Yes, absolutely! We understand how important consistent sleep routines are for young children, and we're happy to work with you to support the sleep schedule you've established for your child. We want to make the transition to childcare as smooth as possible for everyone.
How often is the sleep area and linens sanitized?
We take cleanliness very seriously, especially in our sleep areas. Our linens are changed at least weekly, as per state guidelines. Of course, if anything gets soiled, we immediately replace the sheet and sanitize the area right away. We want to make sure everyone has a fresh and clean space for rest time.
Faith-Based Focus:
Does the center focus on moral and spiritual development?
Yes, absolutely! Our center is founded on Christian values, and we weave those principles into our daily activities and interactions with the children. We believe in nurturing not just their minds and bodies, but also their spirits, teaching them about kindness, compassion, and love.
Does the center integrate faith-based teachings with academic learning?
Yes, our faith is woven into the fabric of our program. We believe that faith and learning go hand-in-hand, and we strive to create a nurturing environment where children can grow academically and spiritually.
Is there a Christian atmosphere where the love of Christ is evident?
We absolutely strive to create a warm and loving Christian atmosphere here. We want every child to feel the love of Christ through our interactions, our curriculum, and the overall environment of our center.
Are faith-based principles instilled, such as kindness and compassion?
Yes, definitely! We believe in nurturing kindness and compassion in our children. We teach them to be considerate and helpful to others, and these values are woven into our daily activities and interactions. It's an important part of creating a loving and caring community.
Does the curriculum include Bible stories, prayer, and Christian songs?
Yes, Bible stories, prayer, and Christian songs are all a part of our curriculum. You can find more details about how we incorporate these elements on page 4 of our Parent Handbook. We believe they enrich our learning environment and help children develop a strong foundation of faith.
Are Christian values like compassion, forgiveness, kindness, and humility taught?
Yes, absolutely! We believe that creating a Christ-centered environment naturally includes teaching and modeling values like compassion, forgiveness, kindness, and humility. These values are woven into our daily interactions and curriculum, helping children develop not only academically but also morally and spiritually.
How do you partner with parents to nurture the child’s spiritual upbringing?
We believe that partnering with parents is essential in nurturing a child's spiritual growth. One way we do this is by sharing our curriculum with you ahead of time, so you can be aware of the topics we'll be covering and have opportunities to discuss them with your child at home. We see this as a collaborative effort, and we value your input and involvement in your child's spiritual development.
What is the center's religious affiliation?
We identify as non-denominational Christian.
Are children of all faiths welcome?
Absolutely! We welcome children from all faiths and backgrounds. While our program has Christian faith-based themes and activities throughout the day, we strive to create a warm and inclusive environment for everyone.
Staffing and Qualifications:
What are the qualifications and experience of the teachers?
Thank you for asking about our teachers! We're very proud of the dedicated and caring educators we have here. Our teachers meet all the required qualifications set by the state of Minnesota for childcare providers. This includes background checks, education requirements, and ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in early childhood education. Many of our teachers also have additional certifications and experience in specific areas of child development. Beyond meeting the state requirements, we look for teachers who have a genuine passion for working with children and a strong commitment to our faith-based philosophy. We seek individuals who are warm, nurturing, and create a positive and supportive learning environment. We also provide ongoing training for our staff, including training on our company policies. One of our company policies focuses on ensuring age-appropriate conversations. While our teachers are always available to listen and support the children, we have a policy in place regarding certain topics. Specifically, discussions about social, political, and adult relationship topics are best handled within the family setting. If a child brings up these subjects, our teachers are trained to gently acknowledge the child's question and redirect the conversation back to the parent, suggesting that it's a great topic to discuss at home. This approach allows parents to guide these important conversations in a way that aligns with their family's values and beliefs. We believe this partnership between the center and home is crucial for a child's healthy development. We are happy to provide more detail about this policy if you would like. We encourage you to meet our teachers during a tour. You'll see firsthand their dedication and the loving atmosphere they create in the classrooms. We believe you'll be impressed!
What are the staff-to-child ratios?
We maintain excellent staff-to-child ratios to ensure that every child receives the individual attention and care they deserve. For our littlest ones in the infant program, we have a ratio of 1 teacher to every 4 children. In the toddler program, it's 1 teacher to 7 children, and in our preschool program, it's 1 teacher to 10 children. These ratios help us create a nurturing and supportive environment where children can thrive.
Communication and Policies:
Can I review the center's policies and procedures?
We're happy to share our policies and procedures with you! Our Parent Handbook covers all the details about how our centers operate and is available for you to review. Just let us know you'd like to take a look, and we'll be happy to provide you with a copy.
Do the program’s policies align with my parenting style?
That's a wonderful question, and it's so important that our program feels like a good fit for your family. We encourage you to take some time to review our Parent Handbook, which outlines all of our policies and procedures, to see how they align with your parenting style. We do have a Christian faith-based curriculum and environment here. Our approach to discipline is redirection, and we say prayers before meals. You'll often hear Christian music playing softly in the background, too. We're happy to chat with you about any specific questions you have after you've had a chance to look through the handbook – we want to make sure it's the right fit for everyone!
How do parents communicate with teachers and staff (e.g., daily reports, parent-teacher conferences)?
We believe open communication between parents and our teachers is so important! We offer several ways for you to stay connected and informed. You can always reach us by phone or email, we use a convenient phone app for updates and messages, and of course, we're always happy to chat with you in person when you drop off or pick up your child. We want to make it easy for you to stay involved and informed about your child's day!
How are concerns or issues addressed?
We encourage open communication and want to address any concerns you might have. If you have a question or concern about your child's care, we encourage you to first talk with your child's teacher. They're usually the best point of contact for day-to-day matters. If you feel the issue isn't resolved after speaking with the teacher, please don't hesitate to schedule a meeting with the Site Director. We're committed to working together to ensure your child has a positive experience at our center.
Is there a parent handbook?
Yes, absolutely! We have a comprehensive Parent Handbook that covers all the important details about our center's policies and procedures. It's a great resource for everything you need to know!
Licensing and Accreditation:
Is the facility licensed?
Yes, absolutely! Our center is fully licensed. We're committed to following all the rules and regulations set by the Department of Health and Human Services. We want you to feel confident that we're providing a safe and nurturing environment for your child.
Is the center accredited by a recognized organization?
Yes, we're proud to be accredited by Parent Aware. This accreditation demonstrate our commitment to meeting high-quality standards in early childhood education and care.
Parent / Community Interaction:
Can I speak with current or former parents?
We have a wonderful team of parent ambassadors who may be available to chat with you about their experiences at our center. Just let us know if you're interested, and we'll do our best to connect you!
How close is the center to my home or work?
We have the center's address listed on our website, making it easy to quickly see how close it is to your home or work.
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