FAQ
What is your policy regarding sick children?
In the case of most illnesses such as fever (100.4+), vomiting or diarrhea, a child must be symptom free for 24 hours without medication in order to return to school. Some illnesses such as strep throat or ear infection require children to be symptom free for 24 hours and receive a number of doses of antibiotics to return to school. In some cases, such as an unidentified rash, we may require a doctor’s note for your child to return to school. We ask parents to keep in mind that children should be able to participate in the program fully to return to school. Illness is often handled on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to the child’s comfort, the comfort of the children who are not ill, and the desire to prevent the spread of illness.
What is your policy on discipline?
We recognize that young children are learning self-control and the ability to interact with peers and adults daily. We believe that self-discipline is best and we have established our environment to encourage children to develop respect for others, self-control, and social adjustment.
Our philosophy on discipline requires teachers to:- Recognize and reinforce positive behaviors
- Redirect children to choose alternative choices (This is especially important with infants and young toddlers)
- Initiate problem solving, determine and discuss appropriate behaviors with older toddlers and pre-school children.
- Set clear limits
At times children are unable to control their behavior and it may be necessary to provide a separate activity away from the group until the child is calm. Teachers will sit with and talk with older toddlers and preschoolers helping them to recognize and verbalize their feelings.
What curriculum does A Child’s Garden follow?
Our curriculum has been developed to meet or exceed the current Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CTELDS). Children in each age group are offered weekly themes which art, songs, and language arts are based upon each day. Toddlers, Preschool, and Pre K students also have weekly math and science topics as well as a letter of the week. Hands on, immersive learning opportunities are offered daily. Children learn through play as well as structured center time which includes games, experiments, manipulatives, sensory, and more!
Will my child need to take a nap?
Rest time is offered in each classroom but not required. Infants will sleep according to their individual schedules. Tiny tots through Prekindergarten will have a group rest period for a minimum of one hour. Tiny Tots needing an earlier rest time or two naps will be given the opportunity to do so. We do not require that children sleep and children who do not fall asleep will be provided books or a quiet activity after relaxing for a short time.
Does my child have to be potty trained to start in the 3 year old program?
Our three year old program recognizes that toilet learning is a milestone that not every child meets at the same age. With that in mind we accept children into our Preschool program that have not fully met this milestone. It is not the position of the school to teach the children toilet skills but to support the efforts made by the parents at home. We ask that parents of children aged 3 years 6 months who are not fully toilet trained provide us with a doctor’s note, action plan, or IEP.
Does A Child’s Garden follow the public school calendar for holidays and weather-related closings?
A Child’s Garden closes for a total of 12 holidays each year. A list of holidays and school events will be given at the time of registration. We are also closed for one week in August each year for staff training and classroom set up, families are not billed for this week.
A Child’s Garden rarely closes due to inclement weather. Every attempt will be made to open the school however, if we must close, delay, or close early for the safety of the families and staff, you will be notified via our Brightwheel app.
How is tuition paid?
Tuition may be paid on a monthly or weekly basis. This selection is made on the tuition policy section of the registration form. If you fail to select a tuition schedule on the registration form, you will be automatically enrolled in weekly payments. Weekly payments are due on Mondays, monthly payments are due the first of the month. Payments may be made via bank account or credit card on the Brightwheel app or in person with cash or check. *We advise against enrolling in autopay on Brightwheel. Tuition is to be paid regardless of vacation or sick time. Our tuition rates take into account scheduled holidays and weather related closings therefore there is no discount given for holidays or closings.
Does your school accept Care 4 Kids?
Our school does accept payment for tuition from Care 4 Kids. Parents are responsible for any balance due in tuition as well as registration fees. If Care 4 Kids discontinues it is the responsibility of the parent to inform the school and make arrangements for tuition payments. Parents are responsible for updating the information on their C4K Parent Provider Agreement form anytime a change is made (i.e. change to your work schedule, change to enrollment, change in tuition, etc.).
Please click on the following link to find the paperwork you will need to apply for this program, www.ctcare4kids.com.