Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Are you licensed and accredited?
A: The Children’s Campus is licensed by the State of New Jersey, Department of Human Services, Division of Youth and Family Services. We meet all of the requirements for child care centers listed in the Manual of Requirements, a copy of which parents may read upon request.
Q: Is the Children’s Campus a drop-in center to use whenever I need childcare for my children?
A: No. Children must be enrolled in the program for parents to use the drop-in privilege. Families must enroll their children for at least 3 half-day sessions each week. If an extra morning or full day is needed now and then, parents must fill out a Change of Schedule form so that staffing can be planned. Charges are made according to the published rates.
Q: If my child is enrolled, can I change the days or the come in the morning if my schedule changes?
A: No. Because of state-mandated ratios of adults to children, assistant teachers are scheduled to work according to the enrollment each day. If your schedule changes, you must fill out the Change of Schedule form to add a drop-in day or half day, in advance, so that staffing can be adjusted as needed.
Q: Why does it cost so much more to send my one year old child than my four year old child?
A: Children in the infant, toddler and two’s programs require more supervision by adults, and more help with feeding, diapering, toilet training, and other self-help skills. While the work of preschoolers is more challenging for them, they require less adult direction and support as they work in small and large groups.
Q: Can anyone pick up my child from the Children’s Campus?
A: No. Parents must fill out and sign a form authorizing other people who may pick up their child from school. Anyone other than a parent must show picture identification upon entering the center at dismissal.
Q: Do I need to send lunch? Can lunch be heated or refrigerated?
A: Yes. Lunch must be sent from home for all children who are here during the lunch period in their classroom. (Toddlers in Comet Room and the Moon Room eat at 11:00. Preschoolers eat at 11:30.) Bottles and baby food for infants must be labeled with the child’s name in order to be kept refrigerated, and can be heated when needed, according to the child’s individual schedule. Lunch for toddlers and preschoolers must come in a lunchbox – labeled with a name. Ice packs and thermos containers are suggested for keeping foods cool or warm.
Q: Do I need to send a snack?
A: No. Snack is provided mid-morning and mid-afternoon. A menu for the month is published. Alternate snacks may be sent from home and stored at school for children with allergies.
Q: My child has a severe allergy to a certain food. How do you handle allergies?
A: Teachers are informed of allergies in the classroom. A list of all allergies is posted on the tables where food is served. Children who are allergic to something served for snack or lunch will sit, with friends, at a table away from the allergen. Tables and chairs are cleaned and sanitized after each snack or lunch time.
In case of allergic reactions, EpiPens--clearly marked with the child’s original prescription label-–and/or antihistamines in the original container-–clearly marked with the child’s name-–may be stored in the office.
Q: How are birthdays celebrated at the Children’s Campus?
A: Birthdays are special days for children. To celebrate at school, please make plans with the Teacher before the special day. Suggestions for the celebration include napkins and cups for our regular snack, or muffins or cupcakes (not too sweet is best). All food brought into the center must be pre-packaged, sealed, and contain an ingredient label. Party favors are OK as children go home. Please do not bring lollipops, balloons, peanuts, grapes or popcorn as these can be dangerous to young children. A book contributed to the program by the child on his/her birthday is a suggested way to celebrate this special day. This removes the “what do I get” concept that many children have about birthdays, and is a nice way to share a special book with the classroom. If you are planning a party outside of school and wish to invite all of the children, invitations may be given out at school. If only a few children are being included, please mail the invitations.
“Play is the work of the child.” ~Maria Montessori
