FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your illness policy?

Answer: We pride ourselves on putting the health and welfare of the children before anything else. To accomplish this goal, we strive to keep all the children as healthy as possible. Though children in a peer group setting do get sick, we do everything within our power to minimize the frequency with which this happens. Our illness policy is in strict accordance with the State of New Jersey Department of Children and Families Office of Licensing.

What are the teacher qualifications?

Answer: Lead teachers may have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, a New Jersey Group Teacher endorsement, or a Child Development Associate credential. Additionally, all staff members are required to participate in continuing education seminars or workshops in the field of child growth and development. As a participant of the NJ Grow Kids program, all staff members have access to these trainings.

How do you prepare for emergencies?

Answer: The safety and well being of the children entrusted to us is of our highest concern. In order to enter the buildings, parents are issued an entry code upon enrollment which also tracks your child’s attendance. Staff and children routinely practice fire drills as well as lock down procedures (in a manner that is not too scary or upsetting). Emergency plans are in place and have been reviewed by our local police departments.

Do I still pay if my child is absent or for vacation? Can I make up days?

Answer: In child care, parents generally pay for their child’s place in the classroom. Although we offer parents the opportunity to withdraw their child without penalty for the summer months, we may be able to offer other solutions for special circumstances, depending upon the classroom size and space availability. Please contact us if you need to make arrangements.

How do you handle biting?

Answer: First, the wound is cleaned and treated with an antiseptic and ice, then we complete an accident report and call the parent. To remain in compliance with Office of Licensing regulations regarding confidentiality, however, we do NOT reveal the name of the child who did the biting. We do discuss the problem with the child’s parents and special attention is given to the biting child to prevent further incidents.

How frequently do you clean the classroom?

Answer: Teachers clean and disinfect throughout the day. At the end of each day, a commercial cleaning crew comes in to mop the floors, clean and sanitize the bathrooms, remove waste materials, etc. In addition, every year at the end of August, we close the entire school for two days to repaint, remodel, redecorate, and to provide a comprehensive scouring of the premises from top to bottom.

What’s the difference between Pre-K and preschool?

Answer: The Discovery Years Pre-K Program like the Preschool Program, follows The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool but is only offered from September through June, with a choice of 2, 3, or 5 days per week. The class runs from 9:30am until 12:30 pm.