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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything to know about Stepping Stones .....
Q: What does non-profit mean?
A: Non-profit means that we are governed by a Board of Directors. Our current board members are: Lis Collins, Andrea Minnick, Jill Matlock, Peter Bogardus, Rebecca Bell, Camille Polster, Sarah McAllister, and Mary Haskell. This board helps make policy decisions, awards scholarships and provides advice and support in the development of the school.
Q: Are you licensed?
A: Yes!!! We are a fully licensed childcare facility. We are a member of the Colorado Child Care Association, Colorado Preschool Program, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. We are very proud to be a nationally accredited school! We adhere to and are accountable for the Quality Standards set forth by each of these organizations. Staff members attend conferences put on by these organizations annually.
Q: Do you offer part-time childcare?
A: Yes, we do offer part-time care. We have a minimum schedule requirement of two half days per week during our school year. For our summer program, from June- August, we do have an hourly drop-in option.
Q: What if my schedule changes each week?
A: During our school year, your child's schedule will need to be the same each week. We do have a more flexible option during the summer months with our drop-in hourly charge.
Q: How do I enroll?
A: Please call Mark or Jen at (970)349-5288. They will be able to get you started on the enrollment process. The State of Colorado requires that all children have an immunization record and physical evaluation in order to enroll.
Q: Do you provide meals?
A: We do not provide breakfast, lunch or dinner. We do provide two healthy snacks per school day. During our school year, we have a snack program where we ask our preschool parents to bring enough healthy snack for approximately 40 children. Parents are asked to do this three-four times per school year. We do not have a similar program in our Toddler Center. Rather, we ask that parents provide their child with all of the meals and snacks that he or she will need during the school day.
Q: What if my child has special food needs?
A: We always accommodate special food needs for medical conditions. You will be asked to fill out a medical statement and have it signed by your doctor.
Q: When is tuition due?
A: Tuition is due on the 15th of the month.
Q: What are your rates?
A: Please CLICK HERE for our Toddler Care and Preschool Rates for the 2007-08 School year.
Registration Fee: $100 for first child, $75 for 2nd child and $50 for the third child. Registration fee is billed once a year. Summer only Registration fee is $75.
Q: What is your sick policy?
A: Any child exhibiting any of the following will be sent home. Fever, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, severe cough, unusual yellow color to skin or eyes, skin lesions or eyes that are weeping or pus filled, unexplained rashes, stiff neck and headache, difficult breathing or complaints of severe pain.
No child will be accepted for return to the Center unless they are symptom free or have a note from a health care practitioner stating that they are cleared to return to childcare. Children will be fever free for 24 hours without medication. Also, children are considered contagious until they have been on antibiotics for a full 24 hours. We must remain adamant about our policies for sick children, as health care is a chief concern among families and staff.
Q: What is your discipline policy?
A: Corporal punishment is not used in any form at Stepping Stones. Our approach to discipline is to acknowledge and praise positive behavior, redirecting negative behavior and setting clear, reasonable limits. We try not to dominate and control situations but act as mediators to encourage children to find their own solutions or to make better choices. At this age redirection is the primary method of discipline. As the children get older, we use disciplinary techniques, which include giving choices, cooperative problem solving, explanation of logical and reasonable consequences, "Time Out" or "Time Alone' and redirection.
Q: What is your makeup day policy?
A: Make-up days are offered as a courtesy, not a guarantee. They must be scheduled with your child's teacher. You are allowed "2 weeks" of make up days per school year. For example, if your child is scheduled for 2 half/full days, you are permitted 4 half/full makeup days per year, 3 half/full= 6 half/full make up days, 4 half/full= 8 half/full make up days.
In order to receive an absence as a makeup day you must notify us in writing (in class notebooks) in advance of the known absence or in the case of illness, call by 8:30 am on the day of the absence. If we are not notified by 8:30 am on the day of the absence, it will not be eligible as a makeup day.
Our mission is to provide a positive,
explorative and child-centered environment that promotes creativity,
inner-discipline, independence, problem-solving skills, and positive relationships with peers and caregivers.
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