How our days actually run

We’re here Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We’ll work with you to find the schedule that fits your family.

We’re closed on weekends and major holidays such as New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving. Please keep a backup plan for those days.

Each year we close for two weeks so providers can rest. Families receive at least two weeks’ notice so you can plan ahead.

We try to keep payments simple and stress-free:

• Tuition is due by 7:00 AM on Friday, before the week of care begins.
• Payments not received by 6:00 PM Friday have a $10 late fee per day.
• After 5 days without payment, care may be paused until the balance is paid.
• After 1 week, the spot may be offered to another family.

You can pay with cash or check. Returned checks have a $25 fee plus any late fees. If you’re having a hard week, talk with us — we’re here to support you.

We believe in open, respectful communication. Share thoughts, concerns, or updates anytime. If needed, we’re happy to schedule a private meeting outside regular hours.

Please turn off your car and walk your child to the door. Children must be picked up by a parent or someone you’ve approved in writing. We’ll request ID for unfamiliar adults. Children should not play near vehicles. During emotional goodbyes, a quick, confident farewell helps the transition.

If a court order restricts a parent or guardian’s access to a child, we must have official documentation from the custodial parent on file. Without it, we legally cannot prevent a non-custodial parent from picking up the child.

You are always welcome to visit during the day. We ask that you avoid rest time when possible. Please knock before entering, and feel free to call anytime — if we can’t answer immediately, we’ll return your message as soon as we can.

If your child is staying home due to illness or another reason, please notify us at least one hour before their normal arrival time.

We believe in kind, respectful guidance. We do not use physical punishment, yelling, or shaming. Young children are redirected, and older children may be given a brief time to reset. If ongoing behavior challenges arise, we’ll work with you as a team. No child is ever punished for bathroom accidents.

All meals and snacks are provided. We eat together like a family and encourage conversation and manners. Tell us about allergies or dietary needs so we can accommodate your child.

We plan a variety of fun, age-appropriate activities each day with room for flexibility. Our schedule includes outdoor play, quiet time, reading, free play, and structured group activities.

Dress your child in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes that can get messy. Please leave a full change of clothing on-site. For outdoor play, send jackets, hats, mittens, or sunhats as needed.

On hot days we may use sprinklers or a wading pool. A signed permission slip is required. We’ll let you know if a swimsuit or towel is needed.

We have plenty of toys here. We do not allow toys from the outside — children might not want to share, and that can create a problem.

Children under age 5 have a quiet rest period each day. Sleeping is not required, but we ask that children stay quiet and relaxed. Older children may do calm individual activities.

We’re happy to help with toilet training. Please provide pull-ups and dress your child in clothing they can manage. Send at least five changes of clothing. Soiled clothing goes home in a sealed bag.

Yes, we celebrate each child’s birthday. Parents usually bring cupcakes and we have a birthday party.

We occasionally allow children to watch short, child-friendly programming, and they may help choose a video to enjoy together.

We hold monthly fire drills and keep fire extinguishers and flashlights on hand. If the environment becomes too cold or unsafe, you’ll be contacted to pick up your child immediately.

• Review and sign acknowledgment of the Parent Handbook.
• Provide a current physical exam (within 6 months), immunization records, and TB test.
• Return all enrollment forms and consents before the start date.
• Bring required supplies within two weeks, or we’ll purchase them and request reimbursement.

Following a two-week trial, either party may end care with two weeks’ written notice. Immediate termination may occur due to non-payment, unsafe behavior, or failure to follow policies. Two weeks’ tuition is due even if the child does not attend after early termination by parents.

Sick children must remain at home. If your child has a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, continuous cough, unexplained rash, or other symptoms within 24 hours, they should not attend. We will call you for pickup if symptoms appear during the day.

By New York State law, we do not administer medications unless it is Syrup of Ipecac under emergency instruction from Poison Control or EMS.

Infants are fed and allowed to rest as needed. They are held during bottle feeding and comforted when distressed — we do not use cry-it-out methods. Infants sleep on their backs. Breastfeeding is supported and private nursing arrangements can be made.

• 1 complete change of clothes (more for toilet training)
• 1 jacket or sweater
• Comfort item for sleep
• Box of wipes (80–100 count)
• Any over-the-counter medications (labeled)
• Diapering creams (optional)
• 2 full-size bibs
• For infants: 2 bottles, 1 pacifier, formula or breast milk, baby food

• Be kind: no hitting, biting, pushing, or hurting others.
• Respect the space: no roughhousing indoors or intentional damage.
• Stay safe: no leaving the house or yard without an adult.
• Use kind words: no name-calling, teasing, or foul language.
• Eat at the table: food and drinks stay in the dining area.