What do I need to bring on my child's first day?

Below is a list of items that are required for toddlers every day. Most of these items can be stored in the classroom.

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Diapering cream/powder as needed
• 1 sippy cup
• Spare clothing including underwear and socks (in a labeled bag)
• Bookbag

Are the teachers certified?

Academic Explorers is committed to providing best practice, high-quality child care and early childhood education. All employees are up to date with New York State's child care provider training requirements. One of our core values is Learning. This does not only apply to children learning, but the continued education of our team members as well. All Lead Teachers participate in year-round professional development and are dedicated to putting your C.H.I.L.D. F.I.R.S.T. There is always a team member on-site with a current valid certification in Infant and Child CPR & First Aid as required by New York State regulations.

How do I communicate with my child's teachers?

Parents have the option to download and use an app called Tadpoles Parent to view daily reports of how their child's day went. With the app, you can see the lesson plans, daily activities, meals, diaper changes, pictures, videos, and notes from the teachers. Parents can also send notes directly to the teachers through the app. We do have an open door policy for parents of enrolled children and we encourage family volunteers, but visits and volunteering must be approved by the Director, to ensure the whole class is not disrupted. You may also call our main office to check in on how your child is doing.

Do the children nap?

Yes. Nap time is typically from 12:00pm to 2:00pm each day. This may vary on days when there is a field trip or special event. We will offer children an opportunity to nap and try to encourage them to rest for at least 20 minutes. If they do not fall asleep, we will offer them a quiet activity.

What type of activities will my child do? Is there a curriculum?

At Academic Explorers, we put the C.H.I.L.D. F.I.R.S.T. One of our core values is Learning. All children participate in age-appropriate developmental activities throughout the day. Each class follows a routine daily schedule that challenges our students' communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal-social skills. Children enrolled in our Infant class explore Teaching Strategies' Creative Curriculum for Infants & Toddlers during the school year. Guess what? You can see what your Little Academics are learning each day by downloading the free Tadpoles app and signing up with the same email you registered with. You will be sent a daily report each day that your child is present detailing the Teacher's lesson plan and any pictures and videos taken of his/her participation throughout the day.

What are the program hours?

Our center is open from 6:30am - 6:30pm. We offer families the flexibility of selecting a session that works for their schedule. The session options are outlined below:

• School Day: 8:00am - 2:00pm
• Full Day: 8:00am - 5:30pm
• Extended AM: 6:30am - 5:30pm
• Extended PM: 8:00am - 6:30pm
• Extended Day: 6:30am - 6:30pm
• Before School: 6:30am - 8:00am
• After School: 2:00pm - 6:30pm

How many teachers are in the classroom?

There is one teacher for every 5 toddlers. Throughout the majority of the day, there are always at least two teachers present.

Are meals provided?

Absolutely! Academic Explorers receives funding from the New York State Child and Adult Care Food Program to provide free nutritious meals and snacks to all children enrolled in our program. Currently, our food vendor is Five Loaves Food Service. As long as your child is present during the meal/snack time, (s)he will receive breakfast, lunch, and snack every day. Five Loaves Food Service cycles their meals through a four-week menu. Each food item is subject to equally nutritious substitutions based on availability.

What are the tuition rates?

Tuition is billed weekly and the rates vary depending on the child's age, schedule, services and/or group placement. Personalized quotes may only be given in person during the tour. Additionally, tuition is billed based on enrollment in our program, not attendance. Therefore, tuition must always be paid in full regardless of child absences or closings.

Does the center accept DSS or any other child care subsidy?

Yes! We accept most child care assistance programs such as DSS, ACS, AmeriCorps, 1199SEIU Funds, etc. If you have a different type of assistance program not listed, we may still accept it, just give us a call at (516) 378-5656.

How will the program assess my child's development, skills, and readiness?

Upon registration families are asked to complete an Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Within 45 days of enrollment, the child's teacher will also complete the same Questionnaire. This is our initial screening process to help us determine what developmental level your child is on when they begin in our program. This screening is done annually every September. Throughout the school year, quarterly assessments are completed by the teachers. Parents will be asked to come in for Parent-Teacher Conferences every December, March, and June to discuss the assessment results.

Does the center provide transportation?

We do offer transportation services. We transport children to and from their homes and/or elementary schools. Transportation is not guaranteed for all enrolled children because availability is limited. There is usually a waitlist and requests may only be granted based on the availability within our program's route and schedule.

What is the center's policy on sick children?

Our center is required to follow the policy's outlined in our State-approved Health Care Plan. According to our Health Care Plan, we can not provide care for children who:

• Are too ill to participate in the program activities
• Have illnesses resulting in a need for care greater than our staff can provide
• Have an acute change in behavior
• Have a high fever (according to specific degree measurements outlined in our plan) accompanied by other symptoms
• Have excessive diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
• Exihibit signs and symptoms of infectious diseases without a doctor's note approving them to be in our care