Q. What are the child to staff ratios?
A. Child-to-staff ratios are determined by the children’s ages and the group sizes per the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene regulations. ABC makes every effort to exceed the DOHMH ratios and maintain a lesser child-to-adult ratio. ABC’s maximum preschool ratios are as follows: Two year old children have a 6:1 or a 12:2 (child:adult) ratio; Three year olds have an 8:1 or a 15:2 (child:adult) ratio; Four and five year olds have a 10:1 or an 18:2 (child:adult) ratio.
Q. How are children divided? Do they play in mixed-age groups?
A. Children are divided into 3 groups: 2 to 2.5’s, 2.5 to 3’s, and the 3+. The only time of day that children may interact with children outside of their primary age group is in the evening for snack and pick-up.
Q. Does ABC provide any enrichment classes for the children? Are there any additional costs involved?
A. Children enrolled in ABC’s preschool program participate in monthly enrichment classes in yoga and Spanish language. Enrichment classes are part of ABC’s regular program and there are no additional costs involved.
Q. Do I get a daily report or information about my child’s day?
A. Yes. Parents receive a daily emailed progress report that includes detailed information about the child’s day, including feeding, napping, and diapering (if applicable), along with photos and sometimes videos of their child in action. Parents may add as many email recipients as they would like to the daily report enabling everyone to be on the same page (i.e.: babysitters, grandparents, etc).
Q. Does ABC give any credits for days missed for vacations or illnesses?
A. No. ABC does not issue any monetary refunds, credits, or “make-up days” for days missed from daycare.
Q. Am I allowed to visit my child during the day?
A. ABC has an “Open Door Policy” for parents to visit and view their child anytime during the day. We encourage parents to view their children from the security monitors in the main office to avoid interaction with their children. Children who are learning routines at daycare often become upset when their parent comes back and then leaves again without their child. Young children in daycare learn that after saying their “goodbyes” at drop-off, the next time they see their parents is when they go home with them. When children do not go home for the second time with their parents, it may evoke feelings of confusion and insecurity. Parent visitation also upsets the other children in the classroom because they would like their parents there, too. This may evoke feelings of sadness and frustration from the other children.
Q. Do children go outside during the day?
A. Yes, children are taken for walks around the neighborhood and to the local park when weather and scheduling permit. Every child leaving ABC is dressed in a bright, easily recognizable vest and is walked to and from the park on a walking line. Once at the park, children are often allowed to play in a secure area supervised by ABC staff members.
Q. Does ABC have its own outdoor area?
A. No.
Q. Does ABC provide food for my child?
A. Yes. ABC provides the preschool children with breakfast and an afternoon snack. Parents are responsible for providing a prepared lunch from home.
Q. Does my child have to eat the meals provided by ABC?
A. No. ABC’s breakfast and snacks are optional. Parents can pack their children breakfast and snacks from home.
Q. Does my child have to be potty trained to attend your program?
A. No.
Q. Do you potty train children?
A. ABC does not usually initiate potty training, although our teachers will communicate with you when they feel your child is exhibiting signs that he/she is ready. Potty training should begin at home, when the child is ready, with the child’s parents or caregivers. After potty training is initiated at home, the teachers will follow along and assist the child in daycare.
Q. Do you accept cloth diapers?
A. ABC only allows children with commercially packed, disposable diapers.
Q. What happens if my child gets sick during the day?
A. ABC has a strict illness policy. If your child falls ill during the day, you will be contacted to pick up your child as soon as possible. In the meantime, your child will be separated from the children and made comfortable until you arrive. If your child is sent home early, then he/she must be kept home for a full day (24 hours) and may return to ABC only when the symptoms are no longer present and when a doctor’s note is presented stating that the child is well enough to return to daycare.
Q. Are you able to give my child medicine?
A. No. ABC is not licensed to administer any type of medication (prescription and/or non-prescription) to children.