Q. What are the child to staff ratios for the toddlers?
A. A 5:1 (toddler:adult) ratio is maintained at all times, which meets the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene regulations. Although, ABC makes every effort when possible to exceed the regulations by maintaining a 4:1 (toddler:adult) ratio.
Q. How many toddlers are cared for at one time?
A. The maximum group size is 10 toddlers each being run by a Head Teacher and one Teacher’s Assistant. ABC’s Toddler Program has 2 classrooms that have a combined maximum capacity for 29 toddlers.
Q. Does ABC provide any enrichment classes for the children? Are there any additional costs involved?
A. Toddlers take part in monthly enrichment classes in yoga, dance, soccer, STEAM 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, 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. Can I ever change my days after I enroll my child into the toddler program?
A. Yes, you will be required to fill out a Change of Enrollment Request Form. If we have space and are able to accommodate your schedule request we will do so. Otherwise you will be placed on a wait list and when the days you request become available we will then accommodate your request.
Q. Can I drop-off my child if I need care on additional days that he/she is not registered for?
A. No. ABC does not offer a drop-off program for its infant or toddler programs. Children in this age group need stability to feel safe and secure. We believe that a flexible and varying schedule will work against this.
Q. Does ABC give any credits for days missed due to 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. Yes, ABC has an “Open Door Policy” for parents to visit and view their child anytime during the day. We encourage parents to view their child from the security monitors in the main office as to avoid interaction with their child. Children that 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 “good-byes” at drop-off the next time they see their parents are when they are going home with them. When children do not go home 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 parent there too. This may evoke feelings of sadness and frustration from the other children.
Q. Do toddlers go outside during the day?
A. Yes, toddlers are taken for walks around the neighborhood and to the local park in a 4-person stroller and/or on a walking line when weather and scheduling permit. Every toddler leaving ABC is dressed in a bright, easily recognizable vest and those that are comfortable walking on their own, are walked to and from the park on a walking line. Once at the park children are sometimes allowed to play in a secured area supervised by ABC staff members. At times, teachers may lay out blankets in the grass in a shady area with small toys to allow children to play in a supervised area in the fresh air.
Q. Does ABC have its own outdoor area?
A. No.
Q. Does ABC provide food for my child?
A. No. Every parent is responsible for providing prepared bottles and food from home.
Q. Do you accept cloth diapers?
A. No, ABC only allows for 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 then you will be contacted to pick up your child as soon as possible. In the meanwhile 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.