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. However, 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 run by a Head Teacher and one Teacher’s Assistant. ABC’s Toddler Program has 2 classrooms with 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 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.
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 change my days after enrolling my child into the toddler program?
A. Yes, if we have space and can accommodate your schedule request, we will do so. Otherwise, you will be placed on a waitlist, and when the days you request become available, we will 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, and 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. 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 toddlers go outside during the day?
A. Yes, when weather and scheduling permit, toddlers are taken for walks around the neighborhood and to the local park in a 4-person stroller or on a walking line. Every toddler leaving ABC is dressed in a bright, easily recognizable vest, and those 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 secure area supervised by ABC staff members. Teachers may sometimes lay 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. 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.