| For your convenience, the list of questions below are grouped by Safety & Security, Education and Service. If you have a question that is not answered below, or if you want more information please feel free to contact us directly. |
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| SAFETY & SECURITY |
| Is the Center licensed by the State of New York? |
 | Yes, Care-a-lot Child Care Center is licensed under the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. |
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| Do the caregivers regularly meet with parents? |
| Yes, Care-a-lot caregivers engage in daily contact with parents and complete daily "Care Notes" for each child. Caregivers schedule at least two annual conferences with parents in the spring and fall. However, parents are always welcome to schedule conferences with teachers at anytime during the year. |
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| Are parents encouraged to visit the Center and participate with their child as often as they wish? |
| Yes, parents and expectant parents are very welcome to visit the children's programs and tour the Center before registering their child. They are also encouraged to visit their enrolled child and participate in classroom activities at any time. |
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| How is safety and security monitored at the Center? |
| We use a confidential PIN code system for children at the Center. If someone other than a parent is picking up a child, the Center must be notified, the alternate escort must bring a photo ID and receive an approved pass from the front desk administrator. |
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| Are toys and materials used by the children, as well as the Center environment, clean and safe? |
| Attention to detail in the areas of cleanliness and safety are very important at Care-a-lot. All toys and areas where children play, eat and sleep are cleaned daily. Toys, material safety, and the Center environment are of utmost importance and continuously monitored by the center nurse. |
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| Is there a full-time nurse on staff at the Center? |
| Yes, Care-a-lot has a nurse on staff full-time to offer parent consultations, ensure a safe and healthy Center environment, and administer medication, as requested by a child's parent and pediatrician. |
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| Is there an area where children who become ill during the day can remain until parents pick them up? |
| Yes, the nurse's office is equipped with a cot and offers a quiet place for children to wait for parents. |
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| EDUCATION |
| What is the ratio of children to caregivers at the Center? |
| The caregiver to child ratio at Care-a-lot permits considerable personal attention. The ratio varies by the age of the children in the classroom and is at the minimum: |
| Infants 1:4 |
| Toddlers 1:5 |
| 3 Year Olds 1:7 |
| 4 Year Olds 1:8 |
| 5 - 10 Year Olds 1:10 |
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| Do the caregivers have written plans for play and learning activities? |
| Yes, each teacher has a curriculum guide and written age-appropriate plans for play and learning activities. Children's daily program is educationally based and consists of a variety of subject areas including language, science, art, math, social studies, nutrition and more! |
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| Is there a written policy concerning discipline? |
| Yes, Care-a-lot has a written policy concerning discipline, included in both the staff and parent handbooks. Guidance for children's behavior is viewed as a part of our curriculum. Our goal is to modify a child's inappropriate behavior through guidance, instruction and the ultimate teaching of self-control. |
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| Do the caregivers participate in ongoing training programs? |
| Yes, our caregivers attend training programs in order to continue to learn more about children's growth and development, the field of early childhood education, and other child-related topics. They are required to attend a minimum of 15 hours each year. |
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| Will area elementary schools provide busing for school-age children to and from the Center? |
| Yes, elementary school students may be bused to and from Care-a-lot with school district approval. Parents must contact their School District Department of Transportation to arrange for busing requests. |
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| SERVICE |
| Does Care-a-lot accept children on a part-time basis? |
| Yes, at Care-a-lot we are committed to meeting the needs of the families we server. You can enroll your child part-time with a consistent, regular schedule and no restrictions regarding day of the week or the number of days enrolled during the week. We prefer to have at least two days a week to care for your child. |
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| Do I need to pick up my child at a specific time? |
| No. You may pick up your child at any time during Care-a-lot's operating hours (6:30AM to 6:00PM) without penalties or time limits. This is part of our commitment to providing our families with the utmost flexibility and convenience. |
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| Do the Centers provide diapers? |
| Yes, Care-a-lot uses disposable diapers which are provided by the center for all infants and toddlers. The caregivers frequently change diapers changes to ensure that your child enjoys a dry, clean and comfortable day! |
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| Do the children have a place for their own belongings? |
| Yes, each child has his/her own 'cubby' or space for personal items and class projects. |
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| Do the children have individual cots on which to nap or rest? |
| Yes, all of the infants are provided with individual cribs and all of the children 5 years and under have individual cots on which to nap or rest. |
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| What is the policy for playground use? |
| Children at our Henrietta and South Greece locations enjoy customized and dedicated playgrounds for each age group to ensure age-appropriate fun and safety. Our North Greece location boasts three large individual playgrounds, with each age group scheduled separately. |
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| Are the meals and snacks prepared by the Center? Are special diets available? |
| Nutritious and well-balanced meals for the children, including breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snacks, are prepared on-site. Alternative meals or selections may be available for any child with medically determined dietary restrictions. |
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