Enrollment

A. Gradual Entry

Starting child care can be a big adjustment for the child and the whole family.  Even children who have been in care before need time to get to know new people before they can become comfortable in a new space.   To support the child and the family through the process of adjustment and acquaintance a gradual entry is required.  The gradual entry schedule lasts approximately one week and begins with short visits building up to a full day of care.  This week is meant to help the child, the parents and the staff get to know another.  It is preferred that a parent be the adult dropping off and picking up the child during the gradual entry week to allow opportunities for daily discussion with the staff.  However understanding that this is not always possible, another close relative can be involved in the gradual entry process.

Please bring with the child on the first day of school:

• • 1 Family photo
  • 5 passport-size photos with the name of your child on the back
  • 1 pair of inside shoes (slip-on/velcro closures; no slippers please)
  • A set of extra clothing in a labeled ziploc bag (short/long-sleeve shirts, pants, underwear, socks)
  • Any outstanding paperwork (example: immunization form, emergency plan form, medical form)

B. Dress Code

Clothing should be appropriate for school and encourage independence. The clothing should be easy to manipulate by the child, simple, comfortable, appropriately-sized, washable, and weather-friendly.

Elastic waist pants or shorts with no belts are easy for children to take off and use in the bathroom, especially when they waited until the last minute to go. If children need a change of clothes, either due to an accident or a spill, they feel independent and successful when they can do it themselves.

Sneakers without ties are the right shoes to wear. Shoes with Velcro closures, for instance, make it easier to slip on and take off, while those with laces present a safety hazard during fire drills and physical education. In addition, flip flops, cowboy boots, and dress shoes make it difficult for children to run on the playground.

Keep it plain and simple. Children fiddle with excess decorations like ribbons, zippers, or snaps and then need them tied, zipped, or snapped back into place, further disrupting class time. Also, jewelry and removable tattoos can be distracting and cause all sorts of problems.

Please save any expensive or precious apparel to wear elsewhere. Comfortable, appropriately-sized, and washable clothing should be worn daily. Many times, in an effort to be independent, we are unintentionally messy. If children worry that their parents will be upset if paint or marker gets on their clothing, they are reluctant to participate in the activity.

Weather-appropriate clothing, jackets, or coats with zippers and hoods are the best. Umbrellas are considered a hazard and are not allowed. Hats and mittens are needed during colder weather. Hats stay on their heads while running and playing, and mittens can be put on independently. Zippers are the easiest for the children to learn to manipulate. Fleece shirts with half-zippers are very hard to get on and off.