Q. What is the Early Childhood Education Program?
A. Ardsley Day Care Early Childhood Education Program is based on a curriculum that is fun and educational. It is developmentally appropriate with a balance of large and small group activities. All of our programs are designed to meet the social-emotional, cognitive and physical needs of children.

Q. Who are you licensed by?
A. The day care is licensed by the Department of Public Welfare and the Department of Education.

The nursery schools and kindergarten programs are licensed as private schools. We are also accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Q. Does your center participate in the Keystone Stars Child Care Quality Initiative?
A. Yes. Keystone Stars is a quality improvement program the recognizes child care providers who exceed state health and safety licensing requirements. Keystone Stars identifies four levels of quality performance standards that allow providers to achieve a quality rating designated by one or more stars. The highest star rating reflects standards developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). We are currently at the highest rating of 4 stars.

Q. What are your hours?
A. We open at 7:00 am and close at 6:00 pm.

Q. What are your fees?
A. We have published rates on our tuition schedule. We accept some subsidized funding. Please check with the center for specific information regarding fees. For two children, the oldest child receives a 15% discount. For three children, the oldest child is $60, the second oldest receives a 15 % discount, the youngest child is regular price.

Q. When is payment due?
A. Tuition is due on Monday mornings. There is a tuition folder posted in each classroom. Account statements are given out at the end of each month.

Q. Do you provide breakfast?
A. No. Parents may bring in breakfast for their child and set it up for them at the lunch table if their child arrives at day care before 8:30 am.

Q. Are meals included?
A. No. We provide 2 snacks a day morning and afternoon.

Q. What do I need to bring for my child?
A. This will differ depending on the age of your child. A list of items is included in the downloadable forms.

Q. What is the student teacher ratio?
A. We are licensed by the Department of Public Welfare and are required to follow all their guidelines. Please ask center for the specific ratio in your child’s room.

Q. How do I enroll my child?
A. Parents must first come in and see the center. Call Connie at 215 572-0862 X 202 to set up an appointment. No one is placed on our waiting list without first seeing the facility. Once you decide this is where you want to send your child (based on our availability) you will receive a packet of paperwork. A registration fee and 2 weeks tuition will be due before a month before the start date.

Q. How do I enter the building?
A. The two back entrances in the parking lot are open at 7:00 am. These are the safest and most convenient locations to use when dropping off and picking up your children.

Q. What is the Before and After School Program?
A. Before school care is offered to Copper Beech Children only. It runs from 7:00 am to @ 8:45 am. A school bus picks them up and takes them to school. After school care is offered for a variety of schools. We hire a van (extra fee) to pick up children from certain schools. Call center for list of schools included. Children arrive from 3:00 on. Attendance is taken, snack given, homework time provided, outside time, group activities, are examples of what happens in the afternoon.

Q. Do you provide care for early dismissals, teacher’s in-service days, winter and spring breaks?
A. Yes, care is available for those who sign up in advance for an additional fee.

Q. How is homework handled?
A. Time and a quiet place is provided for supervised homework. Children may chose to do homework or not that day.

Q. When can I register my child for summer camp?
A. Summer camp paperwork is available the last week of December. Paperwork and fees must be returned in order for your child to be enrolled. Typically, the camp is filled by February.

Q. Why do I need ID to pick up my Child?
A. Identification for anyone picking up children is a must. Once staff persons get to know parents, it may not be necessary to show ID every day, but all parents should have identification on them in case a new staff person is scheduled in that room. We feel this is in the best interest of the children we serve.