Center Policies

6:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Parents are expected to pick up children within a reasonable time after leaving work. Staff schedules are arranged to maintain proper child-to-staff ratios throughout the day.

A late fee of $1.00 per minute per child applies after 6:30 PM. This fee is payable upon pickup.

State regulations limit the amount of time children may remain in care. Children under two years of age should generally remain no longer than 9½ hours daily.

Our playground equipment supports children's physical, social, and emotional development. Children are supervised at all times during outdoor activities.

Outdoor play occurs daily when weather permits. Temperatures generally must be between 35°F and 90°F.

Children who are well enough to attend should be prepared to participate in outdoor activities and dressed appropriately for the weather.

Children should wear comfortable, washable play clothes. Activities often include paint, glue, sand, water play, and outdoor activities.

Please label all clothing and personal belongings with your child's name.

Closed-toe shoes are required at all times. Tennis shoes are preferred.

Please provide at least two complete changes of clothes. Children who are not potty trained should have an adequate supply of diapers, pull-ups, and wipes.

Please keep your child home if he or she has:

• Fever of 101°F or higher within the past 24 hours
• Persistent cough or wheezing
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Skin or eye infections
• Severe sore throat
• Contagious illnesses such as chickenpox, mumps, or whooping cough

If a child becomes ill while at the center, a parent or guardian must arrive within one hour.

Children returning the same day after illness must provide a doctor's note.

We strive to maintain a safe environment for all children. However, accidents may occasionally occur.

Parents will be contacted immediately regarding serious injuries. Please ensure we always have current emergency contact information.

Parents are expected to maintain appropriate health and accident insurance coverage for their children.

Our discipline philosophy focuses on positive reinforcement, redirection, and age-appropriate consequences.

Children are encouraged to develop self-control, problem-solving skills, and healthy ways to express emotions.

In cases involving persistent biting or aggressive behavior that presents a safety concern, the center reserves the right to discontinue care if reasonable interventions have not been successful.

Medication is administered only according to center policies and required authorization forms.

Parents are responsible for properly storing medication in designated locked storage areas.

Medication may never be left in diaper bags, cubbies, or other unauthorized locations.

Unused medication must be removed promptly by parents.

Little Learners serves breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack following USDA Food Program guidelines.

Children must arrive by 8:30 AM to participate in breakfast service.

Special dietary needs and food allergies must be documented. Parents are responsible for providing foods required by special diets.

Religious dietary accommodations are respected, although parents may be required to provide alternate meals.

Little Learners strives to maintain a clean and healthy environment for all children. Tables are sanitized throughout the day and floors and carpets are maintained daily as needed.

Our facility follows regular cleaning schedules and professional floor maintenance to help provide a safe and healthy environment.

Parents are always welcome to visit Little Learners.

For safety and security, parents must personally deliver children to a staff member and notify the teacher when picking up their child.

Children will only be released to individuals authorized in writing by the parent or guardian. A valid photo ID may be required.

Little Learners complies with all legally served court orders and custody arrangements.

State regulations require a daily rest period for children. Rest schedules vary according to age and developmental needs.

Children who do not sleep are expected to rest quietly on their mats.

Infants receive individualized care according to their needs and schedules. We follow safe sleep practices designed to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Abuse occurs when a child is physically or emotionally harmed or placed at risk of serious injury.

Neglect occurs when a child does not receive appropriate care, supervision, or protection.

North Carolina law requires any person who suspects child abuse or neglect to report it to the appropriate authorities.

Reports may also be made to the North Carolina Division of Child Development. Reports can be made anonymously and individuals making reports in good faith are protected by law.

Transportation is limited to emergency situations, graduation activities, and approved school-age summer programs.

Little Learners generally follows local school system decisions regarding severe weather.

If schools close early due to weather conditions, the center may also close early. Parents will be notified when possible.

Weather-related closings or delays will be communicated through the center's phone system and other available communication methods.

Full tuition remains due during weather-related closures.

Little Learners observes the following holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day After Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• One Floating Holiday

When a holiday falls on a weekend, the observed holiday may be adjusted accordingly.

Tuition remains due for holiday weeks and other scheduled center closings.

Parents should park safely, turn off vehicle engines, and accompany children into the building.

Children should be signed in upon arrival and signed out at departure.

Parents are responsible for ensuring children remain supervised while entering and leaving the facility.

Any changes regarding authorized pickup persons must be provided in writing. Please keep all pickup information current.

Little Learners conducts regular fire and severe weather drills in accordance with state requirements.

These drills help children and staff become familiar with emergency procedures.

Tuition payments are due weekly on Monday mornings.

Late payments may be subject to additional fees according to center policies.

Accounts that become significantly past due may result in suspension of care until the account is brought current.

A registration fee is required upon enrollment.

Returned checks may be subject to service fees and future payment restrictions.

Two weeks written notice is required before withdrawing a child from the center.

We welcome parent involvement and encourage participation in classroom activities, special events, and other opportunities throughout the year.

Parent involvement strengthens the connection between home and school and benefits children greatly.

Questions, concerns, and suggestions are always welcome. We encourage open communication with teachers and administration.

Little Learners believes positive reinforcement is the most effective approach to behavior management.

Children are treated with dignity and respect while learning self-control, problem-solving skills, and responsibility.

We Do:

• Praise and encourage children
• Set age-appropriate limits
• Model appropriate behavior
• Provide logical consequences
• Listen to children
• Offer alternatives to inappropriate behavior
• Use brief supervised time-outs when appropriate
• Remain consistent in behavior management practices

We Do Not:

• Use physical punishment of any kind
• Use verbal abuse, ridicule, or humiliation
• Punish children for accidents during toilet training
• Withhold food or rest as punishment
• Leave children unattended
• Lock children in rooms or closets
• Allow children to discipline other children
• Discriminate against or criticize families or cultural backgrounds