Frequently Asked Questions
Both preschool and daycare can offer a safe environment and care for your child, foster play, and encourage socializing. Preschool is an educational environment that prepares your child for success in school. In preschool, your child will spend their time learning and exploring—engaging in hands-on activities that stimulate their minds. In daycare, your child will play in an unstructured environment.
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Simply stated, Discovery Tree School & Arista schools is committed to offering every child and family a SAFE, CLEAN, ORGANIZED, PROFESSIONAL and EDUCATIONAL environment where the individual child is the focus. Our curriculum is a reflection of that, and children are given the support and opportunity to find daily success. The latest brain research has shown that children from birth to 5 years of age are primed for the joy of learning when it’s a nurturing environment that challenges and allows for self -expression. All children are unique and must be accorded the opportunity to learn in ways that best suit their developmental level. Our teachers are trained in the program to spot those opportunities and to capitalize on them. Discovery Tree children leave us for Kindergarten ready for success in elementary school and for life.
Discovery Tree Schools & Arista schools provides a nutritious morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack as part of our Toddler and Pre-school programs at most locations.
At select sites, parents provide a nutritious lunch and Discovery Tree & Arista provides 2 nutritious snacks daily. Infants not on our food program eat on their own schedule the foods provided from home.
Discovery KidZone-School age children, parents provide a nutritious lunch and Discovery Tree (Tad Lane only) provides 2 nutritious snacks daily.
Our staff has achieved a level of education and training in Early Childhood Education that far exceeds state licensing requirements. Teaching staff have rcompleted (or are Completing) required ECE classes, the majority of our staff have attained CDA’s, AA Degrees and B. A Degrees in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
They are certified in CPR & First Aid and have passed TB test, background checks, mandated reporter training and fingerprints. They also receive training on a regular basis in various areas.
First Aid
We take every precaution to ensure your child’s safety. First Aid provisions are available should your child become ill or suffer a minor injury. Our staff members are trained to administer CPR and first aid and will contact emergency personnel as needed. Parents/guardians will be notified if a significant injury or accident occurs. Whether an injury report will be filed depends on the severity of the injury and is at the discretion of the staff person on duty and the administrator. Discovery Tree Schools & Arista do not have a nurse on staff.
Illness
Discovery Tree & Arista Schools are licensed for “Well Child Care” only, we are NOT a sick child facility. Therefore, we have a responsibility to all children and staff to maintain an illness free facility
Parents are required to pick up an ill child within 30 minutes of notification by phone/text or email in order to prevent contagion of other children and staff, and to provide comfort to your child.
Children will be excluded from participation in the program if they exhibit symptoms of any communicable disease. They will not be permitted to return to the program until they are no longer contagious AND symptom free for 24 hours (without over the counter medication). Guidelines for determining the contagious period for a specific illness are based on the recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Children must present a doctor’s note stating they are no longer contagious and can return to the program.
Parents/guardians should notify our staff about any illnesses, injuries, or problems that occur at home right away, so that staff may be aware and begin disinfection procedures if needed.
Medications
If your child is prescribed any medication, the parent/guardian must provide the medication in its original vial from the pharmacy with the medically prescribed dosage indicated. Fill out a ‘Medical Release Form’ discuss medication with Lead Teacher or Program Director AND hand the medication directly to the Administrator. Our staff will administer the medication as directed by the doctor and document the dosage.
Our children’s security is of vital importance. The front door is the main access point to the Learning Center and is regulated by coded entry systems. All locations have badge or pin access for currently enrolled families and staff. Parents must sign-in upon arrival with a personal pin code for each person.
Those with badges or approved codes may be monitored by staff and depending on the location security personnel.
Our goal to ensure each child is cared for, supervised, and safe. Our supervision policies and instructor to child ratio complies with state and local regulations.