Question 1

What’s the difference between preschool and daycare?

Accepted Answer

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.
 
Learn more about our approach (link here)

Question 2

What are the benefits of preschool?

Accepted Answer

At Discovery Tree & Arista Schools we believe in the power of education to set children up for success. We believe that by enriching the whole child, preschool helps children become independent thinkers,  succeed in school, make friends, and become more confident.
 
Learn more about our curriculum

Question 3

How would you describe your Program?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Is part time care available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer 2 or 3 full-day programs. The 3-day program is Monday, Wednesday, Friday. The 2-day program is Tuesday, Thursday. Please speak to your location of choice about our half day programs available in the Pre-school and Discovery KidZone programs.

Question 5

Can I visit my child at the center anytime I’d like to?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have an open-door policy.  You are welcome to visit your child anytime and we will help you settle into the classroom, experience your child’s activities and assist staff in the routines.

Question 6

Are meals provided at the center?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Does a child need to be potty trained to attend preschool?

Accepted Answer

No, we work with parents and children when a child is showing readiness for toilet learning.

Question 8

What are the qualifications of the teachers?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What are the teacher to child ratios per licensing?

Accepted Answer

Infant & Toddler: 1 teacher to every 4 children (Toddler option 1-6)
 
Preschool: 1 teacher to every 12 children (DT preferred ratios 1:9 at all locations)
 
Discovery KidZone School Age: 1 teacher to every 14 children (DT preferred ratios 1:12)

Question 10

How can I obtain information about tuition?

Accepted Answer

Tuition varies by center, schedule and by individual classroom. To find out more information about tuition, please contact the Discover Tree or Arista location of your choice directly. Individuals diectors contact information can be found under the locations tab.

Question 11

What are the Pre-Enrollment Requirements?

Accepted Answer

Each family is required to complete an enrollment packet of information for each child.
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This packet is to be returned to the center’s office prior to the child’s first day.

Question 12

What are your policies on First Aid,Illness and medications?"

Accepted Answer

First Aid
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Medications
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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.

Question 13

Are the centers sanitized regularly ?

Accepted Answer

Our staff cleans and disinfects the play and eating areas multiple times daily. Children are required to wash their hands with soap and water upon entering the school, before all meals, after outdoor discovery time and after use of the restroom.

Question 14

What is Discovery Tree & Arista Preschools security policy ?

Accepted Answer

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.
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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.

Question 15

What is your plan in the event of emergencies ?

Accepted Answer

Should an emergency arise, we follow a comprehensive safety plan. Our staff are trained to carry out evacuations, lockdowns, and other procedures. We hold drills regularly to practice and update these procedures. Emergency procedures are available for your review in our building.