Our Philosphy
We deliver high-quality care and a play-based learning program for our kids. We also use academically endorsed methods to ensure that children have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. We help the children achieve their developmental goals through various activities including music, cooking, gardening, and imaginary play.
Every detail of our center, from our playground design to our high standards of cleanliness, is designed to make sure children are safe and secure.
Communication
Parents are welcome and encouraged to communicate and share ideas about their children’s development by talking directly with teachers before and after class. Families are also encouraged to follow the guidance of teachers in regards to visits especially during transition/separation periods to ensure children are supported, and can separate successfully.
What to Wear/Bring
Please send children in play clothes that can get messy. Additionally, please send your children with appropriate clothes for the weather, including warm clothes for cold, rain clothes and boots for rainy days, and clothes such as hats or protective clothes for the sun. Finally, please send children in shoes that they can run in. Sneakers are preferable (please no flip-flops or party/dress-up shoes).
Please bring to keep in your child’s cubby:
Two full changes of clothing including a shirt, pants, socks, underwear ( if potty trained) and a sweater in a ziploc bag. Please label each article of clothing with your child’s full name.
A blanket with your child’s full name in a sealed ziploc or other sealable plastic bag.
Sunblock
Diapers (if your child wears diapers), and diaper ointment with your child’s name on it.
Wipes (every Monday)
A delicious nutritious lunch each day plus two snack options (should be refrigerated and can be heated in the microwave). No peanuts or treenuts!
Label everything please
Please do not bring:
Pillows (They are not allowed by the Department of Health unless you have a physician’s note)
Unlabeled clothes
Fancy clothes or jewelry that may get lost, dirty, broken, or stained.
Toys that are large, difficult to share or may be used as weapons. Teachers should be consulted if children want to bring in toys
Candy or soda
Peanuts, or tree-nuts
Pretzels
Pomegranate seeds
When Children Should Be Kept At Home
Please keep your child at home when a fever is present, if she/he has unexplained rashes, vomiting and/or diarrhea, conjunctivitis (pink eye), or other contagious diseases, such as chicken pox, lice, impetigo or ringworm. Please keep your child home when mucus from a cold is extensive or cloudy. Every effort is made to inform all parents in the cooperative when any child contracts a contagious disease. If you have additional questions about when to keep your child at home, please contact the childcare administrator.
If A Child Becomes ill while at Lefferts Gardens Childcare :
Children that develop symptoms during the day are required to be picked up as soon as possible. The teachers and/or administrator will care for the child, and provide any required medical care including calling our health care consultant or emergency care if needed.
If a child has symptoms of a communicable disease:
The child will be separated from other children until he/she has been picked up. If a caregiver/babysitter is picking up a sick child, Lefferts Gardens Childcare needs parental permission to release the child. After the child leaves, all areas the child came in contact will be thoroughly sanitized.The child must be have a doctor’s note to return to school.
Birthdays
If you would like your child to celebrate his or her birthday with the school, please contact the administrator for more details.