Parent's Portal

Parent's Handbook & Guide Documents

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FAQ's

1. What is your approach to discipline?
   
   Christian love is the basis of our discipline where we always seek the child’s best interest. Discipline is a form of teaching, not a punishment. With this Bible-based approach, we bring both warnings and consequences. By using Godly submission, we’re teaching children to obey out of love and trust. They will want to do the right thing for the right reason. It is our responsibility to provide an environment that allows freedom within clearly defined limits. Our goal is to teach children responsible behavior and self-control as they respond to the situations in which they encounter. Under the law, any form of hitting, corporal punishment, abusive language, ridicule, harsh, humiliating, or frightening treatment, is illegal and is against our philosophy.
   
   
   
2. How has the staff been vetted?
   
   Every member of the staff has been screened for criminal behavior through the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Lead teachers have completed the formal training required to meet the state standards for providing high quality early childhood care. Staff are also required to complete First-Aid and CPR training as well as medication admin training.
   
   
   
3. What are your operating hours?
   
   PVADP operates Monday through Friday 6:30 am-6:30 pm. We observe the following holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, National Independence Day (Juneteenth), Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and two teacher professional days (these typically fall in May and August).
   If the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the day prior to or the day after will be observed. For example, if Christmas Eve and Christmas Day fall on a Saturday and a Sunday, PVA Academy Daycare & Preschool will be closed Friday and Monday.
   
   
   
4. What programs do you offer?
   
   We provide care for children from 6 weeks to 5 years. We offer a full-time program, which consists of 5 days a week and a part-time program that is 3 days per week. Parents select which three days the child will attend, and the chosen days must remain consistent (unless adequate notice has been provided). Part-time schedules must be discussed with the Director prior to enrollment.
   
   
   
5. What’s the child-to-caretaker ratio?
   
   Maintaining a proper student-to-teacher ratio is crucial in keeping the children and staff safe. The following guidelines, set forth by the MSDE Office of Childcare, are strictly adhered to by PVADP. Infants: 3 to 1; Toddlers: 3 to 1; 2-year-olds: 6 to 1; 3–5-year-olds: 10 to 1.
   
   
   
6. What is the daily schedule like?
   
   The general routine is children are combined from 6:30 am until 8:00 am. Children are then escorted to their assigned classroom where they engage in self-, and teacher directed activities. Morning snack is served at 8:30 followed by a school wide morning worship and prayer. Adhering to state regulations, we must offer snacks again at 10:30 am. Lunch is served at noon followed by a rest period from 1:00 pm until 3 pm. Children have their afternoon snack immediately after quiet time. Each classroom will operate on its own schedule during the times not mentioned.
   
   
   
7. How do you comfort kids who are upset?
   
   We validate their feelings and listen actively to understand what is upsetting to them. We provide positive attention and offer calming strategies.
   
   
   
8. Do the children get time outside?
   
   At PVADP, we believe that children need to get outside and play because it allows
   them to develop self-confidence, independence, and self-esteem. Children also
   become aware of limits and boundaries. When children are accustomed to
   playing outdoors, they are more likely to try new activities. Weather permitting, children get outside time at least twice a day.
   
   
   
9. Do you provide any educational curriculum?
   
   At PVADP, we implement curriculum which is recommended by Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). We utilize the Little Investigators curriculum in our infant and toddler classrooms, and two-
   year-old classrooms which is based on scientifically valid research. The program and teaching practices are developmentally appropriate for infants and toddlers and designed to support the delivery of child-focused, family-centered experiences. The curriculum that prepares our two-year-old students with ongoing assessment of research-based success predictors and playful, purposeful, and personalized instruction. The Investigator Club curriculum, offered to our preschoolers, builds upon children’s natural curiosity about the world and their place in it. “Purposeful inquiry” awakens the scientist and explorer in every child. Children learn to use their senses, ask questions, and find answers in a supportive, print-rich environment.
   Handwriting without Tears is used by our preschoolers and is a research-based curriculum that offers explicit instruction combined with guided practice to promote handwriting automaticity. Hands-on tools build vocabulary, fine motor, and alphabet knowledge.
   Investigate God’s World is a Christian curriculum supplement that integrates Bible songs, stories, and activities. The components provide instruction that integrate faith-based activities and literature. It is a comprehensive curriculum for all young children in a Christian environment.
   
   
   
10. Is screen time permitted?
    
    “Interactive technology” means educational and age-appropriate technology, including programs, applications (apps), noncommercial television programing, videos, streaming media, and eBooks, that is designed to facilitate active and creative use of technology and encourage social engagement with other children and adults.
    “Passive technology” means noninteractive television, videos, and streaming media.
    Limited use of appropriate interactive technology may support, but may not replace, creative play, physical activity, hands-on exploration, outdoor experiences, social interactions, and other developmentally appropriate learning activities for children 2 years old or older. Children may not be permitted to view more than 30 minutes of age-appropriate, educational passive technology per week.
    Children younger than 2 years old may not be permitted to view any passive technology.
    
    
    
11. Are caregivers able to provide regular updates?
    
    Procare Solutions is the no. 1 name in child care management software. Procare provides real time information regarding your child’s daily activities, instant messaging, payment processing, and so much more!
    
    
    
12. Are meals and snacks provided?
    
    PVADP provides 2 healthy morning snacks and 1 afternoon snack. Parents provide the lunch.
    
    
    
13. Are children required to be up to date on immunizations?
    
    Yes, this is a state requirement. Current health and immunization records must be kept on file.
    
    
    
14. What protocol do you follow when a child is sick or injured?
    
    When a child becomes sick or injured while at PVADP, the parent is notified immediately via Procare, email, and/or a telephone call. Staff will complete the appropriate form detailing the illness or injury. Parents will be asked to sign the report as well. Our health policy is available at the time of enrollment.
    
    
    
15. What’s your policy in the event of late pick-up?
    
    Our protocol for late departure is as follows:
    • 1st incident- Warning
    • Subsequent incidents- Beginning at 6:31 pm, there will be a fee of $25.00. If the child is not picked up by 6:45 pm, there will be an additional fee of $3.00 per minute until the child is retrieved. Late pick up fees must be paid prior to your child’s returning to school and in cash.
    
    
    
16. Do you offer a refund for missed days due to illness or vacation?
    
    Weekly tuition is due regardless of attendance. There is no deduction or refund from tuition for any absences for all, part of the day, week, month, year, nor for any holidays. Parents are granted a one-week tuition-free vacation after being enrolled in the program for 12 consecutive months (one per year).
    
    
    
17. What is the withdrawal policy?
    
    Parents are required to provide a two-week notice in writing when withdrawing their child from PVADP. Failure to give this notice will result in the forfeiture of your tuition deposit.
    We reserve the right to discontinue child care if all parties are not benefiting from the arrangement. PVADP will give as much notice as possible when initiating the termination of enrollment. All measures will be taken to work through a difficult situation.
    
    
    
18. What is your visitation policy?
    
    Parents/guardians may visit the facility without prior notification any time their children are present.
    
    
    
19. Are the toys regularly cleaned and sanitized? How about the space?
    
    PVADP maintains a high standard of hygiene. This includes practicing and enforcing appropriate hand-washing habits, sanitizing toys and highly touched surfaces daily, and cleaning the entire space (i.e. carpet cleaning) regularly.