FAQ

What is the difference between Preschool and Child Care?

Preschools and childcare centers can be quite similar. A common term used for these types of programming is “early care and education” Both preschools and childcare centers must meet the same licensing and accreditation requirements. They may also cost about the same, depending on the program, and you can evaluate them using many of the same criteria. The biggest difference is how early they accept children. Traditional preschool programs are designed for children from the age of about 2 1/2 to 5 or 6, most are partial week, half day programs. Childcare programs may serve a much wider age range with children attending for longer hours. Some programs accept infants as young as 6 to 8 weeks old, young toddlers and even elementary school children needing after-school care.

Are your teacher’s certified?

In accordance with the Utah State licensing standards staff in childcare/preschool must be 18, be high school graduates and take 20 hours of training annually. In addition to this, our program follows NAEYC standards for hiring which is assistant teachers either are working on a degree, have an AA or Child Development Associate. Our teachers either have or are working on degrees in a child related field. All of our staff must have previous experience working with children.

Do you have a waiting list?

We do not have a traditional waiting list. We are a program for students so we enroll children each semester according to the student parent’s class schedule. If we cannot accommodate your requested schedule, you may choose to be placed on a ‘list’ for a spot that may become available later in the semester. Click here for current availability. We may also direct you to the Child Care Coordinating Office where they will try to help you find another option for immediate care.

What happens if I go on vacation, do I still pay tuition?

Because we still have to staff as though your child is attending there are no deductions in tuition for vacations or illness absences.

What happens if I drop a class?

If you need to change hours at the beginning of the semester we have a form for you to fill out that allows you to change your schedule.

What if I need to drop off early or pick up late?

We do have an extended hours request form that you can fill out. The director will notify you if there is availability. Your request is due 24 hours prior to the time you require care. In the case of an emergency where you are unable to pick up your child, we ask that you call the center and arrange for someone on your emergency contact list to pick your child up.

What is your sick policy?

In order for your child to attend the ASUU Student Child Care Center, he/she must be well enough to eat the meals and snacks provided by the center. They must also be able to go outdoors. If your child exhibits symptoms of illness (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, frequent cough, heavily running nose, frequent sneezing, unknown rash, conjunctivitis (pink eye) etc.) during the 24-hour period prior to scheduled attendance at the Center, your child should be kept home until the symptoms mentioned have disappeared or a note is obtained from your physician stating that your child does not have a contagious condition. Children must wait 24 hours after the last fever, vomiting and diarrhea episode. Please note with Conjunctivitis your child cannot attend the center until he/she has been on medication for 48 hours.

What are the teacher/child ratios?

ASUU’s classrooms are staffed to meet NAEYC adult child ratios. These are lower than state licensing standards. Yellow Room (12-24 months) 1 teacher: 4 children, Green Room (2 years- 3 years) 1 teacher: 6 children, Blue Room (3 years- 4 years) 1 teacher: 7 children, Red Room (4/5 years old) 1 teacher: 8 children. Each class has a teacher and an assistant.

What is your policy on biting?

Although unsettling, biting is developmentally appropriate for young children, particularly under two years old. Teachers work with the child in gaining language to prevent frustration. We also provide additional supervision and training for our staff on how to handle biting in the classroom. When a bite occurs, parents are always made aware both verbally and by a special form.

Is my child required to nap?

Children are never forced to nap at the ASUU Student Child Care Program. While all children may not sleep, they are all required to rest during this time.

Parent Handbook:

parent handbook 2012-2013