Four Seasons Creative Learning Center, Inc.
Caring for children 6 weeks to 6 years since 2003
508-584-9099
On to the Toddlers .....
What are the ratios of teachers to children?
In both Toddler Rooms, the ratio of teachers to children is one teacher to four children (1:4) or two teachers to nine children (2:9). We never have more than nine children in either room and always schedule two teachers (sometimes three) as soon as attendance reaches 5 children. This enables us to provide a good deal of attention to the individual needs of each child.
What are the ages of the children in the Toddler Room?
The children in the toddler ones range In age from approximately 15 months to 24 months. Then they head down to the "yellow room" to the toddler twos where they remain until they are approximately 33-36 months of age.
What are some activities my child will enjoy?
Toddlers are a fascinating developmental group. Some of the younger children may still have characteristics of infants (they are babbling, needing to be fed, etc.) and some have characteristics of toddlers (starting to say words, eating independently, etc.) The toddler caregivers are expert at meeting the needs of this diverse and interesting group.
Keeping their developmental levels in mind, caregivers plan a variety of activities for the children and each day includes: art activities (coloring, painting, gluing), music and movement, story time (both group and individual), water and sand table play, playdough, puzzles and other manipulative toys, and free play. The children go outdoors to the small playground each day, weather permitting. Using our walking rope, the group will occasionally go for walks to enjoy the sights and sounds of the area.
How do you serve snacks and lunch?
The children sit as a group for meals and there is a good deal of adult interaction. Special attention is given to ensure their nutritional needs are met: staff will feed children, will help to feed them as they become more independent with eating, and will encourage them to learn how to feed themselves. Please refer to the "meals" section in Parent Handbook for specific food guidelines.
SPECIAL FOOD NEEDS - health or allergy related, nutritional, religious or cultural, will be accommodated. The most important factor in special situations is to discuss these needs with administration and caregivers. Four Seasons Creative Learning Center is a NUT-FREE center. At no time are nuts or nut oils of any kind allowed at FSCLC. This includes foods with the label of "made in a facility containing" or "may contain". For a peanut butter substitute, we recommend Sun Butter (made from sunflower seeds).
How are children's diaper changes handled?
Children's diapers are changed every TWO hours or when needed. Both classrooms have a changing table and sink inside the classroom. Parents provide all diapering supplies and will be asked to sign a form giving us permission to apply topical creams or lotions. Diapers, wipes and diaper creams must be labeled with your child's name and will be stored near the changing table.
Do I need to bring any supplies?
Please bring these items to Four Seasons for your child and please write your child's name on EACH item:
-At least two changes of clothing that includes a shirt, pants/shorts, and socks (toddler can be a messy bunch). A sweater and sweatshirt just in case it is cool in the building or outside.
-Diapering supplies including diapers, wipes, and diaper ointment or cream. It is advisable to bring in a large pack of diapers and wipes and as you run low on diapering supplies, you will receive a message asking you to bring in additional items.
- A crib sheet, blanket and one SMALL stuffy for sleeping (nap supplies are sent home every week and should be returned on Monday.) Items should be kept in a tote bag like a re-useable shopping bag.
-A water cup that is clearly labeled with your child's name. NO BOTTLES OR SIPPY CUPS ARE ALLOWED IN THE TODDLER TWOS ROOM. All classrooms have water to refill cups.
What if my child uses a pacifier?
We do allow pacifiers, but only at rest time - or if the child is having a rough time and needs some extra comfort. The logic behind this is that some children in this age group are prone to "mouthing" anything and everything they get their hands on! No pacifiers during the regular part of the day alleviates any issues with "sharing" pacifiers,
Do you potty train in the toddler room?
Yes! Four Seasons' policy on potty-training is to encourage children to use the potty if they show interest. Children do not have to be potty-trained to enter the program. We will work with you to provide consistent potty-training and our teachers are very knowledgeable about the best methods. When they notice your child is beginning to show interest in the potty, or if you want to begin training, we can set up a meeting with you to talk about how we can work together to make this time fun and easy for you and your child.
Specific to Infants:
You have questions? We have answers!
What is the Four Seasons procedure for enrolling a new child?
After you have taken a tour of Four Seasons and decide that you would like to enroll your child, we will do our best to find a space that fits your schedule. We will send you home with paperwork that will need to be returned on your child's first day in the program. Included in this paperwork are forms explaining our policies and questionnaires to get a better idea of what your child likes, dislikes, what will comfort him/her, eating habits and so on and so forth.
I only want a part-time schedule, will that be possible?
We offer 2, 3, 4 and 5 day schedules. However, we do not offer partial days at this time. Let the director know what schedule will best fit your needs and we will do our best to accommodate you.
How do you handle payments?
We accept cash, checks or digital payments through our parent-teacher communication app Brightwheel. Tuition is due the Friday morning BEFORE the child attends and is due by 9 am. Any late payments are subject to a $25 late fee.
About our staff...
We know that consistency is very important to a child's well-being. Our teachers come from every walk of life, many with college degrees, bringing them with their own unique experiences and interests. Four Seasons counts itself as fortunate to have staff that works as well collectively, as they do individually, to create the most nurturing atmosphere for the children in our care. We all have a love for children that inspires us everyday.
How do you communicate with parents?
We use an childcare app called Brightwheel which can be downloaded via App Store or Google Play Store. Through the Brightwheel, teachers are able to add naps, diapers, food, pictures and videos, etc so parents are able to see everything throughout the day. You are also able to contact teachers and directors via messages through the app. Each classroom send out a monthly newsletter that includes tidbits about what the classroom will be covering that month, reminders about upcoming events, and birthdays.
How can I reach Four Seasons during the time my child is at the center?
Parents are able to message teachers and vice versa through the Brightwheel app. Also, each classroom has its own phone number and cell phone so parents can call at any time throughout the day and ask how their child is doing, and the staff can also call the parents if we have any questions or concerns. Parents are always welcome to call the main office number as well.
What about meals?
Infant parents provide their child's morning and afternoon snacks as well as a lunch. Once transitioning to the toddler program, Four Seasons provides both a morning and afternoon snack. Parents of toddlers and preschoolers provide their child's lunch. A refrigerator is available in all classrooms to store lunches along with microwaves to heat up food.
Please note that FSCLC is a NUT FREE CENTER.
As a substitute for peanut butter, we recommend Sun Butter – made from sunflower seeds.
Are you able to warm my baby's bottle in a bottle warmer?
Yes, we can. The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care has specific guidelines as to warming bottles, it is warmed by a BabyBrezza hot air warmer.
What is ratio of teachers to children?
The ratio is one teacher to three children (1:3) or two teachers to seven children (1:7). Four Seasons is licensed for seven infants in the classroom. We have two caregivers as soon as we have four children in the room. There are other staff available for help in the center should the teachers require assistance, so sometimes the ratio is lower.
What will my child do during the day?
Most of the time is spent in their routine care: eating, sleeping, holding, rocking. We work hard to not interrupt their bottle feeding time which is a time of bonding, and quiet, calm for them to eat and have a real experience of being nourished, in ways other than just the bottle. As they get older they will spend more time involved with the toys and materials and exploring with various age-appropriate activities. We play music as an environment background and we have musical instruments. We enjoy water play and sensory experiences with a variety of materials. We take the children outdoors in stroller rides. We spend time on the playground where the older infants can play with push/pull toys or play in the playhouse.
What about breastfeeding, can I come in during the day?
We welcome breastfeeding moms to come anytime of the day. As children grow and change we work closely with the parents to monitor their eating habits.
What kind of schedule will my child have?
In our in-take interview with the parents, we cover your child's routine and patterns of behaviors. You provide the input with how they eat and sleep, how they get soothed. This information we combine with our own observations to set up the child's schedule according to their current rhythms.
When does an infant transition into the Toddler Room?
Depending on the child and availability, we can transition the child into the Toddler Room as early as 15 months. We prefer the infant to be on their way to walking and able to feed himself/herself.
N
And Preschool?
What is the ratio of staff to children?
The smaller preschool classroom (the three year old, green room) have a ratio of up to 10 students with one teacher. The larger preschool classroom (the four and five year olds, blue room) is licensed for 20 children, with the same child to teacher ratio. At times, an additional staff member may join a class. This enables us to provide a good deal of attention to the individual needs of each child.
Does a child need to be potty-trained to enter the Preschool Program?
Should a child of pre-school age (over 2 years, 9 months) enroll at Four Seasons who is not yet potty trained, we will work with the parents to assist the child in this developmental milestone.
Do I need to pack a lunch and snacks?
Four Seasons provides both morning and afternoon snack. Parents provide their child's lunch - which can be heated in our classroom microwave. A refrigerator is available to store lunchboxes. Please separate anything that needs to be heated in it's own microwave safe container - this ensures lunchtime goes as quickly and as smooth as possible.
PLEASE NOTE THAT FSCLC IS A NUT FREE CENTER.
As a substitute for peanut butter, we recommend Sun Butter - made from sunflower seeds. We do not allow any nuts or nut oils at anytime. This includes any food with the label "made in a facility with nuts" or "may contain nuts"
What if my child does/does not nap?
Four Seasons provides nap mats/cots for napping. Parents provide a crib-sized sheet, blanket and small stuffy which will be sent home every week for cleaning. If your child no longer naps, they will participate in "rest time" which includes resting on their mat with a book or individual quiet activity to allow others to nap.
Do I need to bring any supplies?
Please bring these items to Four Seasons for your child and please write your child's name on each item:
-At least two changes of clothing that includes a shirt, pants/shorts, underwear and socks.
-A sweater or sweatshirt just in case its cool in the classrooms or mornings or afternoons outside.
-A crib sheet, blanket and small stuffy for sleeping
-Diapers/Pull-ups and wipes if needed for your child
When should I expect my child to move from one preschool room to the next?
Children transition from the green room to the blue room at approximately 4 years of age. These transitions occur if there is an opening and if the child is developmentally ready. When the decision to move a child is being made, parents will be informed.
Call for a tour! we love to show off our school!
Childhood is the most beautiful of all life's seasons.
- Unknown