Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Enrollment, tuition, ratios, daily routine, and health policy, answered here rather than saved for the tour.
Enrollment
What ages do you accept?
Six weeks through five years, across six classrooms. Children move up based on development and readiness rather than a birthday, so a child stays in the room where they are learning best.
How does enrollment work, and when should we apply?
It starts with a tour during the school day. You will talk with the teacher and see what a typical day looks like in your child's classroom. Bring your child along, we would rather they meet the room too. Apply as soon as you know you are interested, since availability moves.
Is there a waitlist?
Currently yes for toddlers, older twos, and younger threes. We recommend adding your child as soon as you have decided you are interested, because spots in those rooms open on their own schedule rather than yours.
Is there a registration fee?
A one-time $100 registration fee per family, non-refundable, due at enrollment. It covers the family rather than each child, so enrolling a sibling later does not trigger it again.
What documents do I need to enroll?
Your child's immunization records, a completed health assessment form, and enrollment paperwork, all provided during your tour or on request.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
Only for The Muppets, our fours classroom. Every room before it is set up for children who are still working on it, and toilet learning is part of the self-care routine we practice in the threes room.
Tuition and Schedules
What are your hours of operation?
Monday through Friday, 6:30am to 6:00pm, closed on major holidays.
What does tuition cost?
Weekly rates run from $340 for infants down to $280 for threes, fours, and Pre-K, with toddlers at $320 and twos at $300. Full rates are on our pricing page.
Do you accept child care subsidy (DSS)?
Yes. North Carolina's child care subsidy is administered by county Departments of Social Services under the state Division of Child Development and Early Education, and we are an approved provider. Most of our families apply through Wake County DSS.
How does DSS subsidy work?
You apply through your county DSS rather than through us. Eligibility is based on household income, family size, and a qualifying need for care such as working, attending school, or being in a job training program. If you are approved, the county pays part of your tuition directly to us and you pay a parent fee calculated from your household income. Subsidy rates are set by county, by the child's age, and by the provider's star rating. Bring your authorization to the office and we will take it from there.
Is there a wait for subsidy funding?
Often, yes. Subsidy funding is limited and counties maintain their own waiting list, which is separate from our enrollment waitlist. It is worth applying to both at the same time rather than waiting for one to clear first.
Do you offer part-time schedules?
Yes. Alongside full-time care we offer two-day and three-day weeks, subject to availability in your child's age group.
Do you offer discounts?
We offer a 10% discount for families with more than one child enrolled, and for active-duty military and medical families.
What does tuition include?
Three meals a day prepared in our on-site kitchen, the full Creative Curriculum, and every classroom material it runs on. Tuition is billed weekly.
Daily Life
What is your teacher-to-child ratio?
Every classroom is staffed by two teachers. Infants run 1:5, toddlers 1:6, twos 1:9, threes 1:10, fours 1:11, and Pre-K 1:12.
What does a typical day look like?
Arrival and breakfast, small group time, learning centers, outdoor play, lunch, rest from noon to 3:00, then snack and a second round of centers and small groups before pickup. The order holds steady every day, which is what lets children relax enough to take risks with the learning.
Do you provide meals?
Yes. Three meals a day are included in tuition and cooked in our own kitchen, meeting nutritional guidelines for young children.
How much time do children spend outside?
Two 45-minute blocks a day, weather permitting, on playgrounds separated by age so toddlers are not sharing equipment with four-year-olds.
How do you communicate with parents during the day?
We use Procare. Photos, meals, naps, and diaper changes post to your phone as they happen, and you can message your child's teacher or the front office directly from the app.
How do you track my child's progress?
Teachers observe and assess throughout the year and adjust what they plan next. A child ready to sound out words gets more of that; a child still working on scissors gets more practice with scissors.
What curriculum do you use?
The Creative Curriculum, taught through play. Seven learning areas run through every day, from literacy and math to social studies and creative arts, woven into center time and conversation rather than taught as separate subjects.
Health, Safety, and Behavior
What is your policy on sick children?
A child needs to stay home for a fever of 101.4 or higher, one or more episodes of vomiting, two or more episodes of diarrhea, or any contagious illness such as pink eye, flu, or COVID-19. They can return once they have been symptom free for 24 hours without medication.
How do you handle separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety is normal for a child new to our program, and it is usually harder on the parent. Our staff works with you through those first weeks so drop-off gets easier instead of turning into a daily standoff.
What is your approach to discipline?
We treat discipline as an opportunity to teach, not to punish. Children learn through patience, consistency, and encouragement in a classroom where every child feels respected.
What qualifications do your teachers have?
Every lead teacher holds an NC Early Childhood Credential or higher, and teacher assistants hold at least a high school diploma. All staff are CPR and First Aid certified, infant caregivers are ITS/SIDS certified, and every teacher completes assigned in-service training hours each year.
How long do teachers stay?
Most of our lead teachers have been here at least three years. In practice that means the person greeting your child in September is usually the same person greeting them in May.
Are you licensed, and are staff background checked?
We hold a four-star rated license from the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. Every teacher passes a criminal background check before their first day and again every five years. Entry is by keypad code issued to families on their first day, and a six-foot fence wraps the playground.