Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do I do if I know my child will be absent?
A: Please call 208-286-9362 by 8am to help the teachers plan. For planned absences, notify us early if you would like to trade days.
Q: What if my child has allergies?
A: Please notify us in writing upon enrollment or once diagnosed. If your child requires any breathing aides, we need to have written instructions from a doctor (prescription).
Q: What are the drop off and pick up procedures?
A: Please accompany your child inside the school every day and check them in via our computer in the lobby and then escort them to their classroom. Children are not allowed to punch in security codes at the door or on the computer. This is for your child's safety. If anyone other than designated persons, will be picking up your child, we will need a written note from parents. ID will be verified when this person arrives to pick up. For safety reasons, please always hold your child's hand in the parking lot and ensure they do not run out the door as other parents are entering the facility.
Q: Will my child require her/his own blanket?
A: Yes, for napping children. If your child naps, parents will need to provide a crib-sized blanket and small pillow. Stepping Stones will provide a freshly laundered crib-sized sheet daily to fit over the sleeping mat. Children's bedding needs to be taken home weekly and washed to help prevent the spread of illnesses. Please return bedding on Monday. If a child's bedding becomes soiled at school, it will be washed at school.
Q: What do I do if my child is breastfed?
A: At Stepping Stones, we welcome mothers and fathers with a positive environment that helps parents and staff feel welcome to breastfeed, pump, or bottle feed breastmilk to infants and toddlers. All staff are aware of and follow this policy and are available for information for family members. We follow the mother's feeding plans, including her plans if she is late to breastfeed. Bottles will not be given to breastfeeding infants without the mother's consent. Breastmilk or iron-fortified formula is served to all infants less than 12 months of age (in case of allergies, a plan will be in place). Juice will not be served to infants less than 12 months of age. An area in our freezer is specified for the storage of labeled and dated bags of breastmilk to last throughout the day or week.
Q: What is your policy regarding Child Abuse and Prevention?
A: Click here to read our policy.
Q: Should I bring an extra set of clothes for my child?
A: Yes. Children need to have an extra change of clothing in a large Ziploc bag stored in their cubby or in a back pack. This needs to be clearly marked with their name and needs to be season appropriate. No flip flops or sandals are allowed at school (with the exception of our swim days in the summer time) in order to keep little feet safe. Please do not send your child in nice clothing you will worry about. Our day is busy and sometimes we get DIRTY! Please make sure your child comes prepared for the weather outside! This means boots, gloves, heavy coats, and hats in the winter, and cool clothing, sun hats(if needed), and sunscreen in the summer. We go outside every day that we possibly can.
Q: What is your policy on confidentiality?
A: Strong partnerships with families require mutual respect, and maintaining confidentiality is a necessary component of a respectful relationship. Maintaining confidentiality means that Stepping Stones employees may not talk about or share written information, pictures, or any other identifying information about a child or family outside of our learning center without the written permission of the family.
Q: Where can I find my child's artwork and items I need to bring home?
A: Each child will have a cubby to store bedding, clothing and lunch. If your child's lunch has perishable items, it may be stored in the refrigerator. Your child will also have an Art folder. Please check it weekly and take contents home.
Q: Does Stepping Stones provide a daily lunch?
A: No, Stepping Stones does not provide a lunch, with the exception of Fridays. On Fridays you may purchase two slices of pizza and fruit for your child at the cost of $2.
Stepping Stones does provide a nutritious morning and afternoon snack for your child and leave it to the parents to send a healthy and delicious lunch they know their child will eat.
Q: What is your policy on discipline?
A: Click here to read our Guidance Policy
Q: What is your inclusion policy?
A: Stepping Stones Children's Center embraces the NAEYC definition and value of inclusion in our program. We support the right of every infant, and young child, as well as his or her family, regardless of ability, to participate in a broad range of activities and contexts as full members of families, community, and society. Within our program we create a sense of belonging and membership, positive social relationships and friendships, and development and learning to reach their full potential.
We accomplish this by providing access to a wide range of learning opportunities, activities, settings, and environments that benefit all children. Also, we create high expectations for every child, regardless of ability, to reach his or her full potential. We have established a system of community services and supports for referral to benefit all families. Our teachers and staff annually participate in Professional Development and Continuing education hours that focus on inclusion of all abilities.
Q: What is your policy on bringing a sick child to school?
A: Each parent must provide an alternate form of care for ill children. If your child becomes ill during the day, you will be contacted immediately. We will isolate your child until he or she is picked up. If your child is too ill to play outside, he or she should be kept home. Please keep your child at home if any of the following symptoms are present:
Please do not bring your child if he/she has:
*A temperature of 100 degrees or higher
*A temperature and symptoms of illness in the past 24 hours
*A rash or pink eye, any contagious infection of the eye or skin
*Severe runny nose, eye discharge, or coughing
*Diarrhea and/or vomiting
*Child has had a contagious illness where antibiotics are prescribed but has not yet taken medication for a full 24 hours
*Any sign of communicable disease…where child is suffering from headache, abdominal pain, sore throat, fever, or red eyes
Q: Are you open even on holidays?
A: Yes. We are open on some holidays. Below are the holidays we will be closed for: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King (Human Rights) Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday following, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve.
Q: When is Stepping Stones open?
A: Monday thru Friday from 6:30am to 6pm, year round with the exception of the afore mentioned holidays.
Q: What is required in order for Stepping Stones to give my child his/her medication?
A: If your child needs medication given by a staff member during the day, a medication form must be filled out and signed by a parent. The medication must be properly labeled with the child's name, current date, and time the dosage should be administered.
Q: How does Stepping Stones communicate upcoming activities, events, etc.?
A: Newsletters are sent at the beginning of every month. This is an important form of communication between school and home, and it lets you know our themes, letters of the week, special activities and field trips. The themes and letters are also posted on each classroom door. Important notices are also posted on the front doors of the school.
Q: Can I meet with the Owner/Director at any time?
A: Yes. If at any time you would like to meet with the director, please feel free to call and set up an appointment. Open communication between parents and staff is essential to the success of your child's school experience.
Q: Do kids play outdoors year-round?
A: Yes. We will enjoy the outdoors on a daily basis, throughout all seasons. Unless we have extreme cold, hot, or wet conditions, please plan on your child being outside for some portion of the day. If your child is not well enough to play outside, please do not bring them to school.
Q: Can I volunteer in my child's class?
A: YES! Volunteering is always welcome at the school. Many parents have creative ideas, information/items to share and ways to help that will enrich our program. Please arrange a time with your child's teacher if you would like to volunteer so that we may work you into the schedule.
Q: How often will there be Parent/Teacher Conferences?
A: Conferences do not occur per a set schedule. Conferences will be held at the request of parents or teachers. Your child will be assessed twice during the school year and that information will be made available to parents. If you have any questions regarding this process, we would be happy to meet with you.
Q: Will a permission slip be required for each field trip?
A: No. A generic permission slip was included in the enrollment packet. By signing this form, you gave consent for your child to participate in all field trips. Advance notice and information regarding the outing will be made available in the monthly newsletter and in the classrooms.
Q: Can my child bring a personal item from home to have during school?
A: Yes. Sharing takes place during circle time each day. Each child has the opportunity to bring an item from home that either starts with our "letter of the week" or reflects our theme of study in some way. Sharing items must be placed in our sharing basket on arrival and your child will have a chance to talk about his/her item during circle. Sharing items need to be taken home daily.