- Can I pick my child up at any time?

- What is the sick policy?

- Does my preschool child have to take a nap?

- Does my child have to participate in the food program or can I bring my own food?

- Can I nurse my child during the day at the Center?

- Is the Center accredited?

- Who owns New Gulph Children's Center?

- Can I visit my child during the day?

- How do I know when my child is ready for preschool?

- What do I need to provide for my child?

- What is New Gulph's late pickup policy?

- How do I register my child?

Can I pick my child up at any time?

Yes. As long as you arrive within our normal hours of operation, you are free to get your child when it's convenient for you. We ask that you notify our staff if pick-up on a particular day will differ from your normal schedule. It's also typically best for your child if key activities like naps are not interrupted.

What is the sick policy?

To protect our children and staff who are not sick, and to allow those who are sick to get well as quickly as possible, ailing children must remain at home.

A child should not attend the Center for a full 24 hours after the last incidence of vomiting, fever, and/or diarrhea. Children with contagious diseases such as strep throat or conjunctivitis may return to the Center 24 hours after medication has started. If a child is sent home by NGCC, the child must stay home a full day after he/she leaves the Center. Children who have been ill should not return until they are well enough to resume normal activities without restrictions.

Does my preschool child have to take a nap?

Naptime is schedule at 1:00 PM for all Preschool children staying for the afternoon session. Those who do not sleep are required to rest quietly on a mat during the nap period.

Does my child have to participate in the food program or can I bring my own food?

For the convenience of our parents, all children enrolled at NGCC participate in our food program. Children are provided a nutritionally balanced lunch cooked in the Center's kitchen. A biweekly menu is posted on the bulletin board outside each classroom. Healthful snacks are served mid-morning and mid-afternoon. There is a nominal daily charge for the food program.

Our formula of choice is Similac Advance with Iron (powder). Formula is prepared by the Infant/Toddler teachers in bottles (with nipples) provided by the parent. There is no additional fee (beyond the daily food fee) for the formula. Parents may elect to decline the use of Similac Advance and supply their own preferred formula, “home made” Similac Advance bottles or breast milk.

Can I nurse my child during the day at the Center?

Nursing mothers are welcome and will be accommodated as needed.

Is the Center accredited?

NGCC is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. The Center maintains an environment that's in compliance with standards outlined by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Title 55, Public Welfare Chapter 3270, Child Day Care Centers. The purpose of this standard is to protect the rights and safety of children while in childcare and promote the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children. NGCC's program and facility are reviewed annually by the State.

Who owns New Gulph Children's Center?

New Gulph Children's Center, Inc. is organized as a corporation. All New Gulph parents are members of the corporation. There are no dues and membership imposes no duties. Membership entitles you to vote for members of the Board of Directors at the annual corporation meeting. The annual meeting provides an opportunity to hear about Board activities and future projects. We like to have a representative from each family at the corporation meeting, which is usually held in conjunction with the New Gulph family picnic.

Can I visit my child during the day?

Parents are welcome at New Gulph at any time, although the staff urges the parents be careful not to disrupt the on-going program of the day. The Director and staff will be happy to work with you to provide a smooth transition into the New Gulph program.

How do I know when my child is ready for preschool?

The transition from the IT room to our preschool program is an important milestone in your child's development. For most children, the transition is made at about age three, depending on individual readiness. Generally speaking, readiness is based on the following qualities/abilities:

•  Independent thinking and working

•  Listening and following directions

•  Cooperation (with teachers and other children)

•  Attention span

•  Self-help skills

•  Verbally expressing feelings

•  Toilet trained

What do I need to provide for my child?

All children need to have an extra set of clothing appropriate for the season. In addition, non-toilet-trained children need to maintain a supply of disposable diapers.

For naptime, the Center provides a crib (or mat, based on age) with clean sheets maintained by our staff.

If your child has a special object (e.g., blanket, toy, picture, etc.), you may provide one such item for naptime.

What is New Gulph's late pickup policy?

The Center closes at 5:30 pm every day. There is no grace period after 5:30 pm. Families picking up children after 5:30 any evening will incur the appropriate extra hour charge plus a late pickup fee. The fee is cumulative. It is our hope that no funds are generated from this fee.

How do I register my child?

NGCC encourages all prospective students to schedule a visit to meet our Director and staff members, and to see the facility and programs in progress. During your visit, you can discuss enrollment and availability, as well as any questions you may have with the leaders of our Center.