- What is the difference between a listed, registered, and licensed in-home childcare center? Listed providers must be 18, are required to have little to no previous early childhood education or experience, and are not subject to routine inspections. Registered providers must be 21, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, must be CPR and First Aid certified, and are subject to routine inspections. Licensed providers must be 21, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, must be CPR and First Aid certified, must have 1-3 years of experience working in a licensed childcare facility, must have training hours in business management and child development, and are subject to routine inspections.
- Is Pitter Patter Learning Center a listed, registered, or licensed in-home center? Pitter Patter Learning Center is a licensed in-home center and is regulated under the Department of Family and Protective Services.
- What is the difference between licensed in-home care and licensed childcare facilities? Basically it is a matter of parent preference, what works, and what is comfortable for you and your child. Typically in-home centers maintain lower ratios and are able to provide more personalized care. Pitter Patter Learning Center will never exceed a small-group ratio of 1:6 combined infants/toddlers regardless of age. Most licensed childcare facilities maintain infant ratios of 1:4 or 2:10, 12-18 months may have 1:5 or 2:12, 18-24 months may have 1:9 or 2:18, 2 year olds 1:11 or 2:22, and 3 year olds 1:15 or 2:30. By maintaining small group ratios caregivers are better able to provide the nurturing care that children vitally need to grow and develop.
- As a parent will I be able to claim childcare expenses on my taxes? Yes! Pitter Patter Learning Center will provide a Tax ID number for tax purposes.
- Does tuition include meals? Yes! Pitter Patter Learning Center is enrolled in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Healthy meals and snacks are provided daily and include fresh fruits, vegetables, and main dishes prepared with quality ingredients. Weekly menus are available for review. However, parents are welcome to bring meals from home if preferred.
- Does Pitter Patter offer a curriculum? Pitter Patter does not use a specific curriculum. However developmentally appropriate lesson plans and learning centers include activities which foster gross and fine motor development, literacy, music, math and manipulatives, science and sensory development, art and creativity.
- Does anyone residing in the home smoke? No. Smoking is not allowed on the premises at any time.
- Do pets reside in the home? Yes. We are proud pet owners of two sweet dogs who are very much family. Ms. Annabelle is a Pomeranian Beagle mix and Ms. Isabelle is a Lab Border Collie mix. They are both vaccinated and although very friendly are kept separate from the children during indoor classroom hours.