Frequently Asked Questions
Health & Safety
Q: Is ES&P licensed to provide childcare? A: We sure are! We are licensed through the Florida Department of Children & Families. We are subject to surprise & routine inspections. Search licensed providers' inspection reports at: https://caressearch.myflfamilies.com/PublicSearch
Q: Do you provide meals or snacks? A: Yes! Meals and snacks are included with tuition once children begin solids. We serve breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack with an additional morning snack for toddlers.
Q: What are ES&P's allergy policies like? A: ES&P has detailed policies concerning allergies to ensure the safety of all children, which are detailed in our School Handbook (we provide a link to this during your tour). Here are just some of the ways we manage allergies at ES&P. ● Documenting all allergies: ○Parents must list all allergies and past allergic reactions on both their enrollment forms and information sheets, so we can inform staff. ●Medication for allergic reactions on hand: ○Children with mild or moderate allergy history should have an antihistamine at ES&P, accompanied by a signed medicine form. ○Children with a history of severe allergic reactions must have an EpiPen® at school with a signed medicine form. ●Nut-Free Policy: ES&P maintains a nearly nut-free environment due to the severity of nut allergies. This means: ○Families are prohibited from bringing in any food items containing nuts. The handbook provides a comprehensive list of nuts to avoid. ○Soy products, commonly found in creams and formulas, are permitted unless a child has a documented soy allergy. ●Other Food Allergens & Details: ○Replacement or subsitute foods are offered if there is an allergy to a menu item when available or provided. ○While ES&P takes precautions, they acknowledge that exposure to food allergens are still possible, but will notify families and document any observed allergen exposure. Overall, ES&P emphasizes a proactive approach to managing allergies by enforcing strict guidelines, maintaining open communication with parents, and promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all children, including those with allergies.
Q: What is ES&P's policy on sending sick children home? A: We prioritize the health of all children in our care, our staff, and our greater school community. We will contact you to pick up your child within one hour if they exhibit symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or other signs of illness. A doctor's note may be required for early return. Our School Handbook (link provided during your tour) contains the complete and detailed Health & Wellness policies.
Enrollment & Fees
Q: How can I enroll my child at Education Station & Preschool? To enroll your child, you'll begin by scheduling a tour at the location you're considering. Next, you'll need to register online through our chosen software, Procare® with a link provided at the end of your tour. A non-refundable registration fee is required to be paid upon registration and to be included on our waiting list. Once a start date is confirmed, a per-child enrollment fee will be due by your child's first day. Tuition is charged from the agreed start date until you provide a written notice of withdrawal at least 30 days in advance.
Q: What are the current rates? A: Here are our current rates...
Q: What are my payment options for tuition and fee payments? A: We require all families to enroll in automatic payments through Tuition Express™ provided by our software, Procare®. You can choose to have payments withdrawn monthly, biweekly, or weekly. While there is no fee for withdrawals from checking or savings accounts, a 5% processing fee applies to credit card charges.
Q: Do you accept ELC? A: No. We do not contract with the Early Learning Coalition and therefore do not accept ELC.
Q: Do you offer VPK? A: No. While have a PreK class, we do not offer the state-funded 3hr VPK program.
Program Information
Q: Does ES&P offer part-time? A: Yes. We have a very limited part-time program for children ages 2+, based on availaility.
Q: What days are ES&P closed? A: We are open year-round, but closed on Federal Holidays with an extra day taken after Thanksgiving and around the winter holidays and one additional teacher workday. We occassionaly make emergency closures for extreme weather or other conditions, but we always give as much notice as possible.
Q: How does Education Station & Preschool support potty training? A: We support potty-training children in a varitey of ways. We don't link potty training status to class graduations or moving up to the next class. ES&P has a very detailed potty training policy, which is explained in our School Handbook (we provide a link to this during your tour). We have a three-stage potty training process: Practice, Training, and Transition. We work closely with parents to ensure children are ready for success before we fully transition to underwear. We believe strongly in a don't-rush-it approach.
Q: How can I stay informed about my child's day and school events? A: We use various communication methods, including daily reports for younger children, digital photos, monthly newsletters, emails, text messages, and parent-teacher conferences. You'll receive regular updates on your child's activities and be informed about upcoming events and important announcements.