FAQs
Below are answers to our most frequently asked questions.
General Program Information
What ages do you accept?
We accept children typically from age 2 through age 5, covering our preschool and early-childhood classes.
What is your educational philosophy or curriculum approach?
We specialize in Reggio-Emilia with a play-based, child-centered approach — combining creative play, hands-on activities, early literacy and numeracy, and social-emotional learning to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Do you offer part-time or full-time enrollment?
Yes — we offer both part-time and full-time enrollment options to accommodate different family needs.
What is the Teacher to Student Ratio in Each Class?
Each class is kept intentionally small to ensure a personalized and nurturing environment. We have 6-8 students per teacher. Additionally, our director and part-time teachers come in to substitute and teach classes
What is the teacher-to-student ratio?
We maintain a low teacher-to-student ratio — for example, 1 teacher to every [insert number, e.g. 6–8 children] — to ensure that each child receives individual attention and support.
Enrollment & Admissions
How do I enroll my child?
Enrollment begins with a completed registration form and a tour of the facility. Once submitted, we’ll guide you through the admissions process.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes — if your desired class is full at the time of enrollment, we place your child on a waitlist and notify you when a space opens.
Do you require an application fee or deposit?
Yes — there is a non-refundable application fee or deposit required to secure your child’s place in the class.
When does enrollment open?
We have open enrollment throughout the year
What documents are required for registration?
Required documents usually include proof of age, immunization records, emergency contact information, and any health or allergy information.
Daily Routine & Activities
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day includes arrival and free play, circle time, structured lessons (early literacy, math, art), outdoor play, snack or meal, social-emotional activities, storytime/quiet time and Nap time. Extended day children may also participate in enrichment activities such as music, STEAM, crafts, or extra play.
Do you provide outdoor/playtime?
Absolutely — children enjoy daily outdoor play and exploration time (weather permitting), as well as indoor active play to support gross-motor development.
How do you support children’s social/emotional development?
We provide a warm, caring environment in which children learn cooperation, sharing, communication, conflict resolution, empathy, and self-regulation through guided interactions, group activities, and teacher modeling.
Do the children take naps?
Yes. Nap time is typically from 1pm-3pm.
Meals & Nutrition
Do you provide snacks and meals?
GCA does not have a lunch program, however we provides balanced and nutritious, wholesome snacks throughout the day, including one bread or protein and one item from fruit/vegetable group. The children also help prepare and serve their own snacks with a teacher’s help. Throughout the year, children learn to bake bread and eat fresh fruits and veggies from the garden. Children will often enjoy dining al fresco in our picnic area, weather permitting. Families bring their children’s lunches, and we ask that they be well-balanced and peanut-free.
How do you handle food allergies or special dietary needs?
We take allergy and dietary restrictions seriously. Parents provide us with dietary information, and we tailor meals/snacks accordingly.
Health & Safety
What is your illness policy?
If a child shows signs of illness (fever, contagious symptoms, etc.), we ask parents to keep them at home. We reserve the right to send home children who become ill during the day.
How do you handle emergencies?
We have clear emergency procedures in place. In case of serious illness or injury, we contact parents immediately and follow up with necessary medical care.
Are teachers trained in CPR and first aid?
Yes — all staff are required to have current CPR and first aid certification, and regular safety training is conducted.
What security measures are in place at your facility?
Our facilities are secured to ensure children’s safety. Access is controlled, and children’s pickups require authorized adults only.
Communication
How do teachers communicate with parents?
We maintain open, ongoing communication with parents — including daily updates, pickup/drop-off conversations, newsletters, and periodic parent-teacher meetings. We use the Lilio app which allows us to have immediate, direct contact with all of our families.
Do you provide progress reports or assessments?
Yes — we share regular reports on each child’s development, including social, emotional, cognitive, and physical milestones.
How can I contact my child’s teacher?
Parents can reach teachers via phone, in-person or via the Lilio app during scheduled check-ins or pickup/drop-off times.
Fees & Payments
What are the tuition rates?
Tuition varies depending on the program, schedule, and any extended-day or extra services selected.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept only accept direct deposits through our Lilio app. Parents are invoiced monthly. We do not accept credit cards and checks
Are there sibling discounts?
Yes — we offer sibling discounts for families enrolling more than one child.
What is your refund or withdrawal policy?
If you choose to withdraw your child or cancel enrollment, please provide a 30 day notice. Application fees are non-refundable; tuition refunds/adjustments depend on timing and attendance.
Staff & Qualifications
Do staff undergo background checks?
Yes — all staff members undergo comprehensive background and security screening before employment.
What ongoing training do staff receive?
We conduct regular professional development training, including early childhood best practices, safety, curriculum updates, and child development workshops.
Special Services
Do you accommodate children with special needs?
We strive to support all children. Please discuss specific needs with us — we will work with families and specialists to provide appropriate support.
Do you offer transportation?
Currently, we do not offer transportation services. Families are responsible for drop-off and pick-up.
Other Policies
What is your discipline philosophy?
We believe in using positive guidance/reinforcement, clear communication, and age-appropriate discipline techniques that reinforce respect, empathy, and self-control. We employ kindness balls, where each child has a jar and can put balls into their jar when they display acts of kindness, empathy or improved social behavior.
What is your potty-training policy?
Children enrolling in our “Twos” class do not need to be fully potty-trained. For older classes, we encourage but do not require full potty training; we support children’s progress and work with parents on readiness. Additionally we have an excellent, gentle potty training program for an additional fee
Are parents allowed to visit during the day?
Yes — parents are welcome to visit, but we request visits be scheduled in advance to maintain classroom stability. We love when parents share their family’s cultural activities and events, read stories and cook with our classes.
How do you handle birthdays or celebrations?
We love celebrating our students! Birthdays and special occasions are recognized in class with simple, inclusive celebrations. Parents are welcome to coordinate with teachers to plan for any treats, keeping in mind allergy and dietary considerations.
What ages do you accept?
We accept children typically from age 2 through age 5, covering our preschool and early-childhood classes.
What is your educational philosophy or curriculum approach?
We specialize in Reggio-Emilia with a play-based, child-centered approach — combining creative play, hands-on activities, early literacy and numeracy, and social-emotional learning to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Do you offer part-time or full-time enrollment?
Yes — we offer both part-time and full-time enrollment options to accommodate different family needs.
What is the Teacher to Student Ratio in Each Class?
Each class is kept intentionally small to ensure a personalized and nurturing environment. We have 6-8 students per teacher. Additionally, our director and part-time teachers come in to substitute and teach classes
What is the teacher-to-student ratio?
We maintain a low teacher-to-student ratio — for example, 1 teacher to every [insert number, e.g. 6–8 children] — to ensure that each child receives individual attention and support.
Enrollment & Admissions
How do I enroll my child?
Enrollment begins with a completed registration form and a tour of the facility. Once submitted, we’ll guide you through the admissions process.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes — if your desired class is full at the time of enrollment, we place your child on a waitlist and notify you when a space opens.
Do you require an application fee or deposit?
Yes — there is a non-refundable application fee or deposit required to secure your child’s place in the class.
When does enrollment open?
We have open enrollment throughout the year
What documents are required for registration?
Required documents usually include proof of age, immunization records, emergency contact information, and any health or allergy information.
Daily Routine & Activities
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day includes arrival and free play, circle time, structured lessons (early literacy, math, art), outdoor play, snack or meal, social-emotional activities, storytime/quiet time and Nap time. Extended day children may also participate in enrichment activities such as music, STEAM, crafts, or extra play.
Do you provide outdoor/playtime?
Absolutely — children enjoy daily outdoor play and exploration time (weather permitting), as well as indoor active play to support gross-motor development.
How do you support children’s social/emotional development?
We provide a warm, caring environment in which children learn cooperation, sharing, communication, conflict resolution, empathy, and self-regulation through guided interactions, group activities, and teacher modeling.
Do the children take naps?
Yes. Nap time is typically from 1pm-3pm.
Meals & Nutrition
Do you provide snacks and meals?
GCA does not have a lunch program, however we provides balanced and nutritious, wholesome snacks throughout the day, including one bread or protein and one item from fruit/vegetable group. The children also help prepare and serve their own snacks with a teacher’s help. Throughout the year, children learn to bake bread and eat fresh fruits and veggies from the garden. Children will often enjoy dining al fresco in our picnic area, weather permitting. Families bring their children’s lunches, and we ask that they be well-balanced and peanut-free.
How do you handle food allergies or special dietary needs?
We take allergy and dietary restrictions seriously. Parents provide us with dietary information, and we tailor meals/snacks accordingly.
Health & Safety
What is your illness policy?
If a child shows signs of illness (fever, contagious symptoms, etc.), we ask parents to keep them at home. We reserve the right to send home children who become ill during the day.
How do you handle emergencies?
We have clear emergency procedures in place. In case of serious illness or injury, we contact parents immediately and follow up with necessary medical care.
Are teachers trained in CPR and first aid?
Yes — all staff are required to have current CPR and first aid certification, and regular safety training is conducted.
What security measures are in place at your facility?
Our facilities are secured to ensure children’s safety. Access is controlled, and children’s pickups require authorized adults only.
Communication
How do teachers communicate with parents?
We maintain open, ongoing communication with parents — including daily updates, pickup/drop-off conversations, newsletters, and periodic parent-teacher meetings. We use the Lilio app which allows us to have immediate, direct contact with all of our families.
Do you provide progress reports or assessments?
Yes — we share regular reports on each child’s development, including social, emotional, cognitive, and physical milestones.
How can I contact my child’s teacher?
Parents can reach teachers via phone, in-person or via the Lilio app during scheduled check-ins or pickup/drop-off times.
Fees & Payments
What are the tuition rates?
Tuition varies depending on the program, schedule, and any extended-day or extra services selected.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept only accept direct deposits through our Lilio app. Parents are invoiced monthly. We do not accept credit cards and checks
Are there sibling discounts?
Yes — we offer sibling discounts for families enrolling more than one child.
What is your refund or withdrawal policy?
If you choose to withdraw your child or cancel enrollment, please provide a 30 day notice. Application fees are non-refundable; tuition refunds/adjustments depend on timing and attendance.
Staff & Qualifications
Do staff undergo background checks?
Yes — all staff members undergo comprehensive background and security screening before employment.
What ongoing training do staff receive?
We conduct regular professional development training, including early childhood best practices, safety, curriculum updates, and child development workshops.
Special Services
Do you accommodate children with special needs?
We strive to support all children. Please discuss specific needs with us — we will work with families and specialists to provide appropriate support.
Do you offer transportation?
Currently, we do not offer transportation services. Families are responsible for drop-off and pick-up.
Other Policies
What is your discipline philosophy?
We believe in using positive guidance/reinforcement, clear communication, and age-appropriate discipline techniques that reinforce respect, empathy, and self-control. We employ kindness balls, where each child has a jar and can put balls into their jar when they display acts of kindness, empathy or improved social behavior.
What is your potty-training policy?
Children enrolling in our “Twos” class do not need to be fully potty-trained. For older classes, we encourage but do not require full potty training; we support children’s progress and work with parents on readiness. Additionally we have an excellent, gentle potty training program for an additional fee
Are parents allowed to visit during the day?
Yes — parents are welcome to visit, but we request visits be scheduled in advance to maintain classroom stability. We love when parents share their family’s cultural activities and events, read stories and cook with our classes.
How do you handle birthdays or celebrations?
We love celebrating our students! Birthdays and special occasions are recognized in class with simple, inclusive celebrations. Parents are welcome to coordinate with teachers to plan for any treats, keeping in mind allergy and dietary considerations.