Quality of Supervision

How will my child be supervised? Are children watched at all times even when they are sleeping?

Children are supervised by two or more teachers or teaching assistants at all times. In addition, all rooms are monitored from the office by closed-circuit video cameras.

Do adults avoid yelling, spanking, and other negative punishments?

Negative punishment of any kind is prohibited. Teachers address behavior issues by using positive reinforcement, encouragement, redirection and by making sure they plan a variety of engaging activities.

Are the teacher to child ratios appropriate and do they follow the recommended guidelines?

Our ratios exceed recommended guidelines. We staff using the following ratios:
Infants 1:3
Toddlers 1:4
Preschoolers 1:5

Does the director have a degree and some experience in caring for children?

The director has a masters degree in early childhood education and forty years of experience in education. She has worked as a teacher and an administrator in public schools and she has directed three early learning centers.

Have the adults been trained to care for children? Are the adults continuing to receive training on caring for children? Do the teachers have at least an associates degree and experience in caring for children?

All teachers have a minimum of a CDA certificate. Most of the teachers have associates or bachelors degrees in early childhood or a related field or they are currently taking classes towards a degree. All staff members are required to complete 10 clock hours each year of Bright From the Start approved training.

Is there always someone present who has current CPR and first aid training?

All teachers and staff are required to maintain current CPR and first aid training.

Have the teachers been trained and certified in child abuse prevention and how to report suspected child abuse?

All teachers have been trained and certified in child abuse prevention and recognition and in procedures for reporting suspected abuse.

Growing and Learning

For older children, are there specific areas for different kinds of play (books, blocks, puzzles, and art)?

All rooms are equipped with puzzles, books, art materials, a writing center, blocks, dramatic play, and a natural science area. The materials are organized and refurbished according to interests.

Do younger children have toys that “do something” when played with?

All classrooms for infants and toddlers are equipped with a variety of toys and manipulatives including cause and effect toys.

Shelves are stocked with multiples of popular toys to promote parallel play and to reduce conflict.

Infant/toddler classrooms are all equipped with sensory tables for water and sand play.

Are there daily or weekly plans available? Will the activities help the children learn?

Teachers do weekly lesson plans and communicate their themes and special events via e-mail to parents. Preschool children participate in chapel and share a Bible story each week. Whenever possible themes reflect children’s interests. Popular themes are mined like gold for skill development, learning opportunities, and artistic possibilities.

Do the adults engage children in conversations? Ask questions, when appropriate?

Teachers engage children in conversation all day long. They narrate activities and encourage children to verbalize what they are doing and thinking. Teachers listen to children and provide opportunities for them to express themselves. They ask questions designed to expand their vocabulary and deepen their understanding of concepts. Open ended questions spark conversation and encourage children to listen to themselves and to each other.

Do the adults read to children at least twice a day or encourage them to read if they can read?

Every classroom has a rich collection of nonfiction and fiction children’s literature. Teachers read aloud to children individually and in small groups every day. Teachers select books related to themes but also allow children to select books from their preferred titles. Reading and rereading books provides a critical foundation for literacy. Children are also encouraged to write and use a variety of artistic materials to express their ideas.

Health and Safety

Do adults and children wash their hands (before eating or handling food, or after using the bathroom, changing diapers)?

Adults and children wash their hands as they enter the classroom, before eating, before and after changing or toileting, before handling food and before and after playing in sand and water tables.
Handwashing signs are displayed near all sinks and on the doors to each classroom to remind parents, teachers and children to wash their hands often.

Adults wear shoe covers to keep the floor more sanitary in rooms where children crawl or spend significant play time on the floor.

All toys that are mouthed are sanitized daily. Linens and sheets in the infant rooms are washed daily. Cot sheets for older students are washed at least once weekly.

Are diaper changing surfaces sanitized after each use?

Teachers follow all the diapering procedures sanctioned by Bright From the Start licensing. Caregivers wash their hands and sanitize all surfaces before and after each change using bleach solution.
All play and work surfaces are sanitized daily.

Do all children have required immunizations?

Yes. Since its beginning, Peachtree Childtown has enjoyed 100% on State Health Department immunization audits.

Are all medicines labeled and out of children’s reach? Are adults trained to give medicines and keep records of medications?

Medications are locked in the front office and administered only by the director or assistant director.

Are surfaces used to serve food sanitized?

All surfaces are cleaned using bleach solution and soapy water before and after food preparation.

Are food and beverages served to children nutritious, and are they stored, prepared and served correctly.

No food is stored in the classroom. All food is prepared and delivered to the classroom in safe, temperature controlled kitchen carts. All kitchen employees are trained using Safe Serve. Infants are served Similac Advanced Ready to Use formula until they transition to whole milk. Children 2 year of age and older drink 2% milk. In accordance with the recommendations of the American Pediatric Association, Peachtree Childtown does not serve juice. We serve fresh fruits and vegetables in season and prefer frozen to canned alternatives. Our meals and snacks meet or exceed recommended guidelines for healthy eating.

Questions provided by the National Association of Child Care Resources & Referral Agencies.
Answers provided by Peachtree Childtown.

Questions provided by the National Association of Child Care Resources & Referral Agencies.

Answers provided by Peachtree Childtown.