How to Register

To register the first step is to complete a registration form, provide a $100 deposit, and mail or bring both to the Childtown office. Registration forms are placed on the waiting list based on the date of receipt. When space is available, the parent is contacted and asked if admission is desired at that time. If admission is requested, the parent completes the Contract for Services, available in the packet or from Childtown.

Prior to entering Childtown, parents always meet with the Director, Dr. Peggy Mayfield, to review all aspects of the contract. This time together allows the director and parents to get to know each other, understand the requirements of entry and continued enrollment, and to become familiar with the regulations and expectations of the program.
All prospective families are given a formal tour of the center. The High/Scope curriculum and methods of development are explained and the schedule of a typical day at Childtown is described.

Transition Entry Program

Infants and children enter Childtown through a well-planned transition program. This process allows both child and parents to become a part of Childtown in a gradual, well-supervised entry process. Both parents and child become acquainted with the classroom teachers, the class schedule, and the daily routines gradually. Parent presence is gradually faded over a three day period with the following process:

• Step 1: An hour visit of parent and child in the classroom so both parent and child become familiar with teachers and room set-up.
• Step 2: A 2-3 hour visit of child in the classroom with the parent remaining at the center but leaving the room and being available if the child needs parent support.
• Step 3: The child is brought to the classroom by the parents. After a short stay, the parent leaves for three hours, always being available by phone if the parent is needed during this time.
  
  After this 3-day transitional period, on the fourth day the parent brings the child at the usual drop-off time and leaves, assuring first the child is comfortable, and then returns at pick up time. Contact information of parents is always available to teachers in the classroom.
  
  Parents can call and check on their child. Staff respond to the parent at pick up time regarding the child’s participation in activities during the day.

Infants and Toddlers

All infant, toddler, and early preschool classes provide the parent with a written daily log of the events and behaviors of the day as well as eating, diaper changing or potty time, and sleeping times.

Parents are called if any injury to the child occurs. The Director or her representative sees the injury, reviews the incident write-up, and advises staff as necessary regarding procedures and care.

An emergency plan in case of serious injury is always in place and a member of the Administrative team is always in charge as Chief Administrator in the absence of the Director.

Childtown is an open center to parents. Parents can visit their child at the center at any time. However, visitation by parents to toddler and early-age preschool rooms often disrupts the child’s day if the child thinks the presence of the parent means “It is time to go.” Discretion in visiting is requested with intent of assuring room routines will generally continue.