What are the hours of operation?
The Rocking Horse is open Monday to Friday, 6:30 am to 6:30 pm.
Once enrolled can my child attend any day or do we have to adhere to a set schedule?
In order to comply with the State and to have some order to our enrollment, once you have requested certain days (part time) or a full time placement you must adhere to it. You are responsible for payment of these days even if your child does not attend, unless vacation days have been requested.
Does the school close for holidays?
Yes The Rocking Horse closes for New year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labour Day, Thanks Giving Day and the next day (Friday), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
How does vacation work?
Each child is allowed two weeks of vacation. The number of days your child regularly attends multiplied by two. We ask that you complete a vaction slip and drop it in the drop box and allow two weeks notice of vacation.
How are emergencies handled?
The school may close due to severe weather, or damage from severe weather. The decision to close wll be made as per local and national weather recommendations. We prepare for emergency situations by conducting monthly mock evacuations based on natural and man made situations.
How may I enrollment / disenrollment work?
Upon reading/understanding and accepting our operational policies we request that you tour our
facility. Enrollment forms will be given at this time. These must be completed (and updated when necessary) prior to attending. If your child is leaving, please notify us two weeks prior to the last day.
How much does child care cost? How often do fees increase?
Currently fees are as follows: Registration-$30
Infant care-$27 per day, toddler-prek-$24 per day, after school-$9 per day.
In January 2009 fees will increase as follows: Registration-$30
Infant care $30 per day, toddler-prek-$25 per day, after school-$10 per day.
Fees are reviewed every two years.
How does tha school communicate with parents?
The infant room sends daily communication sheets home. This is required by the State. In the toddler room a communication sheet is completed but not sent home. This is usually kept on the clip board so that information can be relayed to both parents and staff taking over.
Information that needs to be relayed to parents of pre k and school age children is typically done verbally unless there is and accident form to sign.
At the begining of each month, a newsletter is available. This shares important news, information, calendar of events etc.
At the end of the month a "Good News Gazette" is completed on each child, informing parents of activities/stories/songs/music enjoyed.
Pertanent information regarding illnesses, upcoming events reminders may also be posted on the front and back door.
Are children assessed in regards to development?
Children are assessed twice a year, in the fall and spring. A copy if furnished for parents records.
We offer a speech/language development assessment now also. This is done by a parent who works as a Speech Pathologist.
How are children disciplined and what does guidance mean?
We encourage children to be responsible for their own words and actions, and be prepared to accept the consequences of both. Time out is used when necessary-usually to isolate a child who may endanger another child or adult, may cause damage to propery or just needs to be alone to cool down. We do follow The State’s guidance on what is acceptable punishment and what is not. You will be asked to sign a document explaining this.
Do you toilet train children?
We support any and all efforts to toilet train young children. We do not initiate toilet training. It is important that this is started at home. However, we will discuss whether we belive a child is ready for toilet training with you.
How should my child be dressed for The Rocking Horse?
We believe children need to play freely, to learn from their play and their world without developing inhibitions from adults regarding clothing, getting messy-having fun etc. Often children are expected to stay clean and tidy at the expense of never actually being allwed to be "child like".
In todays world we worry about what children do, what they watch, who they play with, where they go. I always think it is a good idea for adults to recall their own childhood. The feedom they enjoyed!
Is food provided?
The Rocking Horse provides healthy snacks twice a day. We do not provide lunch. Children seem to be picky about the food they eat, so the responsibilty of providing food the child will eat is the parents. We provid water to drink during the day and at lunch for children who do not bring a drink.
Occasionally we will have a special lunch-pizza, hot dogs etc. You will be notified of these days and may opt to allow your child to participate. It is a good idea to notify us of any food allergies your child may have upon enrollment.
