Frequently Asked Questions
For Kids Co. Families
Q: What time do you open? What time do you close?
We open our doors at 7:00 am sharp. We close our doors promptly at 6:00 pm.Late pick-up charges of $15.00 flat-rate for the first 1-15 minutes and $1.00 per minute after 6:15 are charged at that time. Please call the center as soon as you know that you will be late (charges still apply) so that your child and the staff will not worry.
Q: What meals or snacks do you serve?
Our centers vary somewhat in the meals and snacks they are able to serve.All centers serve an afternoon snack, some serve breakfast, and all preschool programs serve a morning snack as well. Parents must provide a sack lunch at all centers for preschoolers; and for no-school days, breaks and summer time for school-agers.
Menus are posted at each center for more information.
Q: How do I enroll my child?
Each center is unique and we encourage and require that all interested families come to the center for a tour and to speak with the staff prior to your child enrolling.We have some of our materials available to download off of the Web site, but we prefer that families actually come to the center to turn in their paperwork. Some program time slots are full, and a waiting list may be in effect.
Please understand that our programs may place a priority on full-time slots (i.e. both before- and after-school, or full-day preschool) to assure a full program. Part-time schedules are granted as they are available.
Please contact the specific center you are interested in for more information on time slot availability.
Kindergarten enrollment for our programs coincides with enrollment for the schools where we operate. Be sure to submit your paperwork early in the enrollment period for the best chance for the schedule you desire.
Enrollment for all other grades is ongoing. Check with the director for more information. Our registration fee (non-refundable) and deposit (refundable with 30 days notice of withdrawal) are required when the paperwork is submitted.
Q: What about no-school days? Is there a sign-up?
2 weeks prior to the early dismissal, no-school day or break, a first-come, first served sign-up is posted on the front desk.We serve many more children throughout the course of each week (due to part-time options) and sometimes do not have room or staffing for everyone on the no-school days. There is a chance you may not have care for the extra hours, so take extra care to watch for the sign-up.
Charges are billed according to the number of time slot hours you sign-up for, not actual hours used. Rates for currently enrolled families are different than drop-in, speak to the center director about rates for the center your child attends.
Q: What should I do if my child is absent?
If your child is ill or absent for the day, please call no later than 9:00 am. Please remember that we are distinct program, separate from the administration of the school your child may attend.If your child will go home with a friend or if you pick your child up early from school or directly from their classroom, please stop by and let us know or call ahead of time. This is REQUIRED for every family regardless of your child's age.
When your child does not show up at our center after school, we consider them to be missing. If you failed to notify us of your child's absence and we have to call to find out where your child is, you will be charged a child locater fee of $10. This fee is our effort to help minimize the need locate missing children after school which takes our staff away from the program and care of the children.
Q: What if I need care in the mornings or afternoon and we're not normally signed up?
Some of our programs are currently full. However, if another child is absent, we may be able to provide extra care for your child on a space-available basis (mornings are generally more available). A phone call 24 hours ahead of time is generally required even when space is available, so that we know to expect your child to attend.Charges are billed by the time-slot only and do not vary by actual drop-off or pick-up time.
Q: When is the tuition due?
Tuition is due on the 1st of the month. On the morning of the 6th a late fee of $25.00 will be charged unless you have a previous arrangement with the director.Payment agreements can be established if you are unable to pay in full by the first of the month. Ask the director for the appropriate form. Payment agreements are still subject to the $25.00 late charge if applicable.
We offer Electronic Funds Transfers (automatic payments) directly from your account to pay your balance in full on the 10th (late fees are not applied).
Q: Where do I put my payments? And what if I have a question about my bill?
Payments can be mailed to the center or dropped in our tuition payments box near the office/sign-in area. If you are not sure of your balance, just ask the director or assistant director to assist you. If you have further questions, contact our Enrollment Coordinator at our administrative office, #206-781-8062. If you do not receive your statement (should arrive by mail before the 25th of the month) please call either the center or the office.Q: What if I need to change my child's schedule? Or withdraw from the program?
Requests for changes in your child's enrollment are due by the 1st of the month prior to the change. For example, if you would like to drop the number of days you need care in September, a Change of Schedule form is due by the first of August.Increases to your schedule are subject to availability and in some cases you will be added to a waiting list.
Complete withdrawals from the program require a written notice of 30 days. Our enrollment is continuous, therefore we expect children to stay enrolled from school-year to school-year (not including summer for school-age) until a written withdrawal is received. Ask the program director for a withdrawal form. Withdrawal effective dates are based on when the form is submitted to the director.
