Families are admitted to the Curiosity First Early Education Program when the following criteria are met: 

1. The registration packet (including submittal of their child(ren)’s immunization records, health appraisal, and any other medical or behavioral plans deemed necessary for the child(ren)’s health and safety are submitted to the center.

2. The $100 registration fee is paid.

3. Full tuition payment - one month - is received.

Families are withdrawn from the Curiosity First Early Education Program when:

1.  The parent/caregiver of record gives two weeks' notice to the center director in writing stating the last day of care. Tuition credits will not be refunded to families that fail to give a two weeks' notice in writing. 

Or,

2. The childcare agreement is terminated due to failure to pay tuition and/or violation of any program policy.

We offer a half day preschool program for children 3 - 5 years of age. 

We offer a daily rate of $75 per day.

Drop-in care is currently not available for any age group. 

Tentative Daily Schedule

7:30 am – Arrival & Handwashing/Free Choice

8:30 am –Breakfast 

9:30 am - Welcome Song/Activity

9:45 am – Outdoor Activity 

10:20 am – Snack

10:45 am – Plan - Do - Review (High Scope Curriculum implementation) 

12 pm - Handwashing & Lunch

12:45 pm – Rest Time

1:30pm - 2:45 pm – Quiet Activities

2:45 pm – Handwashing & Snack

3:30 pm – Large Group Activity  

3:45 pm – Outdoor Activity

5 pm – Free Choice

5:30 pm – 5:45 pm - Goodbye

(Infants and young toddlers eat and sleep on demand. They are presented with engaging hands-on activities when they are awake and alert)

Session I. Half-Day Preschool Program, 8am - 12pm

8 am – Arrival & Free Choice Activities

8:20 am – Large Group: Welcome Song/Activity

8:30 am – Handwashing & Breakfast

9:05 am - Small Group

9:15 am - Work Time: Art/Fine Motor/Center Activities 

10:35 am - Bathroom Break

10:45 am - Outdoor Activities/Community Walk

11:30 am - Handwashing & Snack 

12 pm - Goodbye

Or,

Session II. After Care Program, 12:20p - 4:20p

12:20 pm – Arrival & Welcome Song/Activity

12:30 pm – Handwashing & Lunch

1:05 pm - Bathroom Break

1:15 pm - Outdoor Activities/Community Walk

2:05 pm – Small group

2:15 pm - Work Time: Art/Fine Motor/Center Activities

3:35 pm - Large Group

3:45 pm - Handwashing & Snack

4:20 pm – Goodbye

Our staff will work in partnership with parents of children 2.9 - 3 years of age on potty training. Children should be in underwear or transitioning from pull-ups to underwear.

For children 4 - 6 years old, the expectation is that the child comes to school in underwear everyday and is capable of telling adults when they need to go to the potty and will take potty breaks when asked. 

A meatless menu doesn't mean less food. Curiosity First provides nutritious meals that include proteins, grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy.  Children will be served meat alternatives like plant-based chicken, sausage, and ground beef (as well as eggs, cheese, and beans). We choose not to buy meat products to help reduce greenhouse gases and help our society  work toward sustainability (read the director's statement on the environment here). Click here to view the weekly menu and Nutrition Plan.

This is an exciting time for Curiosity First as we work to expand our programming to serve more families in the community. Currently, the building located at 357 Knapp St NE is being appropriately zoned and licensed. 

Families will have the opportunity to tour the new center and complete an orientation with their child's teacher before operations begin. 

Our new space is located right across the street from Briggs Park! We will continue to enjoy daily trips to the playground and field for play and exploration. 

Monthly Tuition Payments

Payment is due in full before 9:00am on the first day of the month. If the first day of the month is a weekend or holiday during which the program is closed, the family can pay the full tuition online. If the family is unable to pay online, the family must pay the tuition in full prior to the closure. If payment is not received in full by 9:00am on the first day of the month, a late fee of $100.00 will be added to the family’s account. If the full monthly payment and additional $100.00 fee is not paid by 5:45 PM the next business day, the family’s child care services may be terminated for failure to pay. The family will be eligible for re-enrollment if space is available. 

MDHHS - Child Care Subsidy Payments

Curiosity First does accept the CDC subsidy as payment for child care services. Families are expected to pay all fees and tuition not paid by the CDC Subsidy in accordance with the fee schedule described above. Curiosity First staff will bill the State of Michigan bi-weekly as required by the CDC Subsidy Payment Schedule.

Absences & Vacations

• Children will be excluded from the program if they are too sick to fully participate in program activities, have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. If a child develops any of these symptoms while in care, the parent will be called to pick up the child. A parent is expected to pick up their child immediately if the child becomes ill while in care. Children are permitted  to return to care after 24 hours without symptoms or with a doctor’s note providing a clear explanation for the child’s symptoms and written permission to return to care. 

• Children with diagnosed illnesses that require exclusion (e.g., COVID – 19, chicken pox, etc.) will not be permitted to attend the program until their exclusion period has ended. The beginning and ending date of the exclusion period must be written on a doctor’s note submitted to program staff. Curiosity First will follow guidance provided by the Kent County Health Department regarding communicable diseases and community health concerns.

• Tuition is for enrollment in the program, not daily attendance. You will pay for days your child is absent if they are regularly scheduled to be present to maintain your enrollment. Each family does receive 5 vacation days per year (January 1 - December 31).  During those 5 days no payment is due. Families who request to use their vacation time will see the credits applied to their next invoice if the request is at least 5 business before the invoice is issued (if not, the credit will be applied to the following invoice). Families must request vacation credit in writing via the messaging app or email - staff cannot honor a vacation credit request during program closures even if the request is made 5 business before the invoice is issued. The vacation days do not accumulate over time and unused vacation days do not roll over at the end of the year.

If your child will be absent for an extended period of time, please notify the director as soon as possible to discuss alternative accommodations. 

The program director may decide to close due to weather emergencies. Families will pay full tuition during these closures for up to 5 weather emergencies per calendar year. 

 Families will pay full tuition during the holidays and professional development closures listed below. 

*No tuition is due during the July Recess - scheduled to take place the first full week of July each year*

Holiday Closures (no school)

• New Year’s Day 

• Memorial Day 

• July Recess (First full week of July)* 

• Labor Day 

• Thanksgiving Day 

• Winter Break (December 24 - 26)

Professional Development Closures (no school) - 4 per year

• TBD

Staff will comply with all LARA licensing and regulatory policies regarding medication storage and administration.

For all prescription medications, a parent, guardian, or caregiver must complete and submit the Medication Permission and Instructions form before any medication can be administered. Parents must also provide Curiosity First Early Education staff with a copy the prescription from the child’s physician.

All medication must be in the original container, stored according to instructions, and clearly labeled for the named child. Prescription medication must have the pharmacy label indicating the physician’s name, child’s first and last name, instructions, and name and strength of the medication, and must be given in accordance with those instructions (unless prescribed otherwise by physician in writing).

Please Note:

1. Medication must be returned to parent when it is determined that the medication is no longer needed or when it has expired.

2. Staff are permitted to give nonprescription sunscreen, insect repellent, and diaper rash ointment with parent permission.

3. Parents must complete and submit the Medication Permission and Instructions form, submit a copy of the prescription, and have the medication in the condition described above for all children with a diagnosed illness (or any manner of medical condition) that requires prescription medication prior to initial attendance.

4. Children with known (non-seasonal) allergies (e.g., peanuts, shellfish, eggs, milk.) must have a prescribed epinephrine pin with the accompanying documentation described above prior to initial attendance.

5. Staff are permitted to give over-the-counter medications provided by the parent, however, there must be an accompanying doctor's note (signed by the child's health care provider). The doctor's note must include: 1) The name of the medication to be given (only the listed medication will be accepted), 2) The dosage (amount and frequency/time intervals), and 3) The specific reason for the medication. Parents must provide staff with the completed Medication Permission and Instructions form, the over-the-counter medication in the original container, AND the doctor's note before the medication can be given. 

Curiosity First Early Education Program's Child-Centered Guidance Policy

We understand conflict as a natural part of human development and interaction. We use positive language, proximity support, role modeling, and environmental awareness to guide children toward desired outcomes. The child-centered approach is the foundation of the Curiosity First Early Education Program.

Positive Language

Staff use positive language to help children understand behavioral expectations. We use short clear sentences, a calm voice, and eye contact when we communicate with young children. We also use positive reinforcement to build confidence and self-esteem.

This approach is used with infants and young toddlers as well. We do this to help with their language development and encourage communication skills. Staff will place infants and young toddlers in spaces where they can move freely and safely. Staff redirect infants and young toddlers by offering them fun, hands-on activities/materials to hold their interests.

Proximity Support

Staff remain in close proximity to children during all parts of the day. At times, children may need an adult to sit next to them with a kind hand on their back or shoulder as they work through social conflicts. Other times, children may need a hug or to be held/sit on a teacher’s lap for comfort and security. Staff will provide kind and nurturing physical support to all children in the program.

Role Modeling

Staff role model appropriate behavior and language during play, teacher-lead activities, and at meal and diapering times. Through role modeling teachers provide an example of appropriate pro-social behavior within the program and within our community.

Environmental Awareness

Staff arrange the classroom in a way that meets the needs of all children in the program. Children are provided with space to be physical and loud as well as space and time for quiet activities that require more concentration and focus. The classroom space also contains an obvious and labeled “Safe Space” where children can go to be alone or receive comfort at any point during the day. Staff will also post “Classroom Expectations” and helpful social emotional regulation pictures, words, and gestures.

Prohibited Actions

Staff are not permitted to hit, spank, shake, bite, pinch, or inflict other forms of corporal punishment. Staff shall not use any substance in a child’s mouth such as, but not limited to, soap, hot sauce, or vinegar. Staff are not to restrict a child’s movement by binding or tying him or her. Staff are not permitted to inflict mental or emotional stress, such as humiliating, shaming, threating a child, or using derogatory remarks. Staff shall not deprive a child of meals, snacks, rest, or necessary toilet use. Staff shall not confine a child in an enclosed area such as a closet, locked room, box, or similar enclosure. Staff shall not use time out for children under 3 years old. It is our policy not to use time out at all. 

Kent County Health Department (KCHD) – Curiosity First Early Education Program will look to the local health department for guidance on COVID – 19 practice and precautions (and for other communicable diseases).

Masks – Masks are recommend for all individuals 2 years of age and older. Children (2 years and older) will be required to wear a mask if they start to display COVID-19 symptoms during the day, they will wear the mask until their parent/guardian arrives to take them to their health provider. Adults who display COVID-19 symptoms will be required to wear a mask until they leave the premises. 

Social Distancing – Adults: Required to social distance as much as it is possible while on-site. Children: We recognize that social distancing in childcare settings is recommended by the KCHD and will do our best to comply.

COVID-19 Vaccination – Curiosity First Early Education Program encourages those who are able to get the vaccination to do so.

Quarantine – Curiosity First Early Education Program will follow the KCHD’s recommendations for quarantine regarding individuals who are positively diagnosed with COIVD-19 or exposed to someone who is positively diagnosed with COVID-19. Quarantining individuals will not be allowed on-site until their quarantine period has ended.

Curiosity First Early Education Program staff view the health and safety of all children as our greatest responsibility. Staff are only permitted to release children to adults, 18 years of age or older, who have been identified via photo ID, and are authorized to take the child from our care. Only adults listed on the Child Information Record are authorized to take the child from our care. If an adult arrives to pick up a child and that adult is not recognized by the teacher or childcare aide responsible for the child, the adult (including parents) will be asked to show their photo ID. The child cannot be released to the adult until their identity is verified via photo ID. The staff member will ensure that the adult’s first and last name matches the name listed on the Child Information Record. A child cannot be released to an adult who is not listed on the Child Information Record. 

Exception to the Release of Child Policy: An adult who verifies their identity via photo ID and provides proof of parentage with a birth certificate or other legal document shall be considered authorized to take the child from our care. This is true even if the parent is not the custodial parent and even if they are not listed on the Child Information Record. Curiosity First Early Education staff have no legal right or responsibility to prevent a parent from accessing their child after identity and parentage is established in the manner stated above, unless there is a clear and present danger to the child. If the parent who enrolls the child has a legal document stating that the other parent should not be given access to the child, the document must be provided to the staff upon enrollment or when the document becomes available. Failure to provide this document will result in the child being released to the non-custodial parent. 

1. A center shall permit children under 18 months of age to sleep on demand. 

2. Infants shall rest or sleep alone in cribs or porta-cribs (no blankets, toys, or pillows). 

3. Infants shall be placed on their backs for resting and sleeping. 

4. Infants unable to roll from their stomachs to their backs and from their backs to their stomachs shall be placed on their backs when found face down. 

5. When infants can easily turn over from their stomachs to their backs and from their backs to their stomachs, they shall be initially placed on their backs, but shall be allowed to adopt whatever position they prefer for sleep. 

6. For an infant who cannot rest or sleep on her or his back due to disability or illness, written instructions, signed by the infant’s licensed health care provider, detailing an alternative safe sleep position or other special sleeping arrangements for the infant must be followed and kept on file at the center. The instructions must include an end date. 

7. A sleeping infant’s breathing, sleep position, and bedding must be monitored frequently for possible signs of distress.

8. Staff shall not swaddle infants of any age.  

9. An infant’s head must remain uncovered during sleep. 

If the family is going to be late picking up their child, every effort must be made to contact the program staff. A late pickup fee of $45.00 will be administered if the family is even 1 minute late regardless of the reason. A family member calling the staff to announce a late pick does not dismiss the late pickup fee. Additionally, $1.00 will be administered for each minute the family is late after the first 5 minutes. In the case of siblings, the Late Pickup Fee is administered to each child.

If the family has not called or arrived to pick up the child by 5:30 PM, the staff will call the parent(s)/caregiver(s) listed on the Child Information Record. If the parents/caregivers do not answer, the staff will leave a voicemail if possible and immediately call individuals listed as emergency contacts on the Child Information Record. If the staff fail to reach anyone who is able and willing to pick up the child, the staff will call 911 and Child Protective Services. If the staff member does speak to an individual listed on the Child Information Record who agrees to pick up the child, but the individual fails to arrive within 20 minute, the staff will call 911 and Child Protective Services.

We are excited to learn about your family's values and celebrate milestones in the life of your child. While we do not hold holiday parties, we can discuss ways that your child can share special moments with their friends at school. Please refrain from bringing any treats or snack (packaged or homemade) to the program. Families are not asked to bring any party favors or trinkets for celebrations, but you are welcome to share stickers, temporary tattoos, fun pencils or markers if you feel so inclined. 

Program Events:

Winter Gathering - TBD

Family Fun Summer Event - June 2025

Evacuation & Movement of Children to Relocation Site

If staff determine the environment within the building is unsafe, staff must immediately evacuate to a designated safe place outside the building. The evacuation procedure is as follows:

1. Verbally communicate the need to evacuate with each staff member. All staff members must count all children present and confirm the count with the other staff members present. Staff must take the travel backpack (where emergency cards are located), their phone, and the attendance sheet with them to the designated safe place. Staff should continue to monitor and count children during travel to the designated safe place.

2. When staff and children arrive at the designated safe place all staff members must count the children and verify the number with other staff members present. Staff should call 911 if they have not already done so. 

3. Staff must call the program director and brief them on the situation if program director is not present. 

4. Staff must call the parents/guardian of each child to inform them of the evacuation, communicate the address of the designated safe place, and ask them to pick-up their child as soon as possible. Parents/guardians should sign-out on the attendance sheet.

5. Staff must stay with children and maintain the appropriate adult-child ratio until children are released to parent/guardian or emergency personnel have reported the situation as safe and clear to return to the building. If the staff are able to return to the building with the children, staff must call parents/guardians (and program director) to update them on the situation.

Fire Evacuation 

Staff must follow the evacuation procedure and the Emergency Evacuation Plan map during a fire emergency. 

Shelter-in-Place

To shelter-in-place staff must ensure that doors are locked, windows are closed, and shades/blinds/curtains are down. Staff and children may continue to behave normally within the building. Staff must call/text/email parents/guardians to inform them of the shelter-in-place order. Staff will also explain that parents are not allowed into the building, nor can their children exit the building during this time. Staff must call/text/email parents once the shelter-in-place order is lifted.

Lockdown

Any staff member can call for a lockdown upon identifying a dangerous person/situation outside of the building. During a lockdown staff must count all children present and confirm the number of children with other staff. Staff should move the children, the travel backpack, and attendance sheet to the designated lockdown area within the building. The lockdown location is in the infant/toddler playroom. Staff must 1) instruct all children to remain quiet, 2) place children on the floor away from the window and door, 3) close all windows (pull down shade/blinds/curtain) and doors. Staff should call 911 if they are able to do so safely. Staff and children must remain in the lockdown area until the lockdown order is lifted (order will be lifted when emergency personnel report the situation as safe). If the fire alarm goes off during a lockdown staff should not evacuate the building unless they see smoke or fire. 

Contacting Parents and Reuniting Families

Staff must follow the evacuation procedure steps 4 – 5 to contact parents and reunite families during an emergency.

Continuing Operations During or After a Disaster

Should a disastrous natural or human-caused event occur during operation while children are present, staff must act to ensure the safety of each child in care and establish communication with parents/guardians. During a disaster staff must follow the shelter-in-place or evacuation procedure described above. Once staff have counted all children and established that each child is safe they must begin to call parents/guardians to explain the current situation and expectations. If it is necessary for parents to come to the building (or designated safe place) to retrieve their child and safe to do so, staff will communicate this information to parents/guardians. If children must remain in the building to shelter-in-place, staff will communicate this information to parents/guardians. 

The program director will decide how the program will move forward after the disaster has passed and the safety of all staff and children in care has been established. The program director will assess any damages or losses to the building and/or program and determine when to reopen and resume childcare services. The program director’s assessment and a timeline for reopening will be communicated to all staff and parents/guardians as soon as possible.

Accommodating Infants and Toddlers

Developmentally appropriate accommodation for infants and toddlers will be prioritized at all times, including during and after an emergency. Infants and Toddlers will be given access to their food and sleeping area on demand, safe sleeping practices will be observed at all times, and soiled diapers (changed at least once every 2 hours) and clothing will be changed when needed. During an emergency infants and toddlers who cannot walk (or do not have gross motor skills and coordination to walk safely) will be carried by staff. These children can be transported in a stroller if one is available and it is safe to retrieve the stroller and place the children inside according to the manufacturer’s safety protocols. 

Accommodating Children with Special Needs & Chronic Medical Conditions 

Developmentally appropriate accommodation for children with medical conditions will be prioritized at all times, including during and after an emergency. Protocols regarding the health and safety of children with chronic medical conditions as communicated and documented by their physician (and other professionals) should be observed at all times. Staff will complete an Emergency Plan for children with chronic medical conditions, children with documented or undocumented emotional, cognitive, or physical impairments, and for children with behavior concerns. Staff should follow the steps outlined in the Emergency Plan to support children during and after an emergency. 

If children require special supports to safely when being transported or walking such as headphones, these items (or duplicates) should be kept in the travel bag that staff take with them during an evacuation or lockdown as described above. Prescribed medication should also be in the travel, however, if the child’s medication is not in the travel bag at the time of the emergency, staff should retrieve the medication if it is safe to do. If staff find it necessary to evacuate the building without a child’s medication, this information must be communicated to the parent/guardian via a phone call as soon as possible. 

Tornado Watches and Warnings

Staff should monitor WZZM 13 news for updates on tornado watches and warnings. During a tornado watch the program will operate as normal with staff checking for updates every 15 – 30 minutes. During a tornado watch staff should be prepared to act quickly and move to the tornado shelter. During a tornado warning staff should immediately move all children to the designated tornado shelter where they will remain until the warning is over. Although staff will not leave the building during this time, the evacuation procedure should be followed until all staff and children reach the tornado shelter.

Serious Accident or Injury

When a serious accident or injury occurs staff must immediately care for the injured child(ren) by providing first aid and call for help from other staff members. The staff member who witnessed the event must call the parent/guardian to inform them of what happened, where it happened and when it happened and record the event on the Accident/Injury Report. The child(ren) should be monitored throughout the day.

If the child(ren) requires emergency medical services, the staff member present must call 911 or ask another staff member to call 911, inform the program director, and call the parent/guardian to inform them of the situation. One staff member will ride with the child in the ambulance if the parent/guardian is not present and it is possible to do so. The details of the event must be documented on the Accident/Injury Report (completed by the staff member who witnessed the event). A staff member within the program will follow-up with the parent/guardian the next day and record the communication on the Accident/Injury Report. 

Water Emergencies

For water emergencies such as flash floods, staff should remain inside the building with the children and monitor WZZM 13 news for updates. If staff receive news from emergency personnel that a flood is likely to occur and water is expected to enter the building, staff must immediately contact each child’s parent/guardian via a phone call. During the phone call staff must inform the parent of the emergency flood warning and tell them to pick up their child immediately or make arrangements for an approved individual to pick up the child. 

Intruders, Active Shooters, Bomb Threats & Other man – or woman – caused events

Threats of harm made against staff, children, or parents/guardians, or anyone affiliated with the program should be taken seriously and reported to the authorities.

In the event of a bomb threat staff should assume the threat is credible and evacuate the building following the evacuation procedure. Once all staff and children are safe and accounted for at the relocation site, staff must call 911 to report the threat, call the program director if not present, then call parents/guardians. Staff should follow the directions given by emergency personnel.

In the event of an intruder, active shooter, or other person-caused emergency inside the building, staff should immediately evacuate the building if possible. If it is not possible to evacuate the build, a lockdown should be called and children should be moved to the lockdown location. Staff should act to barricade doors and windows if necessary or find an alternative escape route. If the intruder, active shooter, or other person-caused emergency is outside of the building, staff should call a lockdown and move to the lockdown location. Staff should act to barricade doors and windows if necessary. Staff should then call 911 to inform them of the situation and follow the directions given by emergency personnel. 

The Curiosity First Early Education Program Licensing Notebook is located near the reception desk at the front entrance. The licensing notebook contains all the licensing inspection and special investigation reports and related corrective action plans for the last 5 years. The licensing notebook is available to parents during regular business hours. Licensing inspection reports, special investigation reports, and corrective action plans from at least the past 3 years are available on the department’s child care licensing website at www.michigan.gov/michildcare.