Enroll Today

The children in the Drop-in room range in age from 3 to 12 years old. These children do not spend time with preschool teacher, they are cared for and supervised by Childcare Aides. The High Scope curriculum designed for preschoolers is not implemented in the Drop-In room. Parents who are looking for a full educational experience for their family including parent-teacher conferences, developmental screenings, lesson plans, and ongoing assessment will enroll their child in the preschool program. 

Unfortunately we are unable to provide drop-in care for your infant/toddler. The drop-in room is for children 3 - 12 years old only. 

Tentative Daily Schedule.

7 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

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)

Yes, children in the preschool room must be potty trained. If your child still naps and needs a pull-up during that time we can accommodate them by making sure they put their pull-up on before nap time. If your child needs additional potty support, such as being reminded to take a potty break, we can certainly support them in that area as well. 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. This process is anticipated to be complete by mid January with hopes of opening for operations in early February. In the meantime, the in-home program will continue to provide high-quality care and education for children 0 -5 years old. 

Families who enroll in the in-home program will automatically be enrolled in the center-based program and will begin to pay center rates (see above) the first week of the transition.  

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 $30.00 will be added to the family’s account. If the full monthly payment and additional $30.00 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. 

Drop-In Care and Tuition Payments

• Payment is due in full before care is offered to the family. Families requesting one day of care or hourly care (0 - 4 hours) will pay their tuition on or before the day care is provided.

• Families requesting a full month of care will follow the Monthly Tuition Payment schedule above. 

• Families requesting a full-week of care will pay their tuition in full by 5:45p the Friday preceding care. If the Friday is a 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 5:45p the Friday preceding, a late fee of $30.00 will be added to the family’s account. If the full monthly payment and additional $30.00 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.

• Families requesting School Age Summer Break care will pay full tuition on June 1, 2024 by 5:45p. 

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 disease 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 due (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 due. 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)

• Friday, February 16, 2024

• Friday, May 24, 2024

• Friday, August 23, 2024

• Friday, October 11, 2024

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 more than 5 minutes 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. The Late Pickup Fee is administered to each child that has not been picked up.

If the family has not called or arrived to pick up the child by 5:45 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 one hour, 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 - 

Please join us as we come together to have fun and celebrate one another with Music and Movement activities!

Thursday, February 15, 2024

4:00p - 5:00p

Party Bags, Snacks, Lots of Fun

Family Fun Summer Event - 

You are invited to join Curiosity First as we celebrate all we have accomplished this school year and welcome summer!

Friday, June 28, 2024

4:00p - 5:00p

Petting Zoo, Games, Snacks, Lots of Fun