Frequently Asked Questions
- What ages do you serve?
- How much does it cost?
- What are the Center’s hours? Is the Center open all year?
- Can I drop my child off at the Center while I’m at the Testing Center or meeting with my advisor?
- Do you accept children from the community?
- When should I register my child?
- How do I get my child on the Center’s waiting list?
- Is financial assistance available?
- Does my child need to be toilet trained?
- Do you provide meals?
- What are the qualifications of the staff?
- What is your teacher/child ratio?
- Does the Center have a Keystone Stars rating?
- Does the Center offer a preschool program?
- Will you prepare my child for kindergarten?
What ages do you serve?
The Children’s Center serves ages two through five years (entering kindergarten).
How much does it cost?
The weekly tuition fee is based on your child’s age, number of scheduled hours per week and whether the parent is a student, faculty member or staff person at MCCC. Please see the Registration Form for fees and schedule options.
What are the Center’s hours? Is the Center open all year?
The Center is open from 7:40 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. The Center is open most days the college is open with the exception of the final two weeks of August.
Can I drop my child off at the Center while I’m at the Testing Center or meeting with my advisor?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer this service. All children must be enrolled on a regular weekly schedule.
Do you accept children from the community?
During the academic year the Center accepts a very limited number of community children based on available space. During the summer months the Center welcomes community children in the camp program.
When should I register my child?
We begin registering children for each upcoming semester on the same schedule as the college course registration. This is generally late October for the spring semester, late March for the summer and fall semesters.
How do I get my child on the Center’s waiting list?
To put your child’s name on the waiting list please complete a current registration form and submit it with the $30 registration fee. This fee is nonrefundable and will be applied at the time of enrollment. You will be contacted when a space becomes available.
Is financial assistance available?
To get help paying the Center’s tuition you have the following options:
- If your family is income-eligible you may use the Pennsylvania subsidy system, managed by Child Care Information Services, CCIS. The phone number for Montgomery County is 800-281-1116.
- Some students have used financial aid or student loans. Please visit the Financial Aid office, upstairs in College Hall, for more information.
- If your child meets the “at risk” and age requirements for Pre-K Counts and the Center has a slot open, no fees will be charged for the hours of 8 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday during the school year. Please see Pre-K Counts for more information.
Does my child need to be toilet trained?
No. Two of our three classrooms accept children in diapers.
Do you provide meals?
During the school year, September through mid June, we provide a nutritious lunch in addition to morning and afternoon snacks. During the summer parents must provide the lunch.
What are the qualifications of the staff?
All lead teachers at the Center have degrees in early childhood education as well as many years of experience working with young children. The director has a master’s degree and over 30 years of experience. The assistant teachers have at least two years’ experience and often have early childhood degrees, as well.
What is your teacher/child ratio?
In keeping with the high standards of NAEYC Accreditation we maintain ratios below those allowed by our licensing agency, the Department of Public Welfare, DPW. DPW mandates a ratio of 1:6 for children under age 3 and we typically have a ratio of 1:5 or fewer. DPW mandates a ratio of 1:10 for children ages 3 to 5 years and we typically have a ratio of 1:8 or fewer. From time to time we also have student teachers, volunteers or Work Study students helping out in our classrooms.
Does the Center have a Keystone Stars rating?
Yes. The Center is rated Star 4, Accredited. The Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, NAEYC.
Does the Center offer a preschool program?
Yes. The Center uses the Creative Curriculum with all the children we serve. This is the same curriculum taught in the early childhood department of MCCC. Center staff also follow the PA Early Learning Standards. For more information please schedule a tour of the Center by contacting the director, Debbie Ravacon at 215-641-6618 or dravacon@mc3.edu
Will you prepare my child for kindergarten?
Yes. This is a good question to discuss further during the Center tour.
