What time may I drop my children off?
During the school year, September - May, you may drop off your children M-F any time after 12:30pm. Due to increased enrollment in Half Day and Full Day Preschool, we currently do not have space for drop-ins prior to 12:30pm. During the summer, you may drop off any time after 1:00pm. Please also call ahead to check availability. Hours all year are 7:00 am - 5:30 pm, M-F.
Why can't we drop off children younger than 3 years?
Kids Cottage is not licensed to accept children for drop in younger than 3 years for drop in.
Why don't you allow your staff to babysit off site?
Our staff members do not babysit for families outside of Kids Cottage because it interferes with their schedule at Kids Cottage. We are not licensed to be an off site babysitting service, and will not be held responsible for babysitting errors outside our facility.
What will my child do at Kids Cottage if they are dropped off?
Depending on the amount of time the children are here and the group size, the children will play on the indoor play equipment, play board games, read books and do puzzles, and run and play on our outdoor playground. Our supervisors engage the children in more structured activities as well, including arts and crafts, reading, and many other fun games.
**Children will be with a supervising adult at all times**
What are the play equipment rules?
The small indoor equipment is for ages 2 - 5 and the large indoor equipment is for ages 5 - 12. Parents may sign a waiver for a child who is 4 years old to play on the large equipment. Our staff is strict on this policy for the safety of the children.
Do you provide snacks for children?
Parents may provide snack, lunch, or dinner for their child while they are visiting Kids Cottage. Our supervisors will make sure the children eat the food that you provided during our scheduled times: snack 10:00am, lunch 12:15pm, snack 3:00pm. Please be sure to pack healthy snacks if possible.
Is my child able to take a nap?
Yes, if you are enrolled in our Full Day Preschool Program. We have naptime from 12:30pm - 2:30pm, Monday - Friday. Parents may bring a blanket and pillow; we provide a mat for your child. (Please see our naptime policy at the front desk.) Unfortunately, nap time is not available for drop in children.
What are the pickup procedures?
We will only release children to those on the "Authorized Pick Up" list. If the parent is not picking up the child, we will ask for identification. Kids Cottage reserves the right to call emergency contact for pick up if necessary. There is a late charge of $10.00/minute per child after closing hours.
What is the lunch schedule and policy?
We have lunch in drop in (provided by the parent) around 12:15pm daily. Please clearly label your child's lunch bag. Please do not bring food items that require heating. Let us know immediately if your child has any food allergies. Please do your best to provide food from all food groups.
How do you deal with an injury?
We will assess the situation and apply first aid as needed. We will use the emergency information provided by the parent/guardian for any emergencies. An "Ouch Report" will be filled out to document the incident.
How is your staff qualified?
We are all CPR and First Aid trained and all of our staff has criminal background checks. Our lead teaching staff has extensive education backgrounds and prior experience teaching various levels. Our supervisors have experience working with children of all ages, and most are students at the University of Delaware and Delaware Tech in Early Childhood Education.
How do you handle behavior problems?
We try to redirect the behavior and use positive reinforcement. A verbal warning is given. Then children will be asked to "take a break". We will document the behavior on a discipline form and call the parent if necessary. After 3 behavior reports, your child will be dismissed for a period of 30 days.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
No, but we encourage children age 3 and older to be potty trained. Please bring diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for your child. Our supervisors will do their best to make sure diapers are changed when needed.
What is Parents' Night Out?
Once a month, you can drop off your children and enjoy a night to yourselves. Your children will enjoy a movie, snack, and will also have a chance to play on our indoor playground. Check our website or call for calendar.
