Early Basics Learning Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is needed to enroll?
A: Every parent must complete and sign a registration for. This form is used in case of an emergency. It also lists who is authorized to take the child from the center. Each parent must provide a current immunization record and a physician’s report stating the child can attend preschool. We also ask parents to sign a permission form allowing or not allowing their child to participate in special activities.

Q: What is the teacher to student ration in the infant/toddler program?
A: If the average age is between 1 and 9 months the ratio is 1 caregiver to 4 children. If the average age is between 12-18 months the ratio is 1 caregiver to 6 children. If the average age is above 18 months the ratio is 1 caregiver to 8 children. If all the children are 24 months the ratio is 1 caregiver to 10 children.

Q: What qualifications do the caregivers need?
A: All staff members must be fingerprinted and must provide a negative Tuberculin test before hire. After hire and with in 90 days, they must attend the infectious disease and child abuse class. They must also be CPR certified and complete a first aide class with in 90 days of hire. In addition they must complete a total of 15 hours of continuing education classes. Each year after they must complete 15 hours of continuing education.

Q: What is the difference between an aide and a teacher?
A: An aide has the mandatory qualifications. A teacher must have an A.A or BA in Education.

Q: Can I visit my children while they are in class?
A: we have an open door policy. Once your child is registered you may visit at any time. The only time we might ask the parent to refrain from visiting at any time is if the visits upset the child or disrupt class.

Q: What safety precautions does your facility have in place?
A: We have locking doors at our entrance and playground to ensure safety from the unknown. We also require that the parent list persons that are permitted to take the child from the center. These people must show a picture ID before they are allowed to enter the classroom or playground.

All children are signed in and out of the building by the parent or authorized person bringing or taking the child from the center.

We also practice fire evacuation once a month. We have a disaster drill once every three months.

Q: What communication does the faculty have with the parents?
A: All teachers greet each parent. Our faculty members must acknowledge when a child has arrived and when a child is departing.

If the child has an accident at school an accident report is written and made available to the parent.

Daily reports are completed for every child two and younger. These daily’s document meals, diaper changes, naptimes, and more.

If a child has had some behavior issues a behavior report is written. The report identifies the behavior and documents what action was taken

A progress report for each child three and older is issued four times a year. Parent/Teacher conference times are offered twice a year. Parents are welcome to request a conference as needed.

Q: Are meals offered?
A: No the children bring their own lunch. This ensures the parents control over the nutritional needs and preferences of their child. Occasionally we offer a special lunch. The lunch items can be heated in the microwave and served in disposable plates or cups.
We do offer a mid morning and mid afternoon snack.

Q: What health screening precautions are practiced at Early Basics?
A: We follow the exclusion policies set forth by Washoe County Health Department. Children are sent home if they have a temperature of 100 degrees and must be fever and Tylenol free for 24 hours before returning to school. If the child has any sign or symptom of a communicable disease they must be sent home and cannot return until they are no longer contagious or have a return to school slip from a licensed medical doctor.
We also reserve the right to send home any child that is too ill to participate in our daily routine.

Q: Does early basics offer part-time programs?
A: there are several part time programs offered including ½ days

Q: What does your facility off that others may not?
A: Our facility is located in the heart of Sparks, NV. Our building is new and designed for our program. We have big colorful classrooms that encourage your child to grow socially, physically, and academically. We have a big fenced playground, a growing computer room, and a special dance class. Our low teacher to child ratio ensures attention for your child.

Q: Does Early Basics offer credit for missed days?
A: No. Tuition is based on a yearly budget and holidays and sick days have already been considered when tuition prices were set. We do offer two weeks of vacation credit each year. So if a family is going to be on vacation for week and gives a two week (10 business days) notice that states the date the child will be gone and the date the child will return a credit will be given. (Maximum two weeks per year per child.)