FAQ’s

Early Learning Centers

Are you open year-round?

Yes, we are open the whole year through excluding weekends and statutory holidays.

How many children per classroom?

The teacher to child ratio is 1 to 4 under the age of 3 and 1 to 10 over the age of three. Any classroom with children under the age of 3 may house up to eight children at a time. Any classroom with children over the age of 3 may house up to twenty children at a time.

Do you charge a registration fee?

Yes, there is a $70 registration fee for new enrollments.

Do you require a deposit?

Upon enrollment, families are responsible for a two week deposit. This deposit is a prepayment for the child’s last two weeks of care at the center when a written two week notice is given.

How do I pay?

All payments are made through Tuition Express – part of the Procare Software system we use to manage our center – allows us to process payments safely, quickly and efficiently. In a matter of minutes we can accomplish what previously took us hours to complete – leaving us even more time to spend with the children.

Tuition Express is a PCI Level 1 Service Provider. Your personal account information could not be safer. Automated payments are proven safer than paying by check – the potential for check fraud and identity theft are eliminated.

Please look over the Tuition Express FAQ sheet. There, you will find answers to questions you may have regarding Tuition Express or automated payments in general. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to ask. More information is available at TuitionExpress.com. We offer the following Tuition Express payments options:
• Checking Account Transactions [no additional charge to you]
• Credit or Debit Card Transactions Taken at the Front Desk [3% fee assessed at time of payment]

Do you offer a sliding scale for tuition?

No, but we do cooperate with the Care4Kids program through the State of Connecticut as well as TVCCA.

Do you accept Care4Kids?

Yes, we do cooperate with the Care4Kids program.

Do you charge an annual activity fee?

Yes, an annual activity fee is charged each September per family in the amount of $70

What hours can my child attend?

We offer part time and full time care up to 9.5 hrs. Per day. These hours are set upon enrollment and can be changed with proper notice if needed. There is an extra fee if you go over 9.5 hours.

What is your policy regarding inclement weather?

Our first priority is to consider the safety and well being of our employees, parents, and children. Although we do our best to remain open during the times of inclement weather, there are circumstances which force us to make the decision to close. If this is the event, we provide ample notice to all of our families.

How can I know what my child is doing throughout the day?

We communicate with our families using a state of the art digital communication app, Procare Connect. All of our classrooms are equipped with tablets that are used to communicate daily happenings in the classroom. Your child’s daily sheets, updates, and photos of daily activities are shared through this app to your secure family profile.

What is your sick policy?

Carelot has a strict policy when a child is ill. The child will be excluded for 24 hours or 1 school day. Detailed sick policies are given to all families upon enrollment.

Carelot Clubhouse Programs

What are the hours of the programs?

TFS: 6:30am to the start of school and after school until 6:00pm, WAS: after school until 6:00pm.

How do we make payments?

Tuition Express – part of the Procare Software system we use to manage our center – allows us to process payments safely, quickly and efficiently. In a matter of minutes we can accomplish what previously took us hours to complete – leaving us even more time to spend with the children.

Do I have care on Professional Development/Vacation days?

TFS: Families may add professional development days/school vacations which will be held at The Friendship School. Tuition rates will be adjusted accordingly and advance sign-up is required.

WAS: Families may add professional days/school vacations etc. to their schedules for an extra charge. Tuition rates will be adjusted accordingly and advance sign-up is required.

Full Days are available at the East Lyme Center for K-5 students for an additional cost of $55.

What is your policy regarding snow days?

Our first priority is to consider the safety and well-being of our employees, parents, and children. If our Centers are open when the schools close due to snow, currently enrolled clubhouse students may attend at no additional cost. Sign up in advance is required for this service.