Frequently Asked Questions - Everything you ever wanted to know about Growing Tree

What does non-profit mean?
It means the Center is governed by a Board of Directors. Our goal is to provide quality, affordable childcare to the community. We do this in a variety of ways: we try to keep childcare costs as low as possible, we provide 48 infant toddler childcare slots for the community, and our money is used to maintain the Center and improve staff salaries and benefits.

Are you licensed?
The Center is certified and licensed by the Child Care Division(CCD) of the State of Oregon. A yearly review is conducted, including an on-site visit.

What are your requirements when you hire teachers?
We require that a teacher is registered in the Criminal History Registry, have a current CPR/First Aid card, completed a Child Abuse and Neglect class, obtain a Food Handlers card and participate in a minimum of 15 training hours that are specific to the age group they are working with. We highly encourage staff to register in the Professional Development Register (PDR) with pay incentives available for each level achieved. We seek employees with Early Childhood experience and/or education.

Do you offer part-time childcare?
Yes we offer part- time childcare spots. We offer schedules ranging from one half day a week to five full days a week. A half day is between the hours of 6:00am - 12:00pm or 12:00pm- 6:00pm. A full day is anything that crosses the noon hour.

What if my schedule changes each week?
We ask that you contract specific days of the week. This allows us to match up schedules. We require two weeks notice for any schedule change or withdrawal. Changes to schedule are dependent upon availability.

How do I enroll?
First you will need to take a tour of the Center, second, a $150 non refundable deposit will be collected to reserve a spot( you will be able to apply this money towards your registration fee when your child starts), and third, you will need to fill out enrollment paperwork.

Do you provide meals?
We participate in the USDA food program. We provide breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack. We meet and follow the guidelines set forth by the US Dept. Of Agriculture(USDA).

What if my child has special food needs?
We always accommodate special food needs for medical conditions. You will be asked to fill out a medical statement and have it signed by your doctor.

When is tuition due?
Tuition is due by the 5th of each month.

Are there any fees other than tuition?
Yes, we charge a non refundable fee of $150 upon enrollment. Families can distribute this fee two ways: Apply $50 towards registration and $100 towards first months tuition with a commitment of 10 volunteer hours per year; or apply the entire $150 towards registration fee with no commitment to volunteer hours.

There is an annual registration fee billed each January. Families have a choice to pay either a $50 fee with a commitment to volunteer at least 10 hours per year or $150 fee with no volunteer time required. The annual registration fee will be billed in January but can be paid over a 3 month period.

We do offer extra activities such as soccer, swimming, kindermusik and parents night out. Fees for these are separate from tuition if you decide to participate.

What is your sick policy?
Any child exhibiting any of the following will be sent home. Fever, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, severe cough, unusual yellow color to skin or eyes, skin lesions or eyes that are weeping or pus filled, unexplained rashes, stiff neck and headache, difficult breathing or complaints of severe pain.
No child will be accepted for return to the Center unless they are symptom free or have a note from a health care practitioner stating that they are cleared to return to childcare. Children will be fever free for 24 hours without medication. Also, children are considered contagious until they have been on antibiotics for a full 24 hours. We must remain adamant about our policies for sick children, as health care is a chief concern among families and staff.

What is your discipline policy?
Learning self control is a normal part of growing up. At Growing Tree we define the word “Discipline” as teaching.It is our policy to never shame or embarrass a child for his/her actions. Instead we emphasize what they can do using re-direction and logical consequences which encourage children to be responsible for themselves and their actions.