General Questions | Enrollment | Tuition & Fees
General Questions
What is the child/staff ratio?
We are staffed at the following ratios: 10:1 for preschool age.
Our teachers
have a minimum bachelor’s degree in early childhood development and will be assisted by an Instructional Aide and trained classroom volunteers.
All staff are highly trained in: cultural competency, positive discipline, behavioral issues, separation anxiety, and trauma.
Can we visit your programs?
Parents are welcome to visit the GELC. It is recommended that an appointment be made with the teacher if you wish to have a conference. If you would like a tour, please call (206) 612-4552.
What are your hours of operation?
Monday through Friday: Early drop-off begins at 7:00 a.m. and late pick-up ends at 6:00 p.m. We are closed Saturdays and Sundays.
What is your discipline policy?
All children will be expected and required to observe the discipline policy of the Griffin Early Learning Center posted in each classroom. Safety of all children is the goal of discipline. Although consistent routine and program organization keep disciplinary problems to a minimum, communication between child and staff where problems and solutions are identified
1. Redirection to more appropriate activities
2. Behavior improvement strategies
3. Parent conference
4. Probation period
Corporal punishment is not used in the program. In all matters of discipline staff will communicate with children and attempt to re-direct activity through a variety of strategies.
Do you close for school breaks?
We are closed for school breaks and certain holidays.
How do we use drop-in childcare?
Drop-In care is a pre-paid service on a space available basis. Drop-In care is not available during school breaks. Families must call the center in advance to arrange drop-in care.
Is transportation provided to preschool?
Transportation is provided within a 3-5 mile radius from shelters and transitional housing development.
Can my child come to school ill?
Children who are ill, with or without a temperature, or who are unable to participate in regular activities, may not return to GELC until their temperature has been normal for a minimum of 24 hours, and the child is able to participate in regular activities. Conditions such as lice, or symptoms such as vomiting, severe coughing or diarrhea will require removal of the child from the school. If a child becomes ill while he/she is in our care, parents will be notified and asked to come immediately and pick up their youngster. Until parents arrive, ill children will be separated from the other children and cared for there by the school nurse. An alternate plan for your child must be established by parents if they are unable to pick up a sick child or if they cannot be reached by telephone during the work day. This plan must be given to the school staff who will keep it on file at the center.
What is your safety policy?
Program supervision shall be provided for children at all times in the classroom and on the playground.
Children will not be released to any adult who is obviously impaired by drugs and/or alcohol, or otherwise appears unable to safely be responsible for the child.
All employees at First Place’s Griffin Early Learning Center will go through a WA State Background Check and fingerprinting and will be trained in CPR, First Aid, and STARS Assessment. Volunteers working with students are monitored at all times and have a WA State Background Check. Griffin Early Learning Center is a secure facility.
Do you report child abuse?
All Griffin Early Learning staff members, both certificated and classified, who have reasonable cause to believe that a student has suffered abuse or neglect, including physical injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or negligent treatment or maltreatment, shall report such incident. Such report shall be made to Children's Protective Services, and the program director and building principal will be notified of that communication as per Washington State Law.
Who can pick up my child from the center?
Children will be released only to adults authorized on the registration form, unless written permission is provided by the parent/guardian who enrolled the child to release the child to another adult. Staff will ask for verification of identity before releasing a child from the center.
Parents are required to sign their complete signature upon arrival and departure from the center with the children.
Tuition & Fees
Are meals included in the tuition?
Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and 2 snacks are included with tuition. Parents are required to provide center staff with a written list of any food items that a child cannot consume.
We were in the program last year do we need to pay the registration fee again?
Yes, our registration fees are paid annually.
Do you provide receipts when I make a payment?
Parents are advised to keep monthly statements for tax records. Any payments received prior to statements being printed will appear on the monthly statement.
Year-end records of payments are provided by request.
Do you provide scholarship assistance?
We do provide limited scholarship assistance if your family meets eligibility guidelines. Contact our office by phone at (206) 612-4552 for more information on how to apply for assistance.
Do you charge for late pick up after closing?
Charges are assessed for children who remain after the preschool dismissal time at $15.00 for any part of fifteen minutes per child. Consistent late pick up may cause dismissal from the program. These extra charges will appear on your next month's billing statement.
Enrollment
When can my child attend Griffin Early Learning Center?
All children must be 3 years of age and be toilet trained and able to perform this function independently before then can attend. (Children that are classified as special needs may be an exception.)
Must my child be potty trained before they can enroll?
All children must be potty trained before they can start our program.
For more information, please contact Genna Phillips or Nichelle Alston, at (206) 612-4552.