Learning Centers/FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Child Care Choices

Naturally, you have questions about early learning and your child care choices. In addition to the frequently asked questions covered here, check out our blog for recent news and helpful information from Child Care of Southwest Florida.

What Does
“NAC Accredited”
Mean?

The National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs acknowledges early childhood programs that meet high standards in the care and education of young children. For example, our centers have a lower staff-to-student ratio, which means children spend more quality time with their teachers, receiving the valuable attention they deserve.

What Are Our Center Directors’ and Teachers’ Qualifications?

Our highly trained teachers hold Child Development Associates Credentials, as well as associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Our child care personnel comply with the Department of Children and Families Introductory Training requirements and are First Aid and CPR certified.

Likewise, every center director and other high-level staff has earned the Florida Directors Credential. Directors participate in a minimum of 30 hours per year of training in early childhood/development and topics related to program management, leadership, and supervision.

Through continued training, our team is always evolving and constantly improving the classroom and environment of each learning center. Teachers must attend at least 20 hours per year of in-service training in early childhood/child development, related to the age group of children they work with.

Why Do We Use the Play-Based Creative Curriculum?

Through research, conclusive evidence has shown that children learn best while they’re at play. Our centers follow the Creative Curriculum, which has been nationally recognized through research as a successful learning path. This type of learning emphasizes a child-centered approach to instruction through exploration. Teachers guide children through in-depth studies and meaningful work based on each child’s interests and needs, making learning relevant through:

First-hand observation

Hands-on experiences

Intentional teaching

Personal reflection

Additionally, this approach allows teachers to individualize learning based on each child’s specific needs at every age. This engagement will prepare them for school readiness using classroom activities and their environment.

What is VPK?

Some of our centers offer Voluntary PreKindergarten Programs (VPK) and/or the Head Start Programs. VPK programs provide 4-year-old children an opportunity to get ready for kindergarten and build a strong foundation for continued success in their school years. Research shows that children who participate in high-quality early childhood programs develop better language skills, score higher on school readiness tests, and develop better social skills. The program focuses on strengthening:

Pre-reading

Pre-math

Language

Social skills

What is Head Start?

Some of our centers offer Voluntary PreKindergarten Programs (VPK) and/or the Head Start Programs. Head Start is a program that establishes comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to lower-income children ages 3 to 5. Health services are included, such as screenings, check-ups, and dental cleanings. Social services provide family advocates to work with parents and help them in accessing community resources. Eligibility for this program is largely income based.