About Us: Frequently Asked Questions
- Q Is Child Development Centers, Inc. for profit or nonprofit?
- A Child Development Centers, Inc. is a nonprofit charitable corporation that was formed in 1969 to create safe, reliable childcare in Venango County. Child Development Centers, Inc. can receive charitable donations and is exempt from most taxes as a charitable organization.
- Q How many locations do you have?
- A Child Development Centers, Inc. has 5 locations. 3 locations in Franklin, one in Cranberry, and one in Oil City.
- Q Do you have any special designations?
- A Child Development Centers, Inc.'s 3 early childhood centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This accreditation is a mark of excellence since only about 8% of centers in Pennsylvania and the United States have been able to achieve this level of quality with regard to standards such as staff credentials, curriculum and family relationships. Franklin, Cranberry and Hasson Heights are NAEYC accredited. Visit www.naeyc.org to learn more about accreditation.w.naeyc.org
- Q How do we know if you are quality?
- A Besides accreditation by NAEYC, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has developed the Keystone Stars program that designates childcare centers as Star 1 through Star 4, with a Star 4 being the highest rated for quality. The higher the Star level the higher quality the program is with regard to staff credentials, curriculum and classroom environment. All of our centers are rated a Star 4. For more information go to www.pakeys.org
- Q Are you tuition or hourly?
- A Child Development Centers, Inc. is tuition based. Parents enroll for a minimum of 3 full days per week and are required to pay the tuition regardless of attendance. This tuition ensures that the child has a slot within the classroom and that teachers are available to accommodate proper staffing levels.
- Q How many days are you closed?
- A Child Development Centers, Inc. closes a minimal number of days per year to help families who have varying work schedules. We are closed on major holidays provided the holiday falls on a week day. If the holiday falls on a weekend we are open regular Monday – Friday hours. We are closed New Years Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Q What are your hours and days of operation?
- A All centers are open Monday through Friday from 6:00 am until 6:00 pm.
- Q Do you accept CCIS subsidy if I qualify?
- A Child Development Centers, Inc. has a contract with Child Care Information Services (CCIS) to assist families who are eligible for subsidized childcare. The cost of childcare does not designate the amount of a family’s copayment. A CCIS family can choose the highest quality program for the same price as a low quality program.
- Q How do you release children?
- A Children are only released to either the parent or persons designated in writing by the parent. Such individuals are documented on the family fee agreement in advance. Child Development Centers, Inc. is concerned with the safety of your child and will not permit a phone request for release to an individual who was not previously listed.
- Q How do you address children’s health?
- A Child Development Centers, Inc. has a full time Health & Wellness Coordinator. He teaches lessons to the preschool and school-age children each week. They address nutrition, fitness, dental health and safety. He also provides health related training for our staff. He also provides physical education weekly to children in on-site gymnasiums or playgrounds.