Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not find the answers you are looking for, or if you have any other questions please feel free to e-mail the Children’s Institute at emu.ci@emich.edu.
Where is the Children’s Institute Located?
The Children’s Institute is currently located in the Fletcher Building. The building is located at 1055 Cornell St., Ypsilanti, MI, 48197. We are located at the corner of Cornell Street and Ainsley Street, across from the Cornell Courts Apartment complex.
Is the Children’s Institute open all year?
Yes, the center is open year round and coincides with the University schedule. When registering your child, you will receive a list of days the Children’s Institute is closed. Any circumstances that may arise requiring the Institute to be closed (for example inclement weather) announcements will be carried on the EMU Newsline (734.487.2460); the switchboard (734.487.1849); WEMU (89.1 FM); WJR (760 AM); WAAM (1600 AM), as well as other radio and television stations.
Is the Children’s Institute accredited?
We are currently in the process of re-accreditaion by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. NAEYC administers the largest and most widely recognized national, voluntary, professionally sponsored accreditation system for all types of early childhood schools and childcare centers. NAEYC is one of the nation’s largest organization of early childhood educators.
How do I enroll my child at the Children’s Institute?
Children are enrolled at the Children’s Institute on a semester basis throughout the year. The admission procedure, as space allows, is as follows:
You may contact the Children’s Institute for an Enrollment Application Form or print it off the web site. It must be submitted with a $20.00 application fee. We are not able to process the application until the application fee is received. A $30.00 registration fee will be due once the child is placed. Families not enrolling for fall semester will be assessed these fees upon initial registration.
No shows: If a child does not attend during the original semester requested, the application and registration fee will be charged again upon re-enrollment.
What are my chances of getting in?
It is impossible for us to tell you in advance “what your chances are”. It depends on the number of currently enrolled children who continue into the next semester, therefore dictating how many openings we have for new children. The number of new children we enroll also depends on the types of schedules requested (part-or full-time) and space available in specific classrooms. Please note that the application you turn in will only be good for the semester submitted for. You must submit a new one each semester.
Who is eligible to attend the Children’s Institute?
Children of EMU students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community can attend the Children’s Institute. We enroll children ages 18 months to 6 years. If a child won’t be 18 months old until after the semester starts, a parent has several options: wait until the next semester to apply; if space is available, pay to save the space, although your child will not be able to attend until they are 18 months old; or wait until your child turns 18 months old before applying and we will let you know if space is available at that time.
What forms will be due once my child is enrolled at the Children’s Institute?
The following forms need to be completed and returned before the child’s first day. A confirmation package will be sent to your house prior to your child’s first day and will contain the following paperwork.
- Child’s Background Information Profile
- Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Forms
- Class Schedule Card (EMU Students Only)
- Emergency Card/Child Information Record
- Green Health Form (signed by a physician)
- Immunization Form/Immunization Waiver
- Licensing Notebook Requirement
- Sunscreen/Insect Repellent Authorization
What time does the Children’s Institute open and what time does it close?
The Children’s Institute opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 5:30p.m. Monday – Friday. Upon arrival and departure the parent/guardian must sign their child in and out as a safety measure for the child. Anyone who is picking up a child and is unfamiliar to a staff member MUST show identification before the child can be released. Anyone who does not provide identification will be turned away (this includes parents who are unfamiliar to us).
Is there designated parking for drop-off and pick-up?
For your convenience, drop-off/pick-up parking areas for families have been designated in our lot. The area observes a 15-minute "standing time" limit and vehicles using these spaces must display an EMU Children's Institute parking permit. The Department of Public Safety will strictly enforce the 15 minute "standing time" limit. Abuse of the the 15-minute limit will result in a parking ticket from the Department of Public Safety. Families wishing to use these drop-off/pick-up areas must complete the permit section of your child's application at the Business Office. A $6 fee is assessed for each fall/winter parking permit and $3 for each spring and summer parking permit. A $3 replacement fee will be charged for each lost parking permit.
We do expect parents to place children in a car seat in the back seat of their car and to buckle them in before they leave. Please DO NOT leave children of any age unattended in the car. Also, do not allow your children to enter or exit the Children’s Institute building alone.
What is the staff-Child Ratio for the Children’s Institute?
-
Toddler (18 months to 2 1/2 years)
One staff to four children -
Young Preschoolers (2 1/2 yrs and up)
One staff to seven children -
Preschoolers
One staff to nine children -
Summer Camp
One staff to 10 children
What about meals?
The Children’s Institute provides a morning breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Our center participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The main purpose of the CACFP is to help children receive nutritious food and well balanced meals. Breakfast, lunch and snack must meet meal pattern requirements. You are not charged a fee for the breakfast, lunch or snack served to your child while enrolled in our care.
What will I need for nap time?
The Toddler program naps from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm.
Nap or rest time in the Early Preschool and Preschool programs varies between classrooms. For exact times and details, please consult the classroom teacher.
If your child will be napping or resting, you may bring a crib sized or flat sheet (some crib sheets will not fit Blue and Green Room cots), a small blanket and a small pillow. One stuffed animal per child may also be included. Please label all nap items with your child’s name or initials. State licensing requires nap and rest items to be taken home and laundered weekly.
Is there a dress code?
No. However, clothing should be the type that can be managed easily by young, inexperienced fingers. It is also important that the child wears clothing that launders easily due to many activities at the Children’s Institute. Please dress your child appropriately (i.e. boots, gloves, hats, scarves, etc.) Weather permitting; the children will go out to the playground daily. Also, please mark all clothing with the child’s first name and last initial.
Can my child bring toys from home?
The Children’s Institute is fully equipped with age-appropriate toys and materials, and the teachers strive to create a sense of community in each room by sharing and caring for the Institute’s materials.
Because of the number of children at the Children’s Institute, we cannot be responsible for any item from home that is misplaced or broken. We also do not permit war toys or toys that encourage violent/angry solutions to problems.
We therefore ask that no playthings be brought to the Children’s Institute from home.
What else do I need to bring for my child to the Children’s Institute?
Please bring two changes of underwear and a complete change of clothes (including socks) for your child’s clothing bin. We will ask you to replacement them as your child uses them at the Children’s Institute. Please be sure to change the clothes in the bin as the season changes.
Will I need to bring diapers and wipes from home?
No. The Children’s Institute provides both diapers and wipes for your child. Diapering time is scheduled into the day; please refer to the Daily Schedule posted in your child’s classroom for these times. We will make every effort to support your child’s attempts a toilet learning when your child is ready.
What is your illness and communicable disease policies?
We are in close environment in which contagious illness can be easily transmitted. Children who are ill should not come to the Institute. Any child with a fever of 100 degrees or more, discharge or thick mucus from the nose, mouth or eyes, undiagnosed rash, vomiting, or diarrhea may not attend. The child must be symptom free (with out of the use of over the counter medication) or have been on prescribed medication for 24 hours prior to returning to the Institute. All children who are well enough to come to school are considered to be well enough to participate in all activities, including vigorous play indoors and out.