Early Learning Center         
Frequently Asked Questions

The Early Learning Program is a play-based, hands-on, socially interactive learning environment committed to nurturing the development of the whole child. From our youngest infant to our oldest preschooler, we see each child as a developing human being, a life long learner, and an active participant in the learning process. We understand that each child develops at his or her own unique pace and we work to create an environment that addresses each child’s emotional, social and intellectual needs.

Each center is staffed with a designated teaching team. Each teaching team is comprised of three full time teachers: One Center Director and two Curriculum Teachers. Floaters (full time substitutes) provide coverage for teacher absences.

At Mead, we believe in establishing and maintaining open lines of communication with parents as a vital part of our approach to nurturing and educating the whole child. We communicate continuously with parents in a variety of ways, including daily conversations, daily center email updates and weekly newsletters, informational bulletin boards, parenting workshops, parent association meetings, family events and goals conferences. Our responsive staff is always willing to set up a mutually convenient time to discuss questions and comments about your child’s experience.

Our Extended Day program opens each day at 6:30 AM and closes promptly at 5:30 PM. Our Full Day program (offered for Preschool and Pre-K) opens at 9:00 AM and closes promptly at 3:00 PM. We find that most families fall into a fairly consistent routine with regard to drop off and pick up times. When planning for your routine, please keep in mind that each center maintains a specific schedule of activities.

 

In the morning, it is important to leave plenty of time for children to separate from their parents, transition into the center and create shared experiences with their peers before moving into the more structured part of the day. Ideally, this means that most children arrive no later than 9:00 AM, especially those ranging in age from two to five.

In the afternoon/evening, it is important to leave time for children to finish up whatever they might be working on before heading home.

 

We fully understand the need for a late arrival or early pick up from time to time. When times like this arise, we ask that you be in touch with your child’s teaching team. Together, you can put a plan in place to support a change in schedule.

Parents must provide lunch, snacks, diapers, wipes, extra clothes weather-appropriate outerwear, shoes and supplies for nap/rest time. A complete list of provisions and supplies can be found in our family handbook.

As a general rule of thumb, children experiencing obvious symptoms such as fever, vomiting and diarrhea should remain home until they have been symptom free for a period of 24 hours, without the aid of a fever reducer.
 

Rashes of unknown origin and symptoms related to conjunctivitis should be seen by a health care practitioner before returning to the program.

 

Runny noses and the common cold are not as easily defined. We do not have a runny nose policy. When making an assessment, we take into consideration the whole child and look for changes in symptoms as well as behavior.

 

Clearance from your child’s health care practitioner may be requested.

Our Early Learning Center teachers are trained in infant/child CPR and first aid through the CT Red Cross. Additionally, they receive training in the administration of epi-pens and mandated reporting of child abuse and neglect.

We offer several payment plans to fit the needs of individual families: One Installment, Two Installment, Four Installment and Ten Installment options are available. For more information or for help determining which plan might work best for you, contact Joanne Costello, Assistant Head of School for Admissions and Community Relations, to determine which plan might work best for you: joanne_costello@meadschool.org.

In non-pandemic times parents are welcome visitors and often participate in their child’s experience in a variety of ways. We often have nursing mothers in the Infant Center. Family members are encouraged to share books, stories, activities or important traditions with their child’s class. The best way to do this is to work with your child’s teaching team so that everyone can plan accordingly.

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to abridge these policies and limit entry to the ELC for reasons of safety.  If you have specific questions about current protocols, please do not hesitate to reach out to Joanne Costello, Assistant Head of School for Admissions and Community Relations, at 203-595-9500 or at joanne_costello@meadschool.org.

Children enrolled 5 days per week are considered full time.

Any other enrollment is considered part time.

Currently, the admissions office offers individual tours at the very end of the school day. Families also learn more about the program during a virtual ELC Coffee and Conversation or Open House, but ultimately a tour of the program is the best way to "see and feel" all that the program has to offer.