Q: Who is eligible to attend the center?
A: Admission is open to all students, staff, and faculty of NCC.  Community children are accepted if space is available.  Learning Tree Development Center will serve the child care needs of students, staff, and faculty regardless of race, gender, class, ability, ethnic background of children from the age of 6 weeks through 12 years.

Q: What is the cost?
A: We offer Full Time, Full Day and Hourly care for all age groups.  We have discounted rates for students, as well as a discount for multiple children.

Q: How can I receive more information about Learning Tree Development Center?
A: Please add your name to the mailing list or send comments and concerns to: barb.watson@normandale.edu 

Q: Will the program be a "preschool" or "child care"?
A: The program will not be a "preschool" in the technical sense because we will be open for a full day rather than just a few hours. To best describe it, we are a child care center with a preschool component. You get the best of both worlds: Full time or Hourly child care with snacks, breakfast and nap time along with a developmentally appropriate learning environment.  The teachers plan the curriculum by setting up various interest centers in the classroom.  The children are free to explore and play within a structured, yet flexible environment.  It is our belief that children learn through play by becoming actively involved within their environment. 

Q:  Do I have to pay for child care on days my child does not attend?
A:  Once we set a schedule for your child, you will be billed for those days regardless of your child's actual attendance.  If the college is closed for break, you will not be billed, with exception of our paid Holidays.

Q: Do I have to schedule an appointment to visit the center?
A: Although parents of enrolled children are welcome to visit the center at any time, prospective parents should call first to schedule an appointment.  This way you can be sure that someone will be available to talk with you and show you around the center. 

 Q:  What are your hours?
A:  Our regular hours are 7:30 - 5:00 Monday - Friday when classes are in session.  Summer hours are available and are based on parent class schedules. 

Q:  Does my child have to be toilet trained?
A:  No.  We have a diaper changing area on site, and do not expect the children to be completely toilet trained.  We are more than willing to work with the children during this process. 

Q:  Can I ever change my child's schedule?
A:  Once you set a schedule for your child, it will last for one semester.  Towards the end of each semester, we will send out new reservation forms for the following semester.  You may change your schedule during a semester if we have those hours available, and with a two-week notice.

 Q:  Does my child have to take a nap?
A:  All children in our toddler and preschool rooms in attendance during their designated nap time must rest quietly on a cot.  During this time the teachers go around and rub each child's back.  Soothing music is also played during this time.  Children who are awake after a half hour go outside to play, or stay in the classroom and play with "quiet activities".  We make every effort to accommodate children who truly need a nap as well as those who do not.