UCDS Studio Infant Toddler Program

If you are interested in enrolling your child please fill out this Enrollment Request (PDF file) and submit it to

Philosophy

Drawing from the most current scientific research on early learning and brain development, and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, the UCDS Studio Infant Toddler Program celebrates each child as unique, competent, and ready to learn. The Studio provides a stimulating, secure environment for children to explore, question, discover and create. The arts are integrated as tools for cognitive, linguistic and social development and expression as children build understanding, make connections and foster relationships.

Ages of Children

Two months through three years.

Hours

The following registration options are available based on current enrollment:

  • 5 full-days per week (Monday-Friday)
  • 3 full-days per week (Monday/Wednesday/Friday)
  • 2 full-days per week (Tuesday/Thursday)

    • The Studio Program runs from 8:30am-3:00pm. Once enrolled in the Studio Program, you may choose to add before care from 7:30-8:30am and after care from 3:00-5:30pm for an additional cost.

    Curriculum

    The Studio is inspired by children's natural curiosity and inclination to learn through play and investigation. Our curriculum is flexible and emerges from children's ideas as they experiment, question and discover. Each day children experience extended blocks of time for exploration and play as well as a group circle time, outdoor playtime, group snacks, small group time and rest time. Art, sensory, music and cooking activities throughout the week offer opportunities for children to make connections, extend learning and express their thoughts and understanding. We emphasize respect, communication, cooperation and problem solving.

    Nutrition

    Infants: The Studio will provide milk. Parents provide breastmilk or formula and any additional food. Toddlers/Preschool: The Studio will provide healthy morning and afternoon snacks and milk each day. Parents provide for special dietary needs. We will provide whole milk to children under the age of two years and 2% milk to children two years and older unless otherwise requested by parents.

    Enrollment Policy

    When enrolling children in the Studio, our first priority is to create a balanced and supportive group, taking into consideration the age, gender and developmental stages of the children currently in the Studio. To create and support a stable community we will first seek to fill openings with families who are interested in enrollment five days per week. If openings remain, we will then draw from families interested in three day or two day enrollment.

    Once the Studio is full, families may choose to place their request in our enrollment wait pool. Joining the wait pool does not guarantee enrollment of a child, but it is the only way a placement will be offered to a family when vacancies occur. To fill a vacancy we take into consideration the makeup of the current classes as well as the schedule preferences of the families in the wait pool. In the case that several children fit our population and schedule openings, a lottery system will be used.

    Studio families are asked to sign a 12-month agreement beginning in September. If, for some reason, a family chooses to withdraw from the program, the financial obligation for the contract will remain until another child is enrolled in the space. To confirm enrollment, an Enrollment Agreement must be returned along with the payment for either the year or the first month. With the monthly payment plan a non-refundable enrollment deposit of $430 is required. Upon withdrawal from the program this deposit will be applied to the final month's fees.

    Enrollment in the UCDS Studio Infant Toddler Program is not linked with admission to the UCDS Early Elementary and Elementary Programs.

    Tuition Rates

    Tuition is based on a child's birthday, regardless of the classroom in which the child is enrolled. When a child has a birthday, the monthly tuition rate will change. If this date falls in the first 15 days of the month, the rate is changed at the beginning of the month; if it falls within the last half of the month, the rate does not change until the next month. There are three age categories: Infants (0-12 months), Toddlers (13-29 months), and Preschoolers (30+ months).

    Families have the option of paying monthly or for the entire year. For those choosing the monthly option, bills will be mailed on approximately the 15th of each month, with payment due to the UCDS Business Office no later than the 1st of the following month. If payment is not made by the 10th day of the month, a late fee of 5% will be charged. Students may not attend until the outstanding balance is paid. Monthly tuition rates for each group are listed below:

    Charges may not be refunded due to absence, national holidays, vacation, illness or sudden departure from the Studio.
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