FAQ
What is Step Up to Quality?
At Treehouse Learning Center, you can trust that your child is receiving excellent care and education.
That’s because we are recognized by the state of Ohio through the Department of Education and the Department of Job and Family Services as a star-rated early childcare center.
This rating comes from a program called Step Up To Quality, or SUTQ. It’s a system that ensures our Gahanna daycare center meets the highest standards, from learning and development programs to health and safety regulations.
The state of Ohio sets these standards based on national research that determines best practices leading to improved outcomes for children. To ensure that Treehouse Learning Center is meeting and exceeding these standards, the state of Ohio conducts unannounced inspections for which we are always prepared.
You can see SUTQ in action through our increased parent involvement and engagement, smaller class sizes centered on implementing our curriculum, and a strong focus on social and emotional development.
When your child spends the day with our dedicated and professional staff, you can be confident that each child is receiving one-on-one interaction with their teachers. This interaction includes lesson plans customized to your child’s strengths and weaknesses to help them learn and grow each day.
We strive to make Treehouse Learning Center a direct extension of your home. To learn more about SUTQ and our curriculum, contact us today.
What meals are provided?
At Treehouse Learning Center, all of our meals are approved and monitored by the Ohio Department of Education.
When you send your child to our Gahanna daycare center, you can trust that your child is receiving a well-rounded and nutritious meal for breakfast, snack and lunch.
We want your child to feel at home at Treehouse Learning Center. That’s why we serve family-style meals each day, where the teachers sit and eat with the children.
The meals vary daily, and we provide weekly menus that are prominently displayed in each classroom.
Each breakfast meal we serve always includes whole grains, fruits and milk. For lunch, we are sure to include whole grains, fruits, vegetables and meat. A healthy snack is also provided each day after naptime.
Although we strive to introduce new meals and tastes to each child, we understand that some children have allergies to certain foods.
We provide each parent with our diet special request form, and keep it on file for reference. This helps us ensure each child is receiving a meal that fits their needs.
Parents are also welcome to pack their child’s lunch, or request nutritional information for each meal served at Treehouse Learning Center.
For more information about the nutritious meals provided at our Gahanna daycare center, please feel free to contact us!
What curriculum do you use?
At Treehouse Learning Center, we use the Creative Curriculum, a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that promotes exploration and discovery as a way of learning. This enables children to develop confidence, creativity and lifelong critical-thinking skills.
During both our AM and PM classes, all children are actively engaged in all aspects of our learning curriculum. In addition to English, all classes are taught in Spanish for dual-language learners. Children get to participate in different activities meant to stimulate social and emotional growth, which is sometimes overlooked in a daycare setting.
During our enrollment process we assess each child and tailor our programs to meet his or her needs. We make sure to adjust our teaching styles for each child’s age so that we can accurately track their milestones as they learn.
Our teachers may assign homework packets to be completed during the week in addition to their daily classes, such as sight-word practice and other skills. We encourage all our parents to be involved with the daily lessons and practice skills beyond the classroom with their children. Daily learning updates are provided, and formal meetings take place every six months to update parents on their child’s progress. Parents are also welcome to request a parent-teacher conference at any time.
Learn more about our curriculum and contact us to find out more about our enrollment process!
What are the social benefits of daycare?
At Treehouse Learning Center, we know the importance of giving your child the proper jumpstart not only to their education, but to their social skills and engagement, as well. Enrolling your child in daycare gives them a structured environment to grow and learn how to socialize with other children.
When children have already spent time in a daycare facility and structured learning environment, they are much more prepared for the transition into kindergarten or grade school when the time comes. They are also better equipped with communication skills and are more aware of how to cooperate and be social with other kids.
Our Creative Curriculum is specifically designed to foster not only academic growth, but also encourage discovery skills, exploration and confidence in the classroom. We are dedicated to making sure kids are taking part in age-appropriate activities across each of our programs such as Circle Time, music discovery and art expression. These various types of activities expose kids to different creative outlets and ways of communicating before they reach traditional school, which is crucial to building a foundation for future growth.
Our staff members are eager to welcome your little one to Treehouse Learning Center! Contact us today to learn more about our programs and openings.
Are you licensed?
It is extremely important to make sure the facility you are entrusting with your child is operating safely and effectively, and can readily provide you with information on licensing and other important credentials. Here at THLC, not only are we proud to be fully licensed, but we have earned honors such as the five-star Step Up to Quality Rating, recognizing us as a top-tier early childcare provider.
What are your rates?
Every family has a different budget, which is why it is essential to make sure you know all the costs and fees of your daycare provider. You should make sure to discuss topics such as vacation or sick days, early drop-off or late pick-up fees or how holiday and summer hours may vary. During your visit with THLC, we’ll make sure to provide you with a comprehensive guide to our tuition rates and will happily discuss any of the concerns you may have regarding cost.
How do you keep children safe and healthy?
The safety of your child is of the highest importance when it comes to choosing a daycare center. Make sure you understand the safety measures put in place for play activities, nap time, outdoor excursions and any other types of activities your child may take part in. It’s also a good idea to discuss any disciplinary measures the center may take as well as emergency protocol. When it comes to nutrition and overall health, ask about the different mealtimes and menu options offered for the kids. Treehouse Learning Center’s nutrition program provides breakfast, lunch and one snack in the afternoon that each meet requirements for food components and portion sizes. Learn more about our provided meals and snacks!
Are you open year-round, or what are your general open times?
Yes, THLC is open Mon-Fri 6am-6pm. Closed on major holidays.
When is payment needed for daycare?
Payment is due on Friday for the following week. All payments are on weekly auto pay.
Does my child need to be toilet trained in order to attend daycare?
We adhere to ODJFS policy and procedures with all potty training and age requirements.
Are nap times included?
Absolutley! ODJFS requires that we provide nap time for our kids. They are not required to go to sleep at this time, but they must rest on their designated cot/crib during nap time.
Can you accommodate my child's food allergies?
Yes! We ask the parent/guardian on the enrollment form if their child has any food allergies. If a food allergy is identified we can work with the parent/guardian to make necessary accommodations.
How do you ensure the safety and health of children in your care?
We ensure all children are kept safe through active supervision at all times when children are left in our care. Our building is also kept locked throughout the day and parents need a code to enter. Only adults listed on the authorized pick up list can sign a child out of the center. We work hard to ensure the health of children in our care by closely monitoring for signs or symptoms of illness. If a child is ill, parents are encouraged to keep their child at home to avoid the spread of illness throughout classrooms. We strictly follow our TLC management of illness policy to ensure our children stay healthy.
How do you communicate with parents about their child's progress and daily activities?
We communicate during in person drop off/pick up times, daily sheets (for infants) and our Procare software which allows us to send messages to parents re their child’s needs and daily activities. We are also able to send pictures during special projects and events so they can see first hand just how much fun we are having!
What is your staff-to-child ratio?
Please refer to the staff/ratio sheet.
Do you offer any extracurricular activities or field trips?
We do extracurricular activities and field trips periodically throughout the academic year and summer program. These activities are age specific and some require parent permission before a child can participate.
How do you handle discipline and behavioral issues?
We adhere to ODJFS policy and procedures with all discipline and behavior issues.
Can I visit my child during the day?
Of course! Just communicate your plans to the center director and we will make it happen.
What is your policy on sick children attending daycare?
See above.
How do you support children with special needs?
We operate under a non-discriminatory policy. Prior to enrollment, we would conduct an assessment to determine if we are able to accommodate a child’s special needs. If we can, we will work with the parent to establish a care plan. If their need is beyond what we are able to provide, we try to offer additional community resources that may be able to assist.
What are your qualifications and training requirements for staff?
Staff must pass a state and federal BCI/FBI background check. Staff must have a HS diploma or higher to work with children. Staff must be physically and mentally fit to work with children. Staff must have updated immunizations. Staff must be trained in first aid, CPR, communicable disease and child abuse. Staff must maintain a required number of professional development hours throughout the year.
How do you incorporate play and learning in your program?
We work hard to make learning fun! Play improves the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children. Through play, children learn about the world and about themselves. Play builds on your child’s curiosity and allows them to experiment, question, discover and problem-solve. When children are playing they are trying new things, taking safe risks and trusting their own decisions.