Tender Hearts Childcare & Learning Center

What a Pre-schooler Needs To Bring To Our Facility the First Day:
Change of clothing (season appropriate), crib sheet for cots, small blanket, fever reducer/pain reliever and sunscreen. Summer months may require a bathing suit, water shoes, hat and towel for water play. Winter months may require snow suit, boots, hat and gloves for playing in the snow. (Please make sure that all items brought to our facility are labeled. We are not responsible for lost or missing items. Thank you.)

Class size, ages of children and teacher/child ratios are in accordance with the rules and regulations of DCYF and the Rhode Island Department of Education.

For 3 Year Olds, who must be 3 by September 1st and fully potty trained, there is one teacher for every nine children.

For 4 Year Olds, who must be 4 by September 1st, there is one teacher for every ten children.

For Pre-Kindergartners, who must be 4 ½ years by September 1st, there is one teacher for every ten children

Day to Day
At Tender Hearts Child Care and Learning Center, we are sensitive to each child’s social, emotional, intellectual and physical needs. We provide developmentally appropriate programs for each age group that focuses on learning and helps each child to have successful experiences. If we can help children to develop a love for learning early in their lives, then we have laid the foundation for later success in school.

Daily schedules -are posted on bulletin boards in each room. They include art projects, circle time, snacks, indoor and outdoor activities and naps. A monthly event calendar will be sent home regularly.

Rest periods -are each day after lunch. Cots are provided, but the family must provide a sheet and small blanket for their child’s comfort. (All bedding must go home every Friday to be washed and brought back to school, clean, the following Monday.) The length of the nap varies by age group and is listed on the classroom schedule.

Clothing -should be comfortable and suitable for weather conditions. We recommend sneakers for outdoor play. Children in toilet training classrooms should wear clothing that is easy for them to manage in the bathroom. Please, no belts! If a child comes to school wearing jewelry, we cannot be responsible for loss or damage. There is also a potential danger of earrings and necklaces getting caught on something or accidentally being pulled on by another child.

Birthday -celebrations are welcome at the center. Parents can provide special food and organize a brief activity. We need one week’s notice of what is being planned and we need it to occur in the morning.

Snacks and Menu

Snacks  should be sent in daily with your child and are offered twice a day during ­morning and afternoon. Please do not send in candy & soda. Parents of infants must provide all of the child’s food and bottles. Bottles must come in pre-made and be placed in the refrigerator; parents must send these in daily. please insure all snacks and bottles are labeled with your child’s name.

Lunchesare to be brought in each day from home . Please insure all lunches are labeled with your child’s name and placed in the refrigerator.

As a reminder, Tender Hearts is a nut-free center.
What security measures do you have on site?
All classrooms and playgrounds have security cameras that record 24 hours a day. If you have any question or concern regarding your child, please see the Director and she will be more than happy to review the tape with you.

All exterior doors are locked. When you register your child with us, we ask that you give us a list of people you give permission to pick up your child. We will need their driver’s license number. Each time they come in they will have to stop at the Director’s Office and she will escort them to your child. If they are not on your list, they will not be allowed to pick up a child. No exceptions.

Are gloves used when diapering?
Yes. We use latex free gloves when changing diapers, and we disinfect the changing table after each diaper change.

Are gloves used when handling food?
Yes. We use food prep gloves whenever food is prepared or handled.

Are infants held individually when feeding?
Yes. Your child will receive individual attention and be either held or rocked when receiving a bottle.

Are we a nut free facility?
Yes.

Do you have guidelines for sick children?
Yes. We have listed them in our Parent Handbook and will gladly have our Nurse go over the list with you. We try very hard to keep children and staff healthy. However, if someone is sick, we want them to stay home where they can be taken care of without spreading their illness.

Can my child bring in a small stuffed animal for naptime?
Yes. Naptime should be a pleasant experience and sometimes just holding that favorite stuffed animal is all they need to rest comfortably. We only ask that you make it your responsibility to take it home with you each day.

What should I look for in a good child care facility?
Ask yourself these questions:

1. Does the facility appear clean, safe and comfortable for every child?
2. Are the Day care and Department of Education licenses visible?
3. Do the children seem happy; are they laughing, smiling and busy?
4. Do the caregivers talk to the children on their level, make eye contact and listen to what the children have to say?
5. Are the toys in the classroom and in the playgrounds age appropriate and in good condition?
6. Does the staff seem happy and working as a team?
7. Are the Director, teachers and owners available to speak with you at all times?

If you can say yes to all these questions, it is likely that you have found a good child care facility.

Call 401-736-8844 for child care services in Warwick, RI.