Questions Parents
Ask Us Most

The best first step is to schedule a tour so you can see our facilities and meet our team in person. After that, we'll walk you through our enrollment paperwork, registration fee, and any program-specific requirements. You can reach us by phone at (305) 246-5315 or through our contact form to get started.

We welcome children from 6 weeks through Pre-K age (5 years old). Our programs are organized by age group:

• Infants: 6 weeks – 12 months
• Toddlers: 12 months – 2 years
• Pre-School: 2 – 4 years
• Pre-K: 4 – 5 years

We also serve children with special needs ages 3 months through 5 years.

Because we maintain small class sizes, space in certain age groups can fill quickly — especially for infants and toddlers. We recommend reaching out as early as possible to check current availability. Contact us directly to find out which programs have openings and whether a waitlist applies.

Standard enrollment documents include your child's birth certificate, immunization records, and a current physical examination from your pediatrician. Additional forms — including emergency contact information, medical authorization, and a signed enrollment agreement — will be provided during the enrollment process.

We'll give you a complete checklist at the time of enrollment so nothing is missed.

Yes — we enroll children throughout the year, not just at the start of the school year. As long as space is available in your child's age group, we're happy to welcome them at any time. We work with each family to make the transition as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Yes. We offer both full-day and half-day options for most age groups, as well as part-time scheduling for school-age children. Half-day programs require pickup by 12:30 PM. Please ask us about current availability for your preferred schedule when you get in touch.

Your child's safety is our highest priority. Our center maintains controlled access — only authorized adults on your pickup list may collect your child. All staff undergo thorough background screening before joining our team, and every classroom teacher holds current CPR and First Aid certification.

We are a fully licensed Florida childcare facility, subject to regular inspections, and we strictly maintain state-required child-to-teacher ratios at all times.

Yes — every single person who works at Countryside, from lead teachers to administrative staff, undergoes a comprehensive background check before they are permitted on site. This is a non-negotiable requirement, not a formality. We take the trust you place in us very seriously.

Your child will only be released to individuals listed on your authorized pickup form. Anyone not on that list will be unable to collect your child, regardless of their relationship to you. If someone new needs to pick up your child, you must notify us in advance — verbal or written authorization is required.

If there are any custody agreements or court orders that affect pickup, please provide copies at enrollment so we can honor them properly.

We have written emergency procedures for a range of situations — medical incidents, fire, severe weather, and lockdown. Staff are trained on these procedures regularly. In the event of a medical emergency, we will contact you immediately and call 911 if necessary. Our teachers are CPR and First Aid certified so that someone is always ready to act.

Yes — parents are always welcome to visit during school hours. We believe an open-door policy is an important part of building trust. That said, we ask that you check in at the front when you arrive, as unannounced classroom visits during structured learning time can be disruptive for the children. We're happy to arrange a comfortable way for you to observe.

Yes. Countryside Early Learning Center is a fully licensed Florida childcare facility (License #C11MD1586), meeting all state requirements for health, safety, staffing ratios, and programming. We are subject to regular unannounced inspections and take compliance seriously. You can view our license and inspection history through the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Our center is open Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. We are closed on weekends and major public holidays. Specific closure dates are shared in our annual school calendar, which you can find on our Resources page.

Every day is structured yet warm. A typical preschool day includes a morning welcome and circle time, guided learning center activities, outdoor play, lunch, rest time, and afternoon enrichment. The schedule balances intentional learning with plenty of free exploration — because children learn best when they feel safe and free to discover.

Each age group has a schedule tailored to their developmental needs. You can see a sample daily schedule on our Curriculum page.

We believe communication with families is essential. At pickup, your child's teacher will share a brief update on how their day went. For infants and toddlers, we provide daily sheets tracking feeding, sleep, diapering, and mood. Our teachers are also available to answer questions and share observations throughout the year — you'll never feel out of the loop.

Children should arrive in their school uniform, ready for the day. A complete daily bag list will be provided at enrollment and varies by age group. Generally, children should bring a labeled change of clothes, any required personal care items, and — for infants — feeding supplies unless otherwise arranged. Please label everything with your child's name.

Please ask us about our current meal and snack arrangements at enrollment, as this may vary by program and time of year. We will always communicate clearly what children need to bring and what is provided. If your child has any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please inform us at enrollment so we can accommodate them safely.

Separation anxiety is completely normal — for children and parents alike. Our teachers are experienced at helping children through this transition with patience, warmth, and consistency. We'll work with you to create a gentle drop-off routine that helps your child feel secure.

Most children settle in beautifully within a few weeks. We will always communicate honestly with you about how your child is adjusting, and we're happy to check in with you during the day if you need reassurance.

There is a $350 annual registration fee (cash only, non-refundable) that must be paid once per year at enrollment. Weekly tuition rates vary by program and age group. You can find our full 2025/2026 tuition schedule on our Tuition Information page, or contact us directly for a breakdown specific to your child's program.

We offer three payment plan options: bi-weekly, every 4 weeks, and Tuition Express (weekly auto-draft). Your payment plan is selected at registration and cannot be changed without prior arrangement. A $30 late fee applies to payments not received on time. Full details are on our Tuition Information page.

Yes — we offer two discounts, though only one may be applied at a time:

• Sibling Discount: $10 off per week on the lesser tuition rate for immediate family members enrolled simultaneously.
• Hero Discount: 15% off total weekly tuition for active military, police officers, and firefighters.

Yes. We participate in Florida's Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program and the School Readiness / Thrive by Five (TCT) program. The VPK voucher covers the 9:00 AM–12:00 PM session free of charge. Additional hours or non-payment days may incur fees. Contact us to discuss how these programs apply to your family's situation.

Yes — tuition is due regardless of absences or school closings. No refunds, credits, or allowances are given for days your child is absent or for holidays and school closures. This applies to all programs. Tuition holds your child's place and covers staffing and operational costs regardless of attendance.

We use The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool — one of the most widely used, research-based pre-K programs in the United States. It is built around exploration and discovery as the primary vehicles for learning, and it supports the whole child: cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development all woven together. It is aligned with Florida's early learning standards and the Head Start ELOF framework.

Absolutely. Kindergarten readiness is a core goal of our Pre-K program. Our curriculum is proven to increase kindergarten readiness and is aligned with Florida's VPK standards. Children leave Countryside with foundational literacy and numeracy skills, strong social-emotional development, and — just as importantly — the confidence and independence to thrive in a new environment.

Very little. Our learning philosophy is grounded in hands-on, play-based discovery — not screens. We believe children learn best through physical interaction with their environment, their peers, and caring adults. Any limited technology use in older classrooms is intentional, purposeful, and aligned with curriculum goals.

The Creative Curriculum® is designed to be fully inclusive, supporting children of all abilities and learning styles. Our teachers differentiate their approach based on each child's individual pace and needs. We also have a dedicated program for children with special needs (ages 3 months–5 years) and work closely with families to connect with any additional external support services that may be beneficial.

We use positive guidance and redirection — never punitive or harsh discipline. Our approach focuses on helping children understand expectations, develop self-regulation, and build the social skills to navigate conflict constructively. We work in partnership with families on any behavioral concerns, keeping communication open and solutions collaborative.

Please keep your child home if they have a fever of 100°F or higher, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. Children must be fever-free (without medication) for over 24 hours before returning. For rashes, a doctor's note is required before return. Our full sick policy is available on the For Parents page.

Fever-reducing medication will not be administered at school. For other medications required during school hours, a note from a medical professional may be required, and CELC reserves the right to administer or decline medication as deemed necessary for the child's well-being. Please speak with our director about your child's specific situation at enrollment.

We will contact you immediately and ask you to pick up your child promptly. In the meantime, your child will be kept comfortable and supervised separately from the other children. In a medical emergency, we will call 911 and notify you simultaneously. This is why it's essential that your emergency contact information is always current.

Current, up-to-date immunization records are required as part of the enrollment process, in compliance with Florida state regulations. If you have questions about exemptions or specific requirements, please contact us and we'll walk you through what applies to your situation.