Questions Parents
Ask Us Most

The process is straightforward. Here is exactly how it works:

• Schedule a tour so you can see our classrooms and meet our team in person.
• Complete the enrollment packet and turn in all required documents.
• Pay the registration fee (due before your child's first day).
• Your child can begin within 24 hours of completing all steps.

You can reach us by phone at (305) 246-5315 or through our contact form to schedule your tour and 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.

When a spot is not available in your child's age group, we offer families the option to join our waitlist. You can get on the waitlist at any time, and there is no fee or deposit required to hold your place. We will contact you as soon as a spot becomes available.

Because infant and toddler spaces fill quickly, we recommend reaching out as early as possible.

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.

Enrollment is open year-round. As long as space is available in your child's age group, we are happy to welcome them at any time. Families enrolling before the start of the school year are invited to an orientation. Children who enroll mid-year are welcomed with a tour and a chance to meet their teacher and classroom before their first day.

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. There is also no minimum enrollment commitment. No weekly or monthly minimums are required. Please ask us about current availability for your preferred schedule when you get in touch.

The registration fee is non-refundable, regardless of the circumstances. If a child is withdrawn and later re-enrolls, the same registration fee applies again. We recommend confirming your start date before completing enrollment.

We do not offer a formal trial period. However, before your child's first day, we encourage every family to tour the center, visit the classroom, and meet the teaching team. We want you to feel completely confident before you start. If you have questions that a single tour doesn't answer, we're happy to schedule additional time with you.

We host a summer camp program that requires separate registration. Contact us for details on availability, dates, and how to sign up. Summer camp spots are limited, so we encourage families to register early.

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.

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.

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.

For your child's safety, parents must walk their child directly into the classroom and hand them to their teacher each morning. We do not accept curbside drop-off. This ensures a secure, personal handoff every day and gives you a moment to share anything important with your child's teacher.

We close at 6:00 PM and ask all families to plan accordingly. If you expect to be late, please notify us as early as possible. Late pickup fees apply. Details are outlined in your enrollment packet and parent handbook. Repeated late pickups are addressed directly with the family, as outlined in our policies.

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 will 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.

We provide breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack for all enrolled children at no additional cost. If your child has food allergies or dietary restrictions, please inform us at enrollment so we can accommodate them safely. We are able to make accommodations for children with severe food allergies, including nut-free arrangements.

Separation anxiety is completely normal, and it affects 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, prior to your child's first day. Weekly tuition rates vary by program and age group. You can find our full tuition schedule on our Tuition Information page, or contact us directly for a breakdown specific to your child's program.

We accept credit cards for tuition payments. Families may also pay ahead and pre-pay multiple weeks in advance if that works better for their schedule. Note that the registration fee itself is cash only.

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.

A $30 returned payment fee is charged for any bounced check or failed transaction. There is no grace period. Payment is expected to be resolved promptly. We recommend confirming your payment details carefully at setup to avoid any disruption.

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.

Beyond tuition and the annual registration fee, there may occasionally be costs associated with in-house field trips. These are the primary additional expense families can expect. Meals, snacks, and standard classroom supplies are included in your tuition.

We participate in a range of state and federal subsidy programs to help make quality early childhood education accessible to more families. We currently accept:

• VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten)
• School Readiness
• NACRA
• Thrive by Five
• Step Up for Students

Contact us to find out which programs your family may qualify for and how to apply.

Yes. Several of the subsidy programs we accept, including School Readiness and Thrive by Five, are specifically designed to assist families who qualify based on income or need. We encourage any family in a difficult situation to reach out and speak with us directly. We are committed to helping families find a path to enrollment wherever possible.

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, not 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.

Medication cannot be administered at school as a general policy. The only exception is for children with known severe allergies whose families have provided an epi-pen on file. It will be kept on hand and used in the event of a severe allergic reaction. Outside of this, no medications are given at any time. If your child requires medication during school hours, please contact us to discuss your situation before enrollment.

If lice are discovered, the child will be sent home immediately. Before the child may return, a staff member must personally inspect and clear the child. This policy protects all children in the classroom and is applied consistently. Please do not send your child back until they have been cleared by our staff.

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 immunization records are required as part of enrollment, in compliance with Florida state regulations. We accept either a Florida Form 680 completed by your child's physician, or a Religious Exemption issued by the Florida Department of Health. Please bring the applicable form at the time of enrollment.

Potty training is completed in our 2-year-old classroom. We do not work with diapers or pull-ups. We ask that all children in this class be sent in underwear, with a full change of clothing provided daily. This approach is intentional: wearing underwear reinforces awareness and is an important part of the learning process. We work closely with families to ensure a smooth and supportive transition.

Parent volunteers are welcome at Countryside. Because the safety of every child is our first responsibility, all volunteers must complete a background screening and be approved before participating. This applies to all adults, including parents, regardless of how involved they plan to be. If you are interested in volunteering, please speak with our front office about getting started with the screening process.