Frequently
Asked
Questions
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Where are you located?
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Little Pumpkins Playcare is located in Rotterdam, NY, within the Schalmont Central School District. We are conveniently situated just minutes from Route 7, Interstate 88, and NYS Thruway Exit 25A.
Is your daycare registered?
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Yes, the daycare is registered with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and undergoes routine inspections to ensure compliance with state health and safety regulations.
Are you and your household members background checked?
Yes. I am fully background checked, and all adult household members have completed and passed comprehensive screenings in accordance with state regulations.
Are you CPR/First Aid certified?
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Yes, I am certified in both CPR (infant, child & adult) and First Aid.
What ages do you care for?
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I provide year round care for children from 6 weeks old to 5 years old. I also provide care for children in Kindergarten through 4th grade before & after school, during school breaks and over summer vacation.
What are your hours?
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I am open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.​ Extended hours, including earlier drop-off or later pick-up times, may be available on a limited basis and must be established in your childcare contract at the time of enrollment. Availability is limited and based on scheduling needs.
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Do you provide part time care?
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Part-time care will be considered for school-age children or for children over 2 years old when space allows. Please contact me to discuss your schedule needs.
Do you close on holidays and snow days?
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I follow the Schalmont School District calendar for all holiday closings. If Schalmont schools are delayed or closed due to inclement weather, the daycare will also be delayed or closed for the day.
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Do you have a substitute or a backup provider for days that you are closed?
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No, I do not. Parents are responsible for finding backup care for all daycare closures. Parents will be provided a calendar at the beginning of the year and then monthly with all upcoming planned closures so they can plan for days the daycare will be closed.
What are your rates?
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​ Tuition varies based on age and schedule. The chart below reflects the average full-time rates for registered family daycares in the local area.​
Do you give discounts for siblings, military, etc.?
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At this time I do not offer any discounts. All of the children receive the same level of quality care and it would be unfair to charge some parents more than others.
​Is tuition required during absences?
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Yes, tuition is required to hold your child’s spot, regardless of attendance. Full tuition is due for absences of up to two weeks.
For absences longer than two consecutive weeks, 50% of the regular tuition rate will be required to maintain enrollment.
What forms of payment do you accept?
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​ I accept payments by cash, check, Venmo and automatic bank transfers.
Do you have pets?
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Yes, we are a pet friendly home. We have dogs and cats along with a few small animals. All of our pets are healthy, up to date on vet care and friendly.
What type of program do you run?
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My program is considered to be "Play Based". I provide a play-based learning environment where children learn through hands-on exploration, guided activities, creative play, and daily routines. Activities may include art projects, sensory play, story time, outdoor play, and opportunities to build social skills. My goal is to create a nurturing environment that supports each child’s development at their own pace.
Do you smoke?
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No, my home is a smoke free environment. I ask that all visitors respect that and refrain from smoking and/or vaping on or near the premises.
Do you have a fenced yard?
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Yes, the outside play area is fenced, very large and has many activities to help children get exercise and fresh air.​
Do you have a swimming pool?
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Yes, there is an above ground swimming pool on site. To ensure the safety of the children in my care, there is a pool alarm in the pool at all times as well as a separate unit in the kitchen that will alarm when the outside unit is triggered. The ladder to the pool is flipped up and locked during daycare hours when the pool is not in use. As an added layer of protection, the children play in a separate area of the yard and they will be blocked from the pool area by a fence.
Do you provide meals & snacks?
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I do not provide meals, however I do provide a morning snack and an afternoon snack as well as all drinks.
Where I can read your policies?
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Parents receive access to my Parent Handbook once we have mutually decided to proceed past the interview process.