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Admissions
Enrollment & Applications
Enrollment
We understand that finding the right childcare option for your child can be a daunting task. That’s why at Journeys of the Heart Inc., we strive to make the enrollment process as easy and stress-free as possible. Parents must enroll their child annually, regardless of prior enrollment. Our open enrollment period is from June 1st through July 31st every year. We encourage families to take a tour of our facility and meet our staff before enrolling their child.
Enrollment Form
Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
FAQ
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What are your operating hours?Our childcare center is open from 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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What ages of children do you accept?We provide care for children ranging from 18 months to 14 years old.
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What curriculum or educational approach do you follow?The Texas Readiness program, often referred to as Texas School Readiness, is a comprehensive early childhood education initiative aimed at preparing young children in Texas for success in school and beyond. This program recognizes the critical importance of early learning experiences in shaping a child's academic and social-emotional development, particularly during the formative years before kindergarten. Key Components of the Texas Readiness Program: Quality Early Learning: The program emphasizes the importance of providing high-quality early learning experiences for children from birth to age five. Quality early childhood education is essential for fostering cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. School Readiness Standards: Texas Readiness establishes clear standards and expectations for school readiness, outlining the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that children should demonstrate upon entering kindergarten. These standards cover areas such as language and literacy development, math concepts, science exploration, social skills, and self-regulation. Access to Pre-K Programs: The Texas Readiness program supports access to voluntary pre-kindergarten (pre-K) programs for eligible four-year-old children. These pre-K programs provide a structured learning environment that helps children develop the foundational skills they need for academic success. Professional Development: The program offers professional development opportunities for early childhood educators to enhance their knowledge and skills in delivering effective early childhood education. Training and support are provided to ensure that educators are equipped to meet the diverse needs of young learners. Parental Engagement: Texas Readiness recognizes the crucial role of parents and caregivers in supporting their child's early learning and development. The program encourages parental engagement through resources, workshops, and activities designed to strengthen the home-school connection and promote positive family involvement in education. Assessment and Accountability: Texas Readiness includes assessment tools and measures to monitor children's progress and evaluate the effectiveness of early childhood education programs. Assessment data help identify areas of strength and areas for improvement, informing decision-making and program enhancements. Partnerships and Collaboration: The success of the Texas Readiness program relies on collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, including state agencies, school districts, early childhood providers, community organizations, and families. Partnerships are fostered to leverage resources, share best practices, and coordinate efforts to support early childhood development. Impact and Benefits: Improved School Readiness: By focusing on early learning and development, the Texas Readiness program aims to ensure that children enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed academically. Closing Achievement Gaps: The program helps address disparities in school readiness and achievement by providing access to quality early childhood education opportunities for all children, regardless of background or socioeconomic status. Long-Term Educational Outcomes: Research shows that children who participate in high-quality early childhood education programs are more likely to perform better in school, graduate from high school, pursue higher education, and achieve greater success later in life. Economic and Social Benefits: Investing in early childhood education yields significant returns for society, including reduced special education costs, lower crime rates, increased workforce productivity, and improved overall well-being for individuals and communities. Overall, the Texas Readiness program plays a vital role in laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success, ensuring that every child in Texas has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
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Do you offer part-time enrollment options?Yes, we offer both full-time and part-time enrollment options to accommodate the needs of our families.
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What are your fees and payment policies?Our fees vary based on the age of the child and the chosen enrollment option (full-time or part-time). Please contact us directly for current fee information and payment policies.
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What safety measures do you have in place?At our childcare center, we prioritize the safety and well-being of all children entrusted to our care. We understand the importance of creating a secure and nurturing environment where children can thrive, learn, and explore with confidence. To uphold our commitment to safety, we have implemented a comprehensive set of safety measures designed to protect every child in our care. Secure Entry: Our facility features controlled access points to ensure that only authorized individuals can enter the premises. We have secure entry systems in place to prevent unauthorized access and maintain a safe environment for children and staff. Staff Background Checks: All staff members undergo thorough background checks as part of our hiring process. We carefully screen all employees to verify their qualifications, experience, and suitability for working with children. Background checks include criminal history checks, reference checks, and verification of qualifications to ensure the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Emergency Procedures: We have established clear and effective emergency procedures to address a wide range of potential situations, including fires, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and lockdowns. Our staff members are trained regularly in emergency response protocols, and we conduct drills to ensure that everyone is prepared to respond calmly and efficiently in any emergency situation. CPR and First Aid Training: Our staff members are certified in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and first aid to provide immediate assistance in case of medical emergencies. We maintain updated certifications and undergo regular training to ensure that our team is equipped to handle any medical situation that may arise. Supervision and Monitoring: We maintain vigilant supervision of children at all times, both indoors and outdoors. Our staff members are trained to actively monitor children's activities, prevent accidents, and intervene quickly if any safety concerns arise. We maintain low staff-to-child ratios to ensure adequate supervision and individualized attention for each child. Safe Environment: Our facility is designed with safety in mind, featuring age-appropriate equipment, childproofing measures, and safety protocols to minimize risks and hazards. We regularly inspect our premises to identify and address any safety concerns, such as loose wires, slippery floors, or sharp edges, to create a safe and secure environment for children to explore and play. Communication with Parents: We maintain open and transparent communication with parents regarding our safety policies and procedures. Parents are informed about emergency protocols, security measures, and any updates or changes to our safety practices. We encourage parents to ask questions, provide feedback, and actively participate in ensuring the safety of their children. At our childcare center, safety is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care and protection for every child in our care. By implementing comprehensive safety measures and fostering a culture of vigilance and preparedness, we strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential.
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How do you handle allergies and dietary restrictions?We accommodate children with allergies and dietary restrictions by following specific meal plans and ensuring that allergens are avoided. Parents are required to provide documentation of any allergies or dietary restrictions upon enrollment.
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What qualifications do your staff members have?Our staff members are highly qualified and undergo background checks and training in early childhood education, CPR, and first aid.
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How do you communicate with parents about their child's day?We use a variety of communication methods, including daily reports, emails, phone calls, and parent-teacher conferences, to keep parents informed about their child's activities, development, and any concerns.
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What happens in case of an emergency or illness?In the event of an emergency, we have procedures in place to ensure the safety of all children and staff. If a child becomes ill during care, parents will be notified immediately, and the child will be isolated until they can be picked up.
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Do you offer any extracurricular activities or enrichment programs?Yes, we offer a variety of extracurricular activities and enrichment programs designed to enhance your child's learning experience and provide opportunities for growth and exploration. Some of the extracurricular activities and enrichment programs we offer include: Music Classes: Our music classes introduce children to the joy of music through singing, rhythm exercises, and playing musical instruments. Children learn basic music concepts, develop coordination, and express themselves creatively through music. Art and Creativity Workshops: Our art and creativity workshops inspire children to unleash their creativity through painting, drawing, sculpting, and other artistic activities. Children explore different art mediums, experiment with colors and textures, and express their imagination through art. Dance Classes: Our dance classes introduce children to various dance styles, such as ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and cultural dances. Children develop coordination, rhythm, and confidence as they learn basic dance techniques and choreography. Cooking and Nutrition Workshops: Our cooking and nutrition workshops teach children about healthy eating habits, food preparation, and kitchen safety. Children have the opportunity to cook simple recipes, explore different ingredients, and learn about the nutritional value of foods. These extracurricular activities and enrichment programs provide valuable opportunities for children to explore new interests, develop skills, and build confidence in a supportive and engaging environment. If you're interested in enrolling your child in any of these programs, please contact us for more information and pricing details.
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What is your discipline policy?We believe in positive reinforcement and redirection as effective discipline strategies. Time-out is used sparingly and only as a last resort for extreme behaviors. We do not use corporal punishment under any circumstances.
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How can parents provide feedback or express concerns?We encourage open communication and welcome feedback from parents. Parents can schedule meetings with the director to discuss any concerns or feedback they may have.
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Are you currently enrolling new students?Enrollment availability may vary based on current capacity. Please contact us for information about current enrollment availability and to schedule a tour of our facility.
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How do I contact your childcare licensing agency or report concerns?Contact information for relevant agencies, including our licensing agency, is provided to parents upon enrollment. If you have any concerns about licensing compliance or child welfare, please contact: Texas Child Care Licensing (CCL): Phone: [Insert CCL phone number here] Website: [Insert CCL website link here] Texas Child Care Services (CCS): Phone: [Insert CCS phone number here] Website: [Insert CCS website link here] These agencies are available to address any concerns or inquiries regarding licensing compliance, child welfare, or childcare assistance programs. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.