Frequently Asked Questions

At most of our schools, infants can enroll in daycare starting at 6 weeks old. Our infant child care programs typically serve children through 12 months of age, providing a safe, nurturing environment that supports early development through consistent routines and individualized care.

Enrollment is available year-round, depending on each family’s needs and infant classroom availability at your local school.

For your infant’s first day of child care, please bring three complete changes of clothing (including socks), prepared and labeled formula or breast milk, jarred baby food and infant cereal if applicable, and extra layers to support indoor and outdoor temperature changes. All items must be labeled with your child’s first and last name. Infant belongings, including soiled clothing and used or unused bottles, should be taken home daily for laundering or sanitizing.

Most of our schools offer an all-inclusive diapering program, so families typically do not need to provide diapers for the school day. If you prefer your child to use alternative diapers with a cloth or disposable insert, please speak with a member of school management about available options. Families should bring enough prepared and labeled formula or breast milk each day their child attends, and infants are fed according to parent or guardian instructions.

Our “Active Infants, Safe Spaces” approach is designed to keep teachers close to your baby while providing immediate access to the materials they need to support daily care and development. Thoughtfully arranged classrooms encourage safe freedom of movement, allowing infants to explore their environment, build motor skills, and engage their senses while supporting physical, cognitive, and social-emotional growth.

Our primary caregivers build strong, responsive relationships with each infant to create trust, comfort, and consistent daily routines that help children feel safe and secure in the classroom. Infant learning environments also include age-appropriate exploration areas that support early problem-solving and fine motor development, dedicated movement spaces that strengthen physical coordination, and cozy reading areas that help nurture an early interest in books and language.

Our Infant child care program supports early language development through frequent conversation, narration of daily activities, and responsive interactions with each child. Teachers model sounds, mimic infant vocalizations to encourage communication, and use gestures and eye contact to strengthen nonverbal language skills. By responding consistently to infants’ cues and sounds, and by describing actions and experiences throughout the day, caregivers help build a strong foundation for early communication and language growth.

Our Toddler program is for children between the ages of 1 and 2.

Enrollment is offered year-round based on each family’s needs and classroom availability.

For your toddler’s first day of child care, please bring at least one complete change of clothing (including socks), prepared and labeled formula or breast milk if applicable, jarred baby food and infant cereal if applicable, and extra layers to support indoor and outdoor temperature changes. All items must be labeled with your child’s first and last name. Used belongings should be taken home daily for laundering or sanitizing.

Toddlers follow a consistent daily schedule that balances guided learning, active play, and rest. Mornings include intentionally planned classroom learning experiences, along with outdoor time that encourages physical activity and exploration. Midday, children enjoy a healthy lunch followed by rest time to relax and recharge. In the afternoon, toddlers have a nutritious snack and participate in small-group play and learning experiences in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Consistency plays an important role in helping toddlers adjust to a new child care routine. Establishing a daily schedule at home that reflects the classroom routine—such as similar wake-up times, meals, and naps—can make the transition smoother. As children grow, using simple visual schedules with realistic images or photos can also help them understand transitions throughout the day. Predictable routines help toddlers feel more confident, comfortable, and secure in their new environment.

Toddlers participate in daily movement activities such as dancing, fingerplay songs, outdoor gross motor play, and guided indoor exercises that strengthen coordination and physical skills. Social-emotional development is supported through experiences that help children recognize and name emotions, understand their feelings, and practice communicating their needs while building confidence and positive relationships with others.

Our early childhood education approach places a strong emphasis on building social skills through structured small-group learning experiences where toddlers play and explore together. Children learn by interacting with peers, observing others, and practicing communication in a supportive environment. Teachers model how to express needs, respond to others, and develop early cooperation skills that support positive relationships.

Our language-rich toddler classrooms provide daily opportunities for children to communicate, listen, think, and express themselves through conversation, reading, and play. Teachers support language growth by naming objects, describing actions, and engaging children in meaningful interactions throughout the day. Both spoken words and simple sign language are used to strengthen early communication skills and support developing vocabulary.

Our Twos child care program is designed for children between 2 and 2.5 years old.

Enrollment is offered year-round based on each family’s needs and classroom availability.

To help keep your child comfortable, clean, and prepared throughout the day, please send at least one complete change of clothing. Because spills and accidents can happen at any age, an extra outfit is recommended, along with a sweater or jacket to support indoor and outdoor temperature changes. Please label all clothing and personal items with your child’s first and last name.

If your child is able to rest on a cot, please provide a small blanket for naptime. Because cubby space is limited, we recommend sending compact bedding items that can be stored easily.

Our daily classroom routines include opportunities for independent learning that are guided by each child’s natural curiosity and emerging abilities. Through hands-on exploration, choice-making, and age-appropriate responsibilities, teachers support growing confidence while encouraging children to develop skills at their own pace.

Yes. In the Twos child care program, teachers support potty training by responding to each child’s readiness cues and guiding them through regular bathroom routines during the day. Children are encouraged with scheduled restroom visits, verbal reminders, and visual prompts that outline each step of the process. Teachers assist as needed, help children practice flushing and handwashing, and work closely with families to maintain consistency between home and school. All efforts are positively acknowledged to build confidence and independence.

Our Early Preschool child care program is designed for children between 2.5 and 3.5 years old.

Enrollment is offered year-round based on each family’s needs and classroom availability.

In the Early Preschool child care program, children build early cognitive skills through activities that support matching, sorting, and pattern recognition. Social development is also a key focus, with opportunities to make friends and practice working together. At this stage, teachers begin introducing foundational experiences that support emerging writing skills and early literacy development.

Children begin the day with Morning Meeting, where teachers and classmates connect and plan for the day ahead. Much of the morning is spent exploring learning centers with intentionally planned activities that support all areas of development, along with small-group experiences that build social skills and allow teachers to individualize learning. Children also participate in outdoor time to encourage physical activity and exploration. Midday includes a healthy lunch followed by rest time to relax and recharge. In the afternoon, children enjoy a nutritious snack and continue learning through small-group play and activities in both indoor and outdoor environments.

The Early Preschool program encourages children to explore their curiosity and ask questions about the world around them, helping them learn how to investigate and discover answers through guided inquiry. Purposeful classroom routines also support the development of independence and self-regulation skills, preparing children for success in preschool and beyond.

In most cases, families do not need to pack meals or snacks. Most of our schools provide nutritious breakfast and lunch, along with morning and afternoon snacks each day. Outside food is generally not permitted unless approved for religious reasons, special dietary needs, or severe allergies. Vegetarian options are available at every meal.

Our Preschool program is for children between the ages of 3 and 4 years.

Enrollment is offered year-round based on each family’s needs and classroom availability.

In the Preschool child care program, children participate in age-appropriate learning experiences designed to prepare them for kindergarten readiness. Using research-based curriculum and hands-on learning tools, children strengthen language, physical, social, and cognitive skills while building confidence as problem-solvers and independent learners. These experiences create a strong foundation for continued success in school and beyond.

The Preschool program helps children build the academic and social skills needed for kindergarten readiness and future learning. Through participation in a supportive classroom community, children develop confidence and self-esteem while practicing cooperation and independence. Teachers encourage communication by providing opportunities to share ideas with others, and hands-on learning experiences support curiosity, problem-solving, and active engagement in the learning process.

Children in the Preschool program should wear tennis shoes or other closed-toe footwear each day to support safe movement and active play. Flip-flops, sandals, and other open-toed shoes are not permitted.

All essential classroom supplies are provided for children in the Preschool program. Occasionally, families may be invited to contribute specific items for special activities or projects.

Children may begin the Private Kindergarten program once they meet the kindergarten entrance age requirements established by their state and local school district.

Private Kindergarten offers a smaller teacher-to-student ratio, allowing for more individualized instruction and support. Classes are led by degreed teachers and use nationally recognized, award-winning curriculum aligned with state kindergarten standards. The program also balances structured academic learning with child-directed learning centers, free-choice time, exploration, and outdoor play to support the whole child’s development.

Enrollment is available year-round, however the Private Kindergarten program does align with the calendar school year.

Students will participate in a variety of activities in the subjects of Literacy & Language, Math, Social Studies, Science, and Self-Help & Social Skills.

The student-to-teacher ratio in our Private Kindergarten program is a maximum of 1 teacher for every 12 students, allowing for more individualized attention and support in the classroom.

Our Junior Kindergarten program is for children between the ages of 4.5 and 6 years.

Enrollment is offered year-round based on each family’s needs and classroom availability.

Our Junior Kindergarten program is designed for children based on their birthdays, completion of Pre-K, and individual developmental needs. This program uses nationally recognized, award-winning kindergarten curricula aligned with state standards and adapted specifically for older 4-year-olds and young 5-year-olds. It helps children strengthen academic, social, and readiness skills to support a confident transition into kindergarten.

No, Junior Kindergarten is not required. It is an optional program for children who may not yet be ready for kindergarten or who do not meet the age eligibility requirements set by their local school district. It provides additional time to strengthen school-readiness skills before entering kindergarten.

Junior Kindergarten provides an additional year of preparation for elementary school beyond Pre-K, designed for older 4-year-olds and young 5-year-olds who may not meet local kindergarten age requirements or who would benefit from extra time to strengthen academic, social, and school-readiness skills before entering kindergarten.

At participating schools, our before- and after-school care program is available for elementary-age students (typically ages 5 to 12) who need care before school, after school, or both. The program provides a safe, supportive environment where children can prepare for the day ahead or relax after class with supervised activities, peer interaction, and enrichment opportunities until pick-up.

You can enroll anytime throughout the school year to meet your family’s scheduling needs during any season.

Children attending before-school care receive a healthy breakfast to help prepare them for the school day. During after-school care, they are provided with a snack to keep them energized until pick-up. The program also includes time and space for outdoor play, peer interaction, homework support, and engaging enrichment activities. Families receive regular updates through SproutAbout, our exclusive family communication app.

Our school-age program for older students and families offers an innovative approach to before-and after-school programming focused on the ever-changing needs of elementary students. We support each student’s success and personal growth by beginning and ending each day with a focus on goal setting and reflection, while offering abundant time for both structured and free play, dedicated time and space for homework, and engaging STEM activities and materials to explore.

Yes. Our school-age classroom includes a dedicated homework area where students have daily access to educational resources and time set aside to work on assignments in a supportive environment.

Children enrolled in our before- and after-school program typically arrive with their backpack, coat, and water bottle from the school day. No additional items are required. We provide a safe, organized space for students to store their belongings each morning before school and each afternoon until parent pick-up, making our school-age child care program convenient for families.

Transportation to and from local elementary schools may be available. Availability varies by location, so families should contact their school director to confirm school-age transportation options for before- and after-school care.

Our summer camp program is available for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children up to age 12. Each age group participates in developmentally appropriate activities that support hands-on learning, social growth, and summer fun in a structured child care setting designed for younger learners through elementary-aged students.

Summer camp enrollment typically begins after the first of the year, giving families time to plan ahead for summer child care. Depending on your location, summer camp programs generally run from May through August. Contact your school to schedule a tour and view camp themes, dates, and availability.

Our Wondercamp summer camp program features 15 weeks of themed experiences designed to keep children engaged, active, and learning all summer long. Activities include hands-on, project-based learning, outdoor play, creative exploration, and exciting field trips. Led by experienced early education teachers, each week’s activities are tailored to children’s ages, skills, and interests, creating a fun and enriching summer camp experience for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age students.

Safety is a top priority in our summer camp program. We follow strict supervision standards with trained staff, maintain secure facilities, and adhere to all state child care licensing requirements to support children’s well-being throughout each activity. Additional safety practices include enhanced playground supervision and matching Wondercamp shirts for off-site field trips (available for older children), helping staff keep groups organized and easily identifiable.

Our Wondercamp summer camp program supports children’s learning and development through themed, hands-on activities that promote creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration in a fun, engaging environment. The program features 15 unique weekly themes, known as Wonder Weeks, designed to keep children motivated and excited to explore new topics. These structured summer learning experiences help reinforce social skills, confidence, and curiosity while school is out.

Children should bring a labeled water bottle each day of summer camp. We also recommend sending an extra set of clothes in case of spills or messy hands-on activities during themed projects and outdoor play. Your school will let families know if any additional items are needed for special camp days or field trips. Nutritious meals and snacks are provided as part of the full-day summer camp program, so there is no need to pack food.

Families must complete a permission form before sunscreen or insect repellent can be applied during summer camp. Please speak with your school director for details about approved products and required authorization to support safe outdoor play during camp activities.

Children should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate play clothes each day of summer camp. Upon enrollment in Wondercamp, families receive a branded camp T-shirt that children may wear during daily activities and field trips. For safety, closed-toe shoes such as sneakers are required at all times. Sandals, flip-flops, and other open-toed footwear are not permitted.