Dandyland Child Care Center

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  • Telephone: (334) 528-1088

Summary

Contact Info

 Dandyland Child Care Center
2000 Pepperell Parkway
Opelika , AL  36801
Tel: (334) 528-1088
Fax: (334) 528-1079

Director: Nancy Harrelson
nancy.harrelson@eamc.org

General Approach to Learning

Check Mark Play-based
Check Mark Play-based with some structure
Predominantly teacher-led instruction
Montessori
Waldorf
Co-op
Reggio-Emilia

Application Information

Applications accepted While child is in utero, upon birth, after a phone conversation with the appropriate person at the school
Wait list Yes

Key Statistics

Total enrollment 120
Student/teacher ratio 1:6
Extended day Yes
School year Year round program

Survey Information

Director survey: Yes

Savvy Source survey: Yes

General Info

Basic Stats

Total enrollment 120
Student/teacher ratio 1:6
Established 1989

% of teachers with:

- Bachelors 5%
- Teaching credentials 90%
- CPR 100%
- First aid 100%

Transportation and Drop-off Policies

Transportation

- Parents bring their children to and from school

- Private bus service available


Dropoff Procedure

- Parents walk their child into the classroom

- 6:00 AM is the earliest time a parent can drop off a child

Late Pickup Policy: The center closes at 6:00 p.m unless parents are working. In the event parents are scheduled to work late, extended hours are available until 7:30 p.m. A fee will be applied if parents are more than 5 minutes late.

Features of the Preschool

Provide a third year Yes
• The pre-k program offers a curriculum that prepares the whole child for Kindergarten. We work with the children on social skills, language, reading, and fine and gross motor skills by offering a variety of learning centers, group activities, individual activities, outdoor play, and extra-curricular activities.
Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program No
Affiliated with a religious institution No
Some experience serving children with special needs Yes
• We take each individual case and partner with the parents for the benefit of the child.

Accreditation, Membership & Awards

Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children Yes

Facilities Include:

Classrooms (with bathroom attached) Check
Classrooms (with kitchenette attached)
Music room
Art room
Library Check
Playground Check

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

Dandyland believes that the years between infancy and kindergarten are the foundations of a lifetime of successful learning. Research shows that children learn best through play and "hands on" experiences in an environment rich with learning opportunities. Fundamental to learning is a nurturing caregiver/teacher who understands child development theory and practice, and knows how to implement that knowledge to meet each child's individual needs.



Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source

Curriculum & Teaching Approach

General Approach to Learning

Play-based
Play-based with some structure
Predominantly teacher-led instruction
Montessori
Waldorf
Co-op
Reggio-Emilia

Curriculum and Teaching Approach

Free Play Free Play Free Play with Some Structure Free Play with Some Structure Free Play with Some Structure
Language YES
Oral language - Free play with some structure - - n/a
Nursery rhymes, poems, songs - Free play with some structure - - n/a
Storybook reading - Free play with some structure - - n/a
Emerging literacy skills - Free play with some structure - - n/a
Cognitive Development n/a
Math and number sense - Free play with some structure - - YES
Time & space - Free play with some structure - - YES
Sci. reasoning/physical world Free play Free play with some structure - - YES
Music Free play Free play with some structure - - YES
Visual arts - Free play with some structure - - YES
Physical activity Free play Free play with some structure - - YES
Other subjects taught n/a

Quality of Teaching



Director and Parents have not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source.



Home School Connection

Separation

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
- Small group sessions
- Parents in classroom early on

Discipline, Health and Safety

Food Allergies

- We do not allow certain foods in the classroom

- We keep special snacks for allergic children

- We ask parents to provide child-safe snacks for their allergic child

Medications

- We keep their medication on hand at all times

Ages, Schedule & Tuition

Extended Care

- This school does have extended care

Calendar Year

School Year

Year round program

Application & Admissions

Application Process

Applications are accepted: While child is in utero, upon birth, after a phone conversation with the appropriate person at the school

There is a wait list for upcoming school year.

Parent visits tours are: Recommended

Child interview process: Optional

Parent interview process: Director-parent

Application fee: $40

Admissions Process

Acceptance criteria: Siblings take first priority, full time over part time  

Notification occurs: Immediately

Financial aid is not available.

Age/Child Requirements

Child does not need to be potty trained to enroll.

Kindergarten Placement & Tips



Director and Parents have not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source.



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