Frequently Asked Questions
What are the center hours?
Cradlerock Children’s Center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The hours of attendance of your child should be communicated to the office to ensure sufficient staff is available.
What ages do you serve?
Children from 6 weeks of age to 5 years of age may attend the center.
Do you have an academic program?
Yes. We are accredited by the Maryland State Department of Education and implement a state-approved curriculum in all classrooms.
What are the qualifications of your teachers?
Our teachers have varied educational backgrounds and experience. We strive to hire the most qualified staff possible. Our teachers have a combination of the following: four-year degrees, two-year degrees, the 90-Hour Child Care Class, and/or the 45 Infant Toddler Class. One or two aides may be hired as part-time staff to assist teachers from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Do you have staff turnover?
Our staff turnover rate is well below the industry norm, thanks in part to our commitment to providing a living wage and competitive benefits to our staff.
Are lunches provided?
We provide breakfast, lunch and pm snacks.
How are allergies accommodated?
Parents are asked to complete our “Modified Diet Form” and have it signed by a doctor. The kitchen is informed and we notify each classroom. When possible we make substitutions or parents are asked to bring in substitute food items. We are a peanut-free center.
How do you accommodate vegetarians and religious dietary restrictions?
We offer a vegetarian menu and will substitute any foods that are restricted for religious beliefs.
What is your vacation policy regarding tuition payment?
Tuition is paid for the winter break, school closings, holidays, vacations, and emergency closings. During these closures staff salaries continued to be paid as well as rent and other operating costs.
Do you have part-time openings?
We do offer part-time enrollment in our three- and four-year-old classrooms. Due to the limited number of openings in the center, we cannot offer part-time spaces in the infant, toddler, two- year-old classrooms, or our transition older 2 and 3’s working on potty training.
Can I withdraw my child for the summer months?
Children in the three- and four-year-old classrooms may dis-enroll for the summer. For younger children, we will make every effort to reserve a place for your child in the upcoming school year. You will be notified if your child’s space is in jeopardy.
What is the role of parents at the center?
It is vitally important to us to develop a strong partnership between parents, teachers and directors. We welcome the suggestions and ideas of parents, and encourage you to become involved in our program. We also include several parents on our board of directors, and seek their guidance on key decisions related to the center.
When is the center closed?
CCC is closed on the following days each year:
• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• President’s Day
• Easter Monday
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Teacher In-Service Days: The Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday before Howard County Public Schools’ academic year begin in August
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving
• Winter Holiday: Closed for Christmas Eve and re-opens the day after New Year’s Day. The days may vary depending of the days of the week in which the holiday falls.
How will you contact me if the center is closing for bad weather or an emergency?
Cradlerock Children’s Center participates in an emergency alert system: One Call Now. When your child is enrolled, you will be asked to sign up for the free service, which provides updates to your cell phone and/or email (based on your preference).
