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Frequently
Asked questions

Question
Answer
Are you licensed?
Yes, all our three of locations are licensed through the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Is Explore and Discover accredited?
Yes, each of our sites are independently accredited the APPLE (Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment) and are part of Florida’s Gold Seal Quality Care (Gold Seal) program.
What do I do if I want to enroll my child?
Please call or come into the location you are interested in enrolling your child in. All children require a completed enrollment packet and a physical and shot record form from their doctor. After forms are complete, your child will be assigned to a classroom and an enrollment date will be set.
Do you have tours of your preschool?
Yes, families are encouraged to tour the location they are interested. Pre-scheduling a tour is not required. Prospective families can stop by during operating hours to learn more about our curriculum, schedules, and teachers. We do suggest families come in before 11:30 AM or after 2:30 PM to best see our classrooms when they are not eating lunch or napping.
What philosophy and curriculum do you adhere to?
At Explore & Discover Center for Early Learning we believe the preschool years are a crucial part of a child’s education. We believe in play with a purpose and through such play children are developing the cognitive, socioemotional, and physical skills necessary for success. We understand the power of the community and strive to incorporate its tools and provide a holistic approach to all children and their families. We consider parent participation critical and strive to deliver all parents with the necessary support to best care for their children. We believe that all children are infinitely capable, creative, and intelligent and it is our role to support their qualities and challenge them to grow. We believe in a multi-sensory integrated approach to education that is evidence-based and child-focused. This exposes children daily to literacy practices, hands on science and math, stimulating art, music, and physical education. Our approach is to intentionally guide and extend your child's play to ensure key developmental milestones are achieved across the learning domains.
What are your hours?
Our Titusville and Palm Bay locations are open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM. Our Melbourne location opens at 6:30 AM and close at 6:00 PM
What ages does Explore and Discover serve?
All three locations serve children ages 6 weeks through 12 years old.
What types of qualifications do Explore and Discover teachers have?
All lead and assistant teachers adhere to The Department of Children and Families staff credential regulations. All teachers have completed their necessary training requirements and complete 24 hours of annual in-service training requirements. Lead teachers have met the requirements for a Staff Credential and hold their Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC), Child Development Associate (CDA), and/or a degree in Early Childhood Education.
What is the process of checking the background of their employees?
All teachers and staff complete a Level II background check in compliance with The Department of Children and Families regulations. Background checks are re-run every five years.
What do I need to provide from home?
We ask parents to provide diapers and wipes (if applicable), changes of clothes, as well as a crib sheet and blanket. Sheets and blankets are sent home for washing on Fridays to be washed. At the beginning of each school year, a supply list is sent home for children ages one and up. Supplies are kept in the classroom to last throughout the school year.
Can I visit my child at the center anytime I’d like to?
Yes, our facilities have an open-door policy. Parents are always welcome to visit and spend time throughout the day in their child’s classroom. Periodically throughout the year parents are welcomed for specific events and activities. In addition, we encourage parents to come into the classroom to share their special skills, interests and experiences with the children.
Are meals served?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack are served to all full-time students. A calendar listing each day’s meals is published each week.
What if my child has food allergies?
Parents are asked to complete, sign and submit the Parental Allergen Advisory Form to the office upon enrollment. Teachers and the kitchen staff are made aware and provided with a list of all student allergies. Upon an allergy to a certain food, such as a peanut, families will be notified the allergy exists in the classroom and a request will be made to not bring those foods. If a child requires a special diet, parents are asked to complete, sign, and submit in writing their child’s special dietary needs.
How do you communicate with families?
Explore and Discover utilizes variety of methods to communicate with families. Explore and Discover values the use of digital technology to aid in parent communication and interaction. Our facility utilizes the platform Procare Connect app, allowing teachers to share with parent’s daily reports, pictures, and information about curriculum-based activities. Further, school-wide information is also regularly communicated via our Procare message board and via e-mail. Further, throughout the week, teachers will place pertinent documents, curriculum-related information, completed work, upcoming events, as well as other relevant information in folders/pockets labeled individually with child’s name. Additional information is on classroom bulletins, monthly newsletter or posted on parent information boards.
What if my child gets sick during the school day?
Health Regulations are determined by the Florida Department of Children and Families. Parents will be called to pick up their child(ren) from the Center and the child must remain out of the Center for a minimum of 24 hours if the child has a fever over 100°, has diarrhea for the second time during the day, or vomits. Parents will be contacted upon the presentation of symptoms and/or if their unable to participate in the normal daily activity/routine.
What safety measures are in place at Explore and Discover?
Families are required to sign their child into school each morning using the Procare system and then walk their child into his/her classroom. Upon pick-up, parents sign-out their child using the Procare system before visiting your child’s classroom. Only the authorized parent(s) or others identified by the parents can pick up a child from Explore and Discover. Children will only be released to a parent or authorized person listed on the enrollment form. A photo ID is required from any person who is unknown by the office staff at the time of pick-up. Children will not be released without a photo ID. Please see our Parent Handbook for specific policies related to emergency procedures, supervision practices, and building practices.
On which holidays is Explore and Discover closed?
Explore and Discover operates a year-round schedule. Our facilities are typically closed on approximately twelve holidays each school year.
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