Frequently Asked Questions about the Center
General
What hours and days are you open?
SCDC is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m..
Where are you located?
We are located at 1730 Crescent, East Lansing (located in Spartan Village, near the corner of Mount Hope and Harrison).
How much do you charge?
Rates vary depending on the child’s age. Prices listed are per day. Rates also vary depending on the number of people in the household and the household income. Click here to visit our fees page to see a detailed listing of our rates.
Is there a waiting list? If so, how long is it?
Yes, there is a waiting list. However, the length of the wait can vary depending on many factors, including, but not limited to: time of year, age of child, current enrollment, and requested schedule.
Do you charge for holidays, absences due to vacation or illness, or late pickups?
SCDC observes holidays in accordance with the Michigan State University observance calendar. Families are not charged for care when SCDC is closed for a holiday observance. As a courtesy, we do offer alternative care for families typically for the three days between Christmas and New Year’s. Enrolled families must request care in advance for these days.
Families earn vacation days to help with absences due to vacation or illness. Vacation days accrue as follows: ½ day per month for full-time children, and ¼ day per month for part-time children. Vacation days expire after the child’s enrollment year, and do not carry over. If a child has accrued vacation days, the family can apply those days to absences.
The center opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. A $25 fee will be issued for pickup after 6:00 p.m. until 6:05 p.m. After that, the charge is a dollar a minute, per child until both parent and child (children) have exited the building.
Are you open to everyone, or just Michigan State University students, staff, and faculty?
Yes, we are open to everyone, however, because of our affiliation with MSU, preference is given to MSU students, faculty, and staff.
How many children does the center care for?
The center is licensed for 140 children.
How much childcare experience, education, and training does your staff have?
All teachers at the center have a bachelor’s degree, or are in the process of obtaining a degree in a child-related field. All professional staff members, including administrators are certified in CPR and First Aid and are required to attend trainings, conferences, and seminars throughout the year relating to their age-group specific classroom needs. Teacher aide staff consists mostly of students matriculating at Michigan State or another local college or university and pursuing degrees in an education related field. Teacher’s aides are required to attend room trainings and at least two Center-wide trainings each year.
What ages do you serve?
The center serves children two weeks to six years of age, if the child has not completed kindergarten. In the summer we offer a school-age program for children five – nine years old.
Can my child attend the center all day?
Yes. Infants attend the center full time, Monday through Friday. To build strong attachments to caregivers and minimize transitions, our infant program is a full day, full-time program only. Toddlers (one year) to transition children (three years) attend full days only, Monday through Friday. Our toddler and transition program is also available on a part time basis, either two days or three full days per week. The preschool program offers part time daily schedules for children, either morning or afternoon class sessions. Enrollment schedules are still fixed: Children are welcome to attend Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday and Thursday.
Do the children go on field trips?
Yes, children start going on field trips when they reach the Transition rooms (two to three years old). Infants and toddlers typically take daily walks.
Must children be toilet trained to enter preschool?
No. We understand that the toilet training process can be a very exciting, yet sensitive time in a child’s development. Based upon this, we do not require that children be completely toilet trained to enter our preschool program.
Can I visit the center at any time?
Yes, if your child is enrolled. Tours are available by appointment for prospective families. Please call the center to schedule a tour.
Are you licensed?
Yes.
Are you accredited?
We are currently pursuing reaccreditation with the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The program has been accredited for nearly six years.
Are the younger and older children separated?
Yes, children are grouped according to age.
Is there a food program offered?
Yes. USDA guidelines are followed, and our facility is peanut free. For children with food allergies or food preferences written evidence must be provided and substitutions are available. Click here to visit our food page to learn more about SCDC's unique food program.
Health
What do you do if my child is sick?
If a child falls ill at the center, the parent is contacted. If a child has a fever, they cannot return for 24 hours and must be fever-free without medication.
Do caregivers have up-to-date CPR and first aid training?
Yes, training is provided for Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Professional Staff Substitutes, and Administrative Staff.
When must children stay home because of illness?
When the child has a fever, a contagious illness, diarrhea, and/or vomiting.
Are children required to have vaccinations and a physical examination before admission?
Yes.
Does the center have rules about careful and frequent hand washing?
Yes, before and after meals, before and after changing diapers, after using the bathroom, and after assisting a child with an injury or runny nose.
Safety
Are poison control phone numbers and ambulance phone numbers clearly posted?
Yes, numbers are posted in every classroom, office, and at the front desk.
Are fire and tornado drills held?
Fire and tornado drills are held on a quarterly basis throughout the year. MSU safety officials assist with the drills and review our building procedures at least once a year.