Do you have a waiting list?

If there is no space available in your child’s age group at one center, one of Day Nursery’s other centers may have space until space becomes available at your first choice center. Or you may put your name on the waiting list at the preferred center, and the staff will contact you when space is available. The Program Manager oversees central enrollment and can be reached by contacting the administrative office.

Where are you located?

Day Nursery of Abilene has four child care centers housed in five buildings.

What time do you open and close?

Each center has its own hours. Children are enrolled based on the parents’ work or school schedule.

Do you provide meals for my children?

Nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks are provided for all children enrolled. The agency participates in the USDA Child Care Food Program (CCFP) and abides by all standards set forth by that program. Rotating menus are posted for parents to read. Meals are prepared in the centers. All meals, snacks, infant formula and baby food are furnished by the nursery at no additional cost.

Do I need to bring anything for my child?

Parents are expected to furnish diapers for infants and training pants or pull-ups for potty trainers. An extra change of clothing is requested as well. Children should be discouraged from bringing food and toys from home. Classroom supplies are furnished at no additional charge.

Do you have a curriculum?

Yes. Trained caregivers offer a structured curriculum appropriate to each age group. Day Nursery’s curriculum goals are:

• Cognitive Development to develop an intellectual base necessary for successful learning.
• Communication/Language Development to help children verbally express themselves and develop effective patterns of speaking.
• Social/Emotional Development to encourage feelings of security, cooperation, friendliness and sharing.
• Physical Development to develop control of the large and small muscles.
• Creative Expression to encourage expression of self through music, art, literature and communication.
• Health and Safety to help children care for their bodies and establish healthful routines.
• Cultural Diversity to encourage acceptance and understanding of all people and cultures.

What activities are provided?

Weekly lesson plans for all ages of children at Day Nursery centers include developmentally appropriate opportunities relationg to cognitive, motor skills, health and hygiene, emotional maturity and social awareness. The approach to child development is complete and designed to expand the physical, mental, social and emotional attributes of the child. Educational programming and field trip enrichment opportunities for preschool and school age children are also included in the curriculum.

How many children are assigned to one staff person?

The staff to child ratio is determined by State licensing standards. They are:

Do you take drop-ins?

Yes, on a space available basis.

What is the experience and training of the staff?

Prior child care experience or a pre-service training course in addition to first aid with rescue breathing and infant/child CPR are prerequisites for direct care staff. Directors must have prior child care and business experience and education. The staff receive at least twenty hours of training annually and are closely monitored. Areas of training include child growth and development, guidance and discipline, age-appropriate curriculum, and teacher-child interaction.

Who regulates your program?

The Day Nursery of Abilene is licensed by the Child Care Licensing Division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The latest evaluation can be read at any of the locations and at the main office. The centers are routinely inspected by a child care licensing representative. The latest evaluation can be read at any of the locations at the main office. The Abilene Fire Department and the Taylor County Health Department conduct an annual inspection and gas leak tests are performed annually.

The Child Care Provider Operations (CCPO) in Abilene, Texas, manages state funding to provide child care services to eligible families in our 19 county region. The Day Nursery is a provider contracting with Child Care Provider Operations.

All four of our centers are Texas Rising Star Providers of the CCPO system. This status means that the centers have achieved the highest level of quality child care according to CCPO standards and exceed those required by minimum standards for day care centers by the State of Texas.

What do you charge?

Fees charged are based on the age of the child requiring care as well as on the number of days and hours in care. Rates are $5.50 per hour drop-in rate to full-time weekday care for an infant for $108. Fees are all-inclusive at Day Nursery. No separate charges are required for registration, transportation, supplies, activities or meals.