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Child Care Center FAQ

We have over 500 slots for children in the Child and Family Center, but there is no way to predict when vacancies will occur. Planning ahead by getting on the waiting list as soon as possible will help your chances. We encourage future parents who will be needing infant care to get on the waiting list once they have a confirmed pregnancy.

There are only two ways your name is taken off the waiting list: (1) upon your request or (2) your name is moved to an inactive list because we repeatedly tried to reach you via multiple methods and there was no response from you.

You will have a choice to take the spot being offered or you can be moved (with your date of application) to the inactive list. When you next decide that the timing is right, you are allowed to return to the active list. You may do this one time.

Yes, teachers plan daily activities based on a weekly, age-appropriate lesson plan that is turned in to the site manager the week prior.

Yes, our lunches are brought in hot and containers are taken to the classroom. At enrollment, parents may stipulate if their child has specific dietary restrictions.

Absolutely. Our doors are open to parents/guardians of enrolled children at all times. The Child and Family Center recognizes the importance of parental involvement in the education of young children. We encourage and appreciate parent participation at all levels. If you plan to join your child for lunch we ask for 24 hours notice. The charge is $2.00.

The Child and Family Center is open from 6am-6pm, Monday through Friday. The center does not close for inclement weather, even if area schools are closed. CFC will close for the following official Vanderbilt holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and Vanderbilt Winter Break. We will conduct a survey of all parents to determine if both parents (if applicable) are required to work on a holiday to determine if there is sufficient demand for care.

Many of our teachers (both lead and associate) have earned degrees or are certified. All of our lead teachers have either an Associate's or Bachelor's degree, or have earned their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. A few of our teachers have completed degrees at the Master's level.

All of the Child and Family Center staff, including administration, completes a minimum of 20 hours of professional development training each year.

The Child and Family Center offers two options for in-home back-up/sick child care: Care.com and the Vanderbilt Sitter Service.

The Child and Family Center does not have a facility for sick care for currently enrolled children. CFC follows the guidelines put forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Department of Education regarding exclusion from child care due to illness (i.e., fever-free for 24 hours before returning to the Center).