The Learning Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every weekday except for the following holidays and Staff In-service training days (not listed):
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Day
Presidents' Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day and following Friday
Christmas vacation Dec. 24 thru Jan. 1
Click here for fees. Tuition includes morning and afternoon snack, hot lunch, and diapers.
Class Sizes
The Puddle Room (6 mos. - 24 mos.) and the Bay Room (18 mos. - 36 mos.) have a 1:4 ratio children to teachers. The Ocean Room (3 -4 years) has 12 -14 kids total with 2 teachers. The River Room ( 4 -5 years) has 12 -1 4 kids total with 2 teachers.
There are full day and half day positions available, and slots for two to five days a week. The staff is composed of a full-time director, an assistant director, and full- and part-time teachers with backgrounds in early childhood studies and psychology. 80% of our teachers have been with TLC for five years or more.
TLC provides a morning snack, a hot lunch, and an afternoon snack for children eating table food. Parents must provide bottles, which must be plastic and already filled with juice, formula or milk. For infants not eating table food, the parent must also provide food. We are not equipped to wash or sterilize bottles or to mix formula. All food and bottles must be labeled with your child's name.
TLC provides nutritious, well-balanced meals and high-protein snacks. The school has a nut-free policy. Children are not allowed to bring any foods with nut products to school. Since we find that some children become overactive or cranky when they eat foods high in sugar, we do not serve food or snacks with sugar, and we recommend that you feed your child a breakfast low in sugar. Please do not send your child to TLC with any gum, candy or sweet food. If you wish to send a treat for snack time on your child's birthday, a holiday, or your child's last day at TLC, please consult the director for a list of healthy possibilities.
What to expect from teachers at TLC
TLC staff members are the Center's greatest resource. Their experience, understanding and support are vital to busy parents. At the same time, parental interest and support makes the work of our teachers easier, more enjoyable and more effective. TLC's teachers devote hours of unpaid time to prepare activities, plan programs and contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the Center. The appreciation that parents show them pays off for everyone in a happier and better motivated group of professionals.
TLC's primary focus is the children. Teachers are selected for their skills in working with children of specific age groups and their dedication to the well-being of the children entrusted to them. TLC attracts highly educated, experienced, competent and caring staff only because this one of the most demanding and challenging professions that exist. We have over 100 years of teaching experience on our permanent staff. Teachers are trained to assist in each child's development and have helped children through first day jitters and other difficult stages many times before.
Although TLC teachers are motivated and encouraged to turn their attention first to the children, they welcome frequent communication with parents. As you get to know the teaching staff, you will find them warm, engaging, responsible and thoroughly worthy of your trust. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to speak up. Teachers welcome daily conversations on how a child is doing, or on particular needs or concerns. They will also initiate discussion with you about any concerns they have about your child or observations they think may be of interest to you. Feel free also to ask about your child's day: meals, naps, play time, artwork, music, crafts or any other activities.
Our education philosophy is described on our Philosophy page.
"I was a preschool teacher myself, and I couldn't imagine a place where I would rather bring my children".
"...my child dances her way to breakfast when it's a TLC morning."
"TLC provides my children with a nurturing, consistent, and stable
environment."
"The staff is extraordinary in their passion and professionalism."
We encourage you to get to know our staff and to communicate your questions, concerns or feedback to us at any time. The director and assistant director are available for parent conferences at your request. Parent conferences are usually scheduled in February, March and April. Parent-staff meetings and family potlucks are held several times each year, providing an opportunity for communication of information and for parent-staff discussions.
The Learning Center actively encourages diversity. We have bi-lingual teachers and students who are encouraged to share their language, culture, music, and foods with the other students. We also have a diversity scholarship program to help attract children whose families need help with tuition.
Parents are always welcome. To avoid disrupting the children's schedule, we ask that you check with your child's teachers or the director or assistant director before you visit.
Clothing
We expect and encourage your child to be active. Please send your child in clothing which he/she can get dirty. Your child should have at TLC a change of clothes, including socks, as well as suitable outerwear for outside activities. Please label clothes with your child's initials or name. For the rainy season, send boots or rubbers or a change of shoes. If your child comes home in clothing from the Center, please launder the clothes and return them as soon as you can.
Toys
We prefer that your child leave all toys and possessions other than clothes at home. It is the parents' responsibility to retrieve any toys or things that the child does bring to TLC. We will make an effort to put your child's possessions in his/her bag or cubby, but we cannot be responsible for toys or other articles brought from home by your child.
When your child is ready and willing, we will encourage him or her to use the toilet.