1. Do you transport to and from schools?
We currently service many of the North Hills Elementary schools. In North Allegheny School District we provide service to McKnight Elementary, Marshall and Ingomar. In the Pine Richland District we transport to Wexford Elementary. We also have provided transportation from some of the parochial schools in the area. Each year we evaluate our needs in order to provide the best service for our families. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at 412-367-4550 or e-mail us at info@hilandchildcarecenter.org

2. What do parents need to supply?
Infant Room: Formula and bottles, diapers and wipes, crib sheet and mattress pad, extra clothing, any special transition object or blanket.
Toddler Room: Diapers and wipes, extra clothes, back pack.
Early Learners: Extra clothes, book bag/back pack.
Kindergarten: Extra clothes, back pack/book bag.
School Age: back pack/book bag.

3. What is your release Policy?
When a family registers at Hiland they are asked to list two authorized people for pick-up. This information is kept on file for teachers to refer to when necessary. Parents are asked to notify teachers in advance if someone different will be picking up their child. Photo identification will be needed to pick up children at the end of the day.

4. How often does your center close?
We understand how important your job is; therefore we make every attempt to remain open during inclement weather. Hiland is closed for ten holidays throughout the year: those are the traditional holidays (Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the Friday after, Christmas and one other day, New Years, Martin Luther King, Jr., Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July) We also close for one in service day a year. Our annual calendar goes out at the beginning of August.

5. What are the credentials of the caregivers?
Hiland employs approximately twenty staff. Some employees work part time and some full time. Most of our staff have a minimum of an Associates Degree in Pedology or Family Studies. We have approximately seven employees with Bachelor degrees in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education and Art Education. We have other employees who are currently working towards getting their CDA credential. In addition we also employee people with many years experience and value their commitment and caring for children.
All Hiland employees are required to participate in on going training throughout the year. Currently we advise a total of twenty four hours of training in the areas of Child Development, Communication, Curriculum, Assessment, Professionalism, CPR, First Aid, Emergency Preparedness and many more.

6. Is there a waiting list?
We keep a waiting list for all classrooms. In order to put you child on the waiting list we must have the family tour our facility prior to their child’s enrollment. We take full time enrollment over part time enrollment. Families are informed of openings based on when they called, how often they continue to call, and center openings. We are often able to project openings provided parents continue to call periodically every four to six weeks. When an opening is about to occur we will contact you and ask for a nonrefundable deposit. This deposit will be credited to the last month tuition. If you are interested please email us at info@hilandchildcarecenter.org

7. What are the ratios in the classroom?
We staff our classrooms according to the Department of Public Welfare regulations. Often we will make attempts to staff with extra employees during the busier parts of the day.

8. What goes on in the classrooms?
Every month a curriculum calendar will be sent home. This calendar lets you know what topics are being discussed and what activities are planned. Each classroom has a daily schedule that is posted in their classroom. Meal times and snack times are an important time for sharing and language development. We also utilize this time to role model good manners and nutritional habits. Circle times are fun learning times for songs, finger plays, stories and sharing. Children are taken outside daily weather permitting. A large gym area provides plenty of game space and large motor room when we aren’t able to go outside.

Tips in Looking For Child Care
1. How long has the center been in business?
2. What are the employees’ qualifications?
3. Ask about staff turnover. How long have caregivers been employed at the current center?
4. Has the center received accreditation from NAEYC or NAA?
5. Is the center participating in the Pennsylvania Keystone Stars System?
6. How do caregivers discipline children?
7. Does the center have an Emergency Evacuation Plan? How often is the plan practiced?
8. What is the center medication policy?
9. Does the center have an emergency plan if a child is injured?
10. What is the center sick care policy?
11. What kind of training does the staff receive?
12. Are the play areas inspected and fenced in?
13. Is there a policy for intoxicated individuals?
14. Is there a late pick up fee?
15. Does the center accept subsidy?