Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: We’re open Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Our goal is to offer flexible care that supports working families.

Q: Do you offer part-time or flexible schedules?
A: Yes! We offer both full-time and part-time enrollment options depending on classroom availability.

Q: How is tuition billed?
A: Tuition is billed monthly. Rates are evaluated each July, with any changes taking effect in September, at the start of the new school year.

Q: Do you accept child care vouchers or financial assistance?
A: Yes — we accept EEC vouchers and work with local Resource & Referral Agencies (such as Child Care Circuit) for financial support.

Q: What age groups do you serve?
A: We serve children infants through school-age, including after-school programs.

Q: Is my child required to be potty trained to enroll?
A: Not at all! Potty training is not required for enrollment. Our teachers work closely with families to support each child’s readiness and routine in a gentle, positive way.

Q: What curriculum do you use?
A: Our play-based curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts Early Learning Guidelines, focusing on cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development.

Q: What is your nap time schedule?
A: Nap time is from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM each day.
If a child does not nap or cannot fall asleep after 10 minutes, we provide quiet time activities such as playdough, puzzles, coloring, or reading books. This allows each child to rest or relax in a calm, soothing environment.

Q: Do you offer outdoor play or enrichment activities?
A: Yes! Weather permitting, children enjoy outdoor time daily, plus hands-on learning, art, music, and themed enrichment days.

Q: Do infant parents need to provide meals, and if so, what is required?
A: Yes. Infant parents must provide their child’s food, breast milk, or formula until they are old enough to eat solid foods. All items must be clearly labeled with the child’s name. Bottles should also be labeled to indicate whether they contain breast milk or formula, and must arrive already prepared and ready to serve.

Q: Do you provide meals and snacks?
A: Yes — we serve breakfast, AM snack, lunch, and PM snack daily, following USDA guidelines. Menus are posted monthly and include allergy-friendly alternatives.

Q: Can I pack my child’s meals?
A: You’re welcome to pack your child’s meals if preferred. Please note we are a nut-free center for everyone’s safety.

Q: What is your illness policy?
A: Children who have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other contagious symptoms must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning.

Q: What safety measures are in place?
Our center follows EEC health and safety standards, including daily sanitation, secure entry, staff CPR/First Aid certification, and monthly fire drills and lockdown drills to ensure children and staff are familiar with emergency procedures.

Q: Are there cameras in the classrooms?
A: Security cameras are used for internal monitoring and safety purposes only — never for public viewing, in compliance with EEC privacy regulations.

Q: How do you hire and train your staff?
A: Every staff member at Peabody Child Care Center goes through a rigorous hiring and screening process in compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). This includes:

A comprehensive background check and fingerprinting

Reference verification and interviews

Verification of education and child care experience

Q: Are your teachers certified?
A: Yes! All of our educators are EEC-certified, and any new hires who are not yet certified are actively in the process of becoming certified through EEC-approved coursework and training.

Q: What ongoing training do staff receive?
A: Our teachers and staff complete annual CPR and First Aid training, along with continuous EEC-required professional development hours throughout the year. We also hold monthly staff meetings focused on curriculum planning, classroom safety, and child development best practices.

Our goal is to ensure your child is cared for by compassionate, qualified professionals who are dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and educational environment.

Q: How will I receive updates about my child’s day?
A: We use Brightwheel to share photos, daily logs, and announcements so families stay connected in real time.

Q: How do you handle parent communication?
A: Communication is key! Families receive monthly newsletters, meal calendars, and individual updates through Brightwheel and email.

Q: Can parents visit the classroom?
A: Absolutely! We have an open-door policy for enrolled families — you’re always welcome to visit or volunteer.

Q: Is Peabody Child Care Center licensed?

A: Yes. Peabody Child Care Center is a licensed child care program with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and operates under Program Number #272826.

Q: Who is the licensor for your program?

A: Our program is licensed and overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).

Our assigned EEC licensor is:

Licensor Name: Yessenia Disla
Phone: (978) 681-9684
Email: yessenia.disla@mass.gov

Q: What does EEC licensing mean for families?

A: EEC licensing ensures that our program:

↠ Meets Massachusetts health and safety regulations

↞ Maintains required staff-to-child ratios

↠ Completes mandatory background checks and staff training

↞ Is subject to regular inspections and ongoing monitoring

Q: Can families contact EEC with questions or concerns?

A: Yes. Families may contact the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) or our assigned licensor directly with questions or concerns related to licensing, regulations, or program compliance.

Q: Who provides transportation for Peabody Child Care Center?
A: Transportation services are provided by Panda Transportation, a licensed and insured transportation company based in Massachusetts. Peabody Child Care Center does not transport children using personal or staff vehicles.

Q: What is transportation used for?
A: Transportation is used for field trips and for transporting children from local schools to Peabody Child Care Center for the after-school program. Transportation is only provided for approved and scheduled activities.

Q: Is transportation provided every day?
A: Transportation is provided on scheduled school days for children enrolled in the after-school program and on scheduled field trip days. Transportation is not available on an unscheduled or drop-in basis.

Q: Are the vehicles safe?
A: Yes. All vehicles used by Panda Transportation are properly registered, insured, and maintained, and they undergo regular safety inspections in accordance with Massachusetts regulations.

Q: Who drives the vehicles?
A: Drivers are employees of Panda Transportation and are properly licensed, trained, and qualified to transport children. Peabody Child Care Center staff do not drive transportation vehicles.

Q: How are children supervised during transportation?
A: Children are supervised at all times. Attendance is taken before departure and upon arrival, and children are supervised during pick-up and drop-off transitions. Clear communication occurs between center staff and Panda Transportation to ensure accountability.

Q: Will parents be notified about transportation and field trips?
A: Yes. Families will receive advance notice of all field trips and transportation arrangements, including dates, destinations, and times. Written permission will be required when applicable.

Q: What schools are included for after-school transportation?
A: After-school transportation is provided from participating local schools. Families will be informed of eligible schools and designated pick-up locations.

Q: Can my child use transportation without written permission?
A: No. Written parent or guardian permission is required for participation in field trips and transportation services. Children without permission will not be transported.

Q: What if my child has medical needs or special considerations?
A: Parents are encouraged to notify Peabody Child Care Center of any medical needs, allergies, or other concerns so appropriate planning and communication can occur prior to transportation.

Q: Who should I contact with transportation questions or concerns?
A: Parents should contact Peabody Child Care Center administration with any transportation-related questions or concerns. The center will coordinate directly with Panda Transportation as needed.

Q: What is Peabody Child Care Center’s commitment to transportation safety?
A: Peabody Child Care Center is committed to providing safe, reliable, and well-supervised transportation. Through our partnership with a professional transportation provider and clear communication with families, we strive to give parents peace of mind.