For frequently asked questions about our Day Care and Preschool programs, please see below. Should you have further inquiries about our Pre-K in Gaithersburg, Maryland, don’t hesitate to reach out to us through our contact form.
General Questions
Q: What ages of children do you accept?
A: TopHat Childcare offers infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten programs for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. We also have before-care and after-care for children ages 6 through 14 years old. We will also be offering in-between care for children who may be attending school every other week or only a few days a week due to COVID-19 scheduling.
Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: We are open every Monday to Friday between 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Eastern Time). However, we encourage you to contact us ahead of time to schedule your visit for a tour of our school. You may reach out to us here.
Q: Do you provide part-time options?
A: We offer a part-time options and also early drop-off and late pick-up options.
Registration
What do I need to bring to sign-up for your day care & preschool programs?
A: The process will require the following:
- Health and Immunization form
- Immunization Record for all children being enrolled
- Authorization for Emergency Medical Care.
If your child requires medication, you will also need the Authorization for Dispensing Medication form. For more information about our Pre-K in Gaithersburg, Maryland, please read our Application Process here.
Your Child’s Comfort
Q: Can my child bring his/her favorite blanket or toy to school?
A: We prioritize your child’s comfort during their stay with us, hence, we allow them to bring their favorite blankets. As for toys, we encourage parents to have their children leave their favorite toys at home to avoid damage or loss of the item.
Q: How does TopHat Childcare provide the comfort that my child needs?
A: We work closely with the child’s parents to determine the appropriate measures to take when providing comfort for your child.
Q: Is there a special place for my child’s belongings?
A: At TopHat Childcare, children are provided their own space for personal belongings to allow safe-keeping.
Q: What is the attendance policy when my child is ill?
A: Your child’s well-being is our priority. We advise parents to have their children stay at home and recover in order to avoid compromising their own health, as well as their classmates. Children who have a temperature of 100 or more must stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever without fever-reducing medication.
Safety and Security
Q: How secure is your monitoring system?
A: TopHat Childcare utilizes cutting-edge security measures to keep your child safe and sound under our supervision. Aside from constant staff monitoring, we have a security camera at each door of the school.
Q: What are some of TopHat Childcare’s safety features?
A: Your child is in good hands with us as we guarantee stringent measures to ensure their safety, such as:
- Double-Entry Locked Doors
- Strict Permission Policy of Authorized Individuals
- Emergency Safety Drills Practiced with Children
- Tornado Shelter On-Site
- Annual State Inspections
- Emergency Safety Training
Q: What is your procedure in the event of severe weather?
A: In the event of extreme weather conditions, TopHat Childcare has procedures at the ready to take countermeasures and to keep children safe. Our staff is trained to carry out necessary precautions in cases of a tornado, flood, and other severe weather conditions.
Learn more about our Weather Policy here.
Q: Will my child be supervised at all times?
A: TopHat Childcare has adequate staff members to provide individualized supervision to every child under our care so you can rest assured that your child is always safe and sound with us.
Q: How often is TopHat Childcare inspected?
A: Aside from our own routine inspections of our staff, facility, and educational materials, TopHat Childcare is also inspected and evaluated by professional committees to ensure top-quality programs and facilities at least once a year.
Payments
Q: What are your tuition rates?
A: For a detailed breakdown of our tuition rates, please visit our Tuition Charges here.
