Enrollment/ Withdrawal Processes and Procedures:
What forms and information are required for enrollment at Upstream Learning?
In order for your child to be cleared for enrollment, the required forms by state child care licensing
include:
- Enrollment Form
- Immunization Record Signed by Doctor
- Authorization for Medical Treatment
- Authorization to Dispense Medication
(only if your child will take daily meds in our care)
- Parent Handbook Signature Page
- Registration Fee
- First Month's Tuition (due on the start date at Upstream Learning)
What are the operational hours for Upstream Learning?
Please see the above section "Hours of Operation".
What are the tuition charges and when can I pay them?
Please see the "Tuition" section above to view the tuition rate chart.
Monthly tuition can be paid in full on the first of the month or 1/2 on the first of the month and 1/2 on
the fifteenth of the month. In the event that the first or fifteenth falls over a weekend or holiday, tuition
is due on the last school day prior. Checks may be post dated for the first or fifteenth of the month.
There is a $25 per day late fee for late payment.
Is it possible for my child to attend Upstream Learning as a part-time student?
Upstream Learning is a full time only program. We know that consistency of care and learning is key to children's success in preschool and we strive to provide a daily opportunity for your child to learn and grow.
Do we have to pay for the weeks that we go on vacation or if my child is absent for another reason?
Payment is due in full each month of service regardless of absences, vacations, or school closings.
What are the daily schedules for each classroom?
Daily schedules are posted in each classroom and are a part of the Welcome Packet for each age level.
These schedules will vary on special days and will change as the seasons change and we are able to
spend additional time outside when the weather is not too hot or cold. Any change in schedule will be
communicated with parents through daily notes or the school newsletter!
What should my child bring on the first day of school?
Please refer to the "What should my child bring on the first day of school?" section above.
What should my child wear each day to school?
Our days at Upstream Learning will be filled with highly engaging, movement oriented, brain based
instruction that is age appropriate. Each day children will spend time outside in formal and informal
play with classmates. With this in mind, please make sure that the clothes your child is wearing are appropriate for lots of movement inside and out! It is also important to wear closed toe shoes for outdoor
play!
What requirements are there for daily attendance at Upstream Learning?
Daily attendance at school is important to the consistency in learning. The structure of our daily schedule allows for the key instructional time to begin in each classroom at 8:30 AM. If at all possible, it is our request that your child be in the classroom by that time so that he or she can be a part of circle time, explanation of the day, and the daily procedures that help keep the structure in the classroom successful. Parents are required to pick up children by 4:30PM each day. If a parent is late for pick up, regardless of the reason, there is a $25 fee assessed for the family that should be paid in full by the next school day.
Are there additional expenses that I should expect as part of child care at Upstream Learning?
Expenses at Upstream Learning over and above your annual enrollment or registration fee and monthly
fee for school will be completely optional aside from the late fees for tuition or late pick up.
Optional expenses may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Purchase of school pictures during the school year
- Participation in additional enrichment classes (Skyhawks Sports Classes, etc.)
- Hearing and Vision Screening (optional for 3's; required for 4's and 5's but may be completed
at your doctor's office and results provided to Upstream Learning)
- Monetary contributions to service projects in the classrooms
How do I withdraw my child from Upstream Learning?
Withdrawal from Upstream Learning requires a minimum of 2 weeks notice. In the event that you
choose to withdraw your child from Upstream without notice, you will be charged and have an
outstanding balance for the two weeks of care.
- Please notify the director of the date of withdrawal with as much advanced notice as possible,
but a minimum of 2 weeks.
- We will work with your child's teacher to ensure that all of your child's belongings, projects,
and supplies are ready on his or her last day.
Enrichment Activities and Field Trips:
Do the children get to take field trips with Upstream Learning?
Our days at Upstream Learning will be filled with exciting instruction on-site. We offer on-site field trips with visits from our community such as the Mad Hatters Reading Group, the Round Rock Library, the Round Rock Fire Department and other safety personnel, many community helper groups, the Round Rock City bus, and various other visitors. The bottom line is that we want to bring the community to your child rather than transporting them out into it and risking safety issues off our property where we are able to control all of the safety protocols!
Are there enrichment activities within the school day that I can sign my child up for?
Additional enrichment activities during the school day are not offered at this time. Through collaboration
with parents and teachers, it is our goal to begin offering enrichment opportunities for our 3 to 5 year
olds. We will be researching the best options for these and provide parents with information well in
advance of the start of such activities so that you may decide if your child would like to participate!
Health, Wellness and Feeding of Children:
How do you clean and sanitize the facility to ensure student safety and health?
Cleanliness and a sanitary environment is a foundational component to the operation of Upstream
Learning. All staff members have a cleaning regiment that they follow a minimum of twice daily in the
facility. This includes the wipe down of all tables in the classroom, sweeping and mopping the floors,
sanitizing toys and equipment, vacuuming rugs, wiping down of nap mats or cots, cleaning all
restrooms, wiping door handles, and the sweeping sidewalks as well as monitoring the playground
equipment for anything harmful. If you have concerns at any time about the cleanliness of your child's
room or the school, please contact the director or assistant director immediately!
What meals or snacks does Upstream Learning provide for my child?
Upstream Learning provides healthy snacks for each child twice daily. Lunch should be brought from
home from Monday to Thursday each week. On Fridays, Upstream will provide lunch. Please view the
snack and Friday lunch calendar for each month in the facility and as part of the parent newsletter. In
the event that your child does not like the snack or lunch option, please plan to send another healthy
option for him or her to eat at snack time or Friday lunch time.
What is the procedure if my child gets sick in your care?
In the event that your child is not feeling well, our staff will contact you immediately by phone. If your
child is suffering from a fever, we will request that you pick him or her up as soon as possible to prevent
the sickness from worsening and/or the spread of the illness to other children in the center. According
to state guidelines, parents have one hour within which to pick up their child from school. After having
a fever, your child cannot return to Upstream Learning for 24 hours. We will be excited to see your little
one when he or she is feeling better and this will also ensure that your own child is not unnecessarily
exposed to other's germs when they are sick either!
What kinds of illness prevent my child from being able to be in care at preschool?
In the event that your child exhibits any of the following symptoms or in general is not feeling well,
please plan to keep the child home from school so as not to further expose him or her to germs that could
worsen the illness or expose others to his or her potential germs:
- Evidence of a cold including green mucus in the nose or from a cough, significant runny nose or
cough of any kind, continuous sneezing, watery eyes, achy head or body or other cold symptoms
- Has had a temperature of 100.8 or more in the last 24 hours; must be fever free without fever
reducer of any kind for 24 hours before returning to school
- Upset stomach including but not limited to vomiting or diarrhea during the last 24 hours
- Red or watery eyes with crusty discharge on the eyelids (most often when a child wakes up in the
morning or from a nap)
- Rashes or skin irritation that is abnormal for the child
- Head lice or bugs in hair of any kind (children may return to care after treatment and removal of
all bugs or infected areas are clear down to the shaft of the hair)
We want your child at school with us! With that said, we want it to be a very healthy and happy
environment for everyone. We will hold to this standard of care and hope that you will honor your
commitment to your child and others by being overly sensitive to the issues listed here. We will monitor
all children daily and react at the first signs of discomfort so that your child is healthy and safe with us!
Will you administer medication to my child?
There are specific guidelines that we must follow with regard to the administration of medication to
children at Upstream Learning.
Prescription Medication: If your child has a medication that he or she must take daily while at school, it
will need to be in the original prescription bottle with the child's name on it and the administration instructions. The administration instructions must be from the doctor with a signature to show that based
on his or her recommendation, we should provide the medication in this amount to the identified child.
Please bring this and the Release to Administer Medication form attached in this packet to your child's
teacher.
Over the Counter Medication: If your child is in need of medication of some sort on a less routine basis
or needs a fever reducer if he or she gets sick at school, Upstream Learning will need a Release to
Administer Medication form signed by the parent with the administration instructions. Fever reducers
will only be given to a child after a parent has been contacted by phone, given permission to administer,
and is on the way to pick the child up from school. Upon pick-up, the parent will sign the Release to
Administer Medication form showing what was given to the child and in what amount.
May I breastfeed my child or provide breast milk in while in your care?
We do provide a private space for mothers that choose to breastfeed children while in our care. In
addition, families that wish to send breast milk for children to consume while in our care should plan to
do so and keep the milk refrigerated in the child's classroom refrigerator. The milk will be provided to
the child at drink, snack, or lunch time as requested by the parents.
Will you administer and/or provide insect repellant?
Upstream Learning will not provide insect repellant for your child, however, you are welcome to provide
your family's choice for insect repellant. The insect repellant should be clearly labeled with your child's
first and last name. You will be asked to fill out an 'Authorization to Dispense Medication' form that will
tell us when you wish the repellant to be applied.
Safety and Security of Children:
How do your ensure safety of the children during the pick-up time at the end of the day?
As parents or guardians drop off their children each morning, the teacher will sign the child into the
classroom. On that sign in sheet, the teacher will note who is picking up the child that afternoon and
make any special notes with regard to changes in regular procedure. A picture identification and written
permission on the enrollment form or on a note from the parent is required for release of a child to
someone other than their parent. In addition, if a change is made from the morning drop off sign in
sheet that has not been communicated, the Upstream Learning staff will contact the parent for further
permission to release the child to the other adult.
What happens in the event of inclement weather?
Please see the corresponding section for "Incelment Weather" above.
Are there emergency policies in place for the school?
Upstream Learning is equipped with a full emergency preparedness plan as required by the Department
of Family and Protective Services. This document is available for your review at any time. In addition, all
emergency numbers are posted on the main bulletin board in the lobby of the center. These numbers
include:
Emergency Medical Services, Poison Control, Texas Abuse and Neglect Hotline, the local licensing office
telephone number, and the numbers of the owner and director.
What are the regulations in terms of activity in proximity of the preschool building?
Gang Free/ Weapon Free Zone: According to the Texas Penal Code, areas within 1,000 feet of a child
care center are gang free zones. Criminal offenses in these areas are subject to harsher penalties by law.
Smoke Free Zone: Upstream Learning is a smoke free facility. Smoking is not permitted within 50 feet of
facility.
Open Carry Law: Please note that Upstream Learning does not allow weapons of any kind in the building
or on the premises. Even if you are following the open carry requirements in the state of Texas, please
refrain from exercising that while on the premises of Upstream Learning with young children.
Visitors and Volunteers:
May I come to visit my child during the day?
Absolutely! We welcome parent visitors anytime and invite you to come and be a part of our learning
environment. A note here on parent visitors with regard to your child's reaction and ability to see you
come and go from the classroom is sometimes challenging in the beginning of the year. We want your
child to be most successful and happy while in our school; please utilize your own judgment and
communicate with your child's teacher about your planned visits!
May I volunteer at the school or in my child's classroom?
Of Course! We welcome you as a volunteer in our classrooms and our school. There is some required
paperwork and a background check that is necessary for a person to volunteer in the classroom
environment or be on campus with the children. Please access the Volunteer Application on the website
or ask a staff member for one when you come in to drop off or pick up your child!
Holidays and Celebrations:
How are holidays and children's birthdays celebrated at Upstream Learning? Will there be parties in
the classroom?
At Upstream Learning, we will celebrate the following holidays by having a celebration in the classroom:
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- Valentine's Day
- Easter
- 100th Day Celebration
- Dr. Seuss Week
- Community Helpers Week
- Mother's Day
- Father's Day
- Grandparent's Day
For each of the holidays listed above, the children will get notes home from their teachers about the plan
for the celebration. In most cases, parents will be asked to contribute food or decorations and of course
be invited to attend.
Please see the school calendar in the first sections of this document for a full listing of this school year's
events to be celebrated at Upstream Learning.
Birthday celebrations in the classroom are an exciting time. If parents wish to do so, he or she may bring
cupcakes or another surprise for their child's birthday to the classroom. Please make sure to speak with
your child's teacher about the most appropriate time for the celebration with the class to occur. In
addition, if parents wish to distribute birthday invitations for their child's birthday party to classmates, it
will be necessary to ensure that ALL children in the classroom receive an invitation so that there are no
hurt feelings. Please ask your child's teacher for an updated class listing!
Behavior and Discipline:
How does your discipline policy work for my child? Would a child ever be removed?
Upstream Learning believes in the positive guidance of children to make good choices in the school
environment. In accordance with state standards, children making poor choices will be redirected with
positive feedback from the teacher, age appropriate consequences, and individualized based on student
need. Upstream Learning does not support ANY discipline system or communication that is detrimental
to a child mentally or emotionally. Parents will be notified of any issues in the classroom that are causing
challenges to the learning environment and the consequences set forth by the teacher.
In the unfortunate event that a child is continually a danger to other children or to him or herself in the
learning environment, parents may be called to remove the student for the day. Upstream Learning
reserves the right to discontinue service for a child in any event deemed necessary by the director of the
school.
Can my child bring toys, movies, or other play items from home?
It is so important for children to feel at home in their new school environment. Because we know how
important this is and that children often show parts of themselves by special items they choose to bring
from home, we have specific days identified each month as "Bring a Toy from Home" day. These may be
shared during the appropriate classroom time and the teacher may choose to allow these to be a part of
the free play section of the day. On other days, it is important for children to leave their home toys at
home so we make sure to avoid a loss or broken item at school.
Movies from home may be requested by a child's teacher. If this is the case, only "G" rated films may be
brought from home. Teachers will be the final decision maker on whether a movie is shown the
classroom as part of rest time or at the beginning or end of the day. All other time in the classroom is
instructional and engaging activities will ensure that TV is the last thing students are thinking about!
Communication Between School and Home:
What kinds of communication should I expect from the school or the teachers?
Each day, Monday through Friday, you will get a note home from your child's teacher. The note will be a
description of the daily activities and some key learning from the day's instruction. Also, you will get a
personalized section of the note dedicated to your child's experience, mood, excitement, successes, or
challenges from the day.
The website for the school as well as the Facebook and Instagram pages are great places to gather
additional information, see events that are upcoming, and pictures of students in all classrooms during
the school day.
For specific requests or concerns, always feel free to call or make a meeting request when you sign your
child in each morning. If the teacher is not in the middle of instruction, she will be happy to speak with
you at that time, but often fruitful parent conversations take a bit longer than that, so if the meeting
request is made on the sign in sheet, the teacher will call you on her conference time to talk or set up an
alternate meeting time.
How can I monitor the compliance of Upstream Learning with the Child Care Licensing division in
the State of Texas?
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Child Care Licensing Division, issues our
licenses and conducts inspections based on the Child Care Standards for the state of Texas. I encourage
you to review the TDFPS website at:
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/child_care/search_texas_child_care/ppfacilitysearchdaycare.asp
You can view the listing of child care options in the Williamson County area with the listing of
inspections that have occurred and the results of those inspections. We encourage you to view this
listing and also to look at our most current inspection on display on the Parent Communication Bulletin
Board in the hallway of the school
Teacher Training and Development:
What background, experience, and qualifications do the teachers at Upstream Learning have?
All Lead Teachers at Upstream Learning have extensive background experience with early childhood
students. Through previous teaching experiences in other organizations or full Texas teacher certification, all staff
is fully prepared and able to serve your children in the most effective way possible. Assistant Teachers
and other support staff members are either pursuing degrees in education and/or have experience in
early childhood environments. Upstream Learning staff members would be happy to share with you
their background and passion in education; please feel free to ask. In addition, please view our Upstream
Learning Team board with pictures of all staff members and information about our families, love for
education, work history, and other fun details!
What kind of training do the teachers at Upstream Learning get to support the children?
The Upstream Learning staff will be exposed to a plethora of research based professional learning as part
of their employment at the school. Internal collaborative planning structures as well as opportunities for
full days of professional learning are a part of the vision and mission of Upstream Learning. Also,
attendance at local, state, and national early childhood conference will not only be an option, but be
encouraged by the leadership at the school. In order for our children to continue to grow and progress,
it is imperative that our teachers are doing the same. Professional learning is a significant area of passion
for this campus.