Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to many of the most commonly asked questions about enrollment, our program and what a day looks like at Pathways are below. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, please contact cynthia@pathwaysearlyeducation.org
Getting Started
Enrollment & Registration
How do I enroll my child?
To enroll your child, complete the Pathways Enrollment Packet, provide a current physical examination and immunization record, complete the USDA Child Care Food Program application, and sign all required enrollment and tuition agreements. Tuition assistance is available for qualifying families.
Is there currently a waiting list?
Enrollment is based on classroom availability. If a classroom is full, your child’s name will be placed on our waiting list after completing a waitlist form. Priority enrollment may be given to siblings of currently enrolled children, Immokalee residents, School Readiness recipients, DCF referrals, foster children, and other qualifying families.
How will I know when a space becomes available?
When an opening becomes available, a member of our leadership team will contact you to schedule a visit and begin the enrollment process.
What ages do you accept?
Pathways Early Education Center provides programs for children from 4 weeks of age through Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK). Class placement is based on your child’s age, developmental needs, and classroom availability.
Are immunization records required?
Yes. Florida requires every child to have a current physical examination and up-to-date immunization records on file before beginning enrollment.
Do you accept childcare assistance or subsidy programs?
Yes. Pathways accepts School Readiness and other eligible childcare assistance programs. Families who qualify for state or federal childcare funding will have their tuition processed according to program guidelines.
Tuition & Payments
How much is tuition?
Tuition is determined using Pathways’ sliding fee scale based on household income unless your family receives an approved childcare subsidy. Please contact our office for current tuition rates and assistance options.
What does tuition include?
Tuition includes high-quality early childhood education, daily learning experiences, breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack that meet USDA nutritional guidelines, developmental screenings, family engagement opportunities, and access to specialized support services when appropriate.
What payment methods do you accept?
Tuition payments are made through automatic withdrawal. Pathways does not accept cash, checks, or money orders for tuition payments.
Is tuition still due when the center is closed?
Yes. Tuition is due regardless of absences, holidays, illness, weather-related closures, or other unexpected closures.
Can tuition be paid online?
Tuition is collected through automatic electronic withdrawal, providing a secure and convenient payment process for families.
Hours, Arrival & Pickup
What are your hours of operation?
Pathways Early Education Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We encourage children to arrive no later than 9:00 a.m. so they can fully participate in the daily learning experience.
What happens if I am late picking up my child?
Children must be picked up by 5:30 p.m. Late pickup fees are assessed as follows:
- First occurrence: $1 per minute, per child
- Second occurrence (within 6 months): $3 per minute, per child
- Third occurrence (within 6 months): One-week suspension with full tuition due.
Continued late pickups may result in dismissal from the program.
How do I add someone to my child’s approved pickup list?
Visit the front office to complete a Parent Change Form. New authorized individuals must be added before they are allowed to pick up your child.
What identification is required at pickup?
All adults picking up a child must present a valid photo ID. Staff verify identification before releasing a child to ensure everyone’s safety.
What should I do if there is a custody agreement?
Please provide Pathways with copies of any current custody orders or court documents. We will follow all legal documentation on file regarding custody and authorized pickups.
What should I do if my child has a difficult drop-off?
A consistent goodbye routine helps children adjust. We recommend:
- Arriving with enough time to transition calmly.
- Speaking positively about school.
- Keeping goodbyes short and reassuring.
- Letting your child know you'll return and leaving confidently.
Our teachers are experienced in helping children settle into their day and are happy to provide updates if needed.
Can someone under 18 yrs. old pick up my child?
No. For your child’s safety, Pathways only releases children to authorized individuals who are 18 years of age or older.
Classroom Information
How are children placed into classrooms?
Children are assigned to classrooms based on their age, developmental readiness, and classroom availability. Our goal is to ensure each child is placed in an environment that best supports their learning and growth.
How do I contact my child’s teacher?
Families are encouraged to communicate directly with their child’s teacher at drop-off or pickup. If a longer conversation is needed, please schedule a conference through the teacher or administration.
How do teachers communicate with families?
Teachers provide ongoing communication through daily reports, conversations at drop-off and pickup, conferences, and center communications. Families are encouraged to reach out whenever they have questions or concerns.
Will I receive updates about my child’s day?
Yes. Families receive daily information about meals, naps, learning activities, diapering (when applicable), and other important classroom updates.
How much time do children spend outside?
Children typically enjoy approximately 60 minutes of outdoor play each day, usually divided between morning and afternoon. Outdoor time may be adjusted based on weather conditions.
When will my child move to the next classroom?
Classroom transitions are based on your child’s age, developmental readiness, and available classroom space. Families are notified before any transition occurs.
Curriculum & Learning
What will my child learn?
Pathways uses The Creative Curriculum® and the Early Literacy and Learning Model (ELLM) to provide hands-on learning experiences that support language, literacy, math, science, social studies, social-emotional development, physical development, creativity, and problem-solving. Children also participate in the Young Athletes Program (YAP) to build coordination, confidence, and teamwork skills.
How are families informed about their child’s progress?
Teachers complete developmental assessments throughout the year and hold family conferences to discuss each child’s growth, strengths, and learning goals. Families also receive ongoing communication through daily reports.
What should I do if I have concerns about my child’s development?
Please speak with your child’s teacher or a member of our leadership team. Pathways partners with Early Steps, FDLRS, STAR, and other community agencies to provide screenings, referrals, and additional support when appropriate.
Daily Care
Meals
What meals are provided?
Pathways provides nutritious child-friendly meals each day, including breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack that meet USDA Child Care Food Program requirements. This helps keep children healthy, energized and ready to learn.
Where can I view the weekly menu?
Menus are posted on the parent bulletin board and are also shared with families through the center’s text messaging system.
What should I do if my child has a food allergy?
Notify the administration team immediately and provide a statement from your child’s physician. Pathways will make every effort to accommodate food allergies and dietary needs.
Can my child bring a packed lunch?
No. Outside food is not permitted unless approved due to a documented medical or dietary need.
Can my child bring a water bottle?
Yes. Drinking water is available throughout the day, and the center provides water jugs and age-appropriate cups.
Are classrooms nut-free?
Pathways Early Education Center, as a whole, is nut-free.
Pathaways accommodates documented food allergies and dietary needs with physician documentation. Please contact the administration team to discuss your child’s specific allergy needs.
Can families bring birthday treats?
No outside food is permitted. The Pathways kitchen provides cupcakes for birthday celebrations. Families may bring age-appropriate party favors, balloons, or table decorations.
Can breast milk be brought to Pathways?
Yes. Breast milk may be provided for infants in accordance with the center’s infant feeding procedures. All bottles and containers must be clearly labeled.
Clothing and Personal Items
What type of shoes should my child wear?
Children should wear tennis shoes or other closed-toe shoes with rubber soles. Flip-flops, Crocs, and sandals are not permitted for safety reasons.
What should my child bring on water-play days?
Families will receive a reminder before water-play days. Children should generally bring a swimsuit or water-play clothing, a towel, water shoes, and a complete change of clothes, all clearly labeled.
What items are not allowed at Pathways?
Outside food, toys from home (except a comfort item for nap), jewelry that creates a safety hazard, weapons, tobacco products, vaping devices, alcohol, illegal drugs, and unauthorized photographs or videos of other children are not permitted.
Diapering & Toilet Training
When is my child required to be fully potty trained?
Students that are not fully potty trained by age 3 will not be promoted to the next age group.
Are diapers and wipes provided?
Families should provide diapers and wipes for their child and keep an adequate supply in the child’s cubby.
How often are diapers checked?
Diapers are checked frequently throughout the day and changed promptly as needed.
Can I send diaper cream?
Diaper cream may be brought to the center when it is clearly labeled and accompanied by the required written authorization. Please check with the front office for the appropriate form.
Rest & Nap Time
Are cots provided?
Yes. Pathways provides cots for all children during rest time.
Does my child need to bring a blanket or sheets?
No. Pathways provides cot sheets and blankets for each child.
Can my child bring a comfort item?
Yes. Children may bring a small snuggle toy or comfort item for rest time.
Outdoor Enrichment & Weather
Do children go outside every day?
Yes, if weather permits. Outdoor play is an important part of the curriculum, and children typically go outside twice daily.
How long do children spend outside?
Children typically spend approximately 60 minutes outdoors each day.
How do you decide when it is safe to go outside?
Outdoor time is adjusted based on weather conditions. During hot weather, children play during cooler parts of the day, have access to shade, and are encouraged to drink water frequently.
Is the playground separated by age group?
Yes. Infant, toddler, and preschool playgrounds are separate and are regularly monitored for safety.
Are hats or sunglasses allowed outside for children?
Children may wear a labeled hat or child-safe sunglasses for outdoor activities. Families are encouraged to apply sunscreen before arrival.
Health & Safety
Health & Illness
When should my child stay home from preschool?
Children should remain home when they are ill or have symptoms that could spread illness, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, severe cough, sore throat, rash of unknown origin, body aches, or other symptoms identified in the Sick Child Policy.
What illnesses require my child to be sent home?
Children will be sent home for symptoms including fever over 100°F, vomiting, cough, sore throat, body aches, heavy green nasal discharge, ringworm, rash of unknown origin, diarrhea, head lice, or symptoms of communicable diseases such as chickenpox, conjunctivitis, measles, mumps, scabies, scarlet fever, COVID, or whooping cough.
What temperature is considered a fever?
A temperature over 100.4°F is considered a fever requiring exclusion from the center.
How long must my child be fever-free before returning?
Children may return after they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
When can my child return after vomiting or diarrhea?
Children may return after they have been symptom-free for 24 hours.
Does my child need a doctor’s note to return?
In some cases, yes. Our Pathways Administration may require a doctor’s note before your child returns to Pathways.
How will I be notified if my child is exposed to an illness?
Our Administration will notify parents when certain communicable diseases are present in the classroom.
Do you perform daily health checks?
Yes. Teachers perform daily health checks on every child upon arrival to monitor for signs of illness.
Medication
Can staff give my child medication?
Yes. Medication may be given by a member of the Pathways Administrative Team only, with written parent authorization and when prescribed by a physician.
What form must be completed for medication?
Parents must complete and sign the Pathways Medication Authorization Form. Children with asthma must also have an Asthma Action Plan on file.
Can medication stay at Pathways?
Yes. Medication may remain at the center, while needed, and is kept locked and out of children’s reach.
Does medication need to be in the original container?
Yes. Medication must be in the original child-proof container with the child’s name, medication name, prescribing physician, prescription date, and dosage instructions.
Can staff give breathing treatments?
Yes. Children requiring nebulizer treatments or other long-term medications must have a physician-approved Special Care Plan and Asthma Action Plan on file.
Safety & Security
How do you keep the building secure?
Families enter through Pathways main entrance where access is provided by front desk staff. Visitors must sign in and out, photo identification is required for pickup, monthly safety drills are conducted, and children are released only to authorized adults.
Are security cameras used?
Please contact the Administrative team for current information about Pathways’ security systems.
Can parents view the security cameras?
Security camera access is not available for family viewing. Please contact the Administration team with any safety-related questions or concerns.
How will families be contacted during an emergency?
Pathways uses a text messaging system and emergency contact information on file to notify families during emergencies or evacuations.
Are teachers CPR and First Aid certified?
Yes. All staff members are trained in Pediatric CPR, First Aid, and Choke Saving/Rescue Breathing.
Photos, Videos & Privacy
Do parents need to sign a photo permission form?
Yes. By signing the Pathways Parent Handbook, parents give permission for approved photographs and videos related to Pathways programs and activities.
Can I choose not to have my child photographed?
Yes. If you choose not to have your child photographed, please do not sign the Parent Handbook.
The Handbook states that parents give permission by signing the handbook. Families who have concerns should discuss them with the Administrative team.
Will my child still appear in classroom group photos?
Children may appear in classroom or group photos when the appropriate photo permission is on file. Families with concerns should speak with the administration team.
How is my child’s personal information protected?
All child records are kept confidential and stored in a secure location with limited access. Information is not released to outside agencies without written parent or legal guardian consent.
Family Communication
Family Communication
How will I receive updates about my child?
Families receive daily notes that include classroom activities, meals, nap time, health checks, diaper changes, and bottle feedings (if applicable).
Will I receive pictures during the day?
Photos may be taken for classroom portfolios and other center-approved purposes. Daily photos are not guaranteed.
Will I receive information about meals, naps, and diaper changes?
Yes. Daily notes include meals, naps, diaper changes, health checks, and bottle feedings when applicable.
How do I contact my child’s teacher?
Speak with your child’s teacher at arrival or departure. For longer discussions, schedule a conference with the teacher or administration.
How are Pathways announcements shared?
Announcements are shared through the center’s text messaging system and other communications from the administration team.
Are family events offered?
Yes. Pathways offers family events throughout the year and encourages family participation.
Can family members volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers are welcome and must complete a Level 2 background screening. Volunteers are always supervised and are never left alone with children.
Holidays, Closures & Attendance
Where can I find the yearly closure calendar?
The yearly school calendar is provided to families at enrollment, is available on Pathways website and can be picked up at the front office. It includes holidays, teacher workdays, and scheduled closures.
How will I be notified about unexpected closures?
Families will be notified through Pathways communication system using the emergency contact information on file.
What happens if my child is absent for several days?
Please notify Pathways if your child will be absent. Extended absences require documentation, such as a doctor’s note, therapy appointment, or other excuse. More than three unexcused absences will result in a follow-up meeting with staff. Sporadic attendance or extended vacations may result in termination of enrollment.
How should I report an absence?
Please call Pathways before 9:00 a.m. if your child will be absent or arrive late.
Birthdays & Special Events
How are birthdays celebrated at school?
Birthdays are celebrated during afternoon snack time, typically around 2:30 p.m. Families should coordinate with the classroom teacher and administration before the celebration.
Can families bring food for birthdays?
No. Outside food is not permitted. Pathways provides birthday cupcakes. Families may bring non-food party items such as balloons, decorations, or small party favors with prior approval.
Can parents attend birthday celebrations?
The Parent Handbook encourages family involvement and follows an open-door policy. Parents wishing to attend should make arrangements with the classroom teacher and administration in advance.
Programs
Infant Care
What items should I bring for my infant?
Parents should provide labeled bottles, formula or breast milk (if applicable), diapers, wipes, extra clothing, and any physician-approved medications or special care plans.
Can I bring breast milk?
Yes. Breast milk may be provided for your infant following the center’s infant feeding procedures.
How often are diapers changed?
Diapers are checked frequently throughout the day and changed promptly as needed to maintain children’s health and comfort.
Are blankets allowed in cribs?
No. To support safe sleep practices, loose blankets and other soft items are not permitted in infant cribs.
When are solid foods introduced?
Solid foods are introduced according to the child’s developmental readiness and the parent’s and physician’s recommendations.
Preschool & VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten)
Do you offer VPK?
Yes. Pathways offers Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program for eligible four-year-old children.
How do I apply for a VPK certificate?
Families may apply through the Early Learning Coalition. The administration team can assist families with the application process.
What are VPK hours?
VPK follows the Florida-required instructional schedule. Families receive the yearly VPK calendar before the school year begins.
Are attendance requirements different for VPK?
Yes. Because VPK is a state-funded program, regular attendance is expected and required. Families should notify the center whenever a child will be absent.
Field Trips & Transportation
Does Pathways provide transportation?
Transportation is provided only for approved Pathways activities and field trips.
Are car seats or booster seats available?
Children ride in vehicles equipped according to Florida law and licensing requirements.
Are drivers’ backgrounds checked and are they trained?
Yes. Staff members who transport children meet state requirements, including background screening and required training.
Are field trips included in tuition?
Families will be notified in advance if a field trip requires an additional fee.
What happens if I do not want my child to attend?
Parents may choose not to have their child participate in a field trip. Alternative arrangements will be discussed with the Administrative team, when appropriate.