FAQ

What do you do all day?

• Our schedule adapts to the ages of enrolled children, emphasizing consistency and smooth transitions. We maintain a daily routine with activities including free play, group play, sensory experiences, curriculum focus, music, movement, and Storytime.

Part-time or full-time?

• We currently provide Full-Time care from 7 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

Does my child need to attend every day or all day?

• Every family is unique, and you have the flexibility to pick up and drop off at your convenience during our business hours. There's no obligation to attend every day, and although communication is appreciated, it's not required to make sudden changes to attendance throughout the day.

What is your child ratio?

• Infants: 6 weeks to under 12 months - no more than 3 shall be infants

• Toddler: 12 months to 24 months – no more than 4 can be infants/toddlers

• Preschool: 2 years to under 5 years – maximum of 10 children under school age

• School Age 5+

• C3 License with a Maximum of 14 children

As families join and depart, and children transition through categories with time and age, we kindly request you reach out for the most up-to-date ratio for accuracy.

Do I need immunization records?

• Minnesota law requires children enrolled in child care, early childhood education, or school to be immunized against certain diseases unless the child is medically or non-medically exempt

What do I need to bring?

• We ask you bring a change of clothes, including socks—please label everything for easy tracking! Keep supplies compact with what fits in a small bag. For little ones in diapers, we request diapers to keep on hand, at least two packs of wipes, and anything else they might need. Extra formula or breast milk is always encouraged. During the winter season, winter gear is needed for outdoor fun, even if it won't fit in a small bag, we appreciate the ability to go outdoors.

What about food?

• ‍We offer AM Snack, Lunch, and PM Snack. Firefly Childcare does not participate in the federally funded food program. To enhance children's development and well-being, we encourage natural and organic food options. No child will be denied a meal except for medical reasons. We respect individual preferences, and no child will be forced to eat. Reasonable requests or adjustments for meals or snacks will be accommodated when available. Our weekly menus are diverse, focusing on nutrition at every meal and considering sensory needs, transitions, and personal preferences.

Can I bring a water bottle?

• Feel free to bring water bottles— they're a great way for your child to stay hydrated throughout the day. Although we offer water and milk during snack times and meals, kids with water bottles tend to stay more hydrated as they can easily access water without needing to ask. It's a simple way to promote healthy hydration habits!

Do I need to have a tour?

• We do require a tour, not just for your benefit but also for ours. Ensuring a good fit all around is important to us, and tours provide an excellent opportunity for both parties to make well-informed decisions.

What is your TV/video game policy?

• We incorporate the TV as a tool for physical activity and regulation, including exercises, dances, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. Additionally, it is used for a read-aloud story before naptime. The materials used on the TV align with our weekly curriculum and are not intended as a distraction but rather as a supportive educational tool.

What if I don’t mind my child watching TV or bringing a tablet?

• We acknowledge that technology can have its benefits, such as serving as a tool for educational games and learning. Moreover, we understand that it can also be a way to deregulate, providing a positive outlet for children in certain situations. While our usual practice involves particularly discouraging personal tablets or iPads for those under school age, we recognize that exceptions may arise, particularly for school-age children.
  In those instances, we're open to making exceptions, keeping in mind parents' preferences and choices. We kindly request that tablet content be suitable for childcare. It's important to note that we are not responsible for the devices brought into our home. We also reserve the right to limit or restrict technology use based on specific situations or behaviors.

What kind of curriculum do you use?

• ‍We understand that learning is essential, so we personalize it for kids of all ages using Experience Early Learning (formerly Mother Goose Time). This approach allows us to cover a variety of topics and themes with age-appropriate activities, creating an engaging educational experience for each child. We emphasize hands-on activities and interactive learning to make the journey enjoyable and effective! 

Do you allow parents to get involved with activities at Firefly Childcare? 

• Absolutely! We’d love for you to share your special skills or knowledge with the kids! If you have a talent or passion, such as reading stories, doing arts and crafts, teaching music, or showcasing gardening or cooking skills, we’d be thrilled to have you teach it to the children. There's no obligation—just let us know if you're interested, and we’ll set up a time that works for you to share your expertise with the kids! 

Q: Are you Parent Aware star-rated?

• We are honored to have received a 4-Star Parent Aware rating, reflecting our ongoing commitment to providing a nurturing and high-quality learning environment. 

Do you accept CCAP?

• ‍Yes, we accept CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) to support families in accessing our childcare services.

Do you go outside at all?

• ‍If weather conditions permit, we ensure that children in our care get outdoor time within the scheduled timeframes. We make the most of our fenced backyard for an extra layer of privacy and safety for the little ones.

Do you take vacations?

• ‍Taking breaks is the enchanted wand for a joyous childcare journey. We recognize the significance closures can have on families. To minimize this, we schedule our vacations during the holiday season, to try to limit their impact on the families we serve. We aim to avoid any additional closures beyond the listed time off. In the event of additional closure, no cost is expected of the families in care.

When are you closed?

VACATIONS 2025

4th of July 

June 30, 2025 - July 4, 2025

Christmas & New Years

December 22, 2025 - January 2nd 2026

OBSERVED HOLIDAYS 2025

• Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - New Year's Day 

• Monday, January 20, 2025 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Monday February 17, 2025 - Presidents' Day

• Friday, April 18, 2025 - Good Friday

• Monday, May 26, 2025 - Memorial Day

• Thursday, June 19, 2025 - Juneteenth

• Monday, September 1, 2025 - Labor Day

• Monday, October 13, 2025 - Indigenous Peoples' Day

• Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - Veterans Day

• Thursday, November 27, 2025 - Thanksgiving Day

• Friday, November 28, 2025 - Black Friday

Do you take sick kids?

• We are a healthy childcare and at no time do we provide care for sick children. There are times when staying home is a good idea not only for your child’s health and well-being but the wellness of other children in care and of us as providers. When it comes to illness, sharing is not caring. See our WELLNESS/ILLNESS POLICY for more information.

Do you have an infant waiting list?

• With transparency in mind and for your convenience, we have chosen not to maintain an infant waitlist. This decision aims to assist you in planning effectively, recognizing the current lower probability of an opening in the near future. We believe this approach offers straightforward and honest information to support your childcare decisions.

What are your rates?

• We opt not to publish our rates to avoid discussions with other local childcare providers, preventing any unintentional influence on the local market dynamics. This practice allows us to maintain fair and confidential pricing, fostering a healthy childcare environment within our community and avoiding market influences.

We understand that rates are crucial in finding what suits you and your family best. We discuss rates during tours to ensure clarity and transparency in our communication.

And lastly...

• We at Firefly Childcare have the right to refuse service or determine a child is not a good fit for the environment for any reason. Childcare is not for everyone, some children do better in a one-on-one environment. We do our absolute very best to accommodate every child's needs.