Child Care FAQs

Q: What is the difference between a Preschool classroom and a Child Care classroom?
A: Both offer a learning opportunity for your student. In a classroom, a student will have the same teacher and classmates all year long, but in a child care classroom the roster and teachers may vary. Many of our families use child care as an extension or supplement to their student’s day.

Q: How much spiritual instruction happens during the day in my student’s Child Care classroom?
A: Trinity Lutheran School’s mission is to “Share the Living Water with a Thirsty Church and World.” This means that our teachers and students use the Word of God throughout the day to help lead instruction, discipline, social interaction, etc. All students will participate in a daily bible study time, as well as chapel for any students 3 years of age or older. We give thanks every day that we are able to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, as our Savior, with each and every child.

Q: What are the required credentials for the Child Care staff?
A: In each program, the lead teacher has certification in Early Childhood Education, whether it is a two year Associates Degree or a four year Bachelor’s Degree. Lead teachers and assistants are required to complete 18 hours of continuing education per year and have a full and complete background check and fingerprint card on file. 

Q: What safety measures do you take to secure your campus?
A: All gates on campus are locked all day, except during drop off and pick up times for classes. Otherwise, all entry to the campus is required to go through the office during office hours. When the school office is closed, the main gate will be unlocked as the only entry to the campus. All persons signing a child in or out of a classroom will be asked to show proper identification and must be listed on the child’s emergency card in the school office. 

Q: What is the ratio of students per teacher in my student’s program?
A: Trinity Lutheran Child Care strives to maintain low ratios in order to better care for your student. In our Tiger Toddlers classroom, Trinity carries the ratio of one teacher per four to five students. Our Tiger Tykes classroom follows a ratio of one teacher per six to seven students. In our Tiger Cubs 3-5 year old program, Trinity maintains one teacher per eleven to twelve students. And lastly, our Tiger Den elementary school age program follows a one teacher to fifteen student ratio. All assistants possess a high school diploma and are at least 18 years of age.

Q: What is your discipline management policy?
A: All of our teachers use a preventative, as opposed to reactive, discipline management system. Through positive reinforcement, children are given a hands-on approach to learning Christian behavior. 

Q: Do you provide lunch/ snacks?
A: Parents provide their student’s morning and/or afternoon snack, as well as lunches. 

Q: My child does not take naps. What is your rest time policy?
A: Many of our students require rest time during their day, others do not. Our Tiger Toddlers and Tiger Tykes students all nap from 1-2 1/2 hours. Our Tiger Cubs students are encouraged to have a quiet rest time for at least 10 minutes, after which they may continue with a quiet floor activity or many will continue to nap for up to 1 1/2-2 hours. Most of our Tiger Den students do not nap, but are able to take advantage of a nap if needed.

Q: How do I reach my child’s classroom after the school office has closed?
A: Call the school office at 623-935-4690. When prompted for an extension, enter the following: Tiger Toddlers (1 year olds) -133, Tiger Tykes (2 to 3 year olds) -109, Tiger Cubs (3 to 5 year olds) -104, Tiger Den (K-8)-106. 

Q: How do I schedule my child for care?
A: If you are in need of full time Child Care without any additional classes, please fill out a Child Care registration form and submit it to the school office to receive additional enrollment forms that are needed for registration. If your family will be using child care in addition to a regular class, fill out a schedule form for the appropriate program. Scheduling forms can be found here.

Q: Why do I need to submit a monthly schedule?
A: Monthly schedules have a two-fold purpose. Many families’ schedules change from month to month because of jobs or family needs. Also, by receiving monthly schedules, Trinity’s child care team is able to plan out programming and staffing accordingly.

Q: When do I need to turn in my monthly schedule forms?
A: All completed child care forms are due by third Friday of the month prior. 

Q: Am I able to make changes to my monthly schedule once it has been submitted?
A: All submitted forms will be scheduled and billed according to the needs indicated. Any and all unplanned or emergency situations will be taken into consideration. Please contact the school office, should an event arise by emailing office@trinitylcs.org.

Q: How do I contact someone with additional questions concerning my student and Child Care?
A: You can reach our Early Childhood Director, Heather Chapman, at 623-935-4690 ext 123 or hchapman@trinitylcs.org.