FAQ

                                  FAQ

The following questions and answers cover many of the topics parents have asked about our learning program, daily schedule, childcare guidelines, education curriculum, school safety, and other topics. It’s very likely that your question may be answered here.

If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, please feel free to contact us by phone (718) 375-4700 and speak with the owner, Pattie Merhej. Or you may email her at pattie@ittybittyadventures.com.

How can I set up an appointment?
If you would like to set up an appointment to visit us and meet our teachers, you may either e-mail us directly, or call us during business hours at (718) 375-4700.


How will I know what is happening during my child’s day? 
You are always welcome to visit or call during the day. When you pick up your child at the end of the day you can receive an activity report of the day if requested. This will include highlights of your child’s day as well as special notes about your child’s progress. There is also a private school blog that can be accessed by our Itty Bitty Adventures parents, with pictures and information about your child's day.


May I visit during the day and observe my child as he or she goes about their activities? 
Absolutely! Feel free to drop in before 11:30 or after 2:00, no appointment necessary. Please use discretion when planning visits to the school, particularly for those children who may have separation anxiety as it may be disruptive to the class.


Why is it important to have both the owner and an educational director in the school? 
The education director is responsible for the curriculum and programming, and the owner is present to address the questions and concerns of the faculty, the children, and the parents on a daily basis. This dual management system gives the educational director the freedom to observe classrooms, mentor the faculty, and develop a healthy learning environment for your child and allows the owner to be available should anyone needs assistance.

How flexible is your program? 
You can choose a schedule that works best for you and your child. Children can attend the school for either a half-day or a full day. You may choose to enroll your child for 3 or 5 days a week, as we also offer Saturday hours. In addition, we offer early and late pick-up to meet your needs.


How will I know that my child is safe while I am at work? 
We are committed to the safety and security of the children in our care. In addition to formal building security, locked doors, security and fire alarm systems, and a closed circuit camera system to monitor the children, faculty and facilities, we provide the most effective security: that of a personal nature. All visitors are required to present picture ID and register in a visitor’s log. Alternate care givers, authorized by parents, must present ID and password information. All faculty and administrative personnel will be subject to finger printing and a security background check, prior to being hired. Teachers will be in uniform to make them identifiable to the children as well as others when on trips.


Will my child be challenged academically at Itty Bitty Adventures? I want to know that they will be prepared for elementary school. 
Yes, your child will be challenged. Here we think the best academic preparation is to encourage your child’s enthusiasm for learning. Teachers who have a keen interest in your child’s success create lesson plans based on developmental guidelines that adhere to the major theories of child development. By providing individual attention in a small group setting, our teachers nurture each child’s confidence. Learning to ask questions, discovering cause and effect, negotiating fair play and making new friends are all academic building blocks. Please visit our Programs & Curriculum page to learn more.

How do your teachers prepare for the classroom setting?
Our faculty is made up of warm and nurturing teachers with a combination of formal education and experience.

They are selected for their ability to engage children warmly in the learning process through the use of effective and individualized lesson plans.

They must complete our training program in the areas of curriculum, developmental guidelines and enrichment programs. They will be certified by the NYC Health Department in first aid, CPR, AED defibrillation, food safety, use of an EPI pen, stopping the spread of infectious diseases, as well as recognizing and reporting child abuse.

Do children go outside every day? 
The school playground is considered an extension of the classroom. In addition to running, jumping, and climbing, teachers plan nature walks, picnics and other learning opportunities. Weather permitting; children will play outside every day.


What security measures are taken when releasing children?
We have an electronic sign-in/sign-out log with a password. Alternates will be assigned different passwords at registration time. No child will be released to anyone without the proper password.