Frequently Asked Questions About Hamilton Heights Child Development Center
Choosing childcare is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. We know you probably have a lot of questions—and we're here to help.
Whether you're looking for infant care, preschool, Pre-K, or school-age programs, you'll find answers to the questions families ask most often below.
What ages does Hamilton Heights Child Development Center serve?
Hamilton Heights serves children from 6 weeks through 12 years old. Our programs include infant care, toddler care, preschool, pre-kindergarten, and school-age care.
Children are placed in classrooms based on age, developmental readiness, and available space to ensure they receive the support and learning experiences that best fit their stage of development.
How do I enroll my child?
The first step is scheduling a tour. During your visit, you'll meet our teachers, explore our classrooms, and learn more about our programs.
Once you're ready to enroll, our team will guide you through the registration process, required paperwork, health forms, and classroom placement.
Do you have openings available?
Enrollment availability changes throughout the year and varies by age group and location.
The best way to learn about current openings or waitlist options is to contact our enrollment team directly.
Do you offer a waitlist?
Yes. When classrooms are full, families may join our waitlist. We encourage parents to inquire early, especially for infant and toddler programs, as these spaces are often in high demand.
How much does childcare cost?
Tuition varies based on your child's age, program schedule, and location.
We'd be happy to provide current tuition information and discuss available enrollment options during your tour or consultation.
Why do parents choose Hamilton Heights Child Development Center?
Since 2003, Hamilton Heights has helped children learn, grow, and thrive through a nurturing, play-based approach to early childhood education.
Families choose Hamilton Heights because we believe childhood is sacred, relationships matter, and children learn best when they feel safe, loved, and respected.
Our goal is to support the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.
Is Hamilton Heights a play-based preschool?
Yes.
We believe children learn best through exploration, creativity, hands-on experiences, and meaningful interactions with teachers and peers.
Rather than relying on worksheets and rote memorization, our classrooms encourage children to ask questions, solve problems, build relationships, and develop a love of learning.
What curriculum do you use?
Hamilton Heights utilizes The Creative Curriculum®, a nationally recognized, research-based curriculum.
The curriculum supports development in four key areas:
- Social-emotional development
- Cognitive development
- Language and literacy development
- Physical development
Teachers use observation and assessment tools to personalize learning experiences for each child.
Will my child be ready for kindergarten?
Yes. Families of children that graduate from our Pre-K program have reported that they were exceptionally prepared for kindergarten.
Kindergarten readiness involves much more than knowing letters and numbers. Our programs help children develop:
- Early literacy skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Communication skills
- Independence
- Self-confidence
- Emotional regulation
- Social skills
These foundational skills help children transition successfully into kindergarten and beyond.
How do you track my child's progress?
Teachers regularly observe children and document developmental milestones using work samples, photos, assessments, and classroom observations.
Families receive progress updates and participate in parent-teacher conferences to discuss goals, growth, and next steps.
Do you offer infant care?
Yes.
Our infant program serves children beginning at 6 weeks of age.
Teachers provide individualized care routines, responsive caregiving, and nurturing relationships designed to support healthy development during a child's earliest years.
Do you support breastfeeding families?
Absolutely.
We support breastfeeding mothers and work closely with families to safely store and serve breast milk according to parent instructions.
How do you keep infants safe while sleeping?
Hamilton Heights follows American Academy of Pediatrics and Nebraska Child Care Licensing safe sleep recommendations.
Infants are placed on their backs to sleep, sleep environments are kept free from loose bedding and soft objects, and teachers conduct regular sleep checks throughout nap periods.
How do children move to the next classroom?
Classroom transitions are based on developmental readiness, age, and classroom availability.
Teachers work together to ensure transitions happen gradually and positively, helping children feel comfortable and confident in their new environment.
How does Hamilton Heights keep children safe?
Safety is our highest priority.
Our centers feature:
- Secure building access
- Controlled entry systems
- Strict pickup procedures
- Emergency preparedness plans
- CPR and First Aid trained staff
- Ongoing health and safety training
- Compliance with Nebraska childcare licensing standards
We work hard every day to provide families with peace of mind.
What qualifications do your teachers have?
Hamilton Heights teachers exceed Nebraska childcare training requirements.
Staff members complete:
- Comprehensive orientation
- Ongoing professional development
- CPR certification
- First Aid certification
- Background checks
- Child abuse registry screenings
We hire educators who are passionate about child development and committed to providing exceptional care.
Can parents watch their child during the day?
Yes.
Hamilton Heights offers secure classroom web camera access for enrolled families who choose to participate. This provides parents with an additional way to stay connected to their child's day.
What happens if my child gets sick during the day?
If a child becomes ill while at the center, staff will make them comfortable, monitor them closely, and contact a parent or emergency contact for pickup.
Our illness policies are designed to protect the health and well-being of all children and staff.
When can my child return after being sick?
This depends on the symptoms and/or illness, and our Parent Handbook provides detailed information for each circumstance. Generally, children may return after they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours unless a longer exclusion period is required by a physician or public health guidelines.
Do you administer medication?
Yes.
Medication may be administered with proper written authorization, required documentation, and original labeling.
Families receive detailed instructions regarding medication procedures during enrollment.
Is Hamilton Heights peanut-free?
Yes.
Hamilton Heights maintains a peanut-free and tree-nut-free environment to help protect children with severe food allergies.
Do you provide meals and snacks?
Yes.
We provide nutritious meals and snacks that follow USDA guidelines and encourage healthy eating habits.
Meals emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and age-appropriate nutrition.
How do you handle food allergies?
We work closely with families to understand food allergies and dietary restrictions.
Our staff follows documented allergy action plans and takes appropriate precautions to support children's health and safety.
How do teachers communicate with families?
Strong parent partnerships are one of the foundations of our program.
Families receive information through:
- Daily communication at pick up and drop off
- Classroom updates through our Procare parent communication app
- Family/Classroom conferences every February
How involved can parents be?
We encourage family involvement and believe parents are essential partners in a child's learning journey.
Open communication between home and school helps children thrive. Parents are welcome to visit our centers anytime; it can help your visit run smoothly to give your child's teacher a heads up if you know you'll be visiting the classroom.
What should I do if I have a concern?
We find issues are addressed most effectively if they are communicated directly with those involved, so families are welcome to raise concerns with their classroom teacher at any time. If concerns persist, our center director and leadership team are available to help you navigate them through to a resolution.
Our goal is always to work collaboratively and respectfully to address concerns and support children and families.
What happens if my child cries at drop-off?
This is one of the most common concerns parents have—and it's completely normal.
Our teachers are experienced in helping children adjust to new routines. Through comfort, reassurance, consistency, and engaging activities, most children settle in quickly and develop confidence in their new environment.
How do you handle potty training?
We partner closely with families to support potty training when children show signs of readiness.
Consistency between home and school helps children build confidence and experience success throughout the process.
Do children play outside every day?
Whenever weather and safety conditions permit, outdoor play is an important part of each child's day.
Outdoor experiences support physical development, creativity, social interaction, and overall well-being. We aim to have children spend a significant amount of time outdoors every day.