Enrollment & Tuition Information
Simple Enrollment Process
Complete our online enrollment form, submit the "All About My Child" questionnaire, and provide required health/immunization records. A $50 non-refundable registration fee secures your child's spot. New families receive a welcome packet with all forms within 24 hours of approval.
Tuition & Payment Terms
Tuition is monthly, due on the 1st, with a 5-day grace period. We offer sibling discounts and flexible payment plans. No long-term contracts—monthly billing with 30 days' written notice for withdrawal. Late payments after the 10th incur a $25 fee. All rates reflect your chosen program (Half Day, Full Day, Extended Day).
Health & Sick Policy
Sick Child Policy
Children must be well enough to fully participate in all scheduled activities, including outdoor play. Our facility lacks isolation space for ill children, so we cannot accommodate indoor-only requests during outdoor time.
Exclusion Criteria Include (but not limited to):
Return Requirements:
Children must be well enough to fully participate in all scheduled activities, including outdoor play. Our facility lacks isolation space for ill children, so we cannot accommodate indoor-only requests during outdoor time.
If Illness Occurs During Day: Parents/emergency contacts must pick up within 1 hour of notification.
Inclement Weather & Emergency Closures
A Step Above Childcare strives to remain open during inclement weather but may close early or delay opening due to severe conditions, power outages, or water main breaks.
Return Requirements:
Emergency Pick-Up: Parents must retrieve children within 1 hour of early closure announcement (unless specific time stated).
Important: We DO NOT follow Baltimore County school closures.
Meals, Snacks & Allergy Accommodations
We provide nutritious breakfast and afternoon snacks daily, prepared with fresh, wholesome ingredients to fuel active learning and play. Parents supply lunch, giving you control over your child's midday meal while we handle the rest.
Our team accommodates all allergies, dietary restrictions, and cultural preferences through customized planning. We work closely with families to ensure every child enjoys safe, healthy, and delicious nourishment tailored to their unique needs.
Drop-off & Pick-up Procedures
Parents should use the main entrance for drop-off between 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and pick-up between 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Please ring the doorbell, sign your child in/out on our secure logbook, and confirm authorized pick-up contacts with staff before leaving.
For safety, only authorized individuals listed on your child's enrollment form may pick up. Photo ID may be required for first-time pick-ups. Late pick-ups after 6:00 PM incur a $1/minute fee. Emergency changes to pick-up authorization must be communicated in writing before 2:00 PM.
Daily Schedules by Age Group
Infants (6 weeks-18 months)
Our infant schedule follows individual feeding and nap cues while incorporating tummy time, sensory exploration, and gentle music/play. Diaper changes, bottle feedings, and cuddles fill the day with responsive, nurturing care tailored to each baby's unique rhythm.
Toddlers (18 months-3 years)
Toddlers enjoy structured yet flexible days with circle time, art projects, potty training support, outdoor play, and snack/meal times. Short group activities alternate with free play to match their growing independence and short attention spans.
Preschoolers (3-5 years)
Preschoolers follow a full curriculum day including literacy circles, math games, science experiments, dramatic play, outdoor recess, and pre-writing activities. Structured learning balances with creative free choice time to prepare them for kindergarten success.
Behavior & Discipline Guidelines
We nurture positive behavior through clear expectations, consistent routines, and age-appropriate guidance. Children learn self-regulation through modeling, gentle redirection, and natural consequences rather than punishment.
Our approach emphasizes prevention with engaging activities, predictable schedules, and positive reinforcement. In challenging moments, staff use calm voices, brief separation when needed, and parent communication to create consistent behavior plans that support each child's emotional growth and social success.
