For Parents

Yes. The application process is the same for students, faculty and staff.

Yes. The wait for a space is typically much longer for Alumni and Community members since FSU students, faculty and staff take priority for any space that becomes available.

No, only FSU students are eligible for the student status and thus the student tuition rate.

The first step is to fill out the application completely and submit it to us. Once your fully completed application is received in our office, your child is then placed on a waiting list. When a space becomes available for which your child is eligible you will receive an e–mail notification about the opening and procedures for accepting a space.

The waiting list is updated in May of each year. An e–mail is sent to all parents who have a child on the waiting list. Unless we receive a confirming response (that is, the parent tells us that they do want to stay on the waiting list), the child is removed. It is important for parents to make sure that our records reflect a valid and current e–mail address so that there are no upsets because we did not get a confirming response or have an in–valid e–mail address.

No. We have only full–time spaces.

The center operates on the Universities schedule and is open when classes are in session. The center does offer 1 week of Semester Break Care (for an addition fee) between Spring and Summer Semester, and the week following the Summer and Fall semesters. Semester Break Care requires pre-registration.

The centers are open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. when FSU Classes are in session.

Yes. We encourage you and your child to visit the center before the first day. Contact the director of the center that your child will be enrolled to arrange a mutually convenient time. The tours usually take about one–half hour.

Yes. The children are provided with a breakfast, a hot lunch, and an afternoon snack.

Yes. We encourage parent involvement in the activities of the center.

If children get sick while attending the center, parents are called to pick up their children so that they can be cared for at home. We do not have the capability or facilities to care for sick children.

Since our center is accredited by NAEYC, we follow their guidelines.

• Infants – no more than 8 children in a group, with 2 teaching staff
• Toddlers – no more than 12 children in a group, with 2 teaching staff
• 4-5 year-olds – no more than 20 children in a group, with 2 teaching staff

A thirty day notice is required.

Yes. FSU Childcare & Early Learning Programs has a long history of welcoming children whose first language is not English.

No. Parents wishing to enroll their child in a VPK program in Leon County should contact the Early Learning Coalition at http://www.elcbigbend.org/Parents/Voluntary-PreKindergarten-VPK.

First Words provides screenings and resources to support families with children 9 to 24 months of age and to identify early signs of developmental delays, including developmental language disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and other communication delays.

Early Steps offers services to infants and toddlers (birth- 36 months) who are at risk for developmental delays or disabilities.

CARD Center provides direct services for individuals with ASD to assist with communication, social, and behavior problems.

School Readiness Program Parents who are working and/or attending school for a minimum of 20 hours per week may apply for tuition assistance under the School Readiness program. The FSU Childcare and Early Learning Program does NOT participate in the School Readiness program. For more information

Military Child Care In Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) program provides fee assistance for families of Active Duty Service Members and full-time NGA employees who are unable to access on-post child care.

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) provides cash assistance to families with children under the age of 18 or under age 19 if full time secondary (high school) school students.

FSU Primary Health, through the FSU College Medicine, provides medical services for both insured and uninsured adults and children.

Medicaid provides medical coverage to low-income individuals and families.

CareNet, health care for uninsured individuals, can receive free or reduced cost health services.

Immunizations can be obtained through the Department of Health. Immunizations are free for Children Vaccine for Children's Program. Families can also receive an official record of immunization on the required "Blue Card."

Kids Health is a web site for parents, kids and teens that is devoted to articles about a wide array of health issues, including growth and development, healthy eating, fitness, childhood infections and positive parenting.

Florida Kidcare gives information about low cost health insurance for uninsured children from birth through 18.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides nutritional and food assistance to infants, children up to 5 years old, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and women in the first 6 months after giving birth.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutritional support (food assistance) for low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and families with low incomes.

USDA MyPlate provides tips and information on creating health eating habits as well as recipes.

MyPlate for Kids focuses on fun activities to teach children the importance of eating healthy.

FC Forum is helpful for parents who would like to know the indicators of quality child care settings or are interested in current issues in advocacy for quality child care in the State of Florida.

Leon County School System gives information about the local public school system.

Voluntary Pre-kindergarten (VPK) The VPK program is a free program offered to children who turn 4 years old on or before September 1 of the school year. The FSU Childcare and Early Learning Program does NOT offer the VPK program.