Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

• What ages does Elmer Hammond Child Development Center serve?

  • We serve children from newborn to 12 years, offering developmentally appropriate care and learning experiences in our Infant, Toddler, Preschool and School-aged programs.

• Is Elmer Hammond Child Development Center licensed?

  • Yes. Elmer Hammond Child Development Center is licensed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood Child Care Licensing, and follows all state rules and regulations related to health, safety, and quality care.

• What curriculum do you use?

  • We use a developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum aligned with the Missouri Early Learning Standards. Our curriculum supports children’s social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development through hands-on learning and meaningful teacher-child interactions.

• How do you ensure children’s health and safety?

  • Children’s health and safety are our top priorities. We follow all Missouri child care licensing requirements, including safe sleep practices, sanitation procedures, staff training, background checks, and required teacher-to-child ratios.

• How do you communicate with families?

  • We believe strong communication with families is essential. Families receive daily updates about their child’s meals, naps, activities, and milestones, along with ongoing communication through conversations, conferences, and written documentation.

• Do you assess children’s development?

  • Yes. Teachers conduct ongoing observations and developmental assessments aligned with Missouri guidelines. These assessments guide lesson planning and allow us to share each child’s progress with families.

• What are your hours of operation?

  • Our hours of operation are designed to support working families. Please contact the center directly for current hours, enrollment availability, and scheduling information.

• How can I enroll my child?

  • Families interested in enrolling are encouraged to contact the center to schedule a tour, receive enrollment information, and learn about availability. We are happy to answer questions and support families through the enrollment process.

• How do you partner with families?

  • We view families as partners in their child’s care and education. We encourage open communication, family involvement, and collaboration to support each child’s growth and success.

• Infant Room Questions

• What ages are served in the Infant Room?

  • Our Infant Room serves babies from six weeks to twelve months, in accordance with Missouri child care licensing guidelines.

• What is the teacher-to-infant ratio?

  • We follow Missouri DESE Office of Childhood Child Care Licensing ratio requirements to ensure close supervision and individualized care for each infant.

• How are feeding schedules handled?

  • Infants are fed on individual schedules based on family preferences and each child’s needs. Families provide breast milk, formula, or baby food, and all feeding practices follow Missouri licensing health and sanitation regulations.

• Do you support breastfeeding?

  • Yes. We support breastfeeding families and follow Missouri licensing guidelines for the proper storage, handling, and feeding of breast milk.

• How do you handle naps and sleep safety?

  • Infants follow their own sleep schedules. All sleep practices meet Missouri safe sleep requirements, including placing infants on their backs in approved cribs with firm mattresses and no loose items.

• What types of activities do infants participate in?

  • Infants engage in developmentally appropriate activities such as tummy time, sensory exploration, music, reading, and movement. These experiences support early motor skills, language development, and social-emotional growth.

• How is my infant’s development tracked?

  • Teachers conduct ongoing observations and developmental assessments aligned with the Missouri Early Learning Standards. Families are regularly informed of milestones and developmental progress.

• How will I know how my baby’s day went?

  • Families receive daily communication that includes information about feedings, diaper changes, naps, activities, and special moments from the day.

• What health and sanitation practices are followed in the Infant Room?

  • We follow all Missouri licensing health and sanitation requirements, including frequent handwashing, proper diapering procedures, and regular cleaning and disinfecting of toys and surfaces.

• Can I bring comfort items for my baby?

  • Yes. Families may provide approved comfort items such as pacifiers or small personal items, as permitted by Missouri licensing guidelines and safe sleep policies.

• How do you help infants adjust to child care?

  • Teachers work closely with families to support a smooth transition. Consistent routines, individualized care, and open communication help infants feel safe, secure, and comfortable in our program.