FAQ | WLCN

Frequently Asked Questions

No, toilet training is not required. We do ask that each child have a back up outfit available in their cubby in case of accidents.

Does my child have to be toilet trained?

Due to licensing requirements, the child must be 2 years old before he/she starts school.

My child will not turn 2 years old until after the school year starts. Can I start them in the Two-Year-Old Class at the beginning of the school year?

It is the philosophy of WLCN that many, if not most, discipline problems can be prevented by adequate supervision and appropriate planning. The staff and co-op parent will work together to ensure, whenever possible, that undesirable behavior (teasing, grabbing, hitting, name-calling, etc.) is re-directed before a more serious problem occurs. Our goal is to provide a positive approach to discipline for each child. Discipline will be used to teach and guide, not punish the child. Teachers will always make it clear to a child that it is the child’s behavior that is inappropriate, not the child themselves. Should unacceptable behavior continue over a period of time, the teacher would contact the parent to discuss a plan for modifying the behavior.

How does WLCN handle discipline?

Yes, parents may stay until the child can make a smooth transition. We encourage parents to follow their child's lead when learning to separate. Teachers are here to help guide you by offering time, space, strategies, and emotional support. For example, we have a separate “cubby room” that you can wait in if you are not sure it is time to go, but want to try to leave your child.

Am I allowed into the classroom with my child at the start of school?

Yes, if Howard County Public Schools are closed, WLCN is closed as well.

Does WLCN follow the Howard County Public Schools calendar for holidays?

Each day involves outdoor/ indoor free-play, circle time, crafts & structured activities, snack time and handwashing & hygiene. Outdoor Free Play (weather permitting): Children build gross-motor skills, explore nature, solve problems, and develop friendships through active outdoor play. Indoor Free Play: The classroom environment is thoughtfully designed to encourage independence, collaboration, and fine-motor development. Children deepen their understanding of early concepts through hands-on exploration. Play is the work of childhood. Circle Time: Circle Time builds a strong sense of community through songs, movement, read-alouds, and early learning concepts aligned with our goals. Most classes enjoy two Circle Times each day. Crafts & Structured Activities: Teacher-guided activities are woven into playtime to support creativity and skill development. Snack Time: Children enjoy a shared snack as part of their daily routine. Handwashing & Hygiene: Handwashing takes place when children enter the classroom, before snack, and anytime a child uses the bathroom or has a diaper change.

What happens during a typical school day?

Yes, all of our teachers and assistant teachers are certified in First Aid and CPR.

Are teachers and aides certified in First Aid and CPR?

We make every effort to accommodate families on a case-by-case basis. For food allergies, if one child is allergic to a particular food (such as peanuts), the food is removed from the approved snack list for all students.

My child has allergies. How will he/she be accommodated?

The wellbeing of students, parents, and staff is a top priority at WLCN. The health and hygiene regulations including our COVID safety protocols can be found in the WLCN Handbook provided to parents at the time of enrollment.

What are your COVID protocols?

Additional expenses throughout the year may include field trips and other special opportunities as they arise; such additional expenses are on a voluntary basis. It is also encouraged, but not required, to donate classroom supplies and participate in fundraising events (outside of the $100 minimum).

What additional expenses will I incur during the school year?

We expect every family to participate in whatever fundraising events we have throughout the school year to the best of their ability. Every family is expected to raise a minimum of $100 in fundraising throughout the school year – $50 will be due by Dec 1 and the remaining $50 will be due by May 1.

What are my responsibilities for fundraising? I’ve heard that some co-ops require a minimum dollar amount of fundraising or they assess a fee.

If you have more than one child enrolled in the school, there is a 7% discount on total tuition. There is a 10% discount on total tuition for twins / triplets / multiples. These discounts do not apply to the insurance and registration fees.

Are there any discounts for having multiple children enrolled?

We know every family's schedule looks different, so we're excited to introduce a new flexible option. Families can now lighten their monthly volunteer load by choosing to contribute a small monthly fee instead. This way, you'll still enjoy the benefits of being part of our warm and welcoming co-op community while having more flexibility to fit your family's schedule. Mention "Co-Op Lite" to get more details!

What is Co-op Lite?

A co-op provides children with a comfortable and happy setting. Their individual needs are met as fully as possible in all developmental areas. Free play and teacher-directed activities develop strong social and emotional skills (such as self-confidence, responsibility and sharing). Teachers meet the cognitive needs of each child through individual, small and large group activities. The co-op experience allows you as the parent to get to know the teachers and other children and to see how your child interacts in the classroom setting. Children look forward to their turn as the “co-op friend” and their special helper responsibilities that day.

What will the co-op be like for my child?

As the co-op parent, it is your responsibility to assist the teachers. When you co-op, you should arrive 10 minutes before school starts so that the teachers can explain the day’s planned activities. You should try to help in ways that will provide the teachers freedom to work with the children (such as writing names on art work, cleaning up messes, taking kids to wash hands, etc.). It is also your responsibility to bring the assigned snack. Once class is over, you will need to clean up the classroom by wiping down the tables, and sweeping and vacuuming the floors. This usually takes about 15 minutes. You must also stay at the school until the last child has been picked up.

What kinds of specific responsibilities will I have as a co-op parent?

How often you are scheduled to co-op will depend on the number of children enrolled in the class, but usually this is approximately once every 4-6 weeks.

How often will I need to co-op?

No, a co-op “parent” can be a student’s mother, father, another family member, nanny or full-time caregiver who is with the student on a regular basis during school hours and is over the age of 18.

Does the co-op parent have to be a biological parent?

Often times, parents in the co-op set up a babysitting swap to allow everyone to fulfill their co-op responsibility.

I have a child older than 6 months at home. How will I be able to co-op?

Yes, you are required to serve as a member of the Board or on a committee, however, you can get involved as much or as little as you want by choosing a position that suits you. You will always have your predecessors, other families, and the staff to help you learn your job.

Am I required to join the Board or a committee if my child attends WLCN?

For every school day, a co-op parent is scheduled as well as a backup parent. The backup parent is expected to keep the day open as if it were his or her day to co-op. If you have an emergency, call your scheduled back up. If your backup also has a conflict, it is the backup’s responsibility to find a replacement.

What if my child is sick or I have an emergency arise and can’t co-op?

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