Mrs. Brooke's Curious Kids Program, a Christian Childcare Center
505 E Walsh, Centerville, IA 641-895-7488
2020 payment policy and contract.doc (DOC — 40 KB)
family-child-care-enrollment-packet.pdf (PDF — 343 KB)
2020 Curious Kids Childcare Parent Handbook.doc
(DOC — 145 KB)
This may not be the most recent handbook. ask Michelle for the newest addition.
You may view our handbooks by clicking the links above. Below is most of the information you will be looking for in less detail.
About Us
The After School Program was originally a part of St. Mary's Catholic School. Michelle Brooke was hired to teach the After School Program in 2004. Since then it has grown to include many other programs like the Summer and Winter Program, Curious 3's, our 3-year-old Preschool skills classroom, and infant and toddler care.
When St. Mary's school closed in 2008, the After School Program was viewed to be a benefit to the whole community and we were asked to stay. The child care business was taken over by Michelle Brooke in 2008 and it continues to grow today. We have held to the original goal of providing an enriching child care program that addresses the need to continue educating our kids in all subjects after school and through summer. We also teach good morals through the pillars of good character, Bible lessons, and prayer before meals. In doing this we are creating a better community, better kids, and better child care. Join us in the adventure!
Program Handbook
A paper copy of our handbook is located in our office but may request a copy of your own. We would be happy to answer any questions you have. Prospective families may schedule an orientation with Michelle Brooke at any time. During orientation, we will go through our handbook, enrollment forms, and policies. We will give you a tour of the building and introduce you to other staff. Your children are welcome to visit with you.
Vision Statement
Our families and children will gain experiences and support beyond the scope of regular childcare. This will be done by developing a trusting relationship with our families. Together we hope to grow stronger families and communities.
Facilities
Child Care Center Location:
505 E Walsh Street
Centerville, IA 52544
641-895-7488
Hours
Hours of operation: Mon - Fri 6:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Curious 3's learning session 8:00 to 12:00 Childcare available before and after class
There is an additional fee of $5.00 for every 15 minutes your child is in child care after our regular hours of operation
Activities
One of our favorite things to do is get the kids into nature. We will go on nature walks at several of our local trails.
Kids will participate in the Children's Art Festival which is held every year in June. Kids may also choose to be a part of Missoula Children's Theatre held the same week as the Children's Art Festival.
We do several community service projects each year. One we have always done is a canned food drive for The Lord's Cupboard just before Thanksgiving.
We have speakers come to talk with the kids about their areas of expertise.
We raise a garden
We build, we sew, we try new hobbies
We will transport children to Appanoose County Conservation Day Camps
and YMCA activities
Fees and Financial Agreement
Fees are to be paid to Curious Kids each Monday for the previous week or as agreed upon by individual parents and the director.
Late and Insufficient Funds
A late fee of $50 will automatically be added to your account at the beginning of the month for the previous month's unpaid fees. This balance must be paid before your child can attend. Our insufficient funds fee is $25 plus any fees incurred due to your insufficient funds.
Please see Curious Kids Childcare Payment Policy and Contract for more details.
Registration Fees and Deposit
We have a registration fee of $25. There is also a refundable deposit of $50, both due upon the return of your enrollment papers which must be returned to hold your child’s spot before their first day of attendance. Your deposit can be used toward your final childcare payment if all payment terms of this contract have been kept. This refund will not be made if you pull your child out before their 10 day trial period is over.
Childcare Fees
We work with families to find a rate that will work for them and us!
The fees listed represent our Quality Rating System rating of 4 Stars. QRS is a quality rating scale that is like that of a restaurant or hotel. The higher the score, the better the quality. Iowa is no longer using this system and is transitioning to a rating program called Iowa Quality for Kids (IQ4K). During this transition time, Curious Kids is encouraging families to check if they qualify for childcare assistance, there is a link on the first page. We work with families to find a rate that will work for them and us. When you view the rates below, consider the quality of our childcare center and come talk with me about your needs.
A 10% discount is given for 2nd children.
Rates
1/2 day
Full Day
Infant/Toddler
$21.50
$43.00
Preschool
$18.98
$ 37.96
School Age
$15.00
$30.00
Hourly (Rounded to nearest 15 minutes for before and after school) $3.00. Daily hours over 10 will be charged an hourly rate according to the age group.
The childcare fee may increase up to 2% each year, or Childcare Assistance rates increases. QRS status is reflective of measures the childcare has voluntarily taken to provide higher quality childcare. Curious Kids is currently rated 4/5 stars.
Other Payments
A deposit of $50.00 must be made for new families before their first day. This deposit will be refunded if the account has remained in good standing and a 2-week notice is given prior to withdrawal. Also, a $25.00 registration fee is due when you register your child.
General Information
We reserve the right to terminate child care services if it is determined that placement is unsatisfactory following a conference between the staff, administrator, and parents. If payment is not made under the terms of the agreement, a conference will be held between the parents and the administrator immediately. If back payments are not made up in a reasonable time, the student regretfully may not attend the program.
All children are required to go outdoors (weather permitting) so parents are expected to dress their children with that in mind. Summer clothing should be modest.
We are happy to allow special treats brought in by the student. (Store-bought only).
You only need to enroll once for all programs. Just let us know what programs your child will attend.
It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the staff regarding any change in information.
Please inform the staff of any upsetting information that may affect your child such as a death in the family, change of family members, etc. This will enable our staff to understand the student more completely.
Access Policy
Parents are always welcome and encouraged to visit. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let us know. Good communication between the home and our program is important to providing the best possible care for your student. Visitors, parents, or otherwise, who have not had a background check by Curious Kids Childcare will not be allowed to be alone with children. A Curious Kids employee will be present with the visitor at all times.