First Years Academy, An East Templeton, MA Child Care Facility

About Us - General Policies

Open Door Policy

First Years Academy has an "open door" policy. We permit and encourage unannounced visits by parents to the program and their child's classroom while their child is present. Our video camera systems provided by Kidsvision also allow parents and families authorized by parents to see their child while in the classroom as they interact with teachers and their friends throughout the day.

Parent teacher conferences are held every 6 months, after progress reports. Children with special needs have a progress report done every 3 months. Conferences are also available at parental requests.

We will conduct a yearly parent meeting at which time parents will be allowed to input developmental ideas for our program and it's policies.

Dress Code

Please send your child dressed ready for play. We will be working with messy materials and spend a lot of time outside. Make sure to include hats, mittens, boots and coats for cold weather. And for warmer weather a hat, sunglasses and bathing suit with a towel. At least 1 spare outfit will need to remain at school incase of an accident, food mishap or a really fun day playing outside. All clothes should be labeled with your child's name as we have several children and it helps lost items to be returned to their owners.

Quiet/Nap Time

All children will have a rest period of 45 minutes everyday. No child is forced to sleep; however they may rest quietly listening to soft music or books on tape. If your child has a favorite nap time toy, please bring it and we will get it out of their cubby at nap time. Any articles of clothing, toys or other items should be labeled with your child's name.

Food Policy & Meals

We encourage parents to follow the USDA Child Food Program guidelines when sending in breakfast or lunch for their child. All FYA snack menus follow these guidelines and lunch suggestions will be posted on the parent board. Children will bring breakfast (or eat before arriving) and bring lunch ready with utensils and all items needed to eat it (a bowl for a heat up or cereal, spoon or fork), water will be served with lunch. First Years Academy will provide AM and PM snacks and milk or juice to drink at snack to all children.

If there are things on the menu your child cannot eat due to allergies or religious belief, let us know so we can make adjustments.

We never force a child to eat, but we do encourage a well balanced diet. No child will be denied a meal or snacks for any reason other than written directions from a parent/ guardian and/ or physician.

More About Us

[top of page]