FAQs

What hours is IC3 open?

FAQsIC3 and IC3 at Kendal are open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. IC3 After School is in operation from 2:30 pm -5:45 pm and on full days our program is open from 8:00 am – 5:45 pm.

How old are the children who attend IC3?

We serve 124 children from eight weeks to five years of age per day at the main center. Our Infant Program has babies eight weeks to approximately 18 months old, our Toddler Program has children 18 months to three years old, and our Pre-K Program has children three to five years old. We also run an After School Program for up to 50 children in kindergarten through fifth grade, and we have a Summer Camp that serves children entering kindergarten through third grade.

What is the educational philosophy at IC3?

We believe in child centered active learning, which means that children learn by doing. Children learn best by engaging and interacting with people, their environment, and objects around them. Teachers design an environment and plan experiences that allow hands-on learning for children in a range of developmental areas, social, emotional, cognitive and physical. We provide opportunities for children to work with a variety of materials and people, to make choices and to have some control over their choices and activities.

Is IC3 a licensed center?

IC3 is licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. We have also received the "Best of Ithaca" award for childcare, presented by the Ithaca Journal and the Ithaca Times.

How many teachers and children are there in each class?

IC3 has four classrooms for each of the three age groups. Our teacher-child ratio for our infant age group is lower than you will typically find at other childcare centers. In our infant program, we typically follow a ratio of 1 Teacher to 3 infants (1:3) instead of a 1:4 ratio found in many other programs. In all age groups, we choose to follow a smaller group size than the maximum allowed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services; our infant group size is 6, Toddler group size is 10 and Pre-K group size is 15. All of our classroom programs provide two full time teachers that meet or exceed NAEYC standards and one part-time teacher’s assistant per classroom. IC3 at Kendal has one infant room and one toddler room that follow the same ratios listed above. The After School Program has a 1:10 ratio and a group size up to 50.

Should I send food with my child?

No. IC3 has a full-time cook on staff who prepares three meals each day: a morning snack at 9:00 am, lunch 11:30am-Noon, and an afternoon snack at 3:00 pm. The class will then dine family – style taking advantage of the many learning opportunities associated with sharing and good manners. If your child has allergies or dietary restrictions (for instance, if your child may not eat meat or cheese), we can provide substitute foods or you may bring foods to supplement what the Center provides.

How much does child care cost at IC3?

We have a flat rate for two, three or five days per week enrollment. Scholarships are available on a need basis. If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application and submit the required financial documents. All applications will be considered, however working families will have priority when awarding scholarships.

How do I enroll my child?

If we have a space available for your child, you will need to agree on a starting date with the enrollment manager. The enrollment manager will then place your child in a classroom after talking with the teachers, and will prepare an enrollment folder for your child. At this time, you must pay a non-refundable registration fee and a security deposit to hold the space for your child. The registration fee is a one-time fee is not refundable, so should you change your mind or decide to withdraw your child from IC3, it will not be refunded. The deposit is refunded when you leave the Center as long as your account is up to date and you notify us, in writing, six weeks before your child's last day.

What if there are no spaces available for my child?

You may place your child on a waiting list and when a space becomes available; we will call and notify you immediately. There is a fee for the waiting list, which is applied to your registration fee if you enroll within three months of the date you get on the list. You may fill out the Waiting List Form should you want to place your child on our list, or contact us to inquire about current openings.

How will my child adjust to the classroom?

We require a three-day transition period for new children. On the first day, you will visit the classroom for an hour and a half with your child. You will stay with your child in the classroom the entire time, and then the two of you will leave the Center together. On the second day, you and your child will visit for three hours in the morning. Your child will spend this time in the classroom, and you will be here at IC3 but not in the classroom with your child. (Most parents relax in our staff lounge or lobby. This is also a good time to ask questions about the enrollment forms). On the third day, you can leave your child at IC3 for about six hours and you must be reachable by phone and accessible to the Center in 10 minutes. The third day, when you leave your child at IC3, is the first day for which you pay. If your child takes longer to adjust, we encourage you to take time to visit additional times; you will not be billed for extra visits as long as you are here with your child.

What if my child does not speak or understand English?

Many children do not speak or understand English when they come to IC3. It is fine for your child to speak his or her native language, since children will acquire English simply by living in this country and by spending time in our classrooms, where language skills are emphasized for all children. The teachers are experienced and will work with your child to communicate and to learn English words. We encourage you to give teachers a list of important words in your language (for instance, yes, no, happy, sad, enjoy, toilet, mother and father) so that they can use these words to communicate basic ideas to your child.

How and when will I receive a bill? When and where do I pay the bill?

Tuition statements are provided each month and placed in your parent mailbox in your child's classroom. (If you do not find a statement in your box by the end of the first week of the month, notify the front desk immediately). Tuition is due, in full, by the 1st of each month and may be paid at the front desk by check or credit card (Master Card or VISA).