Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the teacher/child ratio?
We follow MN Rule 3 requirements. Ratios are Infants 4:1, Toddlers 7:1, Preschool 10:1, and School-Age 15:1.
How do I reserve a spot for my child?
Once a non-refundable deposit (registration fee & first week’s tuition) is paid, your spot is reserved until the date you have requested to start.
What does my tuition cover?
Tuition covers 10 hours of care per day. Also included are all educational programming, supplies, enrichment classes, breakfast, lunch, and PM snack.
Are there any scholarships or financial assistance available?
Yes, we accept childcare assistance, early learning scholarships, Childcare Aware (for military families), and grants through educational institutions. We also offer significant childcare discounts for CKA employees. See our Promotions page for special offers throughout the year.
Do you have a parent communication system?
Yes, we use Procare Connect for family communication and engagement. You will see real-time updates on feeding, diapers, meals, activities, milestones, and photos! This app lets you stay up to date on your child’s daily activities and monthly newsletters and events around the center. This is also a great communication tool for your child’s teachers to reach out to you.
What time should my child arrive at school?
If you want your child to get the most out of the day, we recommend arrival no later than 8:30AM. However, if your child has an appointment and arrives later, that is fine. We ask for advance notice of planned late arrivals, if possible.
What security measures do you have in place?
All our buildings are very secure. Building access codes are only given out to those pre-approved to access the center and are not shared. Any alternative pick-up person must ring the doorbell and present a valid picture ID to be allowed in the building and for the release of a child.
Do you offer a preschool program?
Yes, we offer an excellent preschool program at each of our locations! Our preschool program runs throughout the day. Our preschool curriculum and activities are thoughtfully crafted to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn, grow, and explore at their own pace. With a focus on hands-on experiences, social development, and foundational academics, our preschool program prepares children for a successful transition to kindergarten and sets them on a path of lifelong learning. Conferences are held twice a year to discuss your child’s educational journey with you.
Can I bring in medication?
Yes, if it is a prescription medication. It must have the original prescription label on the bottle or box. Any type of medication requires a medication form to be filled out prior to CKA administering the medication. Over the counter medication is allowed depending on the type of medication and the instructions. Make sure to talk to your center director about non-prescription medications.
Can we bring our own food?
No, due to allergies, we ask that outside food is not brought in. Exceptions will only be made if we cannot substitute for an allergy or for those with a Vegan diet.
My child doesn’t drink cow's milk, what are my options?
Alternatives to cow’s milk include unflavored soy milk, rice milk, lactose-free milk, and oat milk. We require alternatives to be brought in by the family unless the center you attend is on the food program.
What types of sleep sacks are approved?
Only a standard one-layer sleep sack is allowed.
Are your facilities peanut/nut free?
Yes, we are a nut free facility.
How is breastmilk handled?
We support breastfeeding mothers. Breastmilk must come prepared in each bottle for the day. Once the child eats from the bottle, it will be returned to the refrigerator and marked as used. At pick up, we will send the bottles home to be washed and refilled for the next day.