FAQ
1. What are ACC’s credentials?
ACC is licensed by the State of California, Department of Social Services. Additionally, ACC is rated among the top of Los Angeles county children’s centers for early childhood care and education, according to Quality Start LA, a quality rating evaluation.
2. When is tuition due? What is the payment schedule?
For weekly payment schedules, payment is due on Monday.
For monthly schedules, payment is due on the first of the month.
For children who are picked up late, there is a “late fee” of $5 for every 15 minutes.
3. Are scholarships available?
ACC offers tuition assistance if funds are available. In addition, funding may be available to families through public subsidies.
4. Is there a family rate?
Yes. 10% and 20% discounts are given for siblings, depending on the number of siblings
5. Is there a waiting list? When and how should I get on the waiting list?
Children will be placed on the waiting list in chronological order, from the first point of contact with ACC. Generally, this order is followed, although the Center reserves the right to “balance” the groups in terms of gender, special needs, characteristics of development, etc. in order to meet the needs of all children.
6. Does your program have a place for children with special needs?
Yes. We welcome and are prepared to serve children with a range of special needs, disabilities and developmental delays.
7. Do you have a summer program?
ACC operates all year round. The programming in the summer offers a change of pace as children enjoy summer fun and learning in Happy Trails, a summer camp experience.
8. Do you serve lunch?
Yes. We serve breakfast, lunch, and an after-nap snack which are based on federal nutritional guidelines and provide a wide variety of tasty choices.
9. Can residents who live outside of Altadena enroll at ACC?
Yes. Children who reside outside of Altadena are welcome.
10. What is your curriculum?
ACC uses “The Creative Curriculum for Infants/Toddlers and Twos” and “The Creative Curriculum for Preschool.” These programs are based on a framework which promotes a high quality learning environment for young children and includes: How Children Develop and Learn; The Learning Environment; What Children Learn; The Teacher’s Role; and The Family’s Role.
11. What credentials do your teachers hold?
The lead teacher of each group is college educated in early childhood education with practical, hands on experience in the classroom and is credentialed at a minimum for the Teacher Level of the Child Development Permit authorized by the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Associate teachers are required to have a minimum of 12 units in ECE (early childhood education) courses. Additionally, staff members continue their training by attending in-services held on site, by attending professional conferences, by taking classes and by observing other programs. All staff are certified in first aid and CPR and are trained to deal with other security issues.
12. Is parent participation required?
Because we feel strongly about the role of the parent in a child’s educational experience, each family is required to participate in the program at least 30 hours during the year. We are flexible about how parents invest their hours.
13. How do I get more information and/or arrange a tour of ACC?
We look forward to answering any questions you may have and welcome you to visit the center. Please contact us at 626-797-6142 or by email director@acckids.org.