Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the center licensed by the state?
Yes, we are licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. We received our Non-Expiring License in March of 2005. A licensing representative will inspect our center at least once annually.
You may visit the Department of Family and Protective Services website at:
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/About_Child_Care_Licensing/
Are background checks conducted?
Background checks are conducted on all employees as they are hired and then every five years thereafter. The background check includes a FBI fingerprint check and a DPS Central Registry Check.
What is your teacher to child ratio?
Our ratios are as follows:
Infant 1 - 1:4 (state is 1:4)
Infant 2 - 1:4 (state is 1:5)
Toddlers - 1:8 (state is 1:9)
2 Year Old - 1:10 (state is 1:11)
3 Year Old - 1:14(state is 1:15)
4 Year Old - 1:16 (state is 1:18)
School-age 1:20 (state is 1:26)
We also have an assistant that "floats" between the classes to assist as needed during busy times of the day. There may be times in which we are at the state ratio on a rare occurrence due to a staff member being absent.
What kind of training do the teachers have?
The center is staffed with an administrator and teachers specially trained in early childhood education, Each teacher will receive a minimum of 24 hours annually of staff development in early childhood, child development, first aid and CPR.
When is the center closed?
We are closed the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr Day, Good Friday, Battle of the Flowers Parade, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, August Back to School Workday, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve. (There may be an additional day added depending upon how the holidays fall within each year. Advance notice will be given upon any changes to the calendar.) If the holiday falls on the weekend, we will be closed on the Friday prior to or the Monday after the holiday.
What do the children do throughout the day?
In each classroom, children are given a variety of activities throughout each day. The schedule is carefully planned so that each child has a balance of self-initiated activities and teacher-initiated activities. Children are given the opportunity to work in small and large group, have quiet and active time, develop both large and fine motor skills and have both indoor and outdoor play/learning time. The day is carefully planned in a manner which children can depend on routine and consistency, yet still enjoy the excitement of learning through play.
What is the policy on parents visiting the center?
Parents are welcome to visit the center at any time. We also invite parents to volunteer in the classroom or share any special talent they may have.
How do I go about setting up a tour?
We prefer that you call to schedule a tour (210-688-7003). It is important to us that your first visit be informative and all your questions are answered. By scheduling a tour, we can ensure you have a staff members undivided attention. Once you have had your initial tour of The Mustard Seed, you may come back at any time unannounced to observe our daily routine. Please know that unannounced visits may result in the director being unavailable due to teaching or being involved in a classroom activity.
What kind of security is at the center?
The center is equipped with a security system as you enter the building that allows only authorized persons to enter the classroom areas. A closed circuit TV system is set up that monitors each classroom.
What if my child gets hurt at the center?
Our goal is to prevent children from being injured while they are in our care. Having said this, we know that children are curious by nature. Should your child get hurt while at the center, staff members will follow the basic first aid procedures for injuries or accidents. Should further assistance be needed beyond the basic first aid, staff will provide immediate care and contact the parent, child's physician and/or EMS as needed. We will provide an accident/injury report to the parents for each occurrence.
What if my child is taking medication, can the center administer it?
Medication will be administered to children once the parents sign the authorization form. Medication is administered at 10:30am and 2:30pm. The medication must be in the original container labeled with the child's name, date, directions, and physicians name. Prescription medication will only be administered as stated on the label directions.
Non-prescription/over the counter medications will be administered according to the medication guidelines and instructions on the label with a signed medication authorization form completed. The medication must be in the original container labeled with the child's first and last name.
All medications will be stored in a secure location in the office or other designated location and administered by a designated staff member. Staff will document when the medication is administered on the authorization form.
Medication form
When is tuition due?
Tuition is due by noon on Tuesday. A late fee will be charged if tuition is not paid on time.
Can I pay the tuition monthly instead of weekly?
Yes, you may pay tuition monthly if this is more convenient for you. To calculate the monthly total, calculate the number of weeks in the month and multiply by the weekly tuition rate. Monthly tuition is due the first Monday of each month.
What food is provided for my child?
The center will serve a hot, nutritious, and delicious breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. All of the meals are prepared on site and are planned to meet children's nutritional needs as set forth in The Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services Minimum Standard Rules for Licensed Child-Care Centers. Our menu has been reviewed by a pediatric dietitian. A few things to take note of about our menu is: the main entrée at lunch does not repeat the entire month, 2 vegetables are served daily at lunch along with a fruit, a different snack is served daily within the month, many of the meals are home-made with very little processed foods served. The menu is on a 5 week rotating schedule.
Do you have a biting policy?
One of our primary goals is to provide a safe and loving learning environment. When a biting incident occurs, there are many upset feelings. We take the incident very seriously and try to extinguish the behavior of biting as quickly as possible and assist in developing positive social skills. With children under the age of three, we know that biting is not uncommon as they learn through mouthing objects, which can unfortunately include people.
Biting Policy
Do you have a waiting list if the classroom my child would be in is full?
The center maintains a waiting list for the classrooms that are currently full. You may add your child's name to the waiting list by simply calling or stopping by the school.
We also have a pre-registered list in which families have pre-registered by paying the registration fee. This moves you to the top of the waiting list, but we cannot give a specific start date. If you are pre-registered your child will have the next available space in the classroom. Names on the waiting list will be kept for a year. If you would like your child's name to stay on the list longer, then you will need to contact us to let us know.
Is my child up to date on his/her immunizations?
Please view the Immunization Chart on the health statement to determine if your child is current on immunizations. When your child turns 4, a vision and hearing screening must be completed and documented on the health statement by your child's physician.
Health Statement
Yes, we are licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. We received our Non-Expiring License in March of 2005. A licensing representative will inspect our center at least once annually.
You may visit the Department of Family and Protective Services website at:
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/About_Child_Care_Licensing/
Are background checks conducted?
Background checks are conducted on all employees as they are hired and then every five years thereafter. The background check includes a FBI fingerprint check and a DPS Central Registry Check.
What is your teacher to child ratio?
Our ratios are as follows:
Infant 1 - 1:4 (state is 1:4)
Infant 2 - 1:4 (state is 1:5)
Toddlers - 1:8 (state is 1:9)
2 Year Old - 1:10 (state is 1:11)
3 Year Old - 1:14(state is 1:15)
4 Year Old - 1:16 (state is 1:18)
School-age 1:20 (state is 1:26)
We also have an assistant that "floats" between the classes to assist as needed during busy times of the day. There may be times in which we are at the state ratio on a rare occurrence due to a staff member being absent.
What kind of training do the teachers have?
The center is staffed with an administrator and teachers specially trained in early childhood education, Each teacher will receive a minimum of 24 hours annually of staff development in early childhood, child development, first aid and CPR.
When is the center closed?
We are closed the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr Day, Good Friday, Battle of the Flowers Parade, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, August Back to School Workday, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve. (There may be an additional day added depending upon how the holidays fall within each year. Advance notice will be given upon any changes to the calendar.) If the holiday falls on the weekend, we will be closed on the Friday prior to or the Monday after the holiday.
What do the children do throughout the day?
In each classroom, children are given a variety of activities throughout each day. The schedule is carefully planned so that each child has a balance of self-initiated activities and teacher-initiated activities. Children are given the opportunity to work in small and large group, have quiet and active time, develop both large and fine motor skills and have both indoor and outdoor play/learning time. The day is carefully planned in a manner which children can depend on routine and consistency, yet still enjoy the excitement of learning through play.
What is the policy on parents visiting the center?
Parents are welcome to visit the center at any time. We also invite parents to volunteer in the classroom or share any special talent they may have.
How do I go about setting up a tour?
We prefer that you call to schedule a tour (210-688-7003). It is important to us that your first visit be informative and all your questions are answered. By scheduling a tour, we can ensure you have a staff members undivided attention. Once you have had your initial tour of The Mustard Seed, you may come back at any time unannounced to observe our daily routine. Please know that unannounced visits may result in the director being unavailable due to teaching or being involved in a classroom activity.
What kind of security is at the center?
The center is equipped with a security system as you enter the building that allows only authorized persons to enter the classroom areas. A closed circuit TV system is set up that monitors each classroom.
What if my child gets hurt at the center?
Our goal is to prevent children from being injured while they are in our care. Having said this, we know that children are curious by nature. Should your child get hurt while at the center, staff members will follow the basic first aid procedures for injuries or accidents. Should further assistance be needed beyond the basic first aid, staff will provide immediate care and contact the parent, child's physician and/or EMS as needed. We will provide an accident/injury report to the parents for each occurrence.
What if my child is taking medication, can the center administer it?
Medication will be administered to children once the parents sign the authorization form. Medication is administered at 10:30am and 2:30pm. The medication must be in the original container labeled with the child's name, date, directions, and physicians name. Prescription medication will only be administered as stated on the label directions.
Non-prescription/over the counter medications will be administered according to the medication guidelines and instructions on the label with a signed medication authorization form completed. The medication must be in the original container labeled with the child's first and last name.
All medications will be stored in a secure location in the office or other designated location and administered by a designated staff member. Staff will document when the medication is administered on the authorization form.
Medication form
When is tuition due?
Tuition is due by noon on Tuesday. A late fee will be charged if tuition is not paid on time.
Can I pay the tuition monthly instead of weekly?
Yes, you may pay tuition monthly if this is more convenient for you. To calculate the monthly total, calculate the number of weeks in the month and multiply by the weekly tuition rate. Monthly tuition is due the first Monday of each month.
What food is provided for my child?
The center will serve a hot, nutritious, and delicious breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. All of the meals are prepared on site and are planned to meet children's nutritional needs as set forth in The Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services Minimum Standard Rules for Licensed Child-Care Centers. Our menu has been reviewed by a pediatric dietitian. A few things to take note of about our menu is: the main entrée at lunch does not repeat the entire month, 2 vegetables are served daily at lunch along with a fruit, a different snack is served daily within the month, many of the meals are home-made with very little processed foods served. The menu is on a 5 week rotating schedule.
Do you have a biting policy?
One of our primary goals is to provide a safe and loving learning environment. When a biting incident occurs, there are many upset feelings. We take the incident very seriously and try to extinguish the behavior of biting as quickly as possible and assist in developing positive social skills. With children under the age of three, we know that biting is not uncommon as they learn through mouthing objects, which can unfortunately include people.
Biting Policy
Do you have a waiting list if the classroom my child would be in is full?
The center maintains a waiting list for the classrooms that are currently full. You may add your child's name to the waiting list by simply calling or stopping by the school.
We also have a pre-registered list in which families have pre-registered by paying the registration fee. This moves you to the top of the waiting list, but we cannot give a specific start date. If you are pre-registered your child will have the next available space in the classroom. Names on the waiting list will be kept for a year. If you would like your child's name to stay on the list longer, then you will need to contact us to let us know.
Is my child up to date on his/her immunizations?
Please view the Immunization Chart on the health statement to determine if your child is current on immunizations. When your child turns 4, a vision and hearing screening must be completed and documented on the health statement by your child's physician.
Health Statement