Mission
Our primary concern is meeting the individual needs of each child and each parent in a loving atmosphere. Caring for infants and toddlers, who are essentially nonverbal, mandates a close partnership with the parents. Opportunities to listen, respect, teach and care are an integral part of our program.
The La Cañada Presbyterian Church Infant Care Center is a Christian nonprofit organization established for the care and nurturing of a total of 24 infants and toddlers. The Infant Care Center staff members are seen as facilitators, as language models, as creators of an environment in which learning can take place, as anticipators of needs and more importantly, as models of Christ’s love.
Staff
The members of the Center’s staff are Christian by belief and practice. Ongoing staff training is provided by the Center director and through outside resources. Professional growth is encouraged. All of the members of our staff are CPR and first-aid certified. We maintain a staffing ratio of one staff person for every four infants and toddlers.
We encourage you to share your concerns and questions with our staff. Open communication between staff and parents is vital to the responsive and respectful care of infants and toddlers.
Program Costs
Enrollment Fee: $250.00
Full Time - $1,960.00
MWF- $1,320.00
TTH- $900.00
Added day $105.00
Tuition is payable on the first day of the month. If paid after the 15th of the month, a $35 late fee will be added for every week it is late. The enrollment fee is payable at the time of enrollment and is nonrefundable. A two-week written notice is required for cancellation of the contract. Payment is made for absences and vacation time to insure your child’s continued place in the program. Part-time enrollments are only accepted with the approval of the director.
Hours and Schedule
The center is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. We are open all year but are closed for the major holidays which are observed by the church. Two days a year we are closed for staff development. A calendar is provided at the time of enrollment.
In the infant room the schedule is individualized to the needs of each child. The infants are also assigned a primary care giver for the purpose of bonding and developing trust. In the toddler room the children follow a group schedule while still recognizing the needs of each child. Careful attention is given to each child’s transition from the infant room to the toddler room.
See Closure Dates below.
Enrollment
The center is licensed to provide care for infants and toddlers from 6 weeks of age until 24 months. The center keeps a waiting list maintained by the date you first filled out the waiting list form. Children of church members and siblings of former center families are given priority on the waiting list.
When the child is starting out at the center the parent will meet with the director. At that time the enrollment fee and the insurance fee are due. The director gives the parents the necessary paperwork to fill out. Also a list of emergency supplies is given so the parents can put together two bags of emergency supplies for their child. These supplies are kept at the center
Diapering, Feeding, Sleeping & Clothing
Parents will provide disposable diapers, diapering supplies, blanket for nap, bottles, formula, baby food and lunches for toddlers. The Center will provide two snacks per day (a.m. and p.m.) to children eating table foods. The Center will supply cribs, cots and bedding. Sheets will be changed daily or more frequently as needed. Parents will also provide adequate changes of clothing to enable their child to be clean and dry during the day.
Illness
We are unable to care for sick children. At the first sign of illness, children need to be kept at home. It is helpful if parents have alternate care options when they start at the center. At the time of enrollment, the center illness policy is described more specifically.
Environment & Facilities
The Center provides a secure and creative environment for infants and toddlers. Our indoor and outdoor facilities provide ample opportunities for infants and toddlers to development their large and small motor skills. All equipment and materials have been chosen with safety in mind and accordance with the developmental needs of the children.
For more information, please contact the director: (818) 790-6708 x 225
Infant Care Center Closure Dates 2022-23
(updated May 30, 2023)
2023
Monday, June 19 | Juneteenth National Independence
*Tuesday, June 20 | In Service Day
Tuesday, July 4 | Independence Day
Monday, September 4 | Labor Day
Monday, October 9 | Columbus Day
Friday, November 10 | Veterans' Day
Thursday/Friday, November 23-24 | Thanksgiving Holiday
December 25, 2023-January 2, 2024 | Christmas Break
2024
Monday, January 15 | MLK, Jr. Day
*Friday, February 16 | In Service Day
Monday, February 19 | Presidents' Day
Friday, March 29 | Good Friday
Monday, May 27 | Memorial Day
*We are closed for at least two in-service days per calendar year.