Frequently Asked Questions - Child Development Center

Are all staff members background checked and certified?

All CDC faculty and staff have been verified for employment with Jacksonville State University and meet background requirements for childcare facilities. Student workers and substitutes are required to have the same background checks as other JSU employees. Their photos are posted in each pod.

Are there clear plans in place for emergencies, such as fires, severe weather, or intruders?

In an emergency evacuation or lock-down situation, the JSU CDC will follow procedures developed with the Jacksonville State University Police Department (UPD). Families will be provided with JSU CDC specific information and directions via the JSU CDC alert system.

The JSU CDC currently follows the larger JSU plan for inclement weather closures.

What is the Child Development Center's discipline policy?

CDC faculty and staff practice Conscious Discipline in all classrooms. Conscious Discipline is a researched-based approach to addressing behavior with young children. All staff have completed Conscious Discipline training with the state. This approach provides choices and respect for the children’s individual rights.

All teachers at the JSU CDC approach discipline problems in a loving, positive manner. If the child has challenging behavior issues, they are redirected as needed and provided with access to the calm-down corner inside his/her classroom. Families will be included to provide additional support outside of the classroom as needed.

Does the Child Development Center provide meals/snacks, or do you need to bring your own?

Students attending the CDC will be required to bring their own lunches and snacks. Unfortunately, there is not a cafeteria on our campus.

However, the CDC will have some snacks to offer to our children in afterschool care.

How does the daycare handle food allergies and intolerances?

All staff, in partnership with families, are responsible for ensuring the safety of children with allergies. Allergy and Food Preference Lists are kept by the JSU CDC Administration, updated as needed, and shared with all classrooms. Families must share knowledge of food and other allergies at the time of enrollment.

For a child who has experience an allergic reaction, the teacher will notify the JSU CDC Administration immediately and follow the protocol for that child on the Allergy List.

How does the Child Development Center handle sick children?

In accordance with Childcare Licensing Regulations, children will be excluded from the JSU CDC when exhibiting any of the following symptoms:

Temperature over 101 degrees
Recurrent vomiting or diarrhea
A communicable disease

If a child is sent home due to illness, he/she is required to remain home the entire next day and until symptom-free for a minimum of 24 hours. Families must pick up sick children within 1 hour from JSU CDC notification.

Are parental visits allowed and encouraged?

The CDC maintains an open-door policy, welcoming families, extended family, and caregivers to visit throughout the day. We strive to nurture a community environment that embraces all cultures and family structures. We encourage families to share their traditions and expertise with the greater JSU CDC community or their child’s class and believe that family partnerships are the foundation for supporting each child’s development.

While visiting the JSU CDC, we ask that all individuals respect the routines and policies of the center to ensure the health and safety of all children and staff. All visitors will be required to sign in at the front desk. When leaving the CDC, all visitors must sign out at the front desk. Classroom visits should be coordinated with the lead teacher and/or CDC administration.

Is the Child Development Center open, honest, and reliable in their communication? How can parents reach out?

We value and facilitate frequent communication between families and teachers and consider this exchange an important contribution to the planning and implementation of the program. Teachers and administrators use the ProCare app to communicate with families.

All questions and concerns regarding your child should be directed first to your child’s Lead or Auxiliary Teacher. If you cannot reach the teacher or have additional concerns, contact the Director or Assistant Director at 256-782-8655.