Preschool FAQ

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What are the age requirements for preschool enrollment?

Sweet Potato Kids is a licensed child care center in Randallstown, MD, typically serving children in the preschool age range. Most programs require a child to have turned a specific age (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 years old) by a certain date, often September 1st of the enrollment year. 

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What are the daily hours and is there extended care? 

General operating hours for Sweet Potato Kids are Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm. We offer a full-day preschool program, with extended day options available before and after standard hours. Children can be dropped off as early as 7:00 am and picked up as late as 6:30 pm. ​

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How do I schedule a tour to see the facility?

To schedule a tour, we have made it easy so you can book via our website! We have a "schedule a tour" button that you can find throughout our site which will lead you to a booking page. Fill it out and you're good to go! Families are encouraged to reach out with any questions. A tour is an excellent opportunity to meet the staff, see the classrooms, and assess the overall environment. 

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What is the enrollment process and timeline? 

Via our 'Admissions' page, you can find the necessary forms and steps for submitting an enrollment application. The process involves submitting a registration form, providing your child's official birth certificate, and supplying up-to-date immunization records and a physician's report, typically dated within 30 days of your child's start date. These immunization forms are standard by the Maryland State Department of Education. The last step to our enrollment is through submitting these documents via our Brightwheel page. We have open enrollment periods, but spaces can fill quickly, so it is best to inquire well in advance. 

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What is the monthly tuition and are there any additional fees? 

Tuition varies based on the program type (full-day vs. extended day) and the child's age. Parents should also ask about any registration fees, supply fees, or late pickup fees. Contact us directly for our current fee schedule.

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Does Sweet Potato Kids accept child care subsidies? 

Yes, Sweet Potato Kids, accepts state assistance for payment. You would need to apply for a subsidy through the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and, once approved, provide your documentation to the center to begin care. Licensing data indicates some center locations do not enroll in the subsidized child care program, so you will need to confirm with the specific site. 

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What is the student-to-teacher ratio and staff qualifications? 

We have two to three staff in the classroom at all times. All staff meet state licensing requirements. As an MSDE-accredited program, Sweet Potato Kids adheres to high standards for staffing. ​

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How are children grouped by age?

Children are typically divided into groups based on their age and developmental milestones. We have our Sweet P's at two years old. Our YAMS are in separate classrooms primarily from three and four year olds, to four and five years old. 

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What is the illness policy?

You will need to provide your child's immunization records. The center will have clear guidelines on when a child must be kept home due to illness (e.g., fever, vomiting) and when they can return to care. 

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Are meals and snacks provided?

Some facilities provide meals and snacks, while others require parents to send their own. For programs that do provide food, you can ask about their menu and how they accommodate food allergies. 

 

After-School Program FAQ

 

What schools do you provide service to?

Sweet Potato Kids is an approved before- and after-care provider for Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), currently operating in **eight elementary schools** across the district. It is best to contact them directly to confirm which specific elementary schools they serve. 

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Do you provide transportation from schools to the center?

Yes, transportation is provided as part of the extended day program. Students within the Sweet Potato Kids network are picked up from their respective BCPS elementary schools and brought to the center for after-school care. 

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What are the hours for the after-school program?

The after-school portion typically runs from the end of the school day until 6:30 pm, with before-school care also available. 

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What activities do children participate in?

After-school programs at Sweet Potato Kids are designed to provide a safe, structured, and enriching environment, including homework assistance and quiet study time alongside playful learning activities that foster cognitive, social, and emotional skills. 

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Is the program open on school holidays, early dismissal days, and inclement weather days?

Policies on school closures and emergency days vary. Some programs align with the school district's schedule, while others may offer care on professional development days or spring break for an additional fee. Inquire about the program’s specific calendar of closures and their inclement weather policy. 

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What is the cost and how does billing work?

The cost can be a weekly rate, a monthly fee, or a daily drop-in rate. Contact the center for its specific fee schedule. Billing is often on a weekly or monthly basis, and you should confirm what happens if your child is absent. 

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What is your policy on medication administration?

Many child care centers have strict protocols for administering medication. Parents must typically sign a consent form for any prescription or over-the-counter medication, which must be in its original container. 

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Who can pick up my child?

The center will have a secure check-in/check-out procedure. Only individuals listed on your child's authorized pick-up list, who present a valid photo ID, will be allowed to pick up your child. 

 

What are the consequences for late pickup?

If you pick up your child after the scheduled closing time (e.g., 6:30 pm), you will likely incur a late fee. Repeated late pickups could be grounds for termination from the program. |

 

Summer Camp FAQ

 

What are the age groups for the summer program?

The camp is for school-age children, generally 5 years old up to 12 years old. It can accommodate up to 100 students during the summer session. Students are typically grouped by age for activities. 

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What are the camp hours? Do you offer extended care?

While many summer camps run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sweet Potato Kids offers all-day summer programming within its standard operating hours of 7:00 am to 6:30 pm. This provides a full day of care for working parents. 

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What does a typical daily schedule look like? 

A typical day includes a mix of educational activities, creative arts, indoor and outdoor play, theme-based projects, and social time. Ask to see a sample schedule. 

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Do you take field trips? If so, where?

Many summer programs take children on field trips. These might include local parks, swimming pools, museums, or movie theaters. You will need to sign a field trip permission form for your child to participate. 

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Will the camp provide lunch and snacks? 

It is common for day camps to require parents to pack a nut-free lunch and snacks for their child. Some camps offer a provided snack or have a hot lunch program for an additional fee. Be sure to verify this policy and ask about allergies. 

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What is the staff-to-camper ratio and how are staff trained? 

Inquire about the ratio to ensure proper supervision. All staff should be trained and certified in CPR and First Aid, and background checks are standard for all personnel. 

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What is your policy for swimming?

If swimming is included as an activity, ask about lifeguard supervision, swim tests, and the safety protocols at the pool or beach. 

 

How do I register, and when is the deadline? 

Registration is typically held in the late winter or early spring months. Spaces can be limited。 Ask about the registration process, required deposits, and cancellation policies. 

 

General Admission & Policies

 

What is the mission of Sweet Potato Kids Inc.?

The mission of Sweet Potato Kids Inc. is to create a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment that fosters a love of learning, while actively working to bridge opportunity gaps and disrupt disparities in education for minority students. 

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What are the center's security protocols? 

A secure center will typically have a locked entrance, a code or check-in system for families, and security cameras. Authorized staff and families are the only individuals allowed to enter the building. 

 

Families are encouraged to contact the main Sweet Potato Kids facility to confirm the current details of these policies for each of their locations.