Frequently Asked Questions

Q. - What is Salem Child Development Center?
Q. - When was Salem Child Development Center founded?
Q. - Who Governs Salem Child Development Center?
Q. - How many children does SCDC serve?
Q. - What size staff does SCDC employ?
Q. - What are the staff qualifications and training?
Q. - What kind of programs do SCDC offer?
Q. - What are SCDC rates?
Q. - What are the AGES, HOURS and DAYS of OPERATION?
Q. - What about EMERGENCY CLOSURES?
Q. - What other activities are offered?
Q. - What about when we are gone on family vacation?
Q. - Are snacks and meals provided?

 



Q. - What is Salem Child Development Center?
A. - SCDC is a nonprofit corporation, licensed by the Oregon State Child Care Division. We are registered as a private school and are serving the needs of children, ages ranging from six weeks to 12 years of age.


Q. - When was Salem Child Development Center founded?
A. - SCDC was founded in 1968. Incorporate in 1971. We are registered with the Oregon State Board of Education.


Q. - Who Governs Salem Child Development Center?
A. - A 15 member volunteer Board of Directors sets Salem Child Development Center policies. Board Membership is comprised of parents and community members.



Q. - How many children does Salem Child Development Center serve.
 A. - 32 Infants and Toddlers. 130 Preschool/Kindergarten age at the Fairgrounds Road site. 600 school age children on site at 17 satellite schools. Kindergarten after school care at Clearlake, Forest Ridge, Liberty, Pringle, Schirle, and the Fair site.
School age on site at: Aumsville, Clear Lake, Forest Ridge, Gubser, Liberty, Pringle, Rosedale, Salem Heights, Schirle, Sumpter, Scott, Turner, and Yoshikai, Hammond, Lamb, Marion Miller.



Q. - What size staff does SCDC employ?
A. - One to 4 contiunuity of care. One to 5, 2-3 year olds. One to 8 preschoolers. One to 12 school age. Also the Executive Director, school age/preschool Program Supervisors, teachers, floaters, assistants and substitutes.


Q. - What are the staff qualifications and training?
A. - Staff are exceptionally dedicated, best-suited energetic child care professionals. Two years of education/experience in child care required. Reference and criminal history background checks are required. Continued training required and funded to enhance and improve skills. Staff are highly valued at SCDC and turnover is exceptionally low. SCDC offers compensation and benefits that encourage recruitment and retention of the best-suited employees.


Q. - What kind of programs do SCDC offer?
A. - Developmentally appropriate practices are followed in SCDC programs. Programs address the needs of the whole child and their families. Parent involvement is a major part of our link to provide a strong program. Preschool/kindergarten classes enjoy swim/gym lessons and weekly field trips into the community and surrounding areas. School age field trips are offered as arranged per site. Large outdoor play areas provide large muscle development and recreation. Strong educational component to prepare strong children for positive futures.


Q. - What are SCDC rates?
A. - SCDC has competitive rates in the child care field. The center offers 2nd child discounts, a 4:30 early pick up rate at most after school sites, vacation credits, and limited scholarship funds. The Board works to budget at rates that offer accessibility and affordability.


Q. - What are the AGES, HOURS and DAYS of OPERATION?
A. - HOURS: All locations (with A.M. care) open at 6:45 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

AGES: Fairgrounds site offers full day services for 6 weeks through kindergarten. On-site school locations offer before and after school services for kindergarten through 5 grade. Currently KEE (after morning kindergarten care) is offered at Pringle, Clear Lake, Liberty, Schirle.

DAYS CLOSED: Legal Holidays including Christmas Day, New Years Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day. Closed for in-service/staff workdays as follows: Fairgrounds site will close Veteran's Day and the 2nd Monday and Tuesday in September. School sites close Veteran's Day and the Friday before Labor Day. Early closure (4pm) Xmas and New Years Eve.



Q. - What about EMERGENCY CLOSURES?
A. - If public schools close early, or for the day, due to emergencies; SCDC programs will also close and no care will be available for the children. Parents need to have alternate arrangements should this happen. Closure announcements are made on the radio. If the center closes while children are in our care, we will notify parents to pick up the children. On delayed school days, SCDC will open on schedule as soon as the staff can safely reach the site.


Q. - What other activities are offered?
A. - Preschool, kindergarten and KEE programs attend swimming and gymnastic lessons. The lessons are included in the tuition rates and all children attend.

For school children the lessons are an alternative and the cost will be charged to the parents.

During the school year parents will be asked to cover additional costs of trips such as skating, pizza, bowling, etc. During the summer the school age children will attend more trips and an activity fee will be included in the summer tuition to cover the activity expenses.

Information shall be provided during the summer for the summer camping trip at Silver Falls Park. Children from age 4 through 5th grade are invited to attend. The site is not inspected or licensed by CCD and alternative care or credit will be available if you chose not to attend.


Q. - What about when we are gone on family vacation?
A. - 1. Two weeks advance written notice is required
2. Five (5) consecutive days of vacation is needed to quality. [Equal to one week for part timers].
3. Amount of credit available: Fair site: one week per Sept to May and 2 weeks per summer months School sites: three weeks per Sept to May to follow school schedule and 2 weeks per summer months Modified calendars: five weeks per year. Intercession times will be at an extra full day charge




Q. - Are snacks and meals provided?
A. - SCDC provides morning and afternoon snacks and milk for mealtimes. Snacks consist sorted crackers, cheeses, yogurt, vegetables, fresh fruit, bagels, etc. We also provide cooking projects that the children can prepare, eat and enjoy.  LUNCHES: CCD requires lunches be provided by parents and include food from the four basic food groups. Fruits, cheeses, vegetables, chicken, hot-dogs, sandwiches, puddings, leftovers, yogurt, soups, pastas, etc. We have microwaves and refrigerators. [Watch for van trips and pack appropriate outdoor foods.]
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