FAQ
We’re Glad You Asked
It’s important you receive as much valuable information as you can about Momentum Early Learning. Our FAQ section offers a comprehensive look at our philosophy, our facility, our teachers, and more. If you have a question that isn’t addressed here, please feel free to contact us, and we’ll do our best to answer promptly.
- How is Momentum Early Learning different from other child care facilities?
- What should parents/legal guardians look for when visiting any child care facility?
- How are Momentum Early Learning teachers educated and trained?
- What do children actively engage in while at Momentum Early Learning?
- What are the child-to-teacher ratios? And how many children are in one group at a time?
- When and how do children transition to older classrooms?
- Is Momentum Early Learning accredited?
- What is DCF?
How is Momentum Early Learning different from other child care facilities?
Our facility is privately owned and operated. We pride ourselves in having created a program that will work with your family’s needs. Momentum Early Learning uses the latest technology for parents/legal guardians to view their child via secure web camera access throughout the entire day. The interior of Momentum Early Learning is designed with warm and inviting colors, which together creates a safe and secure feeling for all. As professionals we have the understanding of what it takes to lay the foundation for young children and their families. Momentum Early Learning is state licensed, however we strive to go above and beyond minimum expectations for our staff, children and facilities.
What should parents/legal guardians look for when visiting any child care facility?
Parents/legal guardians can make proper judgments about any child care facility by popping in unexpectedly. Every parent/legal guardian should pay special attention to things such as, but not limited to: noise level and type of noise (laughter vs. yelling & crying), overall mood of the children and teachers, children’s engagement in activities, teacher supervision, involvement with children, and the overall safety, cleanliness and appeal of the facility.
How are Momentum Early Learning teachers educated and trained?
Momentum Early Learning places high expectations on all staff members. Our teachers are not only highly educated in Early Childhood, but are particularly experienced in the Early Childhood profession. Lead teachers at Momentum Early Learning carry at minimum a Bachelor’s Degree and Assistant Teachers will have at least an Associate degree. Each year, teachers are required to have a minimum number of continuing education hours that keep our teachers up to date with the latest Early Childhood certifications and requirements. Teachers are also required to become a member of The Registry. The Registry is a Wisconsin based system that recognizes early education professionals for their pursuit of education, experience and professional achievements.
What do children actively engage in while at Momentum Early Learning?
Children enrolled at Momentum Early Learning will be engaged in a wide variety of activities. Teachers create lesson plans using a strategically planned framework. Momentum Early Learning’s framework is focused on an emergent curriculum stemming from the children’s interests. Our program is focused on providing teachers with the necessary tools such as development planning, individualized plans (based on child’s developmental needs), observations, and assessments. Throughout your child’s day, they will experience planned activities such as literacy, math, science, and dramatic play (role playing), along with unplanned, spontaneous adventures using their imagination. Children will also be given the opportunity (when applicable) to make choices and lead in exploration in and out of their classrooms.
What are the child-to-teacher ratios? And how many children are in one group at a time?
Child-to-teacher ratios are based on a state-by-state regulation. In Wisconsin there is:<
- One teacher for every four children under the age of 2 years
- One teacher for every six children from age 2 to 2.5 years
- One teacher for every eight children from age 2.5 to 3 years
- One teacher for every 10 children from age 3 to 4 years
- One teacher for every 13 children from age 4 to 5 years
- One teacher for every 17 children from age 5 to 6 years
- One teacher for every 18 children from age 6 up to 12
Momentum Early Learning classroom group sizes are also based on state regulations. The infant and toddler rooms allow a maximum number of eight children per room, the 2-year-old room allows a maximum of 12 children, the 3-year-old room allows a maximum of 20 children, the 4-year-old room allows a maximum of 24 children, and the school-age room allows a maximum of 24 children. Many of our classrooms exceed the minimum square foot requirements set by the state.
When and how do children transition to older classrooms?
Children will advance to the next classroom when they are developmentally ready. Being developmentally ready consists of age-appropriate behavior and skills mastered based on our curriculum. Children will have the opportunity to visit prior to moving up to the new classroom. The visits will take place over the course of one week, and will allow time for parents and children to become familiar and comfortable with their new environment.
Is Momentum Early Learning accredited?
As a new facility, we will be in an ongoing process to become accredited. Accreditations take a consumable amount of time to obtain; however, we are taking all necessary steps from educating staff to supplying the children with the proper materials.
What is DCF?
DCF stands for Department of Children and Families. In Wisconsin, the DCF licenses child care facilities. The DCF creates many standards and guidelines for child care facilities to follow and maintain. Each group child care facility requires a license. Child care facilities are required to post their license and any violations in clear view at all times for parents/legal guardians. Momentum Early Learning’s license is posted in the vestibule (on the communication board for parents/legal guardians).
