FAQs

• 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday for standard care.
• We close at 12 noon on Christmas Eve and 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
• We are closed for: Labor Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

SWLC helps parents and families feel involved by sharing photo updates of their child’s day and making sure staff members are available for questions or advice. We communicate with families about their child’s needs and development so we can support them in fostering their child’s unique strengths and instilling crucial life skills. 

We encourage you to become familiar with your child’s classroom schedule which is posted outside their classroom. Copies of the weekly lesson plan and schedule are available from your child’s teacher upon request.

Events: Exact dates/times will be announced

Open House - October

Christmas Program - December

Mothers Day Tea - May

Fathers Day BBQ - June

We can send reminders via text message! We will need to know your cell phone carrier to provide this service.

Absolutely! Due to COVID protocols, we do require that you schedule a time to tour our center to ensure that we have someone available to give you the full attention your inquiry deserves. We look forward to meeting you!

SWLC bills monthly, and payment is expected in advance of care. For your convenience, you may pay 1⁄2 of your bill on the 1st and 1⁄2 on the 15th. Weekly rates are shown below for competitor comparison only; based on 52 weeks per year. All rates include USDA-approved meals & snacks, and school transportation. Schedules are ‘space reserved’ and require a 2-week written notice of the change. There is also a $75 per child Annual Registration fee, effective July 01, 2021. Full-time care is 5 hours or more, not to exceed 10 hours per day, and half-day care is 4 hours or fewer. We provide a childcare tax credit statement via email. We can also provide a physical copy on request.

We provide bussing for all students, based on demand and availability. We also provide transportation before and after school at the following schools:

• The safety of our students and staff will always be our priority. We monitor local guidelines to make decisions about our protocols to mitigate the spread of illnesses, including COVID-19. If we update practices to keep students, staff, and our community safe, we will contact families immediately via kid reports, the Procare app, or email. 
• Staff members pay close attention to help students learn cough etiquette and encourage them to create handwashing habits. 
• All of our staff members are required to acquire, and keep current, the following training or certifications:
  • CPR (Infant, Child, Adult)
  •  First Aid
  •  HIV Awareness and Prevention Training
  •  Blood-Borne Pathogens Training
  •  State of Washington Food Handler's Permit
  • Proof of Negative TB Test
  •  Proof of COVID vaccination

Since their introduction, vaccines have reduced the number of vaccine-preventable illnesses by 90%, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Thanks to their success rate, immunizations are now required for preschool in many states. All Southwest Learning Center locations are licensed by the state in which they operate, and mandated immunizations vary by state. Be sure to ask which vaccines are required before enrolling your child. As with all health-related issues, talk to your child’s pediatrician about vaccines. Find out when each dose should be taken and how many doses are needed. Ask whether your child is at risk of side effects.

• Paid Holidays: Full-time employees receive paid holidays after one year of employment.
• PTO (Sick Leave and Vacation): Full-time employees receive paid time off as follows: 1 year = 1 week; 2 years = 2 weeks; 5+ years = 3 weeks
• Health Care Benefits: 100% Paid Dental and Vision; 50%+(based on time of service) Medical.
• Retirement: Matching Simple IRA up to 3% pre-tax
• Paid Ongoing Training: All staff receives paid ongoing training to stay up-to-date with State of Washington Requirements.
• Free Childcare: When space is available, this benefit is tax free. SWLC does not take a tax deduction on the childcare provided to staff so staff do not have to claim the childcare as income.

Our vacation credit policy remains 2 weeks maximum for each child, based on your weekly schedule.*

Our vacation credit requirements are the following:

• 2 weeks written notice before vacation  
• No less than 1 week at a time may be claimed

Based on your schedule at the time of vacation, using the weekly rate indicated from our rate sheet (no more daily calculations!) "Know before you go!"

*Pro-rated @ 1 day per month, for enrollment beginning after January, beginning the 1st full month of enrollment.

The State of Washington requires electronic signing in/out procedures. Our front desk staff will show you how to clock your child in & out. Please allow additional time the first morning you drop your child off. 

If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to us! Our staff is happy to clarify and collaborate with you to create solutions to fit the needs of your family. We would love to hear from you!

Yes! We use the Procare Connect System. This software is the highest  selling childcare management system in the world. Not only does this program allow for us to stay in constant contact and send pictures/videos, but it also helps with tracking attendance, security, and tuition making life a little more simple for all of us.