Frequently Asked Questions

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To enroll your child at Your Child's World, please visit the Programs page on our website to locate the site that is most convenient for you and complete the application for the location & program that you would like to enroll. Once the application and supporting documents are submitted, we will then contact you to schedule a tour and provide additional information. 

EHS/TODDLER PROGRAM

The below supporting documents is needed to enroll in our EHS/Toddler Program:

• Proof of Address - Utility Bill, Lease, or Mortgage Statement
• Birth Certificate
• Proof of Income - Prior Year Tax Return Preferred or 4 paystubs, SSI award, or CAO
• Proof of SNAP Benefits
• Health & Dental Assessment - can be found on our Parent Forms Portal page
• Parent State/Federal ID
• Medical Card
• Custody Order - If Needed
• Foster Care Placement Letter - If Needed

TUITION FREE PREK

The below supporting documents is needed to enroll in our Tuition Free PreK Program:

• Proof of Address - Utility Bill, Lease, or Mortgage Statement
• Birth Certificate
• Proof of Income - Prior Year Tax Return Preferred or 4 paystubs, SSI award, or CAO
• Proof of SNAP Benefits
• Health & Dental Assessment - can be found on our Parent Forms Portal page
• Parent State/Federal ID
• Medical Card
• Custody Order - If Needed
• Foster Care Placement Letter - If Needed

SCHOOL AGE

The below supporting documents is needed to enroll in our School Age Program:

• Health & Dental Assessment - can be found on our Parent Forms Portal page
• Parent State/Federal ID
• Medical Card
• Custody Order - If Needed
• Foster Care Placement Letter - If Needed

You will be given a start date for your child once your child's application is complete, all supporting documents are received, and a slot is available. Once a slot becomes available and you are notified of the availability, you will have 24 hrs to accept the space. If we do not hear from you within 24 hrs, your child will remain on our waitlist and the slot will go to another child. 

Yes, we provide healthy breakfast, lunch, and PM snacks for the children. Children can not bring food from home. All food provided at school must be consumed at school. If you child has an allergy, please have your child's doctor complete the CACFP Medical Plan of Care required paperwork prior to an alternative meal. document must be 100% complete and approved prior to an alternative provided by Your Child's World. The form can be found on the Parent Forms Portal Page of our website.

NO, THIS FACILITY DOES NOT ALLOW ANY OUTSIDE FOOD. 

KEEP FOOD HOME – This includes parties and special events. ALL FOOD PROVIDED BY YOUR CHILD’S WORLD MUST BE EATEN ON SITE.

MEAL SUBSTITUTIONS

Meal Substitutions are only given for verified food allergies and meat preferences ONLY. The form must be completed by your child's doctor and can be found on the Parent Forms Portal Page of our website.

FOR FOOD ALLERGIES

Food allergies must be documented by having your child’s physician complete and sign the Medical Plan of Care for Child and Adult Care Food Program for program participants with special dietary needs. This completed form must be submitted to the center director and approved prior to any meal substitutions being made. The form must be completed by your child's doctor and can be found on the Parent Forms Portal Page of our website.

VEGAN OR VEGETARIAN MEAL PLAN

Does your child need a meat alternative meal at school?

See your school administrative team and give written notice that your child is not permitted to eat meat and we will give your child a non-meat alternative.

No Exceptions to these policies will be made!

Thank you for your cooperation!

• Sign your child in with your unique pin on ProCare app by scanning the sign in/out QR code with your phone, or use one of our tablets @ school. Families will be contacted to return to the center to sign their child into school if they fail to sign their child in.
• Sign your child out with your unique pin on ProCare app by scanning the sign in/out QR code with your phone, or use one of our tablets @ school. Families will be contacted to return to the center to sign their child out school if they fail to sign their child in.
• Each person picking up and dropping of your child must be listed on ProCare & must use their own unique code to sign in & out
• Each person picking up must have ID and be 18 yrs. of age or older.
• Each person you add on ProCare must have a clear picture of their face uploaded. This does not take place of them providing state/federal ID when required.
• Your child MUST remain with you until you hand them over to your child's teacher.
• Please don't allow your child to run ahead of you or press the buttons to open the doors at any time.

THESE RULES ARE PUT IN PLACE TO KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE.

IF AT ANY TIME YOU NEED TO UPDATE YOUR CHILD'S EMERGENCY CONTACT/AUTHORIZED PICK UP LIST, THE FORMS CAN BE FOUND ON THE PARENT FORMS PORTAL ON OUR WEBSITE. CHANGES CAN NOT BE MADE UNTIL THE FORM IS SUBMITTED & YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER AND CENTER DIRECTOR IS INFORMED OF THE CHANGE. 

We care for children from 1 yr to 3 years old in our EHS/Toddler program.

We care for children from 3 yr to 5 years old in our Tuition Free PreK program.

We care for children in grades K-5th in our School Age program.

Our ratio is 4:1 for toddlers (ages 1-3) in our EHS Program

5:1 for 1 yr olds not in our EHS program

6:1 for 2 yr olds not in our EHS program

10:1 for 3-5 yr olds

12:1 for K-3rd graders

We have a strict safety protocol and all of our staff members are trained in emergency procedures. We have security cameras in the classrooms and a secure entrance.

We use positive reinforcement and redirection techniques to encourage good behavior. We also have a behavior management plan in place if necessary.

Please make sure that you are reading all newsletters/ProCare messages that are being sent to your ProCare portal and email.This is how you will be able to stay up to date on what's going on with your child at school, events, closures, etc. 

Please contact your child's teacher via ProCare messages. Please be mindful that if you are contacting your child's teacher during school hours, they will not be able to respond immediately. The teachers will be able to respond only on their downtime. We are big on supervision and want our students safe at all times. If it is an urgent matter, please call your school's main number. Please turn on your notifications so that you do not miss any messages.

Elmwood Center

267-233-7031

16th St Center

267-766-6454

Harbison Center 

215-289-2026

 Please remember to bring the following in a disposable bag only:

Items Needed for Ages 1-2

• Crib sheet and blanket (no sleeping bags or large blankets - Storage is limited)
• 2 sets of change of clothes or more when needed (Include socks, underwear, & t-shirt)
• 2 boxes of tissues
• 6 diapers/pull ups per day (Children begin potty training at 2 yrs old and no later than 2.5 yrs old.)
• Your child's teacher will contact you if additional items are needed.

Items Needed for Ages 3-5

• Crib sheet and blanket (no sleeping bags or large blankets - Storage is limited)
• 2 sets of change of clothes or more when needed (Include socks, underwear, & t-shirt)
• 2 boxes of tissues
• Your child's teacher will contact you if additional items are needed.

• No outside food (If your child has an allergy, please have your child's doctor complete the attached Medical Plan of Care for Child Nutrition Programs. This form can be found on the Parent Forms Portal on our website)
• No book bags or tote bags are allowed.
• No jewelry (YCW is not responsible for stolen, lost, or broken jewelry)
• No hoop earrings (studs only)
• No medication (unless approved by Director, proper paperwork from parent & doctor must be filled out before leaving medication.
• No barrettes or beads in your child's hair (this is a choking hazard).

• No jewelry (YCW is not responsible for stolen, lost, or broken jewelry)
• No hoop earrings (studs only)
• No barrettes, beads, hair balls in your child's hair (this is a choking hazard).
• Preschool/Pre-K - NO DIAPERS/PULL UPS (Ages 3 & up)

ELMWOOD CENTER

• All students must wear their YCW uniform shirts (Contact your Center Director & check out our YCW Store link on our website for more information) 
• Inexpensive bottoms that your child can pull up, button, and unbutton without help
• Inexpensive Socks and Sneakers (Open toe shoes, Crocks, Sandals, boots, etc. must not be worn to school) Children are safe when they play in socks & sneakers without being restricted. Feel free to keep a pair of sneakers in your child's cubby if necessary.
• Wear shorts under all skirts & dresses (If applicable)
• Masks (If/when needed)
• Preschool/Pre-K - NO DIAPERS/PULL UPS (Ages 3 & up)

16th ST AND HARBISON CENTER

• Inexpensive, comfortable play appropriate clothing that your child can pull up, button, and unbutton without help
• Inexpensive Socks and Sneakers (Open toe shoes, Crocks, Sandals, boots, etc. must not be worn to school) Children are safe when they play in socks & sneakers without being restricted. Feel free to keep a pair of sneakers in your child's cubby if necessary.
• Wear shorts under all skirts & dresses (If applicable)
• Masks (If/when needed)
• Preschool/Pre-K - NO DIAPERS/PULL UPS (Ages 3 & up)

SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

• TRIPS DAYS: All students must wear their YCW uniform shirt, inexpensive socks, & sneakers on all trips, no exceptions. If your child does not have a shirt, they will not be able to attend the trip and no refund will be given.
• NON-TRIP DAYS: Inexpensive, comfortable play appropriate clothing that your child can pull up, button, and unbutton without help
• Inexpensive Socks and Sneakers (Open toe shoes, Crocks, Sandals, boots, etc. must not be worn to school) Children are safe when they play in socks & sneakers without being restricted. Feel free to keep a pair of sneakers in your child's cubby if necessary.
• Wear shorts under all skirts & dresses (If applicable)
• Masks (If/when needed)
• Preschool/Pre-K - NO DIAPERS/PULL UPS (Ages 3 & up)

Parents will be required to go home to get appropriate shoes if children arrive with shoes that are not safe for school.

LIFE THREATENING ALLERGIES

- Does your child need to keep an EPI Pen at school?

If your child is in need of rescue medication and the required paperwork & medication

is not received, we will contact the parent and emergency personnel, if necessary, by dialing 9-1-1. The form can be found on the Parent Forms Portal Page of our website and must be completed by the parent and child's doctor.

ASTHMA

- Does your child need to keep an Asthma rescue medication at school?

- See the attached. Asthma required paperwork

- Your child's doctor must complete the required paperwork prior to prior to dropping of the medication at school.

If your child is in need of rescue medication and the required paperwork & medication is not received, we will contact the parent and emergency personnel, if necessary, by dialing 9-1-1. The form can be found on the Parent Forms Portal Page of our website and must be completed by the parent and child's doctor.

Does your child need alternate meals at school due to a verified allergy?

Your child's doctor must complete the Medical Plan of Care - Food Allergies paperwork prior to an alternative meal plan being provided. The form can be found on the Parent Forms Portal Page of our website and must be completed by the parent and child's doctor.

YCW only administers asthma rescue medication an Epi-Pen medication. All other medication must be administered at home.

Asthma

- If your child is in need of rescue medication and the required paperwork & medication is not received, we will contact the parent and emergency personnel, if necessary, by dialing 9-1-1. The form can be found on the Parent Forms Portal Page of our website.

Life Threatening Allergies

- Does your child need to keep an EPI Pen at school?

If your child is in need of rEPI Pen medication and the required paperwork & medication is not received, we will contact the parent and emergency personnel, if necessary, by dialing 9-1-1. The form can be found on the Parent Forms Portal Page of our website and must be completed by the parent and child's doctor.

The right age to start potty training depends on your child's physical, developmental, and behavioral milestones, not age. Some children are ready between 18 and 24 months. Your Child's World will give the parent the option to begin potty training before 2 yrs old. After 2 yrs old, Your Child's World will begin the potty training process with the parents support. Children must be potty trained by 3 yrs old.

16th  Location

• This location has a large outdoor play area and we incorporate gross motor play into our daily schedule.
• This location also takes discovery walks daily 

Elmwood  Location

• This location has an outdoor play area and we incorporate gross motor play into our daily schedule.
• This location also takes discovery walks daily 

Harbison  Location

• This location has a large indoor play area and we incorporate gross motor play into our daily schedule.
• This location also takes discovery walks daily

EHS Program - Ages 12 months to 36 months

• Family must have ELRC funding.
• Families pay a weekly co-pay. The co-pay amount is assessed by the funding agency.

Toddler Program  - Ages 12 months to 36 months

• Fees are due for each service week whether the child is in attendance or absent.
• ELRC Families pay a weekly co-pay. The co-pay amount is assessed by the funding agency.

Tuition Free PreK is 100% Free Program  - Ages 3 years to 5 years

• If eligible, families not not pay for this services.
• Families will be charged for late pick up when picking up late.
• Families will be charged for before/after school care when enrolled.

Before/After School and Summer Enrichment Programs -PreK Wrap Around & School Age

• Fees are due for each service week whether the child is in attendance or absent.
• ELRC Families pay a weekly co-pay. The co-pay amount is assessed by the funding agency.

Rates increase yearly. Please contact your site Center Director for the current weekly rate.

EHS, Toddler, Before/After School, and Summer Enrichment Programs

• ELRC supports families with paying for child care services. If approved, your child will be eligible for services for a very low-cost. Families pay a weekly co-pay that  is assessed by the funding agency. 
• Apply for ELRC Subsidized Child Care funding today at https://pdf.ac/9bdSt
• Please make sure that all information in the document is correct before submitting.
• Please print the completed ELRC application. Please hand deliver, fax, or mail directly to the ELRC office.
  

ELRC 18

4601 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139

OR

1200 Callowhill Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123

Phone 
Toll free: 888-535-2209
Local: 610-480-3190

E-fax 
267-592-4178

Hours
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday

Tuition Free PreK is 100% Free Program

• If eligible, families not not pay for this services.
• Complete our PreK application and submit all required documents to begin the eligibility process.

To transfer your ELRC funding to Your CHild's World, please do the following:

1. Ensure that all of your fees are up to date at the current facility

2. Call and/or email your Eligibility Specialist at ELRC to request a transfer

3. Please complete the below form to assist you with your transfer request.

    Facility Transfer Request - ELRC

    https://pdf.ac/4drx8o

    This form can be also found on our website at:

YCW Parent Forms Page under Parent Portal

https://yourchildsworldlc.com/ycw-parent-forms-1 

Ways to contact ELRC 15 (Delaware County):

ELRC15Family@phmc.org

Phone 
Toll free: 888-535-2209
Local: 610-480-3190

E-fax 
267-592-4178

Hours
Monday - Friday 
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Ways to contact ELRC 17 (Montgomery County):

ELRCRegion17@pa.gov

Phone 
610-278-3707
1-800-281-1116

E-fax 
610-278-5161

Hours
 Monday - Friday 
 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Ways to contact ELRC 18 (Philadelphia County):

ELRC18Family@phmc.org

Phone 
Toll free: 888-535-2209
Local: 610-480-3190

E-fax 
267-592-4178

Hours
Monday - Friday 
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

ProCare

* ACH

OR

Cash App

TO: $yourchildsworld

FOR: "CHILD'S FIRST AND LAST NAME" - HARBISON

 https://cash.app/$yourchildsworld

OR

TO: $yourchildsworldpa

FOR: "CHILD'S FIRST AND LAST NAME" - HARBISON

 https://cash.app/$yourchildsworldpa

• FAMILIES WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAKE PAYMENTS VIA CASH APP AFTER 1 FAILED PAYMENT. PAYMENTS WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO BE PAID VIA ACH.

YCW IS A CASHLESS AGENCY

PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL PAYMENTS ARE PAID THROUGH THE FOLLOWING METHOD BELOW:

ProCare

* ACH

OR

Cash App

TO: $yourchildsworld

FOR: "CHILD'S FIRST AND LAST NAME" - HARBISON

 https://cash.app/$yourchildsworld

OR

TO: $yourchildsworldpa

FOR: "CHILD'S FIRST AND LAST NAME" - HARBISON

 https://cash.app/$yourchildsworldpa

YCW ONLY ACCEPTS CASH APP PAYMENT METHOD FOR SHIRTS, LATE PICK UP FEES, FUNDRAISER, TRIPS FEES.

Cash App

TO: $yourchildsworld

FOR: "CHILD'S FIRST AND LAST NAME" - HARBISON

 https://cash.app/$yourchildsworld

OR

TO: $yourchildsworldpa

FOR: "CHILD'S FIRST AND LAST NAME" - HARBISON

 https://cash.app/$yourchildsworldpa

1. SHIRTS MUST BE PAID THROUGH CASH APP ONLY
2. LATE PICK UP MUST BE PAID THROUGH CASH APP ONLY
3. FUNDRAISERS MUST BE PAID THROUGH CASH APP ONLY
4. TRIP FEES MUST BE PAID THROUGH CASH APP ONLY

$2.00 per minute per child beginning 1 minute after your child's pick up time will be applied to your account and must be paid via Cash App prior to the child entering the next service day.

Cash App

TO: $yourchildsworld

FOR: "CHILD'S FIRST AND LAST NAME" - HARBISON

 https://cash.app/$yourchildsworld

OR

TO: $yourchildsworldpa

FOR: "CHILD'S FIRST AND LAST NAME" - HARBISON

 https://cash.app/$yourchildsworldpa

Fees are due the Friday, 2 weeks prior to the service week.

A late payment fee in the amount of $25.00 will be charged every Monday morning if fees are not paid by Friday of the previous week.

ELRC Families: 

ELRC will be contacted to issue an adverse action for non-payment every Friday afternoon if your current week's payment is still not paid. Late fees will continue to be added until the balance is $0.

Private Pay Families: 

Service is suspended until fees are paid in full. Fees continue to be charged for services, late payments, etc until balance is paid in full and child is formally withdrawn.

A $25.00 NSF/failed payment fee will be charged for each failed payment.

You will be required to make all payments via Cash App.

Cash App

TO: $yourchildsworld

FOR: "CHILD'S FIRST AND LAST NAME" - HARBISON

 https://cash.app/$yourchildsworld

OR

TO: $yourchildsworldpa

FOR: "CHILD'S FIRST AND LAST NAME" - HARBISON

 https://cash.app/$yourchildsworldpa

Your Child’s World Learning Center has the right to terminate services at any time for outstanding balances, failure to make payments on time, behavior concerns, and whenever deemed necessary without reimbursement of fees paid.

Yes, Fees are due for the child's slot and the total amount is due regardless of the number of days or hours that the child is in care.

Fees are due even if the child is out for an entire week for illness, vacation, suspension of services, etc.

Fees are due for days that the child is out due to behavior issues, etc. even if suspended for services by YCW or if an escort is required for a trip and I do not have an escort for my child for that day and my child has to stay home or I have to provide alternative care.

Your Child’s World Learning Center has the right to terminate services at any time for outstanding balances, failure to make payments on time, behavior concerns, and whenever deemed necessary without reimbursement of fees paid.

If you need help with paying your bills, the cost of food and/or medical care cost, click the link below to apply for Cash, Medical, and Snap benefits:

https://www.compass.state.pa.us/compass.web/Public/CMPHome

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) provides cash grants to help Pennsylvania families pay their heating bills. 

Check out their website for more information: https://www.pa.gov/en/services/dhs/apply-for-the-low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap.html

 Feeding Pennsylvania and Hunger-Free Pennsylvania member food banks offer food assistance services in each county through a network of nearly 3,000 local charitable partners — including food pantries, soup kitchens, feeding programs, and shelters. 

Click the link below to find a food pantries, soup kitchens, feeding programs, and shelter

https://www.pa211.org/get-help/food/food-pantries/

ELRC supports families with paying for child care services. If approved, your child will be eligible for services for a very low-cost. Families pay a weekly co-pay that  is assessed by the funding agency. 

Apply for ELRC Subsidized Child Care funding today at https://pdf.ac/9bdSt

• Please make sure that all information in the document is correct before submitting.
• Please print the completed ELRC application. Please hand deliver, fax, or mail directly to the ELRC office.
  

ELRC 18

4601 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139

OR

1200 Callowhill Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123

Phone 
Toll free: 888-535-2209
Local: 610-480-3190

E-fax 
267-592-4178

Hours
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday

https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dhs/resources/early-learning-child-care/elrc.html