Enrollment
Intake & Enrollment Process
We want every child who enrolls at Tick Tock to have the opportunity to thrive. For that reason, enrollment is a process rather than simply paperwork and payment.
1. Submit an Enrollment Inquiry
Complete our online inquiry form with information about your child, your family's child care needs, and your desired start date. Our administrative team will review the information and determine whether an appropriate classroom opening may be available.
If there are no available spaces for your child at the time of your application, your child’s name will be placed on our Waiting List. Priority will be given to the siblings of children already enrolled in our program. Parents are encouraged to add children’s names to our Waiting List in anticipation of their turning 12 months of age.
2. Complete an Application & Determine Tuition
Families invited to continue the enrollment process will complete an application and provide any requested documentation.
Employment verification is a part of our application process for tuition fee determination as well as participation. Families are encouraged to review our Program Qualifications and Frequently Asked Questions prior to submitting an application.
Families seeking income-based tuition assistance will submit required income documentation, including pay stubs from the most recent 30 days. Tick Tock will review household income and family size to determine the applicable tuition rate.
Visit the Tuition page for more information on Tick Tock's income-based tuition model and Pennsylvania's Child Care Subsidy Program.
3. Visit Tick Tock and Meet Our Team
We will schedule an opportunity for you to tour the center, learn more about our program, see the classroom environment, ask questions, and meet the members of our team.
We want families to understand not only what Tick Tock provides, but also what we expect from the families who become a part of our community.
4. Classroom Introduction and Observation
Your child will be provided an opportunity to meet the teacher, explore the classroom, and interact with other children. This brief introduction period gives our educators an opportunity to learn more about your child and observe how they engage within the classroom.
Parents are encouraged to share any questions or concerns about their child's progress meeting developmental milestones. This step helps both the family and Tick Tock determine whether our program and available classroom are an appropriate fit for the child's needs.
If additional information, documentation, or discussion would help us understand how to appropriately support your child, we may request it before making an enrollment decision. We can help families access support or begin the process to have their child screened for services through the Chester County Intermediate Unit or other county resources.
5. Enrollment Offer
If Tick Tock determines that we have an appropriate opening and can reasonably meet your child's needs within our program, we will provide:
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Available start date(s);
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Your family's established tuition rate;
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Required enrollment forms and documentation;
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Payment information; and
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Additional information to help your child prepare for their first day.
Enrollment is not complete until all required documentation has been received and approved.
Admissions
The full first month's tuition payment must be received before your child's scheduled start date.
A classroom space and start date are not considered finalized until all enrollment requirements and initial payment obligations have been completed.
Prior to admission, parents will meet with our Family Services Director to complete necessary forms. We will provide information regarding subsidy programs for which the family may be eligible. If a family is eligible, they must submit proof that they have applied for the state or federal program such as CCW and CACFP. We will not be able to offer a a discount on tuition to a family who fails to apply for a state or federal subsidy for which they qualify.
Income verification is a part of our application process for tuition fee determination. Our tuition is determined on a sliding scale based on family size and income. There are no discounts for multiple enrolled siblings because family size is taken into account in determining private fees.