Parent Information Page

Frequently Asked Questions and Information for Current Families at Cornwall Child Center

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Families interested in enrolling at Cornwall Child Center should visit our Enroll page. 

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Arrival

The main door remains locked for safety. Parents and visitors ring the doorbell, and a staff member will open the door. An adult must accompany each child into and out of the Center. Please turn off your vehicle (unless extreme weather requires brief idling).

Upon arrival:

  • Check your child in using the Brightwheel QR code (required by CT OEC).
  • Let teachers know how your child’s morning has been.
  • Help your child place their lunchbox in the classroom and wash their hands.
  • Label and date all food and containers.

Goodbyes
  • A short, confident goodbye helps children transition smoothly:
    “Bye-bye! You’ll have a great day. See you later!”
  • Avoid lingering, as it can increase separation anxiety.

Authorized Pick-Up

If someone new is picking up your child, notify the teacher on Brightwheel. Staff will only release a child to adults with written authorization and will request photo ID when necessary. Children will not be released to adults who appear impaired or to cars without appropriate car seats.

Timeliness & Late Policy

Children look forward to seeing their families—please arrive on time.

If you anticipate being late, message us on Brightwheel. The Center closes at 5:00 PM, and all families must be out of the building by that time.

  • Late fee: $1 per minute.
  • After 30 minutes, emergency contacts will be called.
  • After 60 minutes with no contact, state police must be notified per regulation.

Parking & Playground Safety

Parking is available outside the fenced playground. Children should stay inside the fenced area or be buckled in the car while adults chat. Never leave siblings or other children unattended in a parked vehicle.

Packing List: Items From Home

Please be sure to bring the following items for your children each day. 

For Infants

  • Food (see Infant Feeding for more information)
  • Bottles
  • Diapers & wipes
  • Extra clothes
  • Seasonal outerwear
  • Crib sheet
  • Comfort item
  • Labeled sunscreen, bug spray, & diaper cream

For Toddlers

  • Snack & lunch (see below for more information)
  • Bottles/sippy cups
  • Comfort item
  • Extra clothes (particularly with messy food days)
  • Seasonal outerwear
  • Seasonal outerwear
  • Diapers & wipes (if applicable)
  • Blanket for rest time on cots

For Pre-School

  • Snack & lunch (see below for more information)
  • Sippy cups
  • Weekly: One “Show & Share” item
  • Extra clothes as needed
  • Seasonal outerwear
  • Diapers & wipes (if applicable)
  • Comfort item
  • Blanket for rest time
  • Labeled sunscreen, bug spray, & diaper cream

Snacks & Lunch
(Toddler, Transition, and Pre-School)

Overview

Families provide morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack.

The Center supplies milk (whole for ages 12–24 months, 2% for ages 2+).

Teachers model positive eating habits, and toddlers eat together to build social skills.

Please remember: we are a completely NUT-FREE center.

Food From Home

Families provide morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack.

Food guidelines:

  • Include an ice pack in every lunchbox.
  • Use a thermos for warm items (no microwaving).
  • Label and date everything.
  • Teachers must discard expired food.
  • All whole fruits and vegetables are washed before serving.
  • Please provide extra clothing for messy days.
  • Please remember: we are a completely NUT-FREE center.

Guidance for Portions, Choices, and Preparation

Portions

  • Snack time is brief (about 20 minutes). Too many choices can overwhelm young children. Please send manageable portions.
  • For Toddlers – All food must be cut into ½-inch pieces for safety — even if your child eats differently at home. Teachers often have up to 8 toddlers eating at once, and small pieces greatly reduce choking risk.

Smart Snack Ideas:

  • Small pieces of cheese, soft fruits, applesauce
  • Grapes cut in half (lengthwise), yogurt
  • Toast, hard-boiled eggs, crackers, cereal, granola bars

Toddler Lunch Ideas:

  • Pasta, soups, small pieces of chicken/meat, rice, couscous, cooked vegetables, quesadillas, sandwiches, oatmeal, and simple finger foods.

Things to Avoid (Choking Hazards): 

  • Popcorn, pretzels, nuts, raw peas, whole carrots, whole grapes, and whole or chunked hot dogs.

Infant Feeding

Parents provide a written feeding schedule before the child begins. Teachers document all feedings on Brightwheel.

Breastfeeding & Bottles

  • We support breastfeeding. Nursing parents may use the Director’s office.
  • Human milk or formula must arrive in sanitary, labeled bottles with the child’s full name, date, and (for expressed milk) time pumped.
  • Unfinished breast milk or formula left unrefrigerated for 2 hours must be discarded.

We do not add cereal or solids to bottles unless a healthcare provider supplies written instructions.

Storage Guidelines

  • Refrigerator (39°F): 5 days
  • Freezer (5°F): 2 weeks
  • Freezer (0°F, separate door): 3–6 months

Milk is gently mixed (not shaken) and warmed in a bottle warmer.

Infant Safe Sleep

We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep Guidelines:

  • Infants (under 12 months) sleep on their backs in their own empty crib.
  • No pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or soft surfaces.
  • No sleeping in swings, car seats, or any equipment not designed for supervised infant sleep (unless medically required in writing).
  • Once infants can roll independently, they may adopt their preferred sleep position.

Inclement Weather

We follow Region I Public Schools for closures and delays.
(Cornwall will not be listed separately.)

  • Delayed opening: Center opens at 9:00 AM
  • Early dismissal: 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM (Director decides based on conditions)
  • Up to 5 snow days per winter are free of charge; beyond that, tuition applies.
  • No charge for holidays or scheduled shutdown weeks.

Photo at the top page of Cornwall, courtesy of Lazlo Gyorsok