At Belle's and Beau's Academy we know that finding the right child care is one of the most important decisions that a parent can make. The following is a list of questions and items to look for when researching quality child care. Please use this list of questions when visiting different programs. Click on the questions below to find our answers.
Belle’s and Beau’s Academy operates two privately owned child care centers. Our owner takes pride in operating two small businesses and contributing to the communities they are located in. Our owner is involved in the day to day operations of both of our centers. Our owner cares about our families and staff and goes the extra mile to provide quality child care at both of our centers.
Is there an open door policy that encourages parents to visit and participate in center activities at any time?
Parents, friends, and family are always welcomed at Belle’s and Beau’s Academy. We offer tours Monday through Friday from 8:30 – 5:00. No appointment is necessary. We just ask that you do not come during nap time if your child is between the ages of one and four.
Parents, friends, and family are always welcome to stop by for lunch with your child, watch swimming lessons, or just to play on the playground. We encourage families to be a part of their child’s day at Belle’s and Beau’s Academy.
Does the center offer flexible schedule options to meet your family’s needs?
At Belle’s and Beau’s Academy we offer a variety of scheduling options so you are able to chose what works best for your family. We offer 2, 3, 4, and 5 day programs. You are able to select the days that your family needs and are not held to the typical Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday schedules. We also offer a morning only program from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All we ask is that you have the same schedule each week.
Does the center offer nutritious snacks and lunches? Are the menus available to parents?
Belle’s and Beau’s Academy offers morning snack, afternoon snack, and a hot lunch daily (no need to pack a lunch). These meals are included in your tuition charges. We offer breakfast from 6:30a.m. to 8:30 a.m. daily. Breakfast is a small additional charge for those families who choose to participate in this program. Menus are available at the front office each week and are posted in each classroom for your convenience.
Belle’s and Beau’s Academy is a peanut/nut free zone. We do not allow any peanut or nut products in the classrooms. We work with children who have food allergies, religious preferences, or special dietary needs as much as possible.
How is the registration fee assessed? Is it an annual fee?
Our registration fee is a one-time fee that covers all members of the immediate family. The registration fee is only assessed again if a family chooses to dis-enroll for three weeks or more at a time and would like to return to Belle’s and Beau’s Academy.
What is the structure and routine in my child’s classroom each day?
We feel that it is important for a child to have structure and routine in their day. Even the toddlers have a daily routine. Daily schedules are posted in each classroom for parents to view and take home a copy. There is structured time and open play each day, along with time to play outside. The routine is the same each day to give the children the security in knowing what comes next and what is expected of them, along with helping with transitions and familiarity.
Please see your child’s age group summary to learn more about the structure and routine in their day.
One Year Olds
Two Year Olds
Preschool
Pre-Kindergarten
Junior Kindergarten
Private Kindergarten
Before and After/Camp
How do I know what happened during my child’s day at school?
At Belle’s and Beau’s Academy, we feel that communication between parents and teachers is key to a child’s success. When we are all able to meet your child’s needs together, we are able to provide a wonderful, safe, and loving environment for your child. In the toddler classrooms, a “daily sheet” goes home each day. This sheet lets you know about your child’s meal times, nap times, and diaper and bathroom routine. In the pre-school classrooms, a “daily sheet” is posted in each classroom for parents to read as they are picking up their child. Please read this information each day, so you can ask more detailed questions regarding your child’s day at Belle’s and Beau’s Academy.
How are needs, ideas, and activities communicated to the parents/guardian on a daily and monthly basis?
Communication is key to a successful transition from home to school. Daily sheets are sent home or completed daily in the classroom to let you know about the activities for the day. Newsletters are sent home monthly to keep you informed about upcoming events and activities in the building.
Your child’s teacher is always available to you. Please talk with your child’s teacher on a daily basis during drop off and/or pick up to keep informed about the daily classroom activities. If you are unable to speak with the teacher during these times, please feel free to call. We have telephones in all of the classrooms. You can speak directly with the teacher to keep them updated about events at home or ask about your child’s activities directly. If you would like to have a more private conversation with your child’s teacher we are able to set up meetings in advance to allow for this.
We want you to be comfortable with your child spending the day with us, so our door is always open. Please feel free to call or stop by anytime you have a question or concern.
How are lesson plans created? Do the teachers create activities that reflect the current dynamics of their classroom?
Our teachers create their own lesson plans based on the Creative Curriculum program. Creative Curriculum is a research based program that gives the teachers specific learning objectives for each age group. It allows the teachers the freedom to develop their lesson plans around the current interests and dynamics of their children. Our on-site Program Director reviews and assists with lesson planning to ensure Developmentally Appropriate Practices in our classrooms. Our teachers plan and offer small motor, large motor, art projects, science, math, and language arts activities on a daily basis. We feel that it is important to empower our teachers to be leaders in the classroom and not just following directions (lesson plans) that someone outside the classroom created for them. When the teacher is excited about the activities in the classroom, the children are excited about being in the classroom.
Are assessments done at least twice a year to measure your child’s growth and development?
Teachers continuously evaluate your child’s growth and development throughout the year during circle time activities, one on one work, and classroom activities. Formal assessments are completed twice a year for each child. The assessments are complimented by a portfolio of work in different areas throughout the year. With the portfolio, a parent is able not only to hear about the child’s growth, but also see the growth through various forms of work. After assessments are completed, parent/teacher conferences are offered for anyone who is interested.
Are the toys and materials age appropriate for the classroom?
Our classrooms are stocked with a variety of materials and toys to keep the children engaged, learning, and playing throughout the day. There are small motor, large motor, library, dramatic play, music, sensory table, and cozy corner centers in each classroom. There are also art, science, math, and language centers in the pre-school classrooms. Toys and materials are rotated on a regular basis to offer variety to the children and replaced when broken or in disrepair. The teachers are also able to supplement their classrooms with a variety of prop boxes to offer different dramatic play opportunities to the children.
What are the qualifications of the staff members?
Our staff members are loving and caring Early Childhood Educators. Our Lead Teachers meet and/or exceed the state of Colorado Department of Human Services requirements for Early Childhood Teachers. All staff members have completed background and fingerprint checks, along with CPR, First Aid and Universal Precautions training on a regular basis.
How does the center handle toilet training?
We feel that toilet training should be a positive experience with lots of encouragement and positive reinforcement. When you feel your child is ready to begin toilet training, please speak with your child’s teacher about the next step. If you are not sure if your child is ready, please talk with your child’s teacher and they will gladly share the readiness signs. We will work with you to assist with toilet training. It is important that we work together to reinforce what you are working on at home and what we are working on at school. We will toilet train with consistency and patience, and only when you child is physically and emotionally ready.
What is the sick policy for children? What is the procedure for a child that becomes sick at school?
A child with a contagious illness or fever may not attend Belle’s and Beau’s Academy. The child can return to school once they are no longer contagious and/or have been fever free for 24 hours (without the aid of medicine). Should your child become ill at school, you will be notified and asked to pick-up your child immediately. Common symptoms occurring in children which would require a child to be picked-up include, but are not limited to; two cases of diarrhea, vomiting, fever at or above 100.5 degrees, a suspicious rash, or discharge from the eyes.
How is discipline handled in my child’s classroom?
Our primary disciplinary tactics are redirection and discussion. We believe many negative behaviors can improve with positive reinforcement of appropriate behavior. We encourage the communication of feelings and expressing those feelings using words rather than through aggressive actions. For persistent behaviors or behaviors that could cause harm to others it may be necessary for a child to take a short period of time away from the group before reentering the class activity.
What is your policy for releasing children to people other than their parents/guardians?
If someone other than the parent/guardian will be picking up the child from Belle’s and Beau’s Academy, we ask that a “Child Release Form” is completed by the parent/guardian prior to the pick-up. Please do not share your security card with the person picking up your child. We will allow the person to enter the building and check their picture identification prior to releasing the child. If Belle’s and Beau’s Academy does not have prior written authorization, we are unable to release the child.
Are toys and materials disinfected on a regular basis?
All toys and materials are cleaned on a regular basis. A bleach water mixture is used on all of the toys daily. Any toy that is put in a child’s mouth is immediately removed from the play area and cleaned before being returned to the children. All nap items are washed on-site weekly. The building is cleaned thoroughly each night. All staff members encourage proper hand washing techniques with the children and wash their own hands throughout the day.
How often is sunscreen applied to the children?
Sunscreen is applied daily to each child throughout the year. Teachers apply sunscreen to children before each outside time to all exposed skin. At this higher altitude, skin can get burned even in the winter time, so we would rather be safe than sorry and will apply sunscreen year-round.
Is there a staff member present at all times who has been trained in CPR and First Aid?
We require that ALL of our staff have current certifications in CPR, First Aid and Universal Precautions. Even though we are only required to have 50% of the staff certified in CPR, First Aid, and Universal Precautions, we feel that it is important for everyone on staff to have this valuable information.
Is there a security system that restricts access to the facility?
Each of our facilities has a security door which controls the access into the building. A security card is used to enter the building. We ask you not share your security card with family members or friends so we are able to carefully monitor who is entering our facility.
How often are special activities offered to the children and their families?
We offer a variety of special activities throughout the year for the children and for our families. Parents, friends and family members are always welcome to any and all of our events. The more the merrier! We host events such as, but not limited to, our annual Halloween Carnival, Thanksgiving luncheons for the whole family, and our Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events. We also have special events such as visits from McGruff the Crime Dog to teach about stranger danger and safety, visits from the local Fire Department and activities during Week of the Young Child. Individual, class, and family pictures are offered throughout the year. Please check our monthly newsletter or upcoming events pages to see what will be happing at our centers.
Current Events at the Farm
Current Events at Rampart
Are extra activities like karate, dance, and gymnastics offered? Is there a pool available for swimming and water activities offered for the toddlers in the summer?
At Belle’s and Beau’s Academy we offer a variety of extra activities on-site and during the day to help our busy families and enrich our children’s experiences. We have a swimming pool on-site for fun in the summertime. Our pool is 1 foot to 3 feet deep and is staffed with a qualified lifeguard at all times, along with classroom teachers. We offer a variety of water play activities for the toddlers during the summertime.
See our Enrichment Programs
When and at what age are field trips offered?
Field trips are a fun experience for our Junior Kindergarten, Kindergarten and School-Age children. The cost of field trips is included with your tuition. Junior Kindergarten children are offered field trips during the summertime. Our Kindergarten classrooms participate in field trips throughout the school year to enrich their environment. We offer field trips for our School-Age children during the summer time and when they are off-track. Permission slips are sent out prior to the field trips and children are not allowed to participate without a signed permission slip. Our children travel the Denver area on field trips. You may have seen them at JungleQuest, the local library, the Wildlife Experience, or other fun places.
Does the center transport to your child’s future elementary school?
Planning ahead is always a good idea. Selecting a center that will also serve your needs as your child grows is important. Belle’s and Beau’s Academy is licensed to care for children through the age of 12. We provide busing to several area elementary schools, along with care for off-track, summer time, and closed public school days.
Please see our list of schools that we currently bus to, here.
Things to look for:
- Is the center clean and appealing to children?
- Are you and your child greeted when you enter the building? Does it feel “warm and fuzzy” when you enter the building and the classrooms?
- Do the children in the center appear happy and relaxed?
- Did the Director conducting the tour answer your questions honestly and openly?
- Is the playground fun, secure, and age appropriate with a variety of surfaces and activities?
- How are the interactions between the adults and the children? Are the adults appropriately supervising the children, having fun, and supporting the children?
Questions to ask:
- Is the center privately owned, a franchise, or corporate owned and operated?
- Is there an open door policy that encourages parents to visit and participate in center activities at any time?
- Does the center offer flexible schedule options to meet your family’s needs?
- Does the center offer nutritious snacks and lunches? Are the menus available to parents?
- How is the registration fee assessed? Is it an annual fee?
- What is the structure and routine in my child’s classroom each day?
- How do I know what happened during my child’s day at school?
- How are needs, ideas, and activities communicated to the parents/guardian on a daily and monthly basis?
- How are lesson plans created? Do the teachers create activities that reflect the current dynamics of their classroom?
- Are assessments done at least twice a year to measure your child’s growth and development?
- Are the toys and materials age appropriate for the classroom?
- What are the qualifications of the staff members?
- How does the center handle toilet training?
- What is the sick policy for children? What is the procedure for a child that becomes sick at school?
- How is discipline handled in my child’s classroom?
- What is your policy for releasing children to people other than their parents/guardians?
- Are toys and materials disinfected on a regular basis?
- How often is sunscreen applied to the children?
- Is there a staff member present at all times who has been trained in CPR and First Aid?
- Is there a security system that restricts access to the facility?
- How often are special activities offered to the children and their families?
- Are extra activities like karate, dance, and gymnastics offered? Is there a pool available for swimming and water activities offered for the toddlers in the summer?
- When and at what age are field trips offered?
- Does the center transport to your child’s future elementary school?
How we provide quality child care at Belle’s and Beau’s Academy:
Is the center privately owned, a franchise, or corporate owned and operated?Belle’s and Beau’s Academy operates two privately owned child care centers. Our owner takes pride in operating two small businesses and contributing to the communities they are located in. Our owner is involved in the day to day operations of both of our centers. Our owner cares about our families and staff and goes the extra mile to provide quality child care at both of our centers.
Is there an open door policy that encourages parents to visit and participate in center activities at any time?
Parents, friends, and family are always welcomed at Belle’s and Beau’s Academy. We offer tours Monday through Friday from 8:30 – 5:00. No appointment is necessary. We just ask that you do not come during nap time if your child is between the ages of one and four.
Parents, friends, and family are always welcome to stop by for lunch with your child, watch swimming lessons, or just to play on the playground. We encourage families to be a part of their child’s day at Belle’s and Beau’s Academy.
Does the center offer flexible schedule options to meet your family’s needs?
At Belle’s and Beau’s Academy we offer a variety of scheduling options so you are able to chose what works best for your family. We offer 2, 3, 4, and 5 day programs. You are able to select the days that your family needs and are not held to the typical Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday schedules. We also offer a morning only program from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All we ask is that you have the same schedule each week.
Does the center offer nutritious snacks and lunches? Are the menus available to parents?
Belle’s and Beau’s Academy offers morning snack, afternoon snack, and a hot lunch daily (no need to pack a lunch). These meals are included in your tuition charges. We offer breakfast from 6:30a.m. to 8:30 a.m. daily. Breakfast is a small additional charge for those families who choose to participate in this program. Menus are available at the front office each week and are posted in each classroom for your convenience.
Belle’s and Beau’s Academy is a peanut/nut free zone. We do not allow any peanut or nut products in the classrooms. We work with children who have food allergies, religious preferences, or special dietary needs as much as possible.
How is the registration fee assessed? Is it an annual fee?
Our registration fee is a one-time fee that covers all members of the immediate family. The registration fee is only assessed again if a family chooses to dis-enroll for three weeks or more at a time and would like to return to Belle’s and Beau’s Academy.
What is the structure and routine in my child’s classroom each day?
We feel that it is important for a child to have structure and routine in their day. Even the toddlers have a daily routine. Daily schedules are posted in each classroom for parents to view and take home a copy. There is structured time and open play each day, along with time to play outside. The routine is the same each day to give the children the security in knowing what comes next and what is expected of them, along with helping with transitions and familiarity.
Please see your child’s age group summary to learn more about the structure and routine in their day.
One Year Olds
Two Year Olds
Preschool
Pre-Kindergarten
Junior Kindergarten
Private Kindergarten
Before and After/Camp
How do I know what happened during my child’s day at school?
At Belle’s and Beau’s Academy, we feel that communication between parents and teachers is key to a child’s success. When we are all able to meet your child’s needs together, we are able to provide a wonderful, safe, and loving environment for your child. In the toddler classrooms, a “daily sheet” goes home each day. This sheet lets you know about your child’s meal times, nap times, and diaper and bathroom routine. In the pre-school classrooms, a “daily sheet” is posted in each classroom for parents to read as they are picking up their child. Please read this information each day, so you can ask more detailed questions regarding your child’s day at Belle’s and Beau’s Academy.
How are needs, ideas, and activities communicated to the parents/guardian on a daily and monthly basis?
Communication is key to a successful transition from home to school. Daily sheets are sent home or completed daily in the classroom to let you know about the activities for the day. Newsletters are sent home monthly to keep you informed about upcoming events and activities in the building.
Your child’s teacher is always available to you. Please talk with your child’s teacher on a daily basis during drop off and/or pick up to keep informed about the daily classroom activities. If you are unable to speak with the teacher during these times, please feel free to call. We have telephones in all of the classrooms. You can speak directly with the teacher to keep them updated about events at home or ask about your child’s activities directly. If you would like to have a more private conversation with your child’s teacher we are able to set up meetings in advance to allow for this.
We want you to be comfortable with your child spending the day with us, so our door is always open. Please feel free to call or stop by anytime you have a question or concern.
How are lesson plans created? Do the teachers create activities that reflect the current dynamics of their classroom?
Our teachers create their own lesson plans based on the Creative Curriculum program. Creative Curriculum is a research based program that gives the teachers specific learning objectives for each age group. It allows the teachers the freedom to develop their lesson plans around the current interests and dynamics of their children. Our on-site Program Director reviews and assists with lesson planning to ensure Developmentally Appropriate Practices in our classrooms. Our teachers plan and offer small motor, large motor, art projects, science, math, and language arts activities on a daily basis. We feel that it is important to empower our teachers to be leaders in the classroom and not just following directions (lesson plans) that someone outside the classroom created for them. When the teacher is excited about the activities in the classroom, the children are excited about being in the classroom.
Are assessments done at least twice a year to measure your child’s growth and development?
Teachers continuously evaluate your child’s growth and development throughout the year during circle time activities, one on one work, and classroom activities. Formal assessments are completed twice a year for each child. The assessments are complimented by a portfolio of work in different areas throughout the year. With the portfolio, a parent is able not only to hear about the child’s growth, but also see the growth through various forms of work. After assessments are completed, parent/teacher conferences are offered for anyone who is interested.
Are the toys and materials age appropriate for the classroom?
Our classrooms are stocked with a variety of materials and toys to keep the children engaged, learning, and playing throughout the day. There are small motor, large motor, library, dramatic play, music, sensory table, and cozy corner centers in each classroom. There are also art, science, math, and language centers in the pre-school classrooms. Toys and materials are rotated on a regular basis to offer variety to the children and replaced when broken or in disrepair. The teachers are also able to supplement their classrooms with a variety of prop boxes to offer different dramatic play opportunities to the children.
What are the qualifications of the staff members?
Our staff members are loving and caring Early Childhood Educators. Our Lead Teachers meet and/or exceed the state of Colorado Department of Human Services requirements for Early Childhood Teachers. All staff members have completed background and fingerprint checks, along with CPR, First Aid and Universal Precautions training on a regular basis.
How does the center handle toilet training?
We feel that toilet training should be a positive experience with lots of encouragement and positive reinforcement. When you feel your child is ready to begin toilet training, please speak with your child’s teacher about the next step. If you are not sure if your child is ready, please talk with your child’s teacher and they will gladly share the readiness signs. We will work with you to assist with toilet training. It is important that we work together to reinforce what you are working on at home and what we are working on at school. We will toilet train with consistency and patience, and only when you child is physically and emotionally ready.
What is the sick policy for children? What is the procedure for a child that becomes sick at school?
A child with a contagious illness or fever may not attend Belle’s and Beau’s Academy. The child can return to school once they are no longer contagious and/or have been fever free for 24 hours (without the aid of medicine). Should your child become ill at school, you will be notified and asked to pick-up your child immediately. Common symptoms occurring in children which would require a child to be picked-up include, but are not limited to; two cases of diarrhea, vomiting, fever at or above 100.5 degrees, a suspicious rash, or discharge from the eyes.
How is discipline handled in my child’s classroom?
Our primary disciplinary tactics are redirection and discussion. We believe many negative behaviors can improve with positive reinforcement of appropriate behavior. We encourage the communication of feelings and expressing those feelings using words rather than through aggressive actions. For persistent behaviors or behaviors that could cause harm to others it may be necessary for a child to take a short period of time away from the group before reentering the class activity.
What is your policy for releasing children to people other than their parents/guardians?
If someone other than the parent/guardian will be picking up the child from Belle’s and Beau’s Academy, we ask that a “Child Release Form” is completed by the parent/guardian prior to the pick-up. Please do not share your security card with the person picking up your child. We will allow the person to enter the building and check their picture identification prior to releasing the child. If Belle’s and Beau’s Academy does not have prior written authorization, we are unable to release the child.
Are toys and materials disinfected on a regular basis?
All toys and materials are cleaned on a regular basis. A bleach water mixture is used on all of the toys daily. Any toy that is put in a child’s mouth is immediately removed from the play area and cleaned before being returned to the children. All nap items are washed on-site weekly. The building is cleaned thoroughly each night. All staff members encourage proper hand washing techniques with the children and wash their own hands throughout the day.
How often is sunscreen applied to the children?
Sunscreen is applied daily to each child throughout the year. Teachers apply sunscreen to children before each outside time to all exposed skin. At this higher altitude, skin can get burned even in the winter time, so we would rather be safe than sorry and will apply sunscreen year-round.
Is there a staff member present at all times who has been trained in CPR and First Aid?
We require that ALL of our staff have current certifications in CPR, First Aid and Universal Precautions. Even though we are only required to have 50% of the staff certified in CPR, First Aid, and Universal Precautions, we feel that it is important for everyone on staff to have this valuable information.
Is there a security system that restricts access to the facility?
Each of our facilities has a security door which controls the access into the building. A security card is used to enter the building. We ask you not share your security card with family members or friends so we are able to carefully monitor who is entering our facility.
How often are special activities offered to the children and their families?
We offer a variety of special activities throughout the year for the children and for our families. Parents, friends and family members are always welcome to any and all of our events. The more the merrier! We host events such as, but not limited to, our annual Halloween Carnival, Thanksgiving luncheons for the whole family, and our Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events. We also have special events such as visits from McGruff the Crime Dog to teach about stranger danger and safety, visits from the local Fire Department and activities during Week of the Young Child. Individual, class, and family pictures are offered throughout the year. Please check our monthly newsletter or upcoming events pages to see what will be happing at our centers.
Current Events at the Farm
Current Events at Rampart
Are extra activities like karate, dance, and gymnastics offered? Is there a pool available for swimming and water activities offered for the toddlers in the summer?
At Belle’s and Beau’s Academy we offer a variety of extra activities on-site and during the day to help our busy families and enrich our children’s experiences. We have a swimming pool on-site for fun in the summertime. Our pool is 1 foot to 3 feet deep and is staffed with a qualified lifeguard at all times, along with classroom teachers. We offer a variety of water play activities for the toddlers during the summertime.
See our Enrichment Programs
When and at what age are field trips offered?
Field trips are a fun experience for our Junior Kindergarten, Kindergarten and School-Age children. The cost of field trips is included with your tuition. Junior Kindergarten children are offered field trips during the summertime. Our Kindergarten classrooms participate in field trips throughout the school year to enrich their environment. We offer field trips for our School-Age children during the summer time and when they are off-track. Permission slips are sent out prior to the field trips and children are not allowed to participate without a signed permission slip. Our children travel the Denver area on field trips. You may have seen them at JungleQuest, the local library, the Wildlife Experience, or other fun places.
Does the center transport to your child’s future elementary school?
Planning ahead is always a good idea. Selecting a center that will also serve your needs as your child grows is important. Belle’s and Beau’s Academy is licensed to care for children through the age of 12. We provide busing to several area elementary schools, along with care for off-track, summer time, and closed public school days.
Please see our list of schools that we currently bus to, here.