What are your operating hours?
We are open from 6:30 a.m.-6: 30 p.m. Monday through Friday. We provide year-round schooling, except on selected holidays.

Are you a franchise?
No, we are proud to be locally owned and operated. As directors, we have been involved in the development of Winnford Academy during every step of  the process, from site selection and building of the facility, to choosing a curriculum and hiring of our teachers.  After opening the facility we will continue to work hand-in-hand with the management staff.

What does the school provide?
We provide nutritionally balanced meals that include, breakfast, lunch and snacks. Prepared onsite, our meals are hot and nutritional. We might even get your children to eat their vegetables!  We also provide all individual sleeping mats, cribs and blankets. 

What do parents provide?
It is important that each child have a change of clothes on hand for those unexpected accidents or spills. Parents provide diapers and pull-ups for those not yet potty trained. Parents of infants will need to provide prepared bottles and all food until the child is able to eat from our menu.

What can I expect the first week?
No matter what the age of your little one, a new environment is a big step for you and for them. Some children may be excited and some may be anxious, but with your help and our support we can work together to make it as smooth a transition as possible for everyone. The first week may bring a few tears from you and your child. That’s to be expected for some of our tenderhearted children and parents. We are here to reassure you and your child.

The teacher will help welcome your child into the classroom and may stay close by his or her side as they become more familiar in the new environment and with new faces. Most children experience some form of separation anxiety, this is part of the growing process.  It is important to find a consistent method of entering the classroom and saying good-bye that works for your child. We recommend you work closely in partnership with your child’s teacher. We believe that by visiting the school with your child prior to the first day of full attendance will help make that first experience more successful.

Do you offer the Georgia Pre K Program?
We hope to offer the Georgia Pre K program in the fall of 2007. The Pre K program is a grant-funded program. Please check the website or call for further information in the early spring of 2007.

What curriculum do you follow?
Since we, as the directors believe that it is important that a curriculum be well researched and proven to promote early learning and development, we follow the Creative Curriculum® approach to learning. (We are happy to share more about that curriculum with you when you visit the Academy.)

How do children learn through play?
For young children, meaningful and long-lasting learning requires active thinking and experimenting, and experiencing to find out how things work and why they work. This is best accomplished through purposeful play facilitated by highly intentional teaching practices. The Creative Curriculum® uses a hands-on technique to empower children in the learning process.

Is the learning environment structured?
Our teachers promote a child driven learning environment. The teacher guides the children through activities, giving them the opportunity to create, explore, and gain independence. We provide our students with the structure to form good learning habits and promote a positive environment that is full of active learning.

What form of discipline do you use?
Children learn through experiences and the opportunity to make choices. Clear expectations are learned through modeling our positive classroom rules. We use age appropriate reinforcement and redirection to help children develop the skill to make good choices.

What safety precautions do you take?
The safety and security of all of the children in our care is of the utmost importance. When you arrive at Winnford Academy you will notice that our facility remains locked and guests must be let into the facility by our staff. It is our policy to have a photo ID presented by anyone picking up a child that we have not previously met. We take many precautions to insure safety inside and on the playground areas. All outside playground areas are protected by fencing and are equipped with fall zones that exceed the Consumer Product Safety Commission Guidelines. We will practice monthly fire drills so that all children and staff are prepared in case of a fire.