Question 1

What are your hours of operation?

Accepted Answer

River Side Rascals is open Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Dropoff cutoff is 10:00 a.m.; no drop-offs between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to protect rest time.

Question 2

How do I enroll my child?

Accepted Answer

Reach out to the Executive Director regarding availability or the waitlist. Schedule a facility tour and interview to review policies and procedures. May opt for virtual interview. Complete the Brightwheel enrollment packet and all required authorization documents before your child may begin care.

Question 3

Is there a trial period for new enrollments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All new enrollments are subject to a trial period (e.g., 30 days) during which either party may terminate the agreement immediately without prior notice.

Question 4

What are your tuition rates and billing rules?

Accepted Answer

Monthly rates are charged by age group (for example, 6 weeks–1 year: $900/month; 3–5 years: $880/month). Tuition covers a contracted spot and is not based on attendance; the Board may adjust rates with 30 days’ written notice. Automatic payments through Brightwheel are required; returned checks incur a $50 fee and late balances incur weekly late fees.

Question 5

Do you accept South Dakota Childcare Assistance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Approval must be received upon enrollment. If state assistance is not active at the start of care, families must pay two weeks in advance and follow the regular payment schedule until approval is received; refunds are issued after aid is received if applicable.

Question 6

What is the drop-in policy and cost?

Accepted Answer

Drop-in care is $50/day and spots are not guaranteed—prior approval is required each day so staff-to-child ratios can be maintained. Recurrent drop-in families with agreements are invoiced weekly.

Question 7

What happens if I’m late picking up my child?

Accepted Answer

Children must be picked up by 5:30 p.m. Late fee: $10 every 15 minutes beyond closing. Habitual lateness may result in termination of services. Late fees may be waived at the Director’s discretion for documented emergencies.

Question 8

What is your sick/illness policy?

Accepted Answer

Do not send a child with fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other listed contagious symptoms. A child must be fever-free (unmedicated) for 24 hours before returning. If a fever occurs at the center, parents must pick up within one hour; a $5 late fee applies every 15 minutes beyond that hour.

Question 9

Are there mandatory exclusion periods for specific illnesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The handbook lists mandatory exclusion guidelines (examples: chickenpox until scabs crusted; strep—24 hours after starting antibiotics; pinkeye—24 hours after medication started). COVID-19 return follows Department of Health guidance and requires symptom improvement and 24 hours fever-free.

Question 10

What is your medication policy?

Accepted Answer

Staff will not administer medication without written consent. Medication must be in the original container with signed, dated instructions. Nebulizer treatments are administered by staff only between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Question 11

What meals and snacks are provided?

Accepted Answer

Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are included in tuition. Mealtimes are posted (breakfast 9:00–9:30 a.m.; lunch 11:30–12:15 p.m.; snack 3:00–3:30 p.m.). The center participates in CACFP; every parent must complete the annual CACFP eligibility form. If there are any dietary accommodations, inform the Executive Director and fill out the form.

Question 12

What should I bring for infants and supplies required?

Accepted Answer

The center provides formula and baby food until age one, but parents should supply disposable diapers, wipes, and any special formula if needed. Bring an extra set of clothing and a labeled blanket for rest time.

Question 13

What are your arrival and departure procedures?

Accepted Answer

Children must be accompanied into the building and acknowledged by staff. Authorized pickup persons must be listed on the enrollment form; photo ID may be required. If someone else will pick up, provide a written note or Brightwheel message.

Question 14

What is your policy for adverse weather and closures?

Accepted Answer

The parent board and director decide openings/closures. Notifications are posted on Brightwheel and Facebook. If Chamberlain Public Schools are 2 hours late, the daycare opens 1 hour late (8:30 a.m.); if schools are closed, the daycare may open 2 hours late or close. No tuition credits are issued for closures.

Question 15

Which holidays are you closed?

Accepted Answer

Closed for New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving (and the following Friday), Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. If a holiday falls on a weekend, the center follows the Friday-before or Monday-after rule. Up to three planned staff-closure days may occur annually with at least two weeks’ notice.

Question 16

What is your discipline philosophy?

Accepted Answer

The center uses positive guidance and developmentally appropriate techniques (clear expectations, gentle redirection). Physical or verbal punishment is never used. If behaviors pose ongoing safety concerns, the center may discontinue care with appropriate notice.

Question 17

How do I report concerns or file a grievance?

Accepted Answer

Start with an informal discussion with the child’s lead teacher. If unresolved, submit a Formal Grievance Form to the Executive Director (forms available in Brightwheel or at the clock-in station). The Executive Director will investigate and respond within 5–7 business days; unresolved matters may be escalated to the Board of Directors.

Question 18

What is your social media and online conduct policy?

Accepted Answer

Parents and staff may not post photos or videos of any child (other than their own) or staff on personal social media without written consent from the Director and involved parties. Public posts that are defamatory, harassing, or harmful to the center may be grounds for termination.

Question 19

Do you carry insurance and what is the liability policy?

Accepted Answer

River Side Rascals carries general liability insurance. Families are responsible for their child’s personal health insurance.

Frequent Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions