We know that the transition to childcare can be confusing. That's why we're here to help! As you explore our childcare and early learning programs, here are some of the most frequently asked questions by parents and families to answer your common queries.
Still having trouble finding what you need? No worries! Just fill out our contact form below and one of our school directors will reach out to you shortly!
We have over 90 schools across Minnesota, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, and Kansas. Use our school locator tool to find the nearest New Horizon Academy to your home or work.
We are open Monday through Friday, twelve months a year. Our various locations maintain different hours of operation, depending on the needs of the community. Find a location near you to see your school’s specific hours.
It is our policy to remain open in inclement weather to ensure all children still have access to quality childcare, and families are able to work.
Our schools are closed nine legal holidays out of the year:
New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Presidents’ Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
On Christmas Eve, New Horizon Academy closes at 3:00 p.m.
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend, it will be observed on either Friday or Monday.
Weather
It is our policy to remain open during inclement weather. This ensures that all children still have access to quality childcare, and families are able to work.
Outdoor play occurs daily, weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather or excessive temperatures (hot or cold), our teachers provide alternative indoor large motor activities in indoor gyms or play areas. Please talk to your school director for more details.
Childcare Programs and Policies
Yes, all of our schools are licensed by the states in which they operate. Each of our schools are subject to regular inspections to review staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, program and curriculum, health and safety, and the facility and playground.
Yes, 100% of our eligible schools are nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and/or the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation. (New schools must be open for at least one year before seeking accreditation.) Visit our accreditation page for more information on how accreditation benefits your child.
Yes, all of our teachers use research-based curriculum to encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving. Our early learning programs support the development of essential school-readiness skills and prepare children to enter kindergarten with the language, early literacy, mathematics, social and emotional, physical, cognitive, and executive functioning skills necessary for success in school and beyond.
Absolutely! At New Horizon Academy, we believe in establishing and maintaining open lines of communication with parents as a critical component of our program. We use an electronic communication application on our classroom devices which allows us to provide current updates about your child’s day via your smartphone, tablet, or email. Throughout the day, you will be delighted to see and read about:
Special Moments
Smiles with teachers, hugs from friends, and joyful moments will be shared with you.
Frequent Updates
You will receive frequent updates, based on your child’s age, about meals, diapering or toileting, naps, and more. Peace of mind for you!
Fun Learning Activities
You will be kept informed of fun games, special art projects, and many of the great learning activities your child participates in each day. It’s almost like you are there!
Cherished Photos
Your child’s teacher will send you photos of your child engaged in many magical moments in his or her classroom.
Every child at New Horizon Academy will be greeted with a warm welcome, receive nutritious meals and snacks, and participate in age-appropriate learning activities throughout the school day.
Select a learning program below to find age-specific daily schedules:
Absolutely! Parents are welcomed visitors and often participate in their child’s experience in a variety of ways. Family members are encouraged to share a book, story, activity, join your child for mealtime, or just to stop in and be a part of their day.
Yes, we require all family members to use our sign in system every day to sign their children both in and out. The use of this system is of vital importance for the safety of the children entrusted in our care.
We must know at all times exactly which children are in our care. Should we ever need to evacuate the building, the accuracy of our attendance system will help us ensure that all children are safe. This is our primary responsibility, and we need your consistent cooperation to make sure our daily attendance records are accurate.
Visit our health and safety page to learn more about how New Horizon Academy keeps students and staff safe.
Health, Food, and Nutrition
Yes, we serve hot meals and nutritious snacks every day. Our schools are equipped with a full-service kitchen and staff trained in nutrition, USDA guidelines, and proper portions for young children. To see a sample menu or for more information, visit our food and nutrition page.
If your child has a special nutritional need, a food allergy, or requires adaptation to our menu, please alert the director at your local school, and we will partner with your family to create a plan.
We support breastfeeding mothers by offering nursing rooms/space in our schools for mothers to nurse. We also have thorough policies for handling breast milk. Please speak with your director or consult our family handbook for specific information regarding breast milk.
When it comes to administering medication, we follow local and state child care licensing regulations. Please see your director or consult our family handbook for specific information regarding the administration of medication at your school.
Enrollment
Thank you for your interest in childcare and early education at New Horizon Academy! For information on how to enroll, visit our enrollment page.
Many of our schools offer both full-time and part-time childcare to accommodate the different needs of families. Please speak with your local director for current childcare openings and availability at your desired school.
All children enrolled at New Horizon Academy must follow their state’s recommended schedule of immunizations. We do not enroll children who are not vaccinated because of conscientious objection.
No, your child does not need to be potty-trained in order to enroll in our daycare and preschool programs, nor do we charge extra fees for children who are not yet potty-trained.
At New Horizon Academy, we understand that children are ready for this stage at different times and learn at their own pace. Throughout your family’s time at New Horizon Academy, our teachers and staff are there to support your child through the potty-training process.
Daycare costs at New Horizon Academy are carefully determined using all of the factors that are included in our premier childcare service. Additional variables include:
Location
Age and number of children
Days per week daycare is needed
The New Horizon Academy in your community is the best resource for information regarding the care and services offered. Our director will meet with you to learn about the individual desires of your family and help offer solutions that best meet your needs. Please speak with your local director for specific details regarding the daycare/child care costs for your family.
Our schools care for children ages six weeks to ten years. School-age programs are only available at select locations. Find a location near you to explore available childcare programs.
Choosing childcare is one of the most important decisions you will ever make for your child. We believe that the best place for your child is New Horizon Academy, but whatever your decision, it is vital that your child’s first learning experiences are of the highest quality. That is why our teachers have created a handy checklist to assist your family in finding the best early learning program in which your child can learn and grow.
To help create a smooth first day for you and your child, here are the things your little one will need. We encourage you to label all items with your child’s name, too.
Breast milk or formula (breast milk can be frozen or fresh but has to be labeled with the child’s first name, last name, and date it was expressed. If you bring formula, it must be an unopened can.)
Diapers
Diaper cream
Pacifier (if your child uses one)
2 sets of extra clothes
Sun hat
Family picture (You may email it to your director, and we will print it for you.)
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