Parent Resources
Everything You Need to Get Started at Kidding Around Child Care Center
We've made enrollment simple so you can focus on what matters—your child and your work.
Questions? Call Us: 615-891-7842
📋 Enrollment Checklist
Getting started at Kidding Around is quick and easy! Follow this checklist to ensure a smooth enrollment process.
Step 1: Initial Contact & Tour
Call us at 615-891-7842 to discuss your childcare needs Schedule a facility tour. Meet our staff and see our classrooms Ask questions about our programs and policies Discuss your specific schedule requirements Receive pricing information and enrollment options
Step 2: Complete Required Paperwork
Once you've decided to enroll, you'll need to complete the following forms:
Enrollment Application - Basic family and child information
Emergency Contact Form - At least 3 emergency contacts required Authorized
Pick-Up List - Names and IDs of approved individuals
Medical Information Form - Health history, allergies, medications
Tennessee Certificate of Immunization - Up-to-date shot records required
Permission & Release Forms - Photos, emergency medical treatment
Tuition Agreement - Payment schedule and financial policies
Parent Handbook Acknowledgment - Confirming you've read our policies
Forms can be completed digitally or picked up in advance. We'll walk you through everything!
Step 3: Health & Safety Requirements
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Provide current immunization records (Tennessee state requirement)
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Complete allergy and dietary restriction information Provide medication authorization forms (if applicable)
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Supply emergency medical treatment consent
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List any special medical or developmental needs
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Step 4: Financial Setup
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Review tuition rates for your enrollment plan
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Pay initial registration and tuition
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Provide childcare certificate information (DHS subsidy families)
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Step 5: Prepare Your Child
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Label all personal items with child's name Purchase items from "What to Bring" list (see below)
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Talk to your child about starting childcare
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Practice drop-off routine at home Arrange your child's start date with our director
Step 6: First Day Ready!
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Arrive with all required supplies
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Complete check-in process
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Meet your child's primary caregiver
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Review daily schedule and routines
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Exchange contact information with staff
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⏱️ How Long Does Enrollment Take?
Express Enrollment Available! Many families complete the entire process within 3-5 business days. Need care sooner? Call us—we can often accommodate same-week starts for urgent situations.
Need Help with Enrollment?
Our staff is here to guide you through every step. Don't stress about paperwork—we'll help you complete everything correctly.
🎒 What to Bring on the First Day
Come prepared! Here's everything your child needs for a successful first day at Kidding Around.
For Infants (6 weeks - 12 months)
Daily Essentials:
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✓ Diapers - At least 8-10 diapers (we'll notify you when supply is low)
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✓ Wipes - Full container or refill pack
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✓ Diaper Cream - Labeled with child's name (requires medication form)
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✓ Formula or Breast Milk - Enough for the day in labeled bottles
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✓ Baby Food/Snacks - Age-appropriate, clearly labeled
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✓ Bottles - 3-4 bottles with nipples (labeled)
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✓ Pacifiers - If your child uses them (2-3 labeled)
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✓ Complete Change of Clothes - 2-3 outfits in a labeled bag
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✓ Bibs - 3-4 for feeding times
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✓ Blanket - For nap time (fitted crib sheet acceptable)
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✓ Sleep Sack or Wearable Blanket - If preferred for safe sleep
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✓ Comfort Item - Small lovey or soft toy (if applicable)
Optional Items:
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Teething toys (labeled)
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Sunscreen (requires permission form)
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Hat for outdoor play
For Toddlers (13 months - 2 years)
Daily Essentials:
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✓ Diapers or Pull-Ups - 6-8 per day
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✓ Wipes - Full container
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✓ Complete Change of Clothes - 2-3 outfits (pants, shirts, underwear, socks)
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✓ Sippy Cup or Water Bottle - Labeled with name
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✓ Nap Time Items - Small blanket, nap time mat 2-3 inches in thickness
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✓ Indoor Shoes or Non-Slip Socks - For safety
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✓ Outdoor Shoes - Closed-toe for playground
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✓ Jacket or Sweater - Weather appropriate
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✓ Bibs - 2-3 if your child is a messy eater
If Potty Training:
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Extra underwear (6-8 pairs)
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Training pants or pull-ups
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Extra pants and shorts
Optional Items:
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Sunscreen (requires permission form)
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Hat or sunglasses for outdoor play
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Family photos for comfort
For Preschoolers (3-4 years)
Daily Essentials:
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✓ Complete Change of Clothes - 1-2 outfits in labeled bag
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✓ Water Bottle - Spill-proof, labeled
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✓ Nap Time Items - Small blanket, small pillow, comfort item
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✓ Indoor Shoes - Non-slip, easy to put on
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✓ Outdoor Shoes - Closed-toe sneakers
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✓ Weather-Appropriate Outerwear - Jacket, raincoat, etc.
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✓ Backpack - To carry items to and from school
If Not Fully Potty Trained:
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Pull-ups or training pants (5-6)
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Extra underwear (4-6 pairs)
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Wipes
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Extra pants and shorts
Optional Items:
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Sunscreen (requires permission form)
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Hat for outdoor play
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Show-and-tell item (on designated days)
For School-Age Children (5+ years)
Daily Essentials:
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✓ Backpack - With school supplies and homework
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✓ Water Bottle - Labeled
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✓ Change of Clothes - 1 outfit in bag (for emergencies)
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✓ Appropriate Footwear - Sneakers for active play
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✓ Jacket or Sweater - Weather appropriate
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✓ Homework and School Materials - If attending after school
Optional Items:
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Books or quiet activities for downtime
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Snacks from home (if preferred)
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Sports equipment for outdoor play
📌 Important Guidelines for ALL Items:
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LABEL EVERYTHING with your child's first and last name using permanent marker or labels
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Send items in a labeled bag or backpack that stays at the center
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Replace or replenish supplies as needed (we'll notify you)
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Keep seasonal items updated (winter coats, summer hats, etc.)
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All medications require a medication authorization form
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Avoid sending valuable items or toys from home (unless for show-and-tell)
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Send easy-on, easy-off clothing for toddlers and preschoolers
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No clothing with drawstrings (choking hazard)
✅ What We Provide:
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Age-appropriate meals and snacks (breakfast, lunch, PM snack, evening snack for extended hours)
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Crib sheets and bedding for infants
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Arts and crafts supplies
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Educational toys and learning materials
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Outdoor play equipment
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Books and literacy materials
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Cleaning and sanitizing supplies
❌ Please DO NOT Bring:
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Toys from home (except show-and-tell days or comfort items for infants/toddlers)
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Electronics (tablets, phones, gaming devices)
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Jewelry or valuables
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Candy or sugary snacks
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Weapons or weapon-like toys
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Coins or small choking hazards
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Pets or animals
Kidding Around is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen personal items.
Inclement Weather Policy
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We Strive to Stay Open: Extended hour families often can't miss work for weather
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Safety First: In extreme weather, we may delay opening or close early
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Immediate Notification: Closures announced via text, email, and phone
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No Tuition Credit: Weather closures do not result in tuition credits or refunds
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Make-Up Days: Not available for weather-related closures
Ready to Enroll?
Now that you have all the information you need, let's get your child started at Kidding Around Child Care Center!
CALL TO ENROLL: 615-891-7842 Schedule a Tour
We can't wait to welcome your family to Kidding Around!
🕐 Extended Hours Policies
Our extended hours are designed to support working families. Here's what you need to know about evening and weekend care.
Extended Hours Enrollment
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Pre-Scheduled Extended Hours: Families must pre-register for consistent evening or weekend care
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Schedule Submission: Evening/weekend schedules should be provided at least one week in advance when possible
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Minimum Enrollment: Extended hours require minimum 2 days per week enrollment
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Evening Care Schedule & Activities
Extended hour care follows a structured yet flexible routine:
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
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Evening meal service (dinner provided)
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Calm, age-appropriate activities
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Homework help for school-age children
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Free play and social time
7:30 PM - 8:15 PM
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Quiet activities (reading, puzzles, drawing)
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Evening snack provided
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Wind-down time and relaxation
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Optional rest time for younger children
8:30 PM - 11:00 PM
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Low-energy activities
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Movie time or story time
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Rest areas available for children who need sleep
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Individual attention and comfort care
Meals During Extended Hours
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Dinner: Served between 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM for evening care children
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Evening Snack: Healthy snack provided around 8:00 PM
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Late Snack: Light snack available after 9:30 PM if needed
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Dietary Restrictions Honored: All meal restrictions and allergies followed during extended hours
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You May Send Food: Parents welcome to send preferred dinner or snacks
Rest & Sleep During Extended Hours
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Quiet Rest Areas: Designated spaces available for children needing rest
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Not Mandatory: Children are not required to sleep unless parent requests
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Supervised Rest: Staff maintains visual supervision of resting children at all times
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Comfort Items Encouraged: Bring blankets, pillows, or comfort items from home
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Safe Sleep Practices: Infants follow safe sleep guidelines (back sleeping, no loose items)
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Parent Communication: We'll inform you if your child slept during evening hours
Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures
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Evening Drop-Off: Use main entrance; ring doorbell for entry after 7:00 PM
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Check-In Required: All families must sign in upon arrival
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Late Fees: $5 for the first minute after grace period, $1 for each additional minute
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Emergency Late Pick-Up: Call immediately if running late—we understand emergencies happen
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Authorized Pick-Up Only: Photo ID required for ALL pick-ups, regardless of time
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After-Hours Security: Building secured; use doorbell for entry
Communication During Extended Hours
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Staff Availability: Evening staff available by phone for questions or updates
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Daily Verbal Reports: You'll receive updates on meals, activities, and behavior
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Photo Updates: Evening activities documented and shared with parents
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Call Anytime: Parents encouraged to call to check on their child
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Emergency Contact: Director reachable 24/7 for urgent matters
Weekend Care Policies
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Same Quality Care: Weekend care follows the same standards as weekday care
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Full Programming: Age-appropriate activities, meals, and outdoor play provided
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Advanced Scheduling: Weekend care should be scheduled at least one week in advance when possible
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Holiday Weekends: We remain open most holiday weekends (see holiday schedule)
Pricing for Extended Hours
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Extended Hour Rates: Competitive pricing for evening and weekend care
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Full-Time Extended: Discounted rates for families needing consistent extended hour care
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No Hidden Fees: Transparent pricing with no surprise charges
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Call for Quote: 615-891-7842 for customized pricing based on your schedule
