Frequently Asked Questions

Our daycare operates from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

• Yes, we are a Large Family licensed daycare by the state of Maryland. Our compliance with licensing standards ensures that we maintain the highest standards of care and safety for your child.  Our License #:261620 

Feel free to search us up at:  https://www.checkccmd.org/FacilityDetail.aspx?ft=&fn=Lucy%20Queirolo&sn=&z=20874&c=&co=&lc=&fi=559396 

We blend educational and play-based approaches to foster holistic growth. Our educational activities focus on building foundational skills in language, literacy, and cognitive development, while our play-based approach promotes social-emotional development and physical activity. This combination ensures that our kiddos receive a well-rounded early education, balancing structured learning with the joy and exploration of play.

For information regarding rates, please contact us directly. Our rates may vary based on the age of your child.

A one-week tuition deposit is required upon enrollment. This deposit helps secure your child's place in our program and covers initial administrative costs, materials, and supplies. It is not refundable.

Fees are based on a five-day week, including absences.

Payments are due every Monday morning.  A $10 daily late fee applies for payments not received by the due date. If payment is not received by Friday of the due week, the child will not be permitted to return until the full week's payment has been made.

A $10 fee for every 15 minutes past the scheduled pickup time, starting immediately after the scheduled time (e.g., if picked up at 5:01 PM the late fee will apply). Repeated late pickups may lead to increased fees or potential termination of enrollment.

English and Spanish. 

We prioritize the safety and security of all children in our care.  Our staff is certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED, and has completed additional specialized courses to ensure comprehensive care. We adhere to strict protocols for emergency preparedness and conduct regular drills to keep our procedures up-to-date. Additionally, we have designated two locations for evacuation to ensure a safe and efficient response in any emergency situation. 

Yes, your child’s adjustment is important to us. A two-week trial period is provided before finalizing continued care arrangements. At the end of this period, parents and the provider will discuss the child’s adjustment, acknowledging that each child adapts differently. During or at the end of this trial period, either party may terminate care with immediate notice. After the trial period, standard termination and withdrawal policies will apply.

Yes, we work with children on their potty training journey. Our experienced staff provides guidance, encouragement, and support to help children develop this important skill at their own pace

Absolutely!  We are currently involved with firefighter visits, police visits, local farmers' visits, and seasonal events. These activities provide our kiddos with engaging learning experiences and help build strong connections with our local community. 

Absolutely!  

We have a Parent online portal that offers a range of features to keep you informed and engaged with your child’s daily experiences. Through the platform, you will be able to:

• Receive important communications and updates from the daycare.
• View and download photos of your child’s daily activities.
• Access daily sheets detailing your child’s food intake, nap times, and other activities.
• Review meal information and daily food logs.
• Receive important broadcasts and announcements.
• Send and receive private messages with daycare staff.
• Complete enrollment processes and access necessary forms.
• View and manage electronic documents.
• Sign your child in and out electronically by scanning the QR code located near the entrance/exit door, which requires an e-signature.
• Set and receive reminders for upcoming events or requirements.

This system is designed to provide a comprehensive and interactive way for you to stay connected with your child's experience at our daycare.

Yes, we value strong partnerships with families. We encourage open communication and provide daily updates to keep you informed about your child’s activities, development, and special events. If you ever have questions or concerns, we welcome face-to-face conversations and are always available through the Parent Portal.

We actively keep parents involved by sharing regular updates and photos, helping to build trust and keeping you connected to your child’s day-to-day experiences 

In alignment with the Maryland State Department of Education, we implement strict screen time regulations to ensure healthy development:

· No passive screen time for children under two years of age.

· No more than 30 minutes per week for children aged two and older.

No, to maintain a safe and organized environment, we kindly request that parents refrain from sending toys from home unless specifically requested by the provider for show and tell or a special activity. The daycare cannot take responsibility for lost or broken toys brought from home. Your child will have access to a variety of age-appropriate toys and materials during their time at the daycare.

Not until you are enrolled. We understand how important it is to get to know the staff. While we don’t offer in-person meetings during program hours, we would be happy to introduce our team through “Get to Know the Staff” sheets and other materials so you can gain a better sense of who we are. 

Please note our staff are present everyday. 

Parents are required to provide any necessary personal care supplies for their little one, such as diapers, diaper cream, wipes, sunscreen/bug spray (summer time) and a change of clothing. Additionally, please ensure your child has any specific items they may need, such as comfort items.

Parents are required to provide all necessary personal care supplies for their child, including diapers, diaper cream, wipes, and a change of clothing. Additionally, please ensure your child has any specific items they may need, such as comfort items (e.g., a favorite blanket or stuffed animal).If we run low on any supplies or need additional items, we will notify you via the parent portal application. 

Yes, we reserve the right to terminate a child's enrollment at any time if it is determined that continued care is not in the best interest of the child, other children, or staff. Grounds for immediate termination include, but are not limited to:

1. Non-payment or repeated late tuition payments
2. Violation of daycare policies outlined in the Parent Handbook
3. Determination by administration that the child’s  needs exceed the daycare’s capabilities
4. Physical or verbal abuse or disrespect toward staff  or children by the child or parent
5. Expired or missing immunization/medical records
6. Habitual late pick-ups
7. Persistent behavior that conflicts with daycare      expectations, including but not limited to:
   • Biting, hitting, or throwing objects
   • Pinching, scratching, pulling hair
   • Spitting at others or on materials
   • Refusal to follow safety instructions
   • Aggressive tantrums that disrupt the classroom
   • Destruction of daycare property
   • Elopement or running from staff
   • Waking others during nap time
   • Repeatedly removing clothing or diapers
   • Screaming excessively to avoid transitions
   • Refusal to participate in basic care routines
   • Bullying 

Immediate Termination:
Termination may occur without advance notice if a child presents a safety risk or significantly disrupts the program.

Withdrawal Notice (Parent-Initiated):
A written notice must be submitted to the Director at least 15 business days in advance via email. Failure to provide this notice will result in a charge equal to three weeks of tuition, regardless of whether the child attends during that time.

Temporary Pause Option:
In some cases, families may be offered a one-week pause in enrollment to address behavior concerns. One week of tuition is required to hold the child’s spot during the pause.

• If the pause is declined, termination will proceed.
• If the child returns and the behavior continues, the following week will be their final week.
• If safety concerns persist, immediate termination  will occur regardless of the pause.

All personal items must be collected on or before the last day of care. Items left beyond 30 days will be discarded or considered property of the daycare.

We accept the below programs:

State Child Care Scholarship Program: For more information in how to apply for subsidies/vouchers: Child Care Scholarship Program | Division of Early Childhood (marylandpublicschools.org)

If you are a first-time applicant and are accepted, please note that CSS will cover $100 of the deposit fee. This offer does not apply to previous applicants or those who have been transferred. Additionally, the maximum amount that the Child Care Scholarship Program can approve is up to $481 for infants up to 24 months and up to $381 per week for ages 24+ months in Montgomery County for Large Family daycares. If you wish to obtain detailed instructions on how to apply, please email us. For questions, please contact CCS Central 2 - 1-877-227-0125.

Montgomery County Working Parents Assistance Program (WPA): Parents with questions about the program or who need to provide information to WPA to complete the child care subsidy application process should use the following contact information: 240-777-1177 or wpa@montgomerycountymd.gov. To apply, visit the website https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/Program.aspx?id=CYF/CYFChildCareSubs-p307.html to start an application.

Yes, we are proud to be a participating provider in Maryland EXCELS (Excellence Counts in Early Learning and School-Age Care), Maryland’s quality rating and improvement system for licensed child care and early education programs.

We are currently recognized as a Level 2 program, which means we have met key quality standards beyond basic licensing requirements. Participation in Maryland EXCELS demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement, family engagement, and high-quality care for all children in our program.

As part of Maryland EXCELS, we continue to evaluate and enhance our practices in areas such as curriculum, health and safety, staff training, and family communication. Our goal is to ensure your child receives the best possible start in a nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment.

https://marylandexcels.org/about-maryland-excels/understanding-quality-ratings/

We participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a federally funded program sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Participation in this program allows us to provide nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks that meet USDA nutritional standards for children ages one to twelve. As part of our participation, we enter all daily meal and snack information into the Food Program platform, where it is regularly monitored and reviewed for compliance with USDA guidelines. This ensures that each child receives meals that support healthy growth and development, while maintaining transparency and accountability in our food service practices.

All meals and snacks are thoughtfully planned to meet your child’s daily nutritional needs, with a focus on low sugar, balanced portions. We also accommodate special dietary requirements and allergies whenever possible. Our participation in CACFP reflects our strong commitment to your child’s health, nutrition, and overall well-being.

We provide lunch and two nutritious snacks daily—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We make every effort to avoid foods high in sugar or low in nutritional value. If your child has any dietary restrictions, allergies, or cannot eat specific foods, please inform us in writing so we can make appropriate accommodations. Please note that we never force children to eat. Our approach is to gently encourage and support healthy eating habits at each mealtime.

While our policy is to discourage outside meals to maintain consistency and avoid mealtime disruptions, we understand that every family has different preferences. If you are not satisfied with the food we provide, you are more than welcome to pack your child’s meals. However, please note that children bringing outside food will be seated separately during mealtime to minimize distractions for others.

Yes, we provide nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day. Parents do not need to provide any meals.

Our daycare may be closed to inclement weather, such as snow or freezing rain. If you suspect the conditions in the morning, please contact us before leaving your home. Check with us to determine if there is a delayed opening. In cases where roads are expected to become extremely hazardous or if county schools close early due to weather conditions, the daycare may also close early. Please note that an announcement will be published through our Parent Portal.

· Inclement Weather Delays: In the event of a two-hour delay announced by Montgomery County Public Schools, Mama Lucy's daycare will open 2 hours later.

· Early Closure: Early closure due to worsening conditions is possible. Parents will be notified promptly through our Parent Portal.

· Closing due to Weather: In the event of closing announced Montgomery County Public Schools, Mama Lucy's daycare will be closed

· Early Dismissal: Closure hours are aligned with the school's early dismissal hours for safety.

· Charges: Charges apply for all daycare, Snow Day, or Delayed Start due to public school closings. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we prioritize safety.

· Website: Montgomery Schools 

No, we do not schedule in-person visits during operational hours while the children are present. This helps us maintain a consistent routine and ensures we don’t disrupt the flow of our program. We would be happy to provide a virtual tour.

1. Initial Inquiry: Contact Mama Lucy's Daycare via phone, email, or an in-person visit to inquire about availability and request program details.

2. Explore Our Programs: Visit our website and follow us on social media to learn about our programs, staff, and daily activities.

3. Schedule a Tour: Arrange a tour of the daycare to see the environment and discuss your child’s needs and our programs.

4. Enrollment Discussion: After the tour, if you are interested in enrolling in your child, we will discuss the next steps via phone or email. Once both parties agree, a one-week tuition deposit will be required to secure your child’s spot.

5. Tuition Deposit: A one-time, non-refundable one-week tuition deposit secures your child's enrollment, covers initial materials, and reserves their place in our program.

6. Complete Required Documents: All enrollment documents, including the contract, must be completed before your child’s start date. Documents are available on our parent online portal.

7. First Day Preparation: Parents will receive a welcome memo through the parent portal with details for their child’s first day.

8. Ongoing Communication: We maintain regular communication with parents via the PLAYGROUND portal to ensure updates and continuous support.