Frequently asked questions
Who is Acorn for, and what are the hours?
Children who are 3 or 4 by the first day of the fall session. Threes come Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m., and fours come Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Family helpers arrive at 8:30 to set up.
How does a tour work?
Tours are on class mornings, so you see the room working. You meet a teacher and a family on duty, and children can come along. Pick a time when you book.
How many duty mornings does a family work?
A classroom morning about every other week, one family job for the year and one evening meeting a month. The teachers set the rotation at orientation.
What if our family can't work a duty morning?
Tell us. We look for another way to help, such as a job that can be done from home or a swap with another family.
What sets tuition?
The child's class and the mornings a week they come. Membership is separate. We go through the figures with you on the tour.
How is a place held, and how does the waitlist work?
A place is held with registration and the first month. When a class is full you join the waitlist, and we write to families in the order of the list as places open.
Is Acorn licensed, and what are the adult-to-child numbers?
Acorn is licensed by DCYF, Washington's child care agency.
Do children need to be toilet trained?
We ask children to use the toilet on their own for class mornings, and we help with reminders and spare clothes. Tell us at the tour where your child is, and a teacher will talk it through with you.
What happens on a hard morning?
Children have hard mornings. A teacher stays with the child and helps them settle in a calm voice, and we call you if it doesn't ease. We talk it over with you at pickup.
What should my child bring?
A water bottle, a change of clothes, shoes for the yard and a rain jacket. Everything goes in your child's cubby.
Another question?
Write to us or ask on a tour.