FAQ

We are licensed by the state of New Jersey to care for and educate children from six weeks to six years old. Our summer camp is licensed through the age of 12. We meet and often exceed the standards set forth by the Office of Licensing within the NJ Department of Children and Families.

Our doors are locked at all times. Access to our facility requires a personal door PIN unique to each family. We do, however, have an “open door” policy and encourage parents and approved family to visit and participate in their child’s experiences at our center. Visitors are required to ring our doorbell and present proper identification before being admitted. We conduct monthly fire drills and have a written emergency/evacuation plan in place in the event of a natural disaster or security threat.

Our staff is carefully screened and selected on the basis of educational background, experience, attitude, character and most importantly – the love of children. All staff are required to document their credentials and submit to a state criminal and child abuse background check which includes fingerprinting.

Our staff completes 10-20 hours of professional development coursework including CPR/First-Aid certification. We have a very low staff turnover, with many longstanding, dedicated teachers.

In order to ensure the safest environment where children can be stimulated and challenged, Laurel Tree Academy strictly maintains, and in most cases exceeds, the teacher to child ratios as set by the state of New Jersey.

In order to maintain a safe and healthy environment Laurel Tree follows a strict policy regarding illness/immunizations. Every student must submit current up-to-date immunization records and an annual Universal Health Form completed by a licensed physician. Parents are required to submit an allergy card, if applicable and instructions/documentation on anything that would require a special care plan i.e., Asthma, Diabetes, etc…

If a child becomes ill while at the center, parents will be asked to pick them up within one hour. Children must be fever free and symptom free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to the center. Children with an excludable/contagious illness may not return to the center until receiving 24 hours of effective treatment and/or submitting a signed note from a doctor indicating they pose no risk to other children.

Laurel Tree Academy will provide a breakfast consisting of cereals, fruits, bread products and milk for children arriving no later than 8 a.m. We will provide 2 healthy snacks, mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Snack choices will include items such as yogurt, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, cheese, crackers and natural juices or milk.

Lunches should be sent from home daily and include healthy choices. Please avoid foods that are high in sugar, dyes, and/or caffeine. There is an option to purchase lunch on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for a nominal fee. Current choices include chicken nuggets, hamburger and pizza supplemented with healthy side items supplied by Laurel Tree Academy.

There is an option to purchase healthy lunches M-F in Lumberton for a nominal fee.

The menu rotates every 2 weeks and includes favorites such as pasta, meatballs, macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers and more.. Healthy sides and dessert are included. 

We encourage parent involvement because we want you to feel connected and at home in our school. We offer conferences twice a year. There are also many ways to participate including class parties, field trips, holiday shows, recitals, and book fairs. We have many special events designed to get families involved such as Back To School Night, Halloween Trunk or Treat, Mystery Readers, Muffins with Mom, Donuts with Dad, Grandparents Day and more!