Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions families have about enrollment, daily care, and center policies.

Enrollment

  • Families begin by submitting an enrollment inquiry through our website. Because availability varies by age group and classroom capacity, families are contacted when a space becomes available in the requested classroom.

  • Yes. A tour is required prior to enrollment. After you submit an enrollment inquiry, a member of our team will contact you if a space becomes available in your child’s age group. At that time, we will schedule your tour so you can meet our team, view classrooms, and ask questions before finalizing enrollment.

  • We offer limited part-time spots with set, pre-approved days. Availability depends on classroom capacity.

  • Yes. When a space becomes available in your child’s requested age group, a member of our team will reach out to discuss next steps.

Programs

  • We serve children ages 6 weeks through 12 years, including infant and toddler care, preschool and Pre-K, after school care, and a summer program for elementary-aged children. Visit our Programs page for full details.

  • Yes. As a faith-centered program, age-appropriate Biblical values are woven naturally into daily routines. Children are introduced to prayer, worship, and Bible teaching while also being supported in their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

  • Yes. We offer after school care for elementary-aged children, including transportation from approved local schools when available.

  • Yes. Our Summer Program corresponds with Kanawha County School’s summer break and includes themed activities and field trips.

  • We follow West Virginia DHHR licensing guidelines to ensure safe, attentive supervision in every classroom:

    6 weeks – 24 months: 1:4

    24 – 36 months: 1:7

    36 – 48 months: 1:10

    4 – 5 years (Pre-K): 1:12

    6 – 12 years (School Age): 1:16

    These ratios help ensure children receive appropriate supervision and support at every stage.

Daily Care

  • We are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:45 PM. We ask that children arrive by 10:00 AM unless prior arrangements have been made.

  • Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are provided daily and meet USDA/CACFP nutritional standards.

  • We use the ProCare app for daily updates, classroom communication, and important announcements. When needed, families may also receive phone calls from our administrative team.

  • Transitions are thoughtfully planned based on age, developmental readiness, and space availability. When possible, children visit their new classroom before transitioning to help support a smooth adjustment.

Health & Safety

  • Yes. Gateway Christian Education Center is licensed through the West Virginia DHHR and operates in compliance with state childcare regulations.

  • Our facility is equipped with security cameras throughout the building and on playground areas. Doors remain secured and require individual access codes. Children must be checked in and out by an approved adult.

  • Emergency plans are in place for severe weather, lockdowns, evacuations, and other situations. Families are notified through ProCare and, when necessary, by phone.

Policies

  • Please see the Holidays & Closures section above.

  • Yes. We offer a 10% discount for active military and first responder families.

  • Pick-up is requested by 5:45 PM. Late pick-up fees may apply. Please refer to the Hours of Operation section above for details.

Still Have Questions?

If you need additional support or would like to speak with our team, we are happy to help.

Contact Us
View Enrollment Information

  • Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. Closed major holidays.

  • We are a licensed center through the Kanawha county DHHR and hold a Tier Two accreditation.

  • If a doctor's order is provided, we can make accommodations in our meals for your child's allergy/allergies.

  • We offer a couple of discounts as listed below:
    First Responder: 10%

  • We accept limited spots for part-time enrollment.

  • Our center is equipped with cameras in every room as well as outside on our playgrounds and around the building. All our doors are kept secured, and can only be opened through an access code that is individual to each parent.

  • We communicate throughout the day with live updates via our ProCare app. This allows us to keep you up to date on your child’s day and notify you if there are any needs or questions that arise.

  • Infants/Toddler: 1:4
    Twos/Combo: 1:7
    Threes/Fours: 1:10
    PreK: 1:12
    School age: 1:15

  • Our center is closed for the following holidays:

    Labor Day
    Good Friday
    Week of July 4th
    Memorial Day
    Thanksgiving (Thursday & Friday),
    Week of Christmas
    New Year’s Eve
    New Year’s Day

  • Please keep your child home and away from other children if he or she exhibits any of the following symptoms: fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, diarrhea, signs of dehydration, vomiting, undiagnosed rash, difficulty breathing, mouth sores, any infestation such as scabies or head lice, abdominal pain that is persistent, or uncharacteristic lethargic behavior. (Unless a licensed healthcare provider determines that your child's condition does not indicate a communicable disease). You will be notified and asked to come and get your child if we notice any of the same symptoms while he or she is in our care.

  • Please go here for our application (enrollment). If the desired classroom is at capacity, you can be added to our waitlist, and when a spot becomes available, one of our directors will reach back out to you, and schedule a time for a tour and to begin the enrollment process.

FAQ