Resources & Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re considering Gateway Christian Education Center or are already part of our community, this page provides clear, easy-to-reference information drawn from our Parent Handbook, along with answers to common questions from families.
Use the quick links below to navigate to the information you need.
Hours of Operation
Gateway Christian Education Center is open Monday through Friday, with drop-off beginning at 7:00 AM.
To support consistent routines and accurate meal planning, children should be checked in by 10:00 AM. If your child will arrive after that time, families are asked to notify the administrative office at (304) 727-8002.
Pick-up is requested by 5:45 PM to allow our staff time to return to their own families. Late pick-ups may result in additional fees.
Additional details are outlined in the Parent Handbook.
Holidays & Closures
Each year, Gateway Christian Education Center is closed:
President’s Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
The week of Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday)
December 24 through January 1
Important dates and closure notices are shared through the ProCare app and posted on our Facebook page.
In addition to scheduled holidays, occasional classroom or center-wide closures may occur for required professional development. Families will receive written notice at least two weeks in advance when possible.
Illness & Health Guidelines
To protect the health and well-being of all children and staff, families are asked to keep children home when they are ill.
Children will be sent home if they have:
A fever of 100.4°F or higher
Vomiting or diarrhea
Signs of dehydration
Undiagnosed rash
Difficulty breathing
Mouth sores
Infestation (such as head lice or scabies)
Persistent abdominal pain
Uncharacteristic lethargic behavior
Other signs of contagious illness
Children may return once they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours without medication, unless a healthcare provider determines the condition is not communicable.
Tuition & Payment Information
Tuition is charged weekly and varies by age group. The following rates are effective February 1, 2026.
Infant & Toddler Programs
Newborn, Infant, Waddler, Tot, Toddler — $245/week
Little Two, Big Two — $230/week
Preschool Programs
Little Three, Big Three, Four — $220/week
PreK — $150/week
School Age Programs
After School — $130/week
Additional $10 per day on No School days
Summer Program (elementary ages) — $185/week
Part-Time Options
Under 2: 3 days $180 | 2 days $120
Over 2: 3 days $150 | 2 days $100
Registration Fee: $75
Additional information regarding billing, payment methods, and discounts is outlined in the Parent Handbook.
Safety & Emergency Procedures
The safety of children in our care is a top priority. GCEC maintains emergency plans for:
Severe weather
Lockdowns and shelter-in-place situations
Evacuations
Utility failures and other emergencies
Families are notified through ProCare and, when necessary, by phone.
Parent Handbook
The Parent Handbook is the primary source for detailed policies, procedures, and expectations at Gateway Christian Education Center.
Families are encouraged to review the handbook and reference it as questions arise throughout the year.
Take-Home Bible Lessons
Faith grows best when it is nurtured both at the center and at home. Our Take-Home Bible Lessons provide families with simple ways to continue faith conversations beyond the classroom.
Each week’s lesson reinforces Biblical values and aligns with what children are experiencing at Gateway Christian Education Center.
Communication
Gateway Christian Education Center uses the ProCare app as our primary method of communication. Families receive important updates, messages, and information related to their child’s care through ProCare once enrolled.
General announcements and community highlights may also be shared on our Facebook page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions families have about enrollment, daily care, and center policies.
Enrollment
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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.
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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.
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We offer limited part-time spots with set, pre-approved days. Availability depends on classroom capacity.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Yes. We offer after school care for elementary-aged children, including transportation from approved local schools when available.
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Yes. Our Summer Program corresponds with Kanawha County School’s summer break and includes themed activities and field trips.
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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
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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.
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Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are provided daily and meet USDA/CACFP nutritional standards.
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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.
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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
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Yes. Gateway Christian Education Center is licensed through the West Virginia DHHR and operates in compliance with state childcare regulations.
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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.
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Emergency plans are in place for severe weather, lockdowns, evacuations, and other situations. Families are notified through ProCare and, when necessary, by phone.
Policies
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Please see the Holidays & Closures section above.
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Yes. We offer a 10% discount for active military and first responder families.
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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.
