Coe Child Care...A Positive Place for Kids!

Frequently Asked Questions.....

 We want you to have the information you need. Here are questions and answers we hope will help... 

My child won't be in PM care; do I need to tell you this?

Yes, absolutely. You can leave a phone message or use the Quick Check Clipboard (on the front counter) to indicate a day your child will be out.  Emailed changes need to be sent a couple hours in advance.

What if my child will be arriving late, after they attend an after school club or class.

When registering your child for a club, confirm with the after school club leaders to be sure they help your child transition to us at the end of the after school club or class. We will be responsible for your child as soon as they check-in with the child care staff following their class. For the safety of your child we recommend they always be told to check in with us at the end of their class and not wait outside the building for you to pick them up. Meeting your child at Coe Child Care insures we will care for them until you arrive to sign them out.

I'm only registered for morning care; do I need to sign my child in?

Yes, state licensing laws for child care centers requires an adult to sign in and sign out their child. Parents or guardians must enter the building and sign their name and time on the child's attendance page.  This needs to be done during drop off and again during pick up at the end of the child's day. Sorry, pulling up to the curb and allowing a child to run to the building won't work. Pick up or drop off generally takes about three to five minutes of time.

Someone else will be picking up my child; how do I let you know?

There is a message book on the front counter for pick up changes.  Include the person's name and phone number (in case we need to reach them).  Have them bring photo ID; we'll be asking for it. We will not release your child to anyone unless we have heard from you first.  For permanent changes in pick up authorization, complete the form we have available on the front counter and we'll add it to your child's file.

What is the activity today?

Our teachers post a weekly schedule of activities on their classroom door.  For field trips, staff will give you a two day notice describing the event and the cost. During the summer, all groups have printed copies of the weekly activity schedule for you to take home.  

Will my child have time to do their homework during after school club time?

We offer time Monday through Wednesday, between 4:30 and 5:00, for children to do homework. During this period, children can complete homework, read their own book or one of ours, or tackle a worksheet we have available. We strongly encourage children to do homework but do not require it. Some families would rather work with their child together at home. Let us know what you prefer. We'd like to help if we can.

I'm running late. What happens if I pick up after 6:00 PM?

  • By our clock, the first five minutes after 6:00 PM incurs a late fee of $5.00.
  • Each additional five minute period means $10.00 is added to the fee.
  • Late fees are payable on your arrival and staff will hand you a Late Fee Invoice.
  • Short on cash or really late? Paying staff by check or the following day is allowed.
  • Chronic lateness (3+ during one school year) will jeopardize your enrollment.
  • Phone if being late is the only option. The fee still applies but we'll know you're on the way!

Is it okay if my child brings a toy from home?

A small toy or game cards from home are generally okay for use during free time on full days or during the summer. Check with the staff in your child's room first. Toys which shoot or "army" toys need to stay home. Each toy is the child's responsibility so it is best to allow only something they can be responsible for. We ask that children leave their cell phones or electronic games at home.

Is child care available during the school's early dismissal?

On the days schools close early, we are available for care. If your child is enrolled for PM care, you already have a spot for all early dismissals. They arrive the regular way, only early. When you need drop-in care for an early dismissal day, contact us in advance. We just might a place for you.

Why do I sign up for full days?

Full days, such as Winter Break or Spring Break, are a separate registration from our before and after school program.  Because there are families who choose to stay home or vacation during full days, holiday care is not included in our base rate tuition.  Three weeks prior to a full day of care, a sign up sheet becomes available on the front counter for families to register.  Full days are on a first come basis and while it does fill up, most families can find a spot.  If a waitlist is created because we have reached room capacity, check it often.  It does move.

How do I pay tuition?

Invoices for child care are available the first of the month and are found in your "Parent File" located in our lobby. Check these before making payments.  Early dismissal or full days can add to your base rate tuition.  While tuition payments may come to us from multiple sources, we produce only one invoice per child.  We accept in cash, check, or credit card.  Cash and credit payments are handled through our office; checks may be deposited in the black mail box on the front counter (no need to fold or place in envelopes).  During the summer, tuition for the week is due in advance on the first day of attendance.

What happens if I am late in paying?

Tuition is due by the seventh of each month during the school year.  After the seventh, a late fee of $20.00 will be added to the month's invoice.  If payment has not been made by the fifteenth of the month, you will receive a notice to drop and your contract will be terminated on the last day of the month.  Two late payments during the year subject your account to "First Day Pay" status.  A late fee will be attached after the first of the month.

What is your tax ID number?

Boys & Girls Clubs of King County: 91-05-32600  The blue and white payment receipts list our tax ID number. Hold on to them because payment receipts or credit card slips are your tax records for the year. If you need an end of the year statement, one can be provided to you for a small fee.

We're going on vacation; is there a credit for days we're gone?

With a two week written notice, we will credit your account for up to five days of personal vacation during the school year. Return your request to our office and the next invoice will reflect the change. 

How do we end or change our contract?

If you find you need to withdraw or change your contract, turn in a written notice two weeks in advance of the date and we'll do the rest. Tuition will be charged for changes made with less than a two week notice.

What if it snows?

Generally, we will not open if the school district closes schools. If school is in session and they closed early, we will also close well before our usual 6:00 PM time.  kingtv.com is a helpful link which publishes a list of closed schools. This policy also applies during other weather related school closing.

Are you part of the school?

While we're sponsored by Ballard Boys & Girls Club, we maintain a close, working relationship with school staff, teachers and PTA.  For almost twenty years, Seattle Public School has contracted with organizations to provide on-site licensed child care in schools.  Coe Child Care is one of the groups working with the district.  A major part of our contract is the "School/Provider Alignment" which creates formal ties with the school community in meeting education standards.  This way, learning happens all day. (See More)

How are you different than a regular Boys & Girls Club?

Because we are a site extension of the Ballard Boys & Girls Club, a number of the activities usually found at a larger club would not be available here. Teen programs, sports league activities, Saturday classes are available to all members at their area Boys & Girls Club (in our case Ballard). Children who are registered at Coe Child Care also have a membership to the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County (good from September through August).  Check out their website to see what else is available to you.

I don't see my question, now what?

Feel free to email us, someone will get back to you with a response. coeclub@positiveplace.org  Better yet, give us a call, we'll be glad to help, (206) 281-9197.