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| General Questions about MLEDP |
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WHAT IS MLEDP?
MLEDP is a non-profit corporation that provides year round quality before and after school care for children, grades K-5. MLEDP is governed by a Board of Directors who are volunteers from the community.
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HOW LONG HAS MLEDP BEEN PROVIDING CARE?
MLEDP has been provide care to the Mt. Lebanon community since it began in 1987. |
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ARE ANY OF THE MLEDP CENTERS ACCREDITED?
The MLEDP Centers at Lincoln School and Howe School (grades 1 and 2) are accredited by the National School Age Care Alliance. Other centers are involved in the accreditation self-study process.
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IS MLEDP LICENSED?
Yes. All MLEDP programs/centers are licensed by the Department of Public Welfare and are inspected annually.
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WHERE ARE THE CENTERS LOCATED?
MLEDP centers are located in six of the seven elementary schools, but care is provided for schoolagers who attend all seven elementary schools. Centers are typically located in shared space: classroom, lunchroom, music room.
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DO CHILDREN HAVE TO ATTEND MT. LEBANON SCHOOLS?
During the school year, children who either live within the Mt. Lebanon School District or attend school in Mt. Lebanon may attend MLEDP programs. Children whose care is not in their neighborhood school are transported to the nearest center on the MLEDP bus.
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WHAT DO THE CHILDREN DO IN THE PROGRAM?
MLEDP programs focus on the value of play as a learning tool and combine safe, nurturing care, child-focused programming with enrichment. Our goal is to help the children feel like they are in their own family room. Before school, the children relax, eat their breakfast, play games, and prepare for the school day. After school the children follow a programming model called ACE - active, calm, and eating. Children decide how to use the first hour after school to help them best transition into this after school time. A nutritious snack is available, frequently made by the children. Homework assistance is available. Time is allotted for active play, quiet time, creative play, and much more.
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WHAT ARE THE STAFF'S QUALIFICATIONS?
The majority of the MLEDP professionals have at least a bachelor’s degree in education or other child-related field; at least five staff have earned a Master’s degree in a child-related field. Some staff are certified teachers who have chosen school-age care as an effective way to positively influence and enrich the lives of children. MLEDP requires that all staff earn 18 hours of approved staff education each year. Additionally, all staff are required to complete first aid, CPR, fire safety, and water safety (summer) training. The MLEDP staff are a good balance of experience, gifts and talents, and interests.
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IS MLEDP PART OF THE MT. LEBANON SCHOOL DISTRICT?
No. MLEDP staff and administration work in a close partnership with personnel in the Mt. Lebanon School District (MLSD) to support the children and families in our care. MLEDP rents its center space from the MLSD.
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WHEN IS TUITION DUE?
Tuition is due on the first day of each month. |
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ARE THERE ANY DISCOUNTS?
There is a 20% discount for the second child in the family to attend or for the child with the lowest tuition. There is a 50% discount for the third child and each child thereafter.
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IS THERE ANY TYPE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?
Each year, MLEDP provides tuition assistance to families who cannot afford the full costs of care. Certain criteria must be met. Additionally MLEDP accepts subsidized tuition from the Department of Public Welfare and Child Care Partnerships.
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CAN I JUST PAY FOR THE DAYS MY CHILD ATTENDS?
No, MLEDP is a contract service. Tuition is based on the contracted schedule. Credits are not given for illness or vacation or other absences.
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MUST ATTENDANCE BE 5 DAYS, BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL?
Schedules can be made for a minimum of two sessions per week, such as two mornings or two afternoons. Some children attend only five mornings; others only five afternoons. In other words, schedules are flexible.
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WHAT IS THE BUS USED FOR?
The MLEDP bus is used to transport children to and from Kindergarten and our Kindergarten Care program, to transport schoolagers who attend St. Anne’s School or St. Bernard School to their centers for care. Buses are used for field trips and other special activities.
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WHO DRIVES MLEDP BUSES?
MLEDP drivers are all PA licensed school bus drivers. Each driver meets the high standards established by the state for training and safety.
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