Enrollment Open!
We know that you have questions, and we have the answers!
Make sure to press on each question below for a corresponding answer.
If you cannot find any answers to the question you are asking, please feel free to email us at info@rivercubsdi.org after submitting your intake form.
A: Our hours of operation and tuition rates are designed to be flexible and tailored to meet the unique needs of each family. We aim to accommodate a variety of schedules within our community.
Once you submit your intake form, indicating your preferred schedule, we can utilize that information along with your child's age to present you with several tuition and scheduling options.
A: We are situated in Downtown Springfield.
River Cubs operates as a home-based program, utilizing the entire first floor of our family's residence. To safeguard the privacy of both our family and the enrolled parents, our address is exclusively shared with the families of enrolled children, emergency contacts, and prospective parents.
After submitting your intake form, we will arrange an appointment for a tour of the program and will provide you with our address.
A: Our license permits us to care for up to 12 children simultaneously.
To protect the privacy of our families, we are unable to disclose the exact number of children in our care.
However, if you are inquiring about the teacher-to-child ratio, our policy maintains a ratio of 4 to 6 children per teacher.
At present, all three of our programs—infants and toddlers, preschool, and afterschool—are operational.
A: River Cubs is a certified home-based child care facility, operating from the first floor of our family's residence. Although we do not function from a commercial center building location, we have thoughtfully designed our space to cater to the developmental needs of children aged 1.5 months to 12 years. During your visit to our program, you will have the opportunity to explore our preschool area, the infants and toddlers room, as well as our outdoor playground.
We are committed to providing an exceptional educational experience, emphasizing individualized attention for each child. To achieve this, our staff undergoes rigorous training in early childhood education, accredited by the State of Oregon. To discover the advantages of a home-based program, please click here.
A: River Cubs is licensed as a Certified Family Child Care Home, regulated under Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 414‐350‐0000 through 414‐350‐0405, as overseen by the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).
To obtain and maintain this license, our provider, Annie Alvarez, complies with several state-mandated regulations and qualifications, including:
All residents over the age of 18 have successfully undergone a background check through the Central Background Registry.
Testing for lead in drinking water has been completed and passed.
The residence has received approval following an environmental health inspection.
The provider of the program is registered as a Step 10 in the Oregon Registry.
All staff members have completed training in Safe Sleep practices and Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting.
Staff are trained and proficient in CPR and First Aid. Staff possess a valid food service permit.
The program adheres to the guidelines outlined in the Certified Family Child Care Home Manual.
A: A bilingual program provides informal exposure to two languages, allowing children to hear both English and Spanish throughout the day; however, these programs typically do not incorporate language instruction through formal academic content.
In contrast, a Dual Immersion program intentionally delivers formal academic instruction in both languages. At River Cubs preschool and afterschool programs, we implement this model by engaging students in academic studies across disciplines such as Literature, STEAM, and Circle Time activities in both English and Spanish.
A Spanish Immersion program, on the other hand, exclusively offers instruction in Spanish, with teachers communicating solely in that language. The River Cubs Infants & Toddlers program functions as a Spanish Immersion program, providing young learners with exposure to both languages—one at home and one within our facility. This approach stimulates the development of a bilingual brain, facilitating a smooth transition into the preschool program.
A: River Cubs currently provides transportation services for families within a 10-mile radius. To receive a personalized quote, please indicate your interest in transportation services on your intake form, as our charges are based on mileage. Additionally, we offer transportation discounts for each family you refer to our program who also requires these services.
A: At River Cubs, we prioritize the well-being of our families and students. To foster effective communication between our program and our families, we employ a variety of methods:
Phone Communication: We maintain close contact through text messages throughout the day to share both positive news—such as milestones like using the potty for the first time—and to address any emergencies.
Newsletter: Approximately once a month, we distribute a newsletter to keep you informed about our latest projects, themes for spirit week, and relevant community news.
Access to Photos: We understand that witnessing your child's growth can brighten your day. To respect your privacy while providing this service, we offer a secure internal photo-sharing program that allows you to view photos of your children.
Teacher Conferences: Our program is committed to monitoring your child's developmental progress through ASQ evaluations. We will conduct parent-teacher conferences approximately every trimester to discuss progress findings and collaboratively set goals with your family.
A: Research indicates that children flourish when they are actively engaged with the natural environment. As a research-driven program, we prioritize these findings by encouraging our students to explore their surroundings through activities involving mud, wood chips, and other natural elements on a daily basis.
Our children typically spend 30 to 60 minutes outdoors each day. In instances where weather conditions are excessively hot or cold, we offer indoor activities designed to ensure a sensory experience or guided movement activities, such as yoga or dancing.
A: Yes, we offer ERDC payment options.
A: ERDC, or Employment Related Day Care, is a program in Oregon that helps families pay for child care. To see if you qualify or learn more, please click here.