Early Childhood Education Program

Duties and Responsibilities of Parents

To ensure a safe, consistent, and positive learning environment, parents and guardians are expected to follow the guidelines below:

Arrival and Pickup

1. Please arrive on time for both drop-off and pick-up.
2. Children may be picked up at any time during class, but they may not be dropped off early.
3. A late pick-up fee of $10 for every 15 minutes will be charged if a parent is late.
4. Chronic lateness may result in dismissal of the child from the program.

Parent Participation

One of the primary goals of the early childhood education program is to encourage independence.

• Parents may remain for the full class only on their assigned helping day.
• On all other days, parents must leave within the first 15 minutes of class.
• No exceptions will be made.

Sign-In and Contact Information

• Parents must sign their child in and out each day.
• Please provide a current phone number where you can be reached during class time.

Illness Policy

• Do not bring your child to class if they are sick, even with mild symptoms such as a common cold.
• If your child will miss more than one week due to illness or vacation, please notify the teacher in advance. 

Early Childhood Education Program Toilet Training Policy

Children enrolled in the Community Services Department Early Childhood Education Program must be fully toilet trained prior to registration and participation. To be considered fully toilet trained, children must be able to use restroom facilities independently, without direct assistance from an adult.

Children who are still wearing disposable pull-ups or training pants are not considered toilet trained and are not eligible to attend the program. This policy is in place to help maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment for all participants, as classroom accidents may pose unsanitary conditions for other children.

Program Forms

• Parent Responsibilities(PDF, 143KB)
•  (PDF, 143KB)Emergency and Disaster Forms(PDF, 110KB)
• Emergency Preparedness Plan(PDF, 168KB)
• Student Medication Policy(PDF, 239KB)
• Severe Allergy Policy(PDF, 254KB)
• Volunteer Application 

How many children will be in the classroom?
There will be 18 children in the Early Explorers classroom and 20 children in the Fun and Friends and Early Childhood Summer Camp classes.

Does my child have to be potty trained?
Yes. All children must be fully potty trained before registering. Children must be able to use the restroom independently. Disposable pull-ups or training pants are not permitted.

Is my child required to have a TB test?
No. The City no longer requires TB testing.

Can I stay with my child for the entire class?
No. One of the main goals of the ECE program is to help children develop independence.

If my child has a runny nose or cold, can they still attend class?
No. Children showing any signs of illness may not attend class. This helps keep everyone healthy.

What type of shoes can my child wear?
Only closed-toe shoes are allowed. Sandals and Crocs are not permitted.

Do I need to bring anything for my child?
Yes. Please bring the following each day:

• A small nut-free snack

• A labeled water bottle

• A backpack with a change of clothes (including socks and underwear)

Note: The water fountain will be inoperable. A regular-sized backpack is recommended to fit all items.

Classes that do not meet the minimum enrollment requirements may be cancelled one week before class begins. Students who request to withdraw from most classes must do so at least ONE business day BEFORE CLASS BEGINS to receive an 80% refund. Students who request to withdraw from most classes at least one business day before the THIRD SCHEDULED CLASS may receive a full credit on account with The City of Torrance Registration office. A full refund will only be issued if the City cancels a class.