Yes! DFC uses the Brightwheel app to help streamline communication with families. Parents receive daily photo updates and a brief infant or toddler report, based on their communication preferences. Photos are typically shared as a small collage during free play, nap time, or at the end of the day, depending on the daily schedule.

Yes! Outdoor play is an important part of the daily schedule at DFC. Weather permitting, children spend time outside every day for fresh air, gross motor activity, and exploration. Outdoor time is adjusted as needed for extreme weather, naps, or special activities, but children always have daily opportunities to be active and enjoy nature.

DFC is open Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
 
The program operates 50 weeks per year and is closed on all federal holidays, as well as 10 business days of provider vacation scheduled throughout the year.

No. DFC does not offer drop-in care. Each child’s enrollment secures a licensed spot in the program, and tuition is based on the reserved schedule. This ensures a consistent routine for all children and compliance with licensing regulations.

No. Each child’s enrollment secures a licensed spot in Dandelion Fields Childcare (DFC), which counts towards the program capacity whether they attend 3 hours or 10 hours. Families are welcome to pick up early (with advance notice), but tuition remains the same.

​Tuition is charged weekly to reserve your child’s spot, so missed days do not reduce tuition. Families are also welcome to pay in advance, including monthly payments if preferred.

Part-time enrollment reserves up to 3 scheduled days per week. Additional days may occasionally be added for $70 per day based on availability.
 
Full-time enrollment reserves 4–5 days per week. Tuition is based on your child’s enrolled schedule, not actual attendance each week. If your family’s schedule needs change long term, your contract and tuition may be updated accordingly.

Yes. Tuition is normally charged weekly to reserve your child’s spot, and missed days do not reduce tuition. However, families who prefer not to manage weekly payments may pay monthly in advance. 

DFC currently honors sibling discounts included in existing contracts signed before August 2026. Beginning August 2026, sibling discounts will no longer be offered for new enrollments or contract renewals.

Yes! Please just let the provider know about any schedule changes, including late drop-offs, early pick-ups, or delays due to traffic, so they can plan accordingly.

Pick-up must occur by 5:00 PM.
Late pick-ups may incur a fee unless previously discussed and approved.
Occasional unavoidable delays (traffic, weather, accidents) may be excused at provider's discretion.
Repeated late pick-ups will result in late fees, and continued disregard for closing hours may lead to termination of care.

Yes. Tuition still applies on holidays unless it falls during provider's unpaid vacation week.

• District 49 Spring & Fall Break: Tuition is not charged if your child does not attend.

• Summer: Regular tuition applies for full attendance. Partial attendance is prorated (minimum 2 days/week). Holding a spot (or 1 day/week) while away is $100/week.

Yes. A non-refundable $100 deposit secures your child’s spot along with a completed enrollment packet.

Yes. Lisa Panetti of DFC is an approved provider for Military Child Care Aware (MYCCN). Families can apply using Provider ID #9242362.

No. DFC is private pay only. Families are responsible for tuition directly, unless approved for Military Child Care Aware.

No. The provider takes 10 business days off during the year for personal vacation. Usually, one week in the summer and one week around Christmas break. These are unpaid vacation days. If any of the provider's vacation days fall on a holiday, no tuition is due for that holiday, e.g.: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Years Day.
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However, there may be times when the provider is available on a federal holiday if a family needs care. In those cases, the provider may choose to open for that day. This is decided on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed. 

Yes. DFC provides monthly payment receipts that include all tuition payments, the initial enrollment fee, and any applicable fees. ​Families who pay weekly may request a weekly receipt, but otherwise a combined monthly receipt is provided automatically at the end of each month.

Families will also receive an end-of-year childcare tuition statement with the provider’s EIN for tax filing.