Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get an overview of the program?
Liberty Tot Lot is a parent participation co-operative to provide wholesome supervised recreational activity and learning opportunities for pre-school children. We are an entirely parent-run program (not run by the City of Cerritos). We work with the children to help them learn to share with others and get along in a school environment.
What is the school schedule?
Our program follows the ABC Unified School District calendar for school holidays. The program is in session from September until June, Monday through Friday. Students are dropped off at 9:10am and picked up at 12:00pm.
What is the curriculum?
Students circulate throughout the day in rotations. There is a designated time for students to work on their fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and to complete a project. Each color group also has a designated time with the teacher to learn their alphabet, numbers, and phonics. We have a credentialed teacher who works with our students.
What are the ages of the students?
The students range in age from 2 years+9 months to 5 years old.
How many students are enrolled in the program?
There are 48 total students, divided into four color groups by age. Each age/color group is made up of 12 students.
What is the student to adult ratio?
There is one adult per age/color group at all times, except for the youngest color group (ages 2 years+9 months to 3 years) where there are two adults. In addition, there is one adult per rotation as well as one MOD (or lead parent) overseeing the operation of the day.
Does my child have to be fully potty trained?
No. However, if a student is not fully potty trained, he/she must wear pull-ups underwear. Staff/volunteers will not change diapers. The students are encouraged to go to the potty prior to snack time, but will also be assisted at any time throughout the day as needed.
Is snack provided for the students?
No, snack is not provided. The child must bring their own snack daily, in accordance with the snack guidelines. At minimum, snack should consist of crackers or cereal (unsweetened), fresh fruit, and water.
What is the parent/guardian commitment?
For each registered student, a parent/guardian is required to work one day a week during school hours for the entire school year. In addition, each family is required to fulfill 10 hours of volunteer work per year. Parents/guardians must attend mandatory monthly General Parent Meetings, which are usually the 4th Tuesday of the month (August through May) at 7:00pm.
What do I do with my younger child on my assigned work day?
Younger siblings are allowed to attend on your scheduled work day. It is the parent’s responsibility to care for the younger sibling as well as attending to your assigned duty.
Does my child need to have any shots or immunization records?
Students and any volunteer parents/guardians are required to submit a negative TB skin test.
What are the fees?
There is a $50 registration fee non refundable, and $50 Liability Insurance non refundable that is paid each year for both Cerritos residents and non-Cerritos residents. In addition to a $100 refundable security deposit. Tuition is paid on a trimester basis in September, December, and March. Cerritos residents pay $195 per trimester per child, and non-Cerritos residents pay $225 per trimester per child.
What is the enrollment/application process?
You must first submit your student’s name to be placed on the waiting list. The student’s name will be placed on either the Cerritos resident list or the non-Cerritos resident list by age and the time/date of when the name was submitted. Because this is a Cerritos-based program, priority enrollment is given to Cerritos residents. However, due to the high volume of interest, no student is guaranteed enrollment.
If a spot becomes vacant during the school year, enrollment will be offered based on the above directives. We will call the phone number listed on your Waiting List form.
We usually begin enrolling students during the Spring (March/April) prior to the next school year.
Once enrollment is offered, you will be given an application to complete. Your child’s enrollment is confirmed once the application, registration fee, and TB test are received.
How long do you keep my child on the waiting list?
Your child will remain on the waiting list unless you contact us to remove them.
What’s the difference between your program and the Tot Lot at Cerritos Park East or Heritage Park? Can you add my child to their waiting list?
All are similar in approach, but each program operates independently. Please contact them directly if you are interested.
For more information, please call us at (562) 265-8805, or to add your child to the waiting list, please complete the waiting list form.
Thank you for your interest in our program!