Child care, babysitting and schools

Cost and quality are two very important factors that will likely inform your choice of daycare center. There is a great variation in costs among daycare centers, and it is very important to choose childcare that you can afford, as it is a major domestic expense. Determining the quality of daycare centers is more difficult. Consideration should be given to teaching and disciplinary philosophies, caregiver/child ratios, hygienic practices, parental visitation policies, and daily schedules for the children. In addition, many parents try to find a daycare center that is licensed by the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) and also certified by the National Association for Educating Young Children (NAEYC). ISSP can provide a list of some daycare centers in the area; not all the centers on this list have the above listed credentials, or might even be eligible for the credentialing (half-day programs, for example, do not fall under DHR licensing requirements). In any case, do not hesitate to ask questions about how the center operates, what children can expect while they are there, what extra costs may be involved, and so on; after all, the center you choose will be caring for your children - an extremely important task.

Babysitting

It is very common in the U.S. to call a babysitter to take care of your children, but it is often more expensive than a daycare center. To find a babysitter, you can advertise in the Emory Wheel (the campus newspaper) or post signs on campus bulletin boards. The best strategy is usually to ask people you trust for recommendations. The amount you pay a babysitter is something negotiated by you and the babysitter; $5-10 per hour plus $1 per hour for each additional child is not unusual.

Schools

A variety of private schooling options exist in the Atlanta area for all ages; costs will vary. To locate information on private schools you can begin by searching "schools" on the website www.accessatlanta.com. Public schooling is free, as long as you demonstrate that you live in the appropriate district for the particular school. If you reside in DeKalb County and have a child who will be in elementary school, junior high school or high school, you can register your child in the DeKalb County Schools by going to the DeKalb County School System. In Dekalb county, school starts on the first Monday of August.

International Center

International Center at Warren Technical School is located at 3075 Alton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30341 (tel. 678-676-6602).

In order to have your child attend school in Dekalb County, he/she must be registered at The International Center

The first step is to make sure you have an Immunization Certificate (Georgia DHR Form 3231) and the Vision, Dental & Hearing Certificate(form 3300). You may not register your child without this documentation. To see locations of immunization centers, see www.dekalbhealth.net/clinical-services/mothers-children.asp.The closest center to Emory is the CENTRAL DEKALB HEALTH CENTER and it is located at 440 Winn Way, Decatur, GA 30033, tel: 404-294-3767

The second step, after you have obtained the Immunization Certificate AND the Vision, Dental and Hearing Certificate you will need to go to The International Center. Please be sure to have the following with you so that your child can be correctly enrolled:

Parent must be present, or legal guardian with proof of legal guardianship
Proof of age (birth certificate or passport or I-94)
Proof of residence (utility bill or phone bill or rental contract with your name on it)
Transcript or report card from previous school (with translation possible)
Immunization Certificate (Georgia DHR Form 3231)
Vison, Dental and Hearing Certificate (Georgia DHR Form 3300)

Minimum age levels for grades must be attained by September 1st of the academic year; e.g., to enroll a child in 1st grade, the child must be aged 6 by September 1st of the school year.

Kindergarten programs exist for all children aged 5 by September 1st

Preschool programs exist for four-year-olds, but often limited, with enrollment typically occurring based on a lottery that takes place in the spring of the preceding academic year.

Directions to the International Center:

From I-285 Chamblee-Tucker Road Exit: Turn inside the perimeter and go past North Hills Shopping Center. As you near the curve at the bottom of the hill, the school is on the left.

From Interstate 85 Chamblee-Tucker Road Exit: Go down the hill and keep to the left after the first traffic light. As you go up the hill toward North Hills Shopping Center, the school is on the right.