Toddling Tots Wait List FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the MJCC Early Childhood Center’s Toddling Tots Wait List:

How is the Early Childhood Center’s (ECC) Toddling Tots Wait List administered?
span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Childcare wait lists in this area are administered in various ways. The MJCC ECC keeps each Wait List Application according to the date that it is processed at the MJCC Front Desk. When a space becomes available, the ECC Assistant Director looks at the wait list in the order that the applications were processed. The applications are examined for specific information such as desired start date and desired schedule. If the available space matches the schedule on your application then the desired start date is checked. If this matches as well, then the Assistant Director will contact you using the phone numbers and/or email address you provided on your application.

How long is the Wait List?
Our Toddling Tots program has six (6) classrooms serving children who are 12 months old and walking through 3 years old. We typically enroll new students in August when the currently enrolled toddlers (who will be 3 by 8/15) move into our Preschool. The wait list for Toddling Tots tends to be long because there are fewer spaces, lower ratios, and a greater need in the community. The more flexible you are with your schedule, the more likely it is that you will be offered a space.

Can I join the Wait List before my baby is born?
span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Yes, you can fill out a Wait List Form while you are pregnant./span>

Do I receive any kind of confirmation after sending in a wait list form?
It is the parents’ responsibility to check the status of the application once it is turned in. We recommend keeping a copy of the form for your records.

Can I arrange to have a tour of the program?
Absolutely! We would love to give you a tour of the Toddling Tots program. Please contact Lindsey Chase, Assistant Early Childhood Director, at 761-0810 ext. 125, or lchase@jccmemphis.org, to make an appointment.

How far in advance will you contact me when a space is available?
We continuously monitor the Toddling Tots Wait List and contact the next family on the list when a space becomes available. Our largest enrollment time is August when our currently enrolled toddlers who meet the age requirement move into Preschool. We contact families in May or June for the August enrollment. It is the responsibility of each family on the Wait List to contact the Early Childhood Assistant Director if there are any questions regarding available space.

Can I secure a space in the future if I apply far enough in advance?
It is always best to put your child on the Wait List as soon as possible even if you are not sure about your schedule or your start date. However, we cannot guarantee any spaces until your form is next in line for an open space.

Do I need to be a member of the Memphis Jewish Community Center?
You do not need to be a member of the MJCC to place your child on the waiting list. However, you must join the MJCC before your child starts the program.

How long do I have to make a decision when I am offered a space?
We try to give parents at least one week to decide if they would like to accept or decline a space in Toddling Tots. This will vary depending on the start date of the available space and if there is another family on the wait list whose schedule matches the open space.

Is there a plan for transitioning my child once we choose to enroll?
We encourage families to bring their child to visit for about an hour a few times prior to his or her first day. This allows the child to explore the environment with the security of a parent nearby. It also allows the parents a period of adjustment. Teachers help parents and children transition gradually. Once you choose to enroll your child, his or her teacher will contact you about scheduling your visits to the room.

If you have any further questions regarding the program or the wait list, please contact our ECC Office at (901) 259-9207.