Spanish-English Bilingual Daycare and Preschool Bilingual Nest is now Accepting Enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is VHG Group?
Bilingual Nest is part of the VHG Group Inc, an early childhood language school that represents a network of daycares/preschools in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Our schools welcome students from 6 weeks to 5 years old and our programs are designed to benefit from the strengths and assets of both French and American educational systems: Our bilingual programs (in French/English or in Spanish/English) combine the principles and curriculum of the French “Ecole maternelle” and “crèche” with the standards of the American pedagogy, to offer your children the best educational and stimulating age-appropriate programs.
How many children do you typically have in a classroom?
  • Infant: 8 infants/classroom
  • Toddlers: 10 toddlers/classroom
  • Preschool: 14 preschoolers/classroom
What is the ratio of teacher/children?
  • Infant: 1/4
  • Toddlers: 1/5
  • Preschool: 1/6
Is it possible to enroll part time?
Part-time enrollment will be accepted upon availability only. There is no guarantee to allow an enrollment extension later in the school year.
Do you offer make up days?
No. We do not offer makeup days in case a child is absent, regardless of the reason of the absence (that includes sickness or family reasons). There will be no makeup day in case of school closure, which may happen in case of inclement weather.
Is there a sibling discount?
Yes. There is a 10% discount for the enrollment of one sibling or more.
What is your refund policy?
  • The one-time/per family application fee is not refundable
  • In case of a withdrawal, the two-month deposit will be used as a payment for the last two monthly tuitions. There is no additional withdrawal fee.
  • In case a child withdraws in the middle of a month, there will be no prorated refund for the unattended days.
What to bring on the first day of class? (Preschool Students)

Everything must be labelled with the child’s name:

  • Indoor shoes (slippers closed in the back, sneakers, sandals closed in the back)
  • Blanket and “doudou” (favorite plush toy if the child has one) in a LARGE Ziploc bag
  • Two full sets of change of clothes (this set should be changed and appropriate for each season)
  • Lunch box (on a daily basis) with enough food for lunch, morning and afternoon snacks. Warm food should be heated and packed in a Thermos. We are not allowed to heat any food at school.
  • Family picture of your child which will be placed in his/her cubby
What to bring on the first day? (Infant/Toddler Students)

Everything must be labelled with the child’s name:

  • Diapers/wipes
  • Bottles/Milk/Breast Milk
  • Lunch box (on a daily basis) with enough food for lunch, morning and afternoon snacks. Warm food should be heated and packed in a Thermos. We are not allowed to heat any food at school.
  • Indoor shoes (slippers closed in the back, sneakers, sandals closed in the back)
  • Blanket and “doudou” (favorite plush toy if the child has one) in a LARGE Ziploc bag
  • Two full sets of change of clothes (this set should be changed and appropriate for each season)
  • Family picture of your child which will be placed in his/her cubby
Is there a transition phasing period for new students?

The first week of school will be a phasing period. Children who are acclimating well and quickly will be able to stay for a longer period. However, we encourage all new families to follow the transition period, as it makes a difference for the long-term integration of the child.

  • First day of school: 8:30 am to 11:30 am. Pick up at 11.30 AM or earlier if the child is having a difficult morning.
  • Second day of school: 8:30 am to 11:30 am. Pick up at 11.30 AM or earlier if the child is having a difficult morning.
  • Third and fourth day of school: 8:30 am to 2 pm (Full Time students) or 3 pm (Full Time + enrichment students). Pick up at 2 PM for Full Time students only, 3 PM for students enrolled in the Full Time + Enrichment Program.
  • Fifth day of school: First full day for children who have transitioned well. Otherwise, same schedule as Thursday.
Are early or late Arrival or Departure allowed?
We do exceptionally, but please give us a call or send an e-mail. Or else, you can let us know that morning or the night before.
May another family member or friend pick up the child?
We cannot allow any child to leave with anyone except the person(s) on your child’s release form, unless you contact us through our communication app or send us an Email in the morning. We will request a State photo I.D from this person. In the case an “unauthorized” person comes for pickup, we will contact you directly to get your verbal approval. In the case we cannot reach you, the child will not be released to that person. Late fees will still apply if the child is picked up late.
What is the Code of Conduct?

Yes. All students and parents are expected to follow a code of conduct that fosters a safe environment for all.

  • Absence of verbal abuse
  • Respect for human dignity
  • Absence of threat of injury
  • Absence of sexual harassment
  • Respect for individual/group health and safety
  • Adherence to laws pertaining to weapons, alcohol, and drugs
  • Honesty, integrity in all endeavors and situations
  • Respect for individual/group diversity and privacy
  • Respect for personal/private property
What is the discipline policy?
We utilize positive reinforcement and guidance techniques so that children are provided with a safe, happy, comfortable environment. The purpose of discipline is to help children develop self-control and to teach children that each person is responsible for his own actions. Our team is responsible for making sure our students grow and learn to get along comfortably with others.

When discipline is necessary, it will be carefully applied so that the child still feels that he is an important and worthwhile person. Children will be handled lovingly and at no point will be isolated from the classroom or his/her classmates.
Illness and sick policy (**Subject to periodic change according to DOH guidelines**)

WE ARE A NUT FREE SCHOOL. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY FOOD THAT CONTAINS ANY KIND OF NUTS AT BILINGUAL NEST (EX: NUTELLA, PEANUT BUTTER, ALMOND MILK, COCONUT MILK, CEREALS CONTAINING NUTS)

Illness and Sick Policy

Sick children will not be accepted into school. If a child is sent home because of illness, including fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, they must remain home and meet the applicable return requirements outlined below.

Fever of 100.4°F or Higher:

Children may return after they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Vomiting/Diarrhea:

If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, please keep your child home until they have been free of symptoms for at least 24 hours and are able to eat and drink normally. Diarrhea is defined as runny or watery stools or two or more unusually loose stools within a four-hour period.

Chickenpox:

Exclude the child until all lesions have scabbed over and no new spots have appeared for at least 24 hours.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis):

Exclude the child until all drainage or discharge from the eyes has stopped.

Impetigo:

The child may return 24 hours after beginning antibiotic treatment and with permission from a physician.

Sore Throat:

A child with a sore throat and no other symptoms may attend school. However, the child must remain home if white spots, redness, or swollen glands are visible in the back of the throat.

Strep Throat:

The child may return 24 hours after beginning antibiotic treatment and with permission from a physician.

Common Cold:

A child with a fever must remain home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. The child may return with a mild runny nose or cough if they otherwise feel well enough to participate in the school day.

Flu:

Children experiencing acute flu symptoms must remain home. If a child has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, they may return after they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Headache:

A child whose only symptom is a headache generally does not need to remain home. However, if a severe headache follows a fall or blow to the head, the child’s physician should be contacted.

Rash:

A child with an unexplained rash will not be accepted without a physician’s note confirming that the child may safely return and is not contagious.

When a child becomes ill at school, their parent or guardian will be contacted and asked to pick them up. If the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the child’s emergency contact will be called.

Are you allowed to administer medications at school?
Bilingual Nest is not permitted to administer any medication.
Exceptions can be made for allergies and asthma, upon a “Standing order” received from the Pediatrician required in order to administer an Epi-Pen, Benadryl, or any Asthma medication.
Do you accept children without immunization?
No. New York City and State Law requires that all children be immunized against various childhood diseases. Immunization forms are updated every fall and are checked yearly by the State Health Department. Failure to have necessary immunizations will result in exclusion from school.
Does the child need to be Toilet-Trained?
Preschool: Yes. All children at the Preschool level should be toilet-trained and wearing underwear. Diapers are not an acceptable choice for school; however, students who are transitioning (early twos) may wear pull-ups to facilitate the transition to the potty.
Infant/ Toddler: If the child starts in our infant/toddler program, we will work together with families to help potty train the toddler so that he/she may be ready for pre-school.
Do you go to the Playgrounds?

TEMPERATURE GUIDELINES FOR OUTDOOR PLAY

  • 95º and Above: Limited time, quiet activities
  • 90º – 95º: 10- 15 minutes
  • 32º – 90º Unlimited time
  • 20º – 32º: 10- 15 minutes
  • 10º – 20º 5 Minutes
  • 10º and below: WE DO NOT GO OUTSIDE
Do you celebrate Birthdays?
We are happy to! If a family wishes to celebrate a child’s birthday with her/his classmates and teachers, we will use the (9:10 am) or afternoon snack (2.45 PM) to do so. Parents can send nut free cupcakes/cakes to the school, but no candies, no sweets, or goodies.