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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

  • B/A - Am I allowed to add drop in days?

    Unfortunately, drop in days are not permitted at all.  

  • B/A - Can I bank unused days?

    You cannot save unused days. If your child is absent from school, you are still responsible to pay for childcare. The only credits you will receive for child care is if the school is closed due to inclement weather. If child care is open and you choose not to send your child to school you are still responsible for that payment.

  • B/A - Can I register my child if I only need child care for a few days during the year?

    You must submit a minimum of two days per week each week. This means if you have a before care contract, you must choose two before care each week.  If you have an after care contract you must choose two after cares per week. If you have a before and after care contract you must submit two before care and two after care each week.

  • B/A - Do I have to pay a registration fee every year?

    No, you do not. You only pay once per immediate family. 

  • B/A - Do I have to pay monthly or can I pay weekly?

     You are able to pay weekly or monthly.  However, the invoice must be paid by the due date.  There are no exceptions.   If you have more than 3 late payments your child may be removed from the program.

  • B/A - Do you accept DSS financial assistance?

    Yes, we do. You must contact your caseworker before registering and fill out the necessary paperwork. You are responsible to make sure it is kept up to date or you will be responsible for the full payments.

  • B/A - How can I add an additional day to my calendar that was already submitted?

    If you have a consistent schedule you may not make changes for the year.  If you have a pick your days schedule  you can change the schedule (before it has been approved) when you submit your days for the upcoming month.  Remember, if it has been approved it can not be changed). 

    Follow these steps.

    • a)Click on Explore All Programs in the upper right-hand corner
    • b)Click on View Your Dashboard
    • c)Click on Your Accounts – PM Schools #
    • d)Select the Contract under Current and Upcoming Contracts – your child’s name
    • e)Click on the Change Schedule button on the left
    • f)Click on the calendar to add the dates to the schedule. (You may not delete any dates)
    • g)Click on “Submit Contract Schedule Changes”

    You will receive an email confirmation with the schedule change once the schedule is

    approved. Please check the email confirmation and make sure the schedule change is correct.

  • B/A - How can I authorize additional people to pick up my child?

    Your child will be released only to the authorized pickup people listed on your Childcare Eleyo account. Anyone listed must be a minimum of 18 years old and must show a picture ID. If you would like to add an additional person to the list:

    • Logon to your  PMSchools Eleyo account
    • Point to Explore all Programs and select View Your Dashboard. Select your PMSchools account listed under Your Account.
    • Select the Manage Authorized Pickups button under Account Management.
    • Select Add Authorized Pickup under your child’s name to add a pick-up.
    • Select the Remove button to remove an authorized pick-up person.
  • B/A - How can I fill out a calendar if I don't have a computer?

    You can access your account through a smartphone or tablet. There are also parent/student computers available at the Family Service League located within Saxton Middle School: 121 Saxton Street Patchogue. 

  • B/A - How can I register two children who attend two different child care sites?

    When you register your children it will ask you which school your children will attend for before or After Care.  Please wait for your child's school to open up on line before registering.

  • B/A - How do I add a new month?

    If you have a Consistent contract you do not need to do anything.  It will automatically renew.

    If you have a Pick your days contract:

    • 1) Go to your Eleyo account 2) Select Account management 3) In the box that says Current and Upcoming Contract, click on the arrow next to the green rectangle that says Ends Sept:  4) Select schedule change  5) Select the dates you need for Before Care "or" Before and After Care "or" After Care.  Do not choose all three.  6) Then select submit or continue.  This depends on the type of computer you are using or if you are using an iPhone.

    Once you have submitted the schedule change ( new month) you will get an approval letter and then you will receive an invoice.  No changes may be made after approval has been done. The invoice MUST be paid by the due date. We will not call or email to remind you to make the payment.  If you do not make the payment your child will not be able to attend child care until it is paid.  

    If you have any questions please call the Child Care office at 631-687-8105.

  • B/A - How do I know what my rate of pay is? Where can I find the free/reduced/regular pay application for lunch?

    We will use your rate of pay from last year until the Middle of October unless it is expired. You must fill out a new lunch application each year. If you don’t fill out a new one then your rate will be changed from a free or reduced to the paid rate. The new application will be available August 10th on pmschools.org. Please email a copy of your acceptance letter to us with the rate of pay, as soon as you get it. We will then make any adjustments to your account.  If your child is in Kindergarten we will charge you the paid rate.  When you send us the letter that states your rate we will credit you the difference.

  • B/A - How do I print my tax statement?

    Tax statements for Child Care are available after January 1st. Use the Download Tax Information button from the Account Management Tools on the left to obtain a copy of the tax statement. If your child attended SCOPE, please go to their ELEYO site for the additional tax statement.

  • B/A - How will I be invoiced and how do I pay?

    • Once calendars are submitted, you will receive an invoice and payment is due by the due date. You can pay monthly or weekly but payment is due on or before the due date. Three (3) late payments and you can be removed from the program. You can set up Auto-pay and your payment will be deducted on the due date automatically.
    • If you would like to pay weekly, you will need to call the Childcare Office and have your account set to weekly payments. You will be invoiced on Tuesday and payment must be made on Thursday.
  • B/A - How will I know if there is an emergency closing?

    Patchogue-Medford utilizes an automated calling system to inform parents of important messages including delayed openings, early releases, and school closures. You can also check the Patchogue-Medford School District website at www.pmschools.org for information. 

  • B/A - What are the accepted credit cards for payment?

    The accepted credit cards for payment are American Express, Discover, Master Card and Visa.

  • B/A - What are the rates I will be paying for my children to attend Child Care for the 2023-2024 school year?

  • B/A - What can I do if I am having trouble with my account?

    • Forgot Password - Go to your Eleyo account and click Sign In. Click forgot password
    • Parent Not linked to account - If you are not the primary parent/guardian on the account and would like to be added to the Childcare account, we can add you, with the primary account holder's permission. You will then be able to access the information and make payments.
  • B/A - What can I expect when I drop off and pick up my child from Childcare?

    We are awaiting updated guidelines for the 2021-2022 School Year.

    Everyone entering Childcare must be wearing a mask (people dropping off and picking up as well as children).. You may be asked to wait outside until it is your turn. Temperatures will be taken before drop off, if your child has a temperature, your child will not be able to attend Childcare. Please give yourself extra time for drop off and pick up.

  • B/A - What do the children do in Before and After Care?

    The children have the opportunity to socialize with friends by playing games, playing with toys, participating in physical activity in the gym or outside and making crafts or drawing. They also have the opportunity to do their homework in the afternoon. A snack is given at Before Care and After Care.

  • B/A - What happens if I can't pick my child up by 6:15PM?

    Pick up is no later than 6:15 PM. Charges of $5.00 per quarter hour will automatically be charged to your account. After a third late pick up your child can be terminated from the program.

  • B/A - What if my child is absent due to illness, can I receive a refund or credit?

    Unfortunately, there are no refunds or credits for illness unless your child is absent from school and child care for more than 3 consecutive days and you can provide a physician’s note stating their return to school date.

  • B/A - What precautions are taken with children that have allergies?

    There is a question on the registration form pertaining to allergies. It’s very important that you fill this out correctly. Our foods do not contain peanuts. If there are certain foods your child is not able to have please note it on the application and please discuss this with your group leader.

  • B/A - What types of snacks are served? Is it possible for my child to bring his/her own snack?

    Before and After Care serves whole grain snacks, fruits, and vegetables, etc. Yes, your child may bring his/her own snack.

  • B/A - Where is Child Care held?

    Child Care is held at each of the seven elementary schools within the Patchogue-Medford School District. Your child must attend child care at his/her home school and must be at least entering Kindergarten. We do not accept Pre-K students in the Child Care program.

  • B/A - Will I have access to my calendar if I need to check on what dates I have signed up for?

    You will always have access to your account and may check it whenever you would like. 

  • B/A - Will my child have the opportunity to do his/her homework?

    Absolutely! If your child has homework they will have an opportunity to work on it during After Care. They can not be forced to do it but they certainly are encouraged. 

  • B/A- What if I only need before care but once in a while I need after care can I do that?

    If you sign up for before care you will only have a before care contract.  If you sign up for after care you will only have an after care contract.  If you would like both Before & After care you must sign up for the before and after care calendar.  You must submit 2 days per week in each section (before and after) that is the minimum required.

  • Permission Slip 2024

    Download the 2024 Permission Slip

  • SUM - How do I know that my child will be safe at the camp?

    Once children are dropped off at the camp they are under the constant supervision of the camp counselors. All staff are Patchogue-Medford employees, whose background have been checked. Children are required to wear the Patchogue-Medford Summer Recreation red tee shirt included in the cost of the registration so that the summer camp personnel can easily identify them. Our staff is required to wear blue staff shirts so the children can recognize them when we are out and about. At the end of the day, or if your child is released by the Nurse, children are not released into the custody of anyone other than the parent/guardian or the person(s) whose name(s) parents designated on the application. All adults coming to pick up a child MUST have picture identification. In addition, a security guard is on staff the entire time camp is in session.

  • SUM - If my child was invited to the Summer Academy, are they able to attend the Summer Recreation program?

    No, your child will not be able to attend the 2024 Summer Recreation program. 

  • SUM - Is the cost of the field trips included and should I send my child with money for the gift shop?

    The costs of all field trips are included in the tuition. Please do not send your child with additional money, as we will not be visiting the gift shops.

  • SUM - What about if my child needs to use the restroom while on a trip?

    Please inform your child that a counselor must accompany him/her whenever using a restroom. Children will not be allowed to go to the restroom without a counselor.

  • SUM - What about water and other refreshments?

    We encourage you to send your child with a refillable water bottle with his/her name clearly marked. No liquid other than water may be brought into the classrooms. Please make sure the water bottle is sent with your child every day.

  • SUM - What activities will my child be participating in each day?

    We are working on providing an excellent activity calendar for your child.  We will post it as soon as it is completed.

  • SUM - What else should my child bring to camp each day?

    Please make sure your child has a library card. If you do not have one you can apply for one online ( thhttps://pmlib.org/card-application/). We do read each day so please send your child with a book to read and a water bottle that can be refilled and stay cold.

    Each Wednesday your child is going swimming, send your child with a bathing suit and a towel clearly labeled with their name. Make sure the bathing suit is easy for your child to get on and off. Spray on sunscreen and a hat to wear on field trips is a good idea (it must be spray suntan lotion). Children must wear closed- toed athletic footwear. No flip-flops!

    They also need to wear the red camp shirt they are given each day.  Additional camp shirts can be purchased for $8.00 each after the first week of camp.

    In addition, please send your child with extra masks to keep in his/her backpack.   If you feel your child might need extra clothing please send them in their back pack that is labeled with their name on it.

  • SUM - What happens if I cannot arrive by 3:15 p.m. to pick up my child?

    Pick up is no later than 315 p.m. Charges of $5.00 per quarter hour will be incurred for any child that is left beyond that time. After a third late pick up your child will be terminated from the program.

  • SUM - What happens if my child has on emergency or gets sick while at camp?

    There is a Registered Nurse on staff during the hours when camp is in session. If your child becomes ill while at camp we will contact you. If you should need to contact the nurse while camp is in session the direct line is (631) 687-8111.

  • SUM - What if my child wants to have something else for lunch?

    Yogurt is always served as an alternate for lunch as is cold cereal for breakfast. There is a variety of snacks served in the afternoon. You may elect to send your child with additional food. Keep in mind there is no refrigeration available for bag lunches.

  • SUM - What meals will be served?

    Breakfast and Lunch will be served to all campers. All meals are included in the price of the tuition. A menu will be available prior to the start of camp and posted on our website. Fresh fruit and salad are available every day.

  • SUM - What should my child NOT bring to camp?

    Children should not wear jewelry or bring valuables of any kind. Toys that are not allowed at the camp are the same that are banned from the normal school day. We are not responsible for lost or missing items.

  • SUM - What should my child wear to camp each day?

    For safety reasons, your child must wear a camp tee shirt every day. We will provide camp shirts to the children on the first day of camp. One shirt will be provided for each child attending a half-day session and two shirts for children attending a full day session. For your convenience, you may purchase extra shirts at a cost of $8.00 per shirt. Should your child forget to wear his/her camp shirt, we will provide him/her a replacement shirt and the parent will be billed $8.00. This bill must be paid before the child can enter camp the next day. Under no circumstances will children be allowed to participate in camp without the identifying shirt.  In addition, please make sure your child is wearing a mask and has extras in his/her backpack.

  • SUM - What trips are scheduled for the 2024 Summer Recreation program?

    We are currently working on the summer field trip list and will post when we have confirmation. In addition, we will be going to the pool and Library every week. 

    Week 1 - Plaster Kraze

    Week 2 -  Long Island Children's Museum (subject to change)

    Week 3 - Tiki Action Park (subject to change)

    Week 4 - Sayville Theater (subject to change)

    Week 5 - Crazy Crepes Cafe

    Week 6 -  Long Island Game Farm (subject to change)

    Every Wednesday we go to Centereach Pool

    Each week we go to the Patchogue-Medford Library.  We participate in the summer reading program so the children can take out books, return books and report on them.  During the summer they will also be able to attend a special program for their grade, at the library.  (All trips are subject to change!)  Please make sure a library card is left at the Summer Recreation program.  Every Wednesday they go to the Centereach Pool.

  • SUM - What will be served during Summer Recreation for lunch and breakfast?

    We are working on the menu.  As soon as we have it completed we will post it and have a paper copy for you at the front desk where you will sign your child in.

  • SUM - What will the rate for the 2024 Summer Recreation program be?

  • SUM - When does registration begin?

    Registration for the Summer Recreation program will begin on April 8, 2024.

  • SUM - Who can I contact if I have any other questions?

    Feel free to contact the Childcare Office at 631-687-8105.  They will be happy to answer any of your questions.

  • SUM - Will my child be in the hot summer sun all day?

    As you can see from our daily schedule we have both indoor and outdoor activities planned. However, there are activities in which your child will be exposed to the sun. Therefore, we recommend applying sunscreen on your child before he/she arrives and to pack a bottle of spray sunscreen that he/she can apply later in the day.

  • SUM - Will my child be safe in the pool?

    We will go swimming every day, weather permitting, at the the Town of Brookhaven Centereach Pool and at the Holtsville Pool. The Town of Brookhaven certified lifeguards oversee the pools. The Patchogue-Medford Summer Recreation Program employs a certified lifeguard and/or our Group Leaders have completed CPR for Healthcare Provider (CPR and AED). Children will be expected to observe the rules for pool safety at all times. If they do not, they will have their pool privileges suspended. All students will be limited to chest deep in the pool.

  • SUM- When will my child receive their camp shirt?

    The first date your child will attend the Summer Recreation program they will be given their shirt. It will be in their classroom.

    Additional shirts can be purchased when camp begins

  • SUM- How do I add another week to the Summer Recreation program?

    You can always add additional weeks to the Summer Recreation program.  You will have to go into your Eleyo account, click on Summer Recreation.  Then  choose the week you would like to add.  Once it's approved and you receive the invoice , you will need to pay the invoice by the due date.  Your payment must be received before your child attends.

  • SUM- How do I register my child for the Summer Recreation program?

    How do I register my child?

    Submit a completed registration packet on your Eleyo account.  Once you are approved, a nonrefundable $100 deposit plus a $25 registration fee (unless the family is already registered in the Patchogue-Medford Child Care Program) will be charged. You will be sent an invoice when your payment is due.  Registration for the 2024 Summer Recreation program will begin on Monday, April 8, 2024.  (We accept students that have completed Kindergarten  thru 5th grade.)

  • SUM- Who can I contact if I have any questions?

    Please feel free to contact the Child Care office at 631-687-8105.  The staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.


Still have questions?

Feel free to contact us with what's on your mind.