College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours of operations?

Monday through Friday
7:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
There is no before or after-school program. Late fee pickup is $10.00 each 10 minute period (ex: 5:30-5:40).

Is this a year round program?

No. The CDL operates from late August to early June.

What time will my child need to arrive to receive morning snack?

No later than 8:30 a.m.

Is there a cut-off time for arrival?

Yes. All children must arrive at the Child Development Laboratory (CDL) by 8:30 a.m. If you anticipate arriving after 8:30 a.m., please contact the CDL in advance to notify staff of the late arrival. Without prior communication, your child will be required to wait until the following school day to attend.

When does enrollment begin at the NC A&T State University Child Development Laboratory?

Families may apply anytime as long as their child is at least 2 years and 6 months and no older than 5 by September 1 of the academic year.

When is the last day to submit an application?

April 3, 2026, via the Playground App. Applications will not be considered fort the 2026-2027 school year after 5:00 p.m. on April 4th.

When will applicants be notified if they are accepted?

No later than May 1, 2026.

If I have a sibling/s already enrolled at the CDL will my child be given priority placement?

No. Due to limited slots, all children will be entered in the lottery for a fair selection.

Who may apply for enrollment?

Any parent/guardian may apply. The enrollment period is once a year.

Is priority given to NC A&T State University employees? Between University affiliated children and community children?

No. A 50/50% balance is considered.

Is there an enrollment application fee?

Do we accept DSS or other child care subsidy vouchers?

When is the Family Orientation scheduled?

August 19, 2026 - 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

What is the first day for children?

Monday, August 24, 2026

the staff educated and/or certified in Early Childhood Education?

Yes. All teachers have at least a Bachelors’ Degree in Child Development and are continuing educational credits.

What is the cost of tuition for the academic school year?

$450.00 per month.

When is tuition due?

The first business day of each month.

When is tuition considered late?

After the 1st business day of each month.

Is there a late payment fee?

Yes. $10.00 per day beyond the due date.

Is there an Activity Fee?

Yes. $50.00/month per child.

When is the Activity Fee considered late?

After the 1st business day of each month.

What is the purpose of the Activity Fee?

This fee provides a supplement experience to the CDL learning such as technology, PTO activities, resource consultants, and interactive activities that extend the learning in the classroom or any curriculum supplements.

The activity fee will be kept in a separate non-state account.

If I work at NC A&T State University, does that automatically mean that my child will be accepted

No. Each child must go through our 3rd party automatic lottery selection process.

What is the “Holding Fee?”

The holding fee is a annual fee of $100. Once you have been notified that your child has been accepted and assigned to a designated “space” in the classroom. It reserves the space for your child.

When should the “Holding Fee” be paid?

The holding fee should not be paid before July 6th of the year of Enrollment, but no later than July 8th by 3:00 p.m.

If my child is accepted and have paid the “Holding Fee” but change my mind about my child being enrolled, will the “Holding Fee” be refunded to me?

No. There are no refunds of the holding fee.

Is my tuition and activity fees tax deductible?

Check with your Tax Accountant.

Does the CDL need documents that verify my income?

No. Simply check the range of Income on the initial Application for Enrollment.

If my child is accepted and has to start at a later time; like the middle of September, can my child still attend the program?

Yes. The child will be counted absent for those days but the total monthly tuition and activity fees will be required.

Is there an age limit for eligibility?

Yes. The child should be 2 years and 6 months by September 1, 2026; and no older than 5 years old by September 1, 2026.

If my child is still wearing pull-ups on the 1st day of school can they attend?

No. The children can not wear pull-ups. They must be completely potty-trained. We are not licensed to change diapers. Any child that is showing signs of not being potty trained will have to meet with administration to discuss alternative care.

When does the school year start?

The children will begin on:

August 19th – Family Orientation
August 20th - Staggered Entry
August 21st - Staggered Entry
August 24th - First Full Day

Is there a Tuition and Activity Fee for the month August?

Yes. August Tuition payment will be prorated and combined with September tuition and Activity fee. There is no Activity fee for August.

Am I required to wear a mask while in the facility?

No. Masks and face coverings will be optional for all children, staff, parents, university students, and/or visitors. We reserve the right to require mandated masks in the event of a public health emergency or other unforeseen circumstances to ensure the safety and well-being of all children, students, staff, and families.

What payment methods can I use to pay for tuition and activity fee?

You are able to pay with Visa, Mastercard, Clover, Discover, Amex, Star, and NC Flex
(dependent care). Cashier’s Check and Money Order will be accepted. Please note that if the dependent care option is selected, the amount selected is pre-taxed and spread out over a 12-month period.

Am I able to pay tuition in advance?

Yes. Please notify the administration of your request to make necessary arrangements.

When will I get the Parent Handbook and School Calendar?

You will receive your Parent Handbook during Registration if your child is selected for enrollment. The School Calendar will be included in the packet of information mailed to you.

Will students, faculty, and staff in Child Development and Family Studies and other related fields observe and interact?

Yes. Acceptance of enrollment indicates voluntary participation in the students preparation and research projects.

Thank you for considering NCA&T State University Child Development Laboratory for the care and education of your child.

If you have other questions that may not be covered in this FAQ, please contact the Child Development Laboratory at 336-256-2750.