Some Frequently Asked Questions about Cartwheels for Kids

Are you a day care?
While we sometimes offer short-term child care, like Date Night, we are not a day care center. Our programs are designed to give you quality time with your children, whether it's through a teacher-led class or in our indoor playground.

Must I be a member to come to Cartwheels?
No! Cartwheels will always be open to anyone with kids five and under. Becoming a member does have its advantages, though, including free playtime and reduced rates.

There’s no class for my child’s age on the day that we want. Could we just go to the older class?
Our age recommendations have been carefully considered to best group children in a developmentally appropriate way. Therefore, it is important that your child be at the minimum age by the first class. If you have concerns about your child’s success in a particular age range, we’d be happy to work with you to find the class best suited for him/her.

May we check out a class without committing?
Certainly. At certain times throughout the year, we are happy to schedule a free visit. Please call for availability.

Must I wait until the beginning of each session to join?
Although you may join our classes at any time, class sizes are limited and can fill quickly. For those classes with required materials, you should register at least three weeks before the session begins so that we will have your child’s materials available at the first class. If you enroll after the session begins, tuition can be pro-rated accordingly. A registration form and payment must be received before enrollment can be confirmed.

How are refunds handled?
In the case where a particular class does not run, tuition refunds or credit vouchers will be given. If you need to cancel, a full refund will be issued if you notify us prior to one week before the beginning of a session. The week before a session starts, you will be refunded your tuition less a $25 cancellation fee. If you must cancel after your session has begun, we will gladly reschedule you for a future class. No refunds are given after a session starts.

What if I miss a class? Can I make it up?
Your tuition entitles you to participate in your class during your time slot. If Cartwheels needs to cancel a class due to teacher illness or inclement weather, we will notify you of the cancellation and the scheduled makeup day. If you need to miss class due to illness or other extenuating circumstances, you must notify us at least 24 hours in advance and we will do our best to arrange something for you, but please note that refunds and credits will not be given for missed classes.

I have two children. What are my options?
If you’re able to enroll more than one child in the same class, you will receive 50% off any additional sibling tuition. We can also watch a sibling for you while you attend class, for a nominal fee. However, due to limited class sizes and the delicacy of the younger class settings, we can only accommodate non-enrolled siblings when he or she is young enough to stay contented in a car seat or stroller.

I tried something like this, but my son just ran around the room. Do you really think he’d benefit from a class?
It is not uncommon for a child to attend several classes before feeling comfortable in class. Don’t be discouraged – what a child is absorbing in class often shows up in the comfort of the home environment rather than in a certain level of participation in the class itself. During class, the most important thing you can do for your child is to be an active and patient role model.

You can also arrive early before your class to provide time for your child to settle in a bit. Your tuition includes up to two hours of playground time on the day of your class, so feel free to stay after class as well.

By the way, we love for parents to visit with each other before or after class, but not during class time, please! When you are an active, focused, enthusiastic participant in the class activities, your child will model your actions and focus more fully, too.