Issues Related to Children

Pre-Schools and Day Care Centers

Pre-schools and Day Care Centers are for children under the age of five. Pre-schools, or Nursery Schools, emphasize educational activities and have shorter hours than do Day Care Centers. Day Care Centers are intended to provide long hours of care for children whose parents are occupied all day.

Pre-schools and Day Care Centers are listed in the Yellow Pages of the Telephone Directory under "Day Nurseries and Child Care" or under "Nursery Schools and Kindergartens". Following is a list of some local Nursery Schools and Day Care Centers (all these services will differ in philosophy, hours, and prices):

Rensselaer Cooperative Children's Playschool Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Bryckwyck Entry E, 276-6102
Samaritan Rensselaer Children Center Samaritan Hospital, 271-3748
YWCA Daycare Center 274-7100

Public Schools for Children

Public schools in the United States do not charge tuition fees. If you live in Troy, your children are entitled to attend the Public Schools of Troy and receive all the special classes that the school district has to offer, such as English classes for foreign students. For more information on the various special classes (for example, for children who are hearing impaired, etc.) call 271-5200.

Kindergarten to Grade 6 (Ages 5-11)
Kindergarten through 6th grade classes are offered in Elementary Schools. There are several Public Elementary Schools in Troy. Which school your children attend depends on where you live.

Children who live in the Family Student Housing area at Rensselaer attend Elementary School No. 14 on 1700 Tibbits Ave. (271-5430). For information on the other elementary schools in the area call the Attendance Office of the School District of Troy (271-5200).

Grades 7 and 8 (Ages 12-13)
Grades 7 and 8 are offered in the Middle School. The Doyle Middle School is located on Burdett Avenue across from the Rensselaer campus. To register your children you need to talk with the school's Guidance Office at 271-5370.

Grades 9-12 (Ages 14-17)
Grades 9 through 12 are offered in the High School. Troy High School is located next to the Middle School, on Burdett Avenue. In order to register your children you need to report to the Guidance Office at 271-5320.

Private Schools

Private and parochial schools can be found in the Yellow Pages of the Telephone Directory under "Schools".

Social Activities for Children

Many social activities for school age children will be offered through their schools. Younger children may find playmates in the various programs offered by the Married Student Organization. The club offers formal programs such as children's movies, puppet shows, and holiday celebrations (such as Halloween and Christmas).

For all activities offered by the Married Student Organization, watch for their monthly Newsletter distributed to all residents of Family Student Housing and mailed to all off-campus married students who request it.

Babysitting

A babysitter is a person whom you pay to stay and care for your child for a given period of time while you are away from home. There are many babysitting advertisements in the Family Student Housing area bulletin boards, but care must be taken in choosing a babysitter. Try to have a friend recommend someone when you first arrive in Troy. After you have met your neighbors and have made some friends you might want to ask them to babysit your child. The usual babysitting rate is at least $3.00-5.00 per hour.

Child Abuse and Child Neglect Laws in New York State

According to New York State laws, the state may take children away from parents who abuse or neglect them. Excessive physical punishment or leaving a child unattended are examples of abuse and neglect. New York State may interfere on behalf of the child in such situations.

Dangers for Children

Please read the section on "Dangers for Children", under Health Care. Remember to make your home safe of hazardous objects with which children might hurt themselves.

Travelling with Children

Please note that in New York State there is a law requiring all children under the age of 10 to be restrained in a special car seat or with a seat belt while riding in an automobile. All children under four are required to be in regulation car seats as specified by the law.