Parent Handbook: Policies and Daily Information for Orlando Families
- Updated for the 2026–2027 school year.
Horizons at a glance
Ages served
6 weeks to 12 years
Programs
Infant, Toddler, Early Preschool, Preschool, Private Pre-K (ages 4–5), Before & After School, Summer Camp
Hours
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM
Drop-off
By 9:00 AM. Children are not accepted after 9:00 AM except when an exception has been approved in advance by the Director.
Tours
Monday–Friday, 9:30–11:00 AM, by appointment
Meals
Halal meals prepared fresh on-site
Parent app
Brightwheel
Accreditation
Gold Seal Quality Care & Green Apple Accredited
License
Licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families, License C09OR0305
Funding accepted
School Readiness / 4C or eligible children enrolled in participating programs. Horizons also works with families who have eligible Step Up for Students scholarship funding. Eligibility and allowable expenses vary by scholarship. Please contact Horizons for details.
Serving Orlando families
Since 2009
Location
1089 N Goldenrod Rd, Orlando, FL 32807 · (407) 622-9307
Key times in your child's day
01
7:00 AM
Doors open
02
9:00 AM
Drop-off ends
03
11:00 AM
Lunch
04
After lunch
Rest time
05
3:00–3:30 PM
Afternoon snack
06
6:00 PM
Center closes
Hours, Drop-Off, and Pickup
Horizons is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Drop-off ends at 9:00 AM, when our front door locks and classroom routines begin.
Children are not accepted after 9:00 AM except when an exception has been approved in advance by the Director. A consistent morning routine helps children settle in and enjoy the full day with their classmates.
Families check children in and out every day using the Brightwheel app by scanning the code at the front door or lunchroom door.
Each authorized adult sets up a personal check-in code, which should not be shared. Please walk your child to their classroom and let the teacher know they've arrived.
Only adults listed as authorized on your child's enrollment form can pick up your child.
Anyone our staff doesn't recognize will be asked for photo ID. If someone new is picking up, please let the office know in advance by phone, text, or written notice. For safety, no one under 16 may pick up a child unless they are the child's parent.
Please call the center right away and arrange for an authorized adult to pick up your child. A late pickup fee of $1 per minute, per child, applies after 6:00 PM.
Children receive breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack each day. All meals are halal and prepared fresh on-site.
Afternoon snack is served from 3:00–3:30 PM to children who are present during snack time. To-go snacks are not provided for children picked up before snack.
Menus are posted in the Brightwheel app, and every meal follows USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program meal pattern guidelines for each age group.
Yes. Families provide formula and baby food for infants under one year old, and for toddlers until they are ready for our regular menu.
Please label bottles and food with your child's name.
Yes. Please discuss allergies, religious, or special dietary needs with the Director before enrollment so we can plan for your child. A physician's note may be required for some needs.
Outside food isn't permitted, except for infant food, approved dietary accommodations, and birthday treats.
Birthday treats must be store-bought and packaged. Please check with your child's teacher first about classroom allergies.
Meals and Nutrition
Health and Safety
Please keep your child home if they have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, signs of pink eye, an unexplained rash, or any illness that keeps them from joining normal activities, including outdoor play.
Children may return after they have been fever-free for 48 hours without fever-reducing medicine. For some conditions, a doctor's note may be required before returning.
If your child becomes ill during the day, they'll rest comfortably with office staff while we call you for pickup. We recommend every family have a backup plan for sick days.
Staff can give prescription medication only, in its original pharmacy-labeled container, with a signed medication form.
Please hand all medication to office staff, never to the classroom. We don't give over-the-counter medicine, except diaper cream with your written permission.
Yes, with your written authorization. Please provide sunscreen labeled with your child's first and last name.
Staff give first aid right away, and you'll receive an incident report through Brightwheel.
If your child needs medical care, we'll call you promptly. In an emergency, we call 911 and then notify you.
- Our entrance is secured, and all visitors sign in and show photo ID.
- Classroom observation windows and video monitoring keep care visible.
- We run monthly fire drills and regular severe-weather drills.
- All staff are First Aid and CPR certified.
- All staff complete pre-service training, ongoing annual training, and SIDS and Shaken Baby prevention training.
- Every employee passes a background check before their first day.
- Horizons is licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families and inspected under Florida's child care standards.
Horizons follows Orange County Public Schools for weather-related closures. If public schools close due to unsafe conditions, Horizons closes too, and we'll contact families right away.
See holidays and planned closures on our School Year Calendar.
Communication and Closures
Daily Life at Horizons
Yes. Children wear khaki or navy bottoms, a white or navy polo shirt, and comfortable closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops). Jackets worn during the school day must be navy blue and labeled with the child's name.
Please label all clothing with your child's name.
Infants and toddlers
- Two complete changes of clothes
- A navy-blue sweater or jacket for the season
- At least one week's supply of diapers and wipes
- Formula or baby food for the day (infants)
- Labeled bottles and pacifiers, if needed
- Family photos
Preschoolers
- One change of uniform clothes
- A navy-blue sweater or jacket for the season
- Sunscreen for outdoor play
One small soft toy or blanket for nap time is welcome. Please label everything with your child's name.
We partner with families on toilet training when your child is ready, starting no earlier than 18 months, with a patient, positive approach.
Families supply diapers and wipes, and we'll let you know through Brightwheel when supplies run low. Children move into our Early Preschool classroom once they are toilet trained.
We use positive guidance: praise, clear expectations, redirection, and helping children understand the results of their choices.
Physical punishment is never permitted. If a behavior concern comes up, we'll work with you as a partner.
Yes. Every child in care for five or more hours has a supervised rest period, following lunch.
- Completed enrollment form
- Birth certificate
- Florida certified immunization record
- Florida school entry health exam
- Photo ID for both parents
- Authorization for emergency medical care
- Signed Parent Handbook acknowledgement
- Infant feeding instructions (children under one year)
- A Brightwheel account set up for your family
All requirements must be complete at least two business days before your child's first day. Your enrollment packet is provided at registration.
Every family tours Horizons before enrolling. Schedule a tour to get started.
Forms, including health, medication, allergy, authorized pickup, and change-of-information forms, are available from the office on request.
Tuition depends on your child's age and program. Call us at (407) 622-9307 and we'll walk you through current rates and funding options.
Every enrolled family receives the complete Parent Handbook at registration. You can also request a copy from the office.
Enrollment Documents and Tuition
