Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I enroll my child?
- You can learn more and enroll your child on our website. There are two steps to register:
-
- Fill out an Inquiry Form here, and we'll email you tuition rates and a link to register.
- Once you review tuition and are ready to take the next step, complete the registration form (you'll find the link in your email!) to tell us more about your family. *Please note that the Inquiry Form and the Registration Form are both required steps.
- Is there a screening process? How do you determine who gets priority?
-
- Acorn Academy will accept children on a first come, first served basis, based on available space in each specific classroom by age group. We believe that every parent and child deserves child care and we do not implement a screening process for admissions. Priority will be given to siblings of enrolled students, families who have both parents working at Elon and families who enroll their children on a full time 5 day schedule.
- Acorn Academy will accept children on a first come, first served basis, based on available space in each specific classroom by age group. We believe that every parent and child deserves child care and we do not implement a screening process for admissions. Priority will be given to siblings of enrolled students, families who have both parents working at Elon and families who enroll their children on a full time 5 day schedule.
- What is Vivvi and how is Elon partnering with them?
-
- Vivvi provides child care and early learning for today’s families. Elon is partnered with Vivvi to operate a hiqh-quality child care and early learning program for children of our staff, faculty and students.
- Vivvi provides child care and early learning for today’s families. Elon is partnered with Vivvi to operate a hiqh-quality child care and early learning program for children of our staff, faculty and students.
- Are all employees of Elon and enrolled students eligible for care at Elon’s child care center or are there prioritized members of the community?
-
- As an employer-sponsored child care facility, Elon University full-time faculty, staff and students receive priority enrollment and tuition rates.
- As an employer-sponsored child care facility, Elon University full-time faculty, staff and students receive priority enrollment and tuition rates.
- Can other members of our community enroll at Elon’s child care center?
-
- No, at this time, Acorn Academy is only open to eligible full-time employees of Elon and enrolled students. Part time employees are not eligible at this time.
- No, at this time, Acorn Academy is only open to eligible full-time employees of Elon and enrolled students. Part time employees are not eligible at this time.
- What is the location?
-
- Acorn Academy is conveniently located in the previous psychology and human service studies building on South Campus, 201 S. O'Kelly Ave, Elon, NC.
- Acorn Academy is conveniently located in the previous psychology and human service studies building on South Campus, 201 S. O'Kelly Ave, Elon, NC.
- What is Elon’s child care center’s capacity?
-
- Acorn Academy can accommodate up to 65 children across our infant, toddler, two's and preschool programs.
- Acorn Academy can accommodate up to 65 children across our infant, toddler, two's and preschool programs.
- What ages will the school serve?
-
- Acorn Academy offers child care and early learning for infants, toddlers, 2-year-olds, and preschoolers from ages 6 weeks through 5 years old.
- Acorn Academy offers child care and early learning for infants, toddlers, 2-year-olds, and preschoolers from ages 6 weeks through 5 years old.
- Is Elon’s child care center open during University breaks and over the summer?
-
- Yes, Acorn Academy is be open during University breaks and over the summer, with the exception of some U.S. holidays and professional development days for Elon’s child care center staff and faculty. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, dependable child care and learning solution for working parents.
- Yes, Acorn Academy is be open during University breaks and over the summer, with the exception of some U.S. holidays and professional development days for Elon’s child care center staff and faculty. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, dependable child care and learning solution for working parents.
- How do I use Acorn Academy for backup care?
- Please note that there is limited availability at Acorn Academy for backup care, but as an Elon Employee, you have access to additional centers in your area as well. You can reach our concierge team with any questions at: backup@vivvi.com
- Here are the steps to use Acorn Academy for backup care:
- Register for your benefits using this form. You must register for your benefits before booking care.
- Submit a medical form (filled out by your pediatrician) for your child(ren).
- Book care (you can book up to 30 days in advance or as late as the morning of provided you are already registered) by submitting this form.
- Receive confirmation from Vivvi's concierge team.
* Please note that care must be confirmed before dropping off your child. Acorn Academy is not a drop-in center.
- What are the tuition rates?
- Tuition for Acorn Academy is dependent on the age of your child, the schedule you choose and your salary. You can learn about your tuition rates by filling out the inquiry form on the Acorn Academy website. After filling out the form, you’ll receive an email with tuition rates and a link to complete your registration.
- A deposit of one month’s tuition is due at the time of enrollment to secure your child’s spot and will be applied to the second month’s tuition. We have a 30-day unenrollment notice policy. Unenrollment with more than 30 days' advance notice will be granted a full refund. If you notify us of unenrollment with less than 30 days' advance notice, the deposit will be nonrefundable.
- Families will submit their deposit and ongoing tuition payments through an app called Brightwheel. Brightwheel will help parents process payments easily throughout their Acorn Academy experience.
- Can I use my DCFSA (Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account) for Acorn Academy?
- Yes, employees will be able to use their Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account to help budget for child care and summer program expenses for children under the age of 13. If you haven’t already established a Dependent Care FSA, you won’t need to wait for open enrollment this fall should your child attend Acorn Academy, you can open the account when you enroll your child. Click here to learn more or enroll in a Dependent Care Flex Spending Account.
- What is the learning style for Acorn Academy?
-
- Acorn Academy uses an inquiry-based curriculum that encourages children to build developmental skills through play-based activities and nurtures each child’s curiosity about the world around them. Vivvi (the operating partner for Acorn Academy) works closely with Elon to implement a research-based learning program incorporating the most up-to-date early childhood education strategies and practices.
- Acorn Academy uses an inquiry-based curriculum that encourages children to build developmental skills through play-based activities and nurtures each child’s curiosity about the world around them. Vivvi (the operating partner for Acorn Academy) works closely with Elon to implement a research-based learning program incorporating the most up-to-date early childhood education strategies and practices.
- What are your teacher’s qualifications?
-
- Acorn Academy is filled with caring, passionate and expert educators who will bring its unique curriculum to life, and provide each child with the tools they need to reach their developmental milestones and inspire a lifelong love of learning.
- Acorn Academy is filled with caring, passionate and expert educators who will bring its unique curriculum to life, and provide each child with the tools they need to reach their developmental milestones and inspire a lifelong love of learning.
- Is there a sibling discount?
-
- Yes. In addition to the tiered tuition rates based on salary levels, Elon University has elected to implement a sibling discount structure: 10% off tuition for the oldest child in a two-child household, and full tuition waiver for a third child in a three-child household.
- Yes. In addition to the tiered tuition rates based on salary levels, Elon University has elected to implement a sibling discount structure: 10% off tuition for the oldest child in a two-child household, and full tuition waiver for a third child in a three-child household.
- Are meals going to be provided?
-
- Acorn Academy provides daily snacks for children and parents will be expected to provide pre-mixed bottles and packed lunches.
- Acorn Academy provides daily snacks for children and parents will be expected to provide pre-mixed bottles and packed lunches.
- What are the hours and days available?
-
- Elon’s child care center is open five days a week, Monday through Friday throughout the year, 7:30am - 6pm.
- Elon’s child care center is open five days a week, Monday through Friday throughout the year, 7:30am - 6pm.
- Are there cameras in Acorn Academy's classrooms?
- Due to the privacy of all children and families, we do not provide live-feed cameras in classrooms. Instead, we use an app called Brightwheel to keep families informed throughout the day. Teachers log activities like diaper changes, bottle feedings, naps, photos, and videos in real time. The app also includes two-way messaging, so you can stay connected with your child's teachers and campus administration at any time.
- How can I stay in the know about Elon’s child care center?
-
- If you’re not ready to enroll yet, but would like to learn more about Acorn Academy, please add yourself to our Newsletter List to stay informed.
- If you’re not ready to enroll yet, but would like to learn more about Acorn Academy, please add yourself to our Newsletter List to stay informed.
- Does Acorn Academy offer a Summer Camp option?
- Yes, Acorn Academy will offer summer camp in 2026 (dates TBD) for children ages 5-12 to bridge the gap between traditional summer camps and the start of the school year. You can learn more about Summer Camp at Acorn Academy here.
- Who do I contact with additional questions?
- For more information, please contact the Elon Office of Human Resources at hr@elon.edu; 336-278-5560