School Day Smiles Childcare & Preschool FAQ
Before picture day arrives, we know parents and childcare centers may have questions. We've gathered answers to the most common questions about registration, picture day, ordering, and photo delivery to help make the School Day Smiles experience simple, enjoyable, and stress-free for everyone. If you don't see your question here, we're always happy to help!
School Day Smiles General Questions
Who handles registration?
PS Photography handles all registrations online. Families register their child before Picture Day, making the process simple for both families and center staff.
Do we collect money from families?
No. All registration fees and package purchases are handled directly through PS Photography. Your staff never has to collect payments or distribute order forms.
How does PS Photography receive permission to photograph children?
The online registration serves as the parent's permission for PS Photography to photograph their child on Picture Day.
What if a child is not registered?
Only children with completed registrations will be photographed unless other arrangements have been made with the center and PS Photography.
What if a family forgets to register?
If registration is still open, families may register before their child's scheduled photo time. Once registration closes, additional registrations will be accommodated when possible.
Picture Day
How long does Picture Day take?
Most centers are completed within approximately 3–5 hours, depending on enrollment, classroom sizes, and the portrait style selected.
Do classrooms need to come all at once?
No. We photograph one classroom at a time to minimize disruption to your daily routine.
What if a child doesn't want their picture taken?
We never force a child to participate. Sue uses patience, encouragement, play, and conversation to help children feel comfortable. If a child still isn't ready, we'll try again later if time allows.
What if a child cries?
That's okay! We work at each child's pace and often capture smiles after giving them a few moments to become comfortable. Sometimes the best approach is simply letting them explore before taking photos.
How many photos are taken?
Each child will receive a minimum of five professionally edited images, with many galleries containing additional images.
Will every child receive the same poses?
Not necessarily. Every child has a unique personality. We focus on creating authentic expressions rather than forcing identical poses.
What happens if the weather doesn't cooperate for outdoor portraits?
If weather is unsafe or unsuitable, PS Photography will work with the center to:
Move indoors using a traditional backdrop, or
Reschedule outdoor portraits when possible.
Teachers & Staff
Do teachers need to stay during photos?
Yes, at least one teacher or admin person needs to stay with the children during their photo time. It’s always nice to have a familiar teacher or staff member nearby, especially for infants and younger children. Your encouragement helps children feel comfortable and keeps the schedule moving smoothly.
Will staff receive headshots?
Yes! Every staff member receives a complimentary professional headshot as part of the School Day Smiles program.
Can staff purchase their headshot?
Absolutely. Staff will receive their own online gallery and may purchase a digital copy of their headshot or other available products directly through PS Photography.
Class Photos
What class photo options are available?
Centers may choose:
Traditional class photo (everyone together)
Composite class photo (individual portraits combined into one class image)
Do we receive complimentary class photos?
Yes!
Each participating center receives:
One complimentary class photo for every classroom
One additional class photo for the office
Family Galleries
How do parents receive their photos?
Parents receive an email with a secure online gallery where they can view their child's professionally edited images and purchase the package that best fits their family.
What is the $30 registration fee used for?
The registration fee reserves the child's session and is applied as a credit toward the family's final package purchase.
Who handles parent questions?
PS Photography is happy to answer questions about registration, galleries, ordering, products, or downloads. Families can contact us directly, allowing your staff to stay focused on the children.
Preparing for Picture Day
What should teachers do before bringing children?
Before arriving at the photography area, we recommend:
Wiping faces and hands
Checking for runny noses
Straightening clothing
Fixing hair or bows
Removing bibs when appropriate
Bringing comfort items if needed
Should children change clothes at school?
This is entirely up to the family and the center's policies. If outfit changes are allowed, teachers may assist as time permits.
Scheduling
What if a child arrives late?
We'll do our best to photograph late arrivals during our scheduled make-up time.
What if a child is absent?
Absent children may be photographed during a scheduled make-up day if one is available.
Safety
How does PS Photography keep children comfortable?
Sue has extensive experience working with young children through her background in Early Childhood Education and is CPR & First Aid Certified. Sue creates a calm, patient, and positive environment where children can relax and be themselves.
Explore the most common School Day Smiles Questions