Policies and Rules

Absences, Vacations, or Illnesses

Please notify us if your child will be absent to save us undue concern.

We do honor a free 2 week vacation once a year. (Twice Monday thru Friday). There is no fee for this time, provided the school has been notified in advance. School age children are offered an additional 2 weeks in the summer.

We will be closed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

If the Holiday:

Falls on a Saturday, we will close on the Friday
Falls on a Sunday, we will close on the Monday
We are also closed on the Saturday of a holiday weekend

There is no reduction in tuition fees due to fixed costs.
The weekly contracted tuition will still be due.

Annual Registration Fee
Registration is charged each August.

Assessments
We observe your child’s development and behavior closely. You will receive 2 written evaluations or progress reports throughout the year. A conference request form is attached to these reports, but we are always here to discuss any matter concerning your child’s well-being.

Birthdays
We love celebrating birthdays and every effort is made to make this a very special day for your child. Please consult the Director regarding any special catering arrangements. Of course, you are invited to participate!

Mats
We provide mats for nap time. We ask you to supply a fitted sheet big enough to fit the 3 ft by 2 ft mat.

Clothing
Your child should wear clothes appropriate for our daily activities. Your child will go outside every day and will enjoy painting, sand and water play, clay modeling, etc. We cannot be responsible for the condition of his or her clothing. We have overalls for extra messy activities. Open-toed sandals are not suitable for outdoor play. We recommend that you select shoes with velcro closings until your child is old enough to begin to learn to tie his or her shoes. Young children enjoy trying to do things for themselves and velcro makes this easier. Please supply us with a complete change of labeled clothing.

Discipline
Discipline is based upon positive reasons for respecting one another and being safe. We praise good behavior and redirect unacceptable behavior, giving clear explanations. We have simple, understandable rules and adults are firm, supportive, and consistent in helping children follow them.

If, despite help and redirection, an unacceptable behavior continues, the child will be removed from his or her activity. The child must remain in vision of the teacher and will sit in a chair away from the other children for a short period of time. The length of time will be appropriate to the child’s behavior and age.

Elementary students will follow the same procedure. If a second warning given is ignored, then they may be asked to write sentences concerning their behavior. These will go home for the parents to see. In severe cases of misbehavior, a child may have to be withdrawn from a field trip or suspended for the day.

We do not believe in corporal punishment.

Drop Off and Pick Up

Please escort your child into the building, sign in, and then take your child to his or her classroom. We ask that a preschool child is never left unattended. Please always notify the teacher of your child’s arrival. Please also be sure to let your child’s teacher know when you leave. This is not just for security reasons, we need those goodbye hugs! A child will not be released to a person who has not been authorized by a parent to pick up his or her child. To ensure maximum safety for the children, we have a keyless entry system. Each person authorized to pick up your child will have a code to enter the building. Please do not be offended if we ask you for identification.

Meals

We are contracted with the USDA Child Nutrition program. Nutritious meals are prepared for the children and will always contain the four basic food components. Menus are posted for your review and you are welcome to take a copy home. Please supply an alternative meal if your child may not eat what we are offering. Please let us know of any allergies your child may have.

Field Trips and Transportation

(For Zebras and Einsteins)

We  like to take the children on regular excursions. You will be notified of any such trips beforehand. Trips are well supervised and all precautions are made for the safety and well-being of your child. We ask you not to give your child money for treats, as this causes problems for those children who do not bring money. Of course you are invited to participate! Children will be transported in mini-vans or cars equipped with seat belts.

Medical

Within 30 days of enrollment, you must provide us with DCF FORMS 3040 and 680 (proof of up-to-date immunizations and a physical exam within the last two years). Please keep us up to date with any new inoculations.

If your child shows any symptoms of illness during the day, he or she will be immediately isolated from the others and you will be contacted.

PLEASE use good judgment as to when you should keep your child at home. Please see our Health and Safety Policy.

If we cannot contact you, we will take your child to your physician or hospital if we feel it is necessary.

Injuries

If your child is injured and needs medical assistance, your health insurance will be the primary source responsible for payment of any treatment. We do have accident insurance that will cover any costs not covered by your insurance up to the maximum of the amount insured.

Payments

~ All fees are due and payable in advance for the week your child will be attending.
~ All payments are made the morning of the first day of the week your child attends.
~ There is a late fee of $10 if payment is not received when due.
~ There will be a $20 charge for any returned check.
~ Please pick up your child by 6:30 p.m. or we will have to charge a late fee of $1 per minute.