Early Learning Center's Policies and Procedures

 

Hours of Operation
 

    The center will be open from 7:00am until 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. The center will operate on the school calendar.

    In case of severe weather conditions, listen for closing information on local radio stations, on Richmond television channels, and on the Brunswick Academy web site.

 

Admission and Enrollment
 

    The Early Learning Center admits children of any race, religion, color, disability, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities made available to students at the school.

 

The following forms are required by the Center and must be completed prior to the student entering the school:

 

Rates and Fees

 

Three-year-old Preschool program

     The three year old program offers a three-day (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) program or a five-day option, as well as a half-day program. There is a non-refundable $75.00 registration fee.

     Payments for the Early Learning Center may be made weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or paid in full in advance. Payments are due in advance of services, for example, the first day of the week, the first day of the new month, etc.

     A late fee of $10.00 will apply to all late payments.

     Late pick-ups: Parents will be charged a late fee of $2.00 per minute after 6:00 pm.

     Withdrawal from the program requires a two-week notice.

Four-year-old Pre-Kindergarten program


     School year tuition - $4,400.00
     Registration fee - $100.00, non-refundable

     The Pre-kindergarten program operates on a five-day plan. Payment for the four year old program is due in full on or before June 30th. Parents may pay in full or participate in the school's bank plan. Contact the school for more information on the bank plan option.

     Extended day rates:
          Before school (7:00 am - 8:15 am) - $3.00 per day
          After school (3:00 pm - 6:00 pm) - $7.00 per day
          Before and after school - $10.00 per day

     Payments for extended hours are due throughout the school year, with the exception of Christmas break and Spring break. All contracted days must be paid regardless of sickness, absence, inclement weather, or holidays.
 


Discipline

 

    Classroom rules and limits shall be age appropriate and understandable to the child. Discipline will be fair and consistent.

     Only acceptable methods of discipline will be permitted at the Early Learning Center and will include "time-out." In time-out, a child is removed from the source of the problem after communication and reasoning has failed to correct unacceptable behaviors. Positive redirection and/or removal from the source of the problem have been found, in most cases, to be sufficient.

     Discipline will not in any way be related to food, rest, or toiletering. The B. A. Early Learning Center prohibits any form of verbal or physical punishment.

     The Center reserves the privilege of dismissing any child if, after entering, he/she seems unable to participate in group experiences or is a threat to the safety of others. Parents may also terminate enrollment but must give two weeks prior notification.
 


Parent Participation


     The Early Learning Center encourages parent involvement. Parents are welcome to take an active part in our programs. There are opportunities for parents to help out in the classrooms, chaperone field trips, and volunteer to coordinate special events. Parents and/or family members are also welcome to help celebrate birthdays and holidays in the classroom.

     Conferences are scheduled twice per year to discuss your child's accomplishments and progress. Teachers are available for additional conferences if the need arises. We welcome comments, questions, and suggestions.
 


Meals and Snacks


     The Center will provide a nutritional lunch and two snacks daily. The food is prepared by the school's cafeteria staff and meets the nutritional guidelines set forth by the Child Care Food Program of the USDA.

     Mealtimes provide opportunities for children to learn to make good food choices and enjoy a variety of nutritious foods in a pleasant atmosphere.

     Please notify the Center if your child cannot eat certain foods due to allergies, religious beliefs, etc. If your child requires a special diet due to medical reasons, a physician's note on file may be required.

     Monthly menus and snack lists will be posted in the classrooms and are available upon request.
 


Health and Safety Practices


     Proper hand washing routines will be practices by children and staff daily.

     Toys will be bleached on a regular basis to prevent the spread of illness.

     Fire and tornado drills will be conducted at least once a month and recorded. Evacuation plans are posted in the classrooms.

     Staff members will do their very best to prevent accidents and injuries. In the event of an injury, first aid will be administered and a report will be prepared. Parents will receive a copy of the report. Staff members maintain a current First Aid and CPR certificate.

     Children will not be released to anyone except those authorized to pick up the child on the enrollment form. Identification may be required. In the event you wish another adult to pick up your child, written permission in advance or a phone call may be required.

     Playground safety is important. Staff members will monitor play for safety and equipment will be inspected daily.

     Virginia law requires that childcare facilities report suspected child abuse and/or neglect.

     A child that exhibits signs and symptoms of illness may be separated from the class until he/she can be picked up. Your child will not be allowed to attend preschool if he/she exhibits any symptoms for exclusion within a 24-hour period.
 

Symptoms for exclusion:

     Exposure to any communicable illness will be posted.
 


Medications


     Written parental consent is required in order to administer any medication. The Center requires specific written instructions on authorization forms available at the Center.
 


Transportation/Field Trips


     Children enrolled in the Early Learning Center may ride the bus to and from school each day. Those children who live outside the existing bus routes may meet buses at central points. Students who ride the bus will be expected to have a parent/guardian VISIBLE to the bus driver before the driver will let the child off the bus.

     If you choose to bring your child to school, please park in the lower school parking lot and walk your child to the classroom. Parents/guardians are required to sign children in and out.

     Field trips are a part of our early childhood curriculum and offer a variety of opportunities to explore and learn. Written permission will be required for all field trips.
 


Clothing


     Washable play clothes are best suited for preschoolers. Flip-flops or open-toed shoes should not be worn to school because of possible accidents on the playground. Sturdy shoes are encouraged.

     Please label all sweaters, jackets, coats, backpacks, etc.

     Each child needs to bring a shoebox with a complete extra set of clothing. As seasons and sizes change, we will ask you to update this set of extra clothes.
 


Children's Supplies


     Your child will need a book bag or backpack to transport their artwork, schoolwork, and notes back and forth. Backpacks will be checked in the mornings.

     Preschoolers will rest each day and the Center will provide a cot. Please send a blanket, something special to sleep with, etc. Rest time linens will be sent home on Fridays to be washed.

     Please do not allow your child to bring toys from home. Special items as requested by the teacher, such as show and tell, will be allowed.

     We ask that each family donate a box of tissues, a roll of paper towels, and a box of 5-ounce cups. The Center will provide school supplies, such as paper, crayons, markers, glue, etc.
 


Daily Schedule


     A copy of your child's daily schedule will be sent home when school begins. Also, teachers will provide a calendar of events, weekly activities, and newsletters to keep you informed.

 

 

 

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