When is tuition due each month?
Tuition is due on the first of each month and considered late after the fifteenth of the month. A $25 late fee is applied to any accounts that are paid after the fifteenth of any month.
If my child is absent for any reason, can a refund be given?
Because our program and licensing requires us to employ staff based on the number of children enrolled each day, we cannot give tuition refunds or prorate your tuition for days that your child is absent for any reason including illness. The only exception is when the child is absent for 2 weeks or more consecutively because of illness. At that point, with a doctor’s note, we will prorate that month’s tuition to half of your regular amount. We do offer each child 3 make up days without charge per school year. These must be arranged in advance and only if space is available. Any other additional days will incur a charge of $25 per day.
If we cannot attend one of our regularly schedule days, can we “switch” it for another day?
You may add a day to your schedule and use one of your 3 make up days or pay $25 for a drop in day. Each day is scheduled with consideration to the regularly enrolled children. If children begin switching days, it can greatly disrupt the activities of the day and the teacher student ratios.
Is Playschool opened year round?
No, we operate as a school and take breaks similar to the Memphis City Schools calendar. We do offer an eight week summer session but do close prior to the summer session and after the summer session before the school year begins.
How long do you typically have to wait to secure a spot once you are placed on the waiting list?
The usual wait for an opening varies with each age group. The longest wait is for a spot in our infant room. We begin enrollment for the following fall in February.
Although the regular day begins at 9:00 am, is it okay to drop off my child at any time during the day?
Children must arrive each day by 9:30. This ensures an easy drop off and allows your child to take advantage of the structured teaching time in the classroom. Because of our condensed day, the morning is used for planned activities and teaching time. It is very difficult for a child to enter a classroom that has already gotten into the rhythm of the day and where children have already paired up. It is also very difficult and disruptive for teachers to stop the teaching moments and transition a late child into the classroom.
We are often rushed in the mornings – is it okay to send breakfast for the child to eat at school?
No, we expect every child to eat a nutritious breakfast every morning to get your child off to a good start. Each class has a snack midmorning. Plan ahead so that your child can be rested, unhurried, and relaxed for the first of the morning. On the same note, all children except for the infant room, must arrive awake at school. We will not accept sleeping children.
Do you offer a drop off and pick up program for parents to take advantage of?
We offer a drop off program from 8:50 – 9:15 each morning except in inclement weather for children 18mos and older. We do not offer a pick up program in the afternoons and require the parent or other designated person to come into the school and pick up the child. We can not release children to anyone under the age of 18. We cannot accept children in the carpool lane who are not restrained in the legally required car seats. All of our children are legally required to be in a car restraint system other than a seat belt.
Can my child bring personal toys to school?
All children can bring a soft lovey that does not make noise for nap time. Many classrooms offer a “Show and Share Day” during which children may bring a toy from home. Guns, ropes, knives, swords (laser or traditional) and other toys or action figures that encourage rough and violent play are to left at home “Show and Share Day” and every other day.
Does Evergreen provide lunch?
No, we do not provide lunch and ask that each child brings a brown bag type lunch. We do not heat or refrigerate (except in the infant room) any lunches. All lunches must be ready to eat (for example, cut, peeled, sliced, etc.) and children in the PreK3, JK, and Kindergarten must be able to manipulate all containers. Lunch time is a part of our learning experience and children will help with table setting and clean-up. We will practice table manners and some classes will say a short prayer before lunch. Teachers will encourage the children to taste every food item and will have the children eat the “healthy” foods first.
If my child is sick can he/she still come to school?
We adhere strictly to our Health and Illness Policy and will not compromise the standards when a child is sick and unable to participate in activities. Children with the following may not be brought to Playschool and will need to be picked up promptly if at school: Fever within the past 24 hours, Vomiting and/or Diarrhea within the past 24 hours, Chicken Pox, Conjunctivitis, Lice, Pin Worms, Strep Throat, undiagnosed Rash, Sore or Discharging Eyes, Ears, or Profuse Nasal Discharge, Severe Coughing, Difficult Breathing, or any other contagious illness or if your child is unable to participate in daily activities.
What form of discipline does Evergreen use?
Positive reinforcement is an ongoing and integral part of our teaching practice. All of our teachers understand and adheres to this philosophy. Behavior expectations are based on the child’s developmental level. There will be no physical punishment, threats of physical punishment, shaming, or belittling punishment administered. We follow Dr. Thomas Phelan’s 1-2-3 Magic system of child behavior guidance. We strongly recommend all parents read his book.
When must my child be potty trained?
All children entering the PreK3 program must be completely and independently potty trained. All children in this program must be able to communicate their potty needs to the teacher and they must be able to manipulate their own clothing. Accidents at this age happen from time to time and will be handled matter-of-factly with the child cleaning himself and changing his/her own clothes. Children having an accident one or more times per week are not considered completely potty trained. Please do not send your child to school in pull-ups – there is not enough difference for the child between diapers and pull-ups to encourage potty use.
Is advance notice required to withdraw our child?
Yes, a thirty-day notice is required to withdraw your child from the program. If a child is withdrawn without notice, parents will be expected to pay the equivalent of a current month’s tuition. The notice is required 30 days before the next month’s tuition is due. (For example, if you plan to withdraw your child in October, notice must be given no later than September 1. Or if you plan on withdrawing your child from the Summer Program, notice must be given no later than April 16.) We adhere strictly to this policy and will turn any and all delinquent accounts over for collection.
If my child is receiving early intervention services or if it is suspected they might need early intervention services, do we have to inform the school?
Yes, in order to best serve your child, we need to know all relevant information about your child’s developmental progress. We also have many agencies that we have had experience with to recommend. Research shows that the earlier a child receives early interventions services, the quicker that child can catch up to other children their age.
