Parent Information Package 2018-2019 - Highlands Early Learning ...
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Parent Information Package 2018-2019
(Photo credit: Olive & Ash Photography)
Welcome to Highlands Early Learning Centre!
This information package is divided into the following sections:
1. General Overview
2. Getting Involved
3. Communication
4. Curriculum & Daily Routine
5. Policies & Practices
6. Drop Off & Pick Up Procedures
Becoming familiar with these approaches, routines and guidelines will enable both you, as parents, and the
team at Highlands to enhance your child’s preschool experience.
Highlands Early Learning Centre’s Vison is to inspire and connect our community
through an exceptional preschool experience.
1
Section 1 – General Overview
Preschool Information
As we strive to meet the needs of our current & future students and families, we have adjusted the type of
childcare license under which we operate, as licensed by Vancouver Coastal Health.
Moving forward we will be known as Highlands Early Learning Centre, recognizing both the 50+ years we
have served our community, as well as a reflection of the variety of options we are now able to provide. This
includes traditional preschool options (2 1/2 - 3 hours), as well as extended days for some of our older
students.
Highlands Early Learning Centre formally known as Highlands Preschool has been serving the needs of North
Shore children for over 50 years. It has occupied the present facilities since 1973 and has established a
strong reputation in the community for quality early childhood education. We work with approximately 150
children between the ages of two and five and run 11 different classes, in either our morning or afternoon
sessions. The school is often filled with the happy sounds of children playing and discovering new things in
the classroom, in the gym or outside on the playground.
Highlands Early Learning Centre is a licensed and a registered non-profit society and registered charity
(BN/Tax # 107 48 20 RR0001), which is not affiliated with Highlands United Church. We are overseen by a
volunteer parent Board of Directors responsible for the strategic direction of the school, and administered
by a paid Executive Director responsible for all operational matters with support as needed from Board
members. Our Annual General Meeting is open to all registered families, and held each September. This
year’s AGM will be held on September 12th, 2018 at 6:30 PM at the preschool. Our Strategic Plan is available
upon request and our values and other information is available at:
http://www.highlandsearlylearningcentre.ca/
Highlands Preschool Office Contacts
Please do not hesitate to contact our Executive Director Christine Hamel via email or voicemail if you have
any questions, concerns or suggestions. Christine’s office is on the second floor of the building, up the stairs
by the playground doors. The office hours are: Monday to Friday: 8:30 – 4:00 PM
Preschool Office Phone: 604-980-1740
Emergency Director Cell (in case of late pick-ups or emergency situations) 604-970-3038
Preschool Fax: 604-980-1750
Web site: www.highlandspreschool.ca
Executive Director: director@highlandspreschool.ca
Registrar: registrar@highlandspreschool.ca
Chair: chair@highlandspreschool.ca
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2018/19 Parent Information Package
2
The Teachers
We are very fortunate to have a great team of Early Childhood Educators who are both passionate and
dedicated to educating children and providing a nurturing and caring environment. The teachers have
created a profile about themselves which can be found in the hallway and on our website. Through our
inquiry play based curriculum and our stimulating environment the children build the necessary skills needed
to succeed in Kindergarten. Our teachers implement a play based curriculum, this helps to create a love of
learning that carries them through their academic lives and helps to develop the many social skills (respect,
problem solving skills and language skills) needed to succeed later in school.
We offer a ratio of supervision that is standard as per the Child Care Licensing Regulations. Highlands’
classes are staffed by two Licensed Early Childhood Educators for every sixteen children in each class of
three and four-year-old students. Our two year old program provides two Licensed ECE teachers to each
class of eight children.
Important Dates for 2018-19
Highlands Preschool follows the same holiday closures as the North Vancouver School District 44 for
Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas, Spring Break, Easter and Victoria Day.
Preschool Opens Tuesday, September 4th 2018
Annual General Meeting Wednesday, September 12th 2018 6:30-7:00 AGM
Parent Orientation / Meet the Teachers Tuesday, September 18th, 2018 7:00 pm
Thanksgiving Day: Preschool Closed Monday, October 8th, 2018.
Highlands Preschool Professional Day: Friday, October 12th 2018
Preschool Closed
Remembrance Day: Preschool Closed Monday, November 12th, 2018.
Winter Vacation: Preschool Closed Monday, December 24th - Friday, January 4th
Classes reopen Monday, January 7th
Preschool Open House & Info Night Wednesday, January 16th, 2019
Registration begins for Sept 2019/20
Family Day: Preschool Closed Monday, February 18th 2019.
Spring Break: Preschool Closed March 18th – 29th, 2019
Preschool closed for Easter weekend Friday, April 19th and Monday, April 22nd 2019
Children’s Sale Saturday, February 23rd 2019
Highlands Preschool Professional half day Friday, April 12th closed in the afternoon No add on class
closure: K
Victoria Day: Preschool Closed Monday, May 20st, 2019.
Last day of class. Monday, June 24th 2019
Preschool Year-End Picnic Tuesday, June 25th, 2019. 9:30-11:30
Preschool Summer Camps July 2nd –July 12th
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2018/19 Parent Information Package
3
Section 2 – Getting Involved
Fundraising and Donations
As a non-profit society funding for the operation of the Preschool is generated through tuition fees, available
Government grants and our own fundraising efforts. Volunteer Board-and-parent-led fundraising allows us
to keep tuition fees at reasonable and competitive rates while still providing fair compensation for our
experienced and dedicated teaching staff. Fundraising efforts enable the Preschool to participate in special
programs and events that enhance the experience for children and families. On a yearly basis our fundraising
budget averages around $10,000 and includes provisions for the following extras:
Bi-weekly music education with Ryan Sloan
Various field trips
Visits from different guest speakers/visitors for the children
Refreshments and gifts for special events for children and parents
As parents whose children will benefit from these additions, we hope and expect that you will participate
and support our various fundraising efforts in the coming year. Here is a list of some of the fundraising
initiatives for 2018/19:
• October- Scholastic book fair
• Pub night
• February 23rd - Children’s Sale
• Mabel’s labels- https://mabelslabels.com/
• Cobbs Bread- each time you buy something from Cobbs mention our name and we receive money for
the preschool
We greatly appreciate your support and we will keep you posted on specific dates and updates as we
approach each fundraising event.
Highlands Early Learning Centre is eligible to receive funding from the United Way. If you contribute to the
United Way through your employer, you can request that your contribution be made directly to Highlands
Early Learning Centre to benefit the school and its programs. As a not for profit charitable organization, we
also provide tax-deductible receipts for gifts and donations over a certain amount. Many of our fundraising
and partner programs are profiled on our website.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2018/19 Parent Information Package
4
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to create pride, build community within the preschool and provides insight into
the day-to-day operations of the preschool. We recognize that all families are busy, which is why
volunteering at Highlands may look different for each family. We are not a parent-participation preschool,
but we do rely on parent volunteers to help make the preschool the best it can be. We ask that each family
be prepared to volunteer a minimum of four hours during the school year. Families also have the option this
year to contribute $150 in lieu of the minimum 4 hours of volunteering.
Volunteer opportunities include but are not limited to:
- Class representatives help to coordinate gatherings, rally for volunteers support for special preschool
activities/fundraising events and to send emails from the teachers or from the parent liaison. The Parent -
Liaison position on the Board of Directors provides a communication link with the parent community.
- Attending and supporting school or classroom special events
- Helping with seasonal playground clean up days (sweeping, power washing, raking the mulch)
- Sharing an interest or skill with the class
- Helping at our annual Children’s Sale
- Helping during walks and fieldtrips
- Working on different preschool committees
- Helping with recycling or laundry
- General maintenance and painting
- Joining our volunteer Board of Directors. Recruitment for the Board happens every spring and we are
routinely looking for people with experience and/or interest in accounting, fundraising, marketing, web and
social media, strategic planning, etc.
Section 3 – Communication
Most of the communication at Highlands is done through emails. Please ensure that you have provided a
current email address to Christine at director@highlandsearlylearningcentre.ca.
Newsletters and Notices
Every month you shall receive emails or newsletters with information from the teachers. These newsletters
have important information about the curriculum that is being explored in the classroom as well as any
special events that are taking place in the classroom or the preschool. The bulletin boards in the hallways
display documentation about what the children are learning in the classroom and important information
regarding individual classes, we recommend that you check the bulletin board often.
The Board and the ED also send out a bi-monthly newsletter designed to keep you informed about general
preschool activities, articles related to child development and updates from the board.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2018/19 Parent Information Package
5Open Door Policy/Communication
We emphasize the need for on-going and open communication and encourage you to contact your child’s
teacher or the Executive Director if you have any questions or concerns about the classroom/preschool. All
parents are welcome to spend time in the classroom if they would like, please discuss this with the teacher
ahead of time. We recognize that trying to talk to the teachers at drop off and pick up time might be difficult
as it’s very busy. The teachers are more than happy to meet with you before or after class to discuss any
concerns or questions, please feel free to ask for time to meet and chat.
Teacher Meetings/Developmental Screening Tool
In the fall and the spring, the teachers will be available for parent/teacher meeting to discuss your child’s
development in the classroom based on observations and the Ages and Stages developmental screening
tool. During these meetings the teachers will share observations on your child’s progress in the class in
regards to social and emotional development, cognitive development, the children’s interests and areas
where they feel more support may be needed.
This is also an opportunity for families to bring up any concerns/questions that they may have about their
child’s development. The ED can help connect families to the many community resources available
(Supported Child Development, developmental screening tools, public health nurses, speech and language
pathologists and many others). The ED is always available to chat about challenging behaviours, child
development, choosing elementary schools etc. The preschool also invites guest speakers to present
workshops. If there is a specific topic that parents would like more information about feel free to email the
ED with any ideas or suggestions.
Facebook
Highlands Early Learning Centre also has a Facebook page which we use primarily for marketing and
promotions but we also post articles, research links and information we find interesting that reflect our
values and curriculum at the preschool. Our social media strategy outlines strict guidelines to respect
privacy and safety. We encourage all our families to ‘like’ our page. Most of the families that attend
Highlands found out about us through another family or friend, feel free to share posts as well and spread
the news!
Section 4 – Curriculum and Daily Activities
The Curriculum
The Highlands Early Learning Centre’s curriculum is committed to providing early childhood experiences that
are help children become more knowledgeable about the world around them, independent, responsible,
confident and communicative, preparing them for ongoing success.
The Ministry of Education in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Children and Family
Development have created the Early Learning Framework which Highlands’s teachers are incorporating in
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2018/19 Parent Information Package
6the classrooms. “Play is vital to young children’s daily lives and promotes their healthy physical and
intellectual development in ways that cannot be achieved by focusing on pre –academic skills.” The
framework supports the teachers to create rich early learning experiences and environments that support
your children’s early learning and development. Current research suggests that there are windows of
opportunity in children’s early development, periods where children are especially receptive to stimulation,
during children’s time here at Highlands we wish to help launch their journey of lifelong learning.
The Early Learning Framework emphasizes learning though play, this allows children to develop 4 areas of
development such as:
1. Well-Being and belonging
2. Exploration and creativity
3. Social responsibility and diversity
4. Languages and literacies
Each day the children will have an opportunity to develop their interests while exploring different areas of
the classroom such as:
- The open art area is a space where the children have the opportunity to explore, create and discover
different art materials. The materials we use for the most part are washable and we do encourage
children to wear a smock but there may be times when the children may get dirty. We would like to
encourage children to wear play clothes to preschool and comfortable shoes.
- The block area is a very popular area in the classroom. In this area there are many different types of
natural blocks and construction type materials. The teachers will also add different types of props to
extend and develop the children’s interests such as: people, cars, trains, insects and animals. While
playing in the block area children are learning to problem solve as a team while creating different
structures and using their imagination.
- The reading area is a quieter space in the classroom where
language and literacy skills are developed. The first steps
to reading is to draw attention to great books and to
letters and language. The teachers will continue to
develop those interests through different small group
games, songs and stories depending on the children’s
interests.
- In the dramatic play area, there are many props which the
children use to recreate the world around them while
creating a sense of belonging between the children. This
area may change depending on the interests of the
children, one month it may be set up as a post office and
the next a restaurant or house.
- Each day children will either play outdoors in our newly
renovated outdoor classroom/natural playground or in
our gym. Teachers and children work together to create
an environment which emphasizes natural
exploration/gross motor development through sports and
co-operative games. Children may go outside rain or shine, please be sure to have appropriate
clothing for your child at preschool. Children will not have access to screen time while at preschool.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2018/19 Parent Information Package
7- Yellow afternoon class/Outdoor class at Murdo Frazer. Every Tuesday and Thursday, the children
and teachers will walk to Murdo Frazer and explore the natural beauty together. This is a great
opportunity to develop a love for the outdoors that will stay with them for a lifetime. The 3 teachers
facilitate a short meditation time in the forest, cooperative natural exploration and art experiences.
Other classes may go and explore this great park from time to time with advance notice.
- Ryan Sloan teaches a music class every 2 weeks. During this time, Ryan leads the children through
instrument exploration, singing games and dancing activities.
- Green afternoon class with an additional French class. Joanne will teach a hands-on French class
every Monday, her goal is to encourage the children to participate in French songs, activities and
stories.
- Green afternoon class with an additional cooking class. The children and teachers will explore
cooking activities together, the emphasis will be on exploring simple healthy foods together.
- Art class, the children will have the opportunity to explore different open ended art activities.
- Sports class, the teacher will introduce the children to different skills through games to help develop
their gross motor skills and expose the children to different sports.
- Friday afternoon class, this is a great opportunity for children to get used to a longer day before
going to Kindergarten.
What to bring each day:
- Please be sure to pack an extra set of labeled clothing each day (including socks and underwear).
- Jackets and weather appropriate outerwear, we do try to go out rain or shine.
- Indoor shoes/slippers
- Morning snack, afternoon snack, water bottle and lunch for the children that are staying with us for
an extended day. Highlands is a peanut/nut free environment, we ask that all families refrain from
packing any peanut/nut products for snack. We like to promote healthy eating, please pack healthy
snacks and water. Some classes have adopted an open snack table, the children learn to listen to
their bodies and eat when they are hungry. This skill is supported with the help of the teachers as
they will often remind the children to eat or sit and try something from their snack bags.
Special events/Fieldtrips:
The children in our classes will enjoy neighbourhood walks, trips to the library and visits from community
workers, parents and other resource people. The teachers will organize off site fieldtrips during the year, we
may ask for a few parents to volunteer that day. We may ask you to drop and pick your child up at the venue
to allow the group more time to explore.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2018/19 Parent Information Package
8Section 5– Emergency Policies, Allergies, Policies and Procedures
Inclement Weather
If the North Vancouver School District 44 closes schools in the area, the preschool will also be closed. In
the event of snow or a power failure, it may become necessary to close the school for the safety of the
children. Should this happen, you will be notified by phone/email by your child’s teacher or class
representative.
Emergency Procedures
Emergency evacuation drills are practiced on a monthly basis and emergency evacuation procedures are
posted in each classroom and clarified with parents each September. In the unlikely event that we are to
have to leave the preschool our designated evacuation centre is (TD Bank- 3190 Edgemont Boulevard). We
would then get in touch with you to discuss next steps. Please ensure that your child’s emergency forms are
current and up to date.
In the event of a district-wide emergency (i.e. a major earthquake) we will be instructed to listen to the radio
or told by emergency services on which Emergency evacuation centre is being opened. The whereabouts of
all children will be posted at the preschool. At no time will your child be left unattended.
Fees, Withdrawal and Charges Policies
Please see the policy on page 15-16.
Tax Receipts
Highlands Early Learning Centre provides tax-deductible receipts for gifts and donations over a certain
amount. In January/February, you will receive a tuition receipt confirming the tuition that you have paid for
that time period for tax purposes.
Subsidy
The B.C. Ministry of Human Resources offers a Child Care Subsidy program which can pay for preschool fees
to families who need financial support. If you require further information about the application process,
contact us or the Child Care Subsidy Service Centre directly at 1-888-338-6622 or
www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/subsidy_promo.htm.
Sick Child Policy
Highlands Early Learning Centre follows the guidelines set out by Vancouver Coastal Health. Please do not
send your child to school if they are experiencing any of the following conditions or symptoms:
• Cold or flu
• Communicable disease – including, but not limited to conjunctivitis (pink eye), measles, chicken pox,
croup or whooping cough, etc
• Excessive coughing
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2018/19 Parent Information Package
9• Runny nose with green or yellow mucous
• Unexplained skin rash-as it may be contagious
• Experienced a fever, vomiting or diarrhea within the previous 48 hours
Please inform the school if your child will not be attending class, especially if he/she has an infectious illness
such as vomiting, diarrhea, chickenpox or measles, hand, foot and mouth, pink eye, etc. Please be aware
that if your child displays any of these symptoms during the preschool session, you will be contacted and
required to pick-up your child.
Allergies/Birthday Celebrations/ Other celebrations
Allergies/Health concerns: If your child has an allergy or health concerns please notify the preschool. You
will be asked to fill out medical forms and to leave your child’s medication (including an epipen or auto-
injector) at the preschool.
Birthdays are very special to children and we would like to recognize them at the preschool. Some families
like to bring in a special store bought snack that day such as an assortment of fruit or a book for the class to
share. Please be mindful of children who have allergies and ensure that all snacks are peanut/nut free. In
September, we will send a list of allergens to avoid when packing snacks based on the specific allergies in
each class. We are not able to serve the children “treats” from home as they may be cross contaminated
with other allergens. Birthday parties are very exciting for children, we would like to ask that you not deliver
party invitations at school. As you can imagine for the children who weren’t invited this would be very
difficult for them to understand and they may get upset.
Throughout the year, the preschool may want to have different celebrations in class, please keep an eye out
for more information in the newsletters. During the preschool year families will be invited to join their
children for special events such as a Welcome night/Curriculum Night, Pumpkin Carving Night (for the 4
year-old classes), Mother’s Day Tea (for the 4 year-old classes) and the Year-End Picnic. Families are always
welcome to share cultural celebrations with the class, if this is something that you would like to do please
talk to your child’s teacher to make arrangements.
Behaviour Guidance Policy
We follow the Community Care Facility Act, Child Care Licensing Regulation Section 52 to ensure that no
child shall be subjected to corporal punishment, belittling treatment, confinement, hitting, shoving, physical
restraining, degrading treatment, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse that could humiliate the child or
undermine the child’s self-respect, spanking or denied necessities as a form of punishment.
The teachers act to:
• Prevent harm to the child.
• Prevent harm to others.
• Prevent the destruction of property.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2018/19 Parent Information Package
10We view the children in our classes as being capable and independent, therefore we are constantly working
with them to develop these skills. Part of our work as educators is to try and help the children learn to
behave in a way that is respectful to others, themselves and to the preschool. There are many messages
behind a behaviour, some may want to feel a sense of belonging among the group, or they may want
attention from their peers or the teachers and chose to behave in a way that is disrespectful towards
someone else. Once we have discovered the message behind the behaviour it is much easier to help the
child meet that need in a positive way. Most behaviours can be prevented through teacher observations and
discussions with the children.
Teachers may use some of the following positive guidance strategies in the classroom:
-Redirecting the child’s attention to another activity.
-Fostering problem solving skills, encouraging the children to discuss their feelings and giving them the
opportunity to work together and find a solution.
-Developing empathy skills by helping children understand and listen to each other’s point of view.
-Recognizing children when they make positive choices and encouraging them to take pride in those choices.
-Giving children the opportunity to be leaders in the classroom which helps develop their self-esteem.
-Giving children choices about where they want to play and how they want to use open ended material.
- We do not use time out as a strategy in the preschool as it does not teach the child what they could be
doing in those circumstances. During time out the child already recognizes that they have done something
that was inappropriate, children need help to understand why it’s inappropriate and what other strategies
they could do.
In the rare occasion that behaviours reoccur, the Executive Director will be informed and consulted. The
teachers will arrange to meet with parents to discuss the behaviours observed in the classroom. Families and
teachers will work together to implement strategies to help the child. This will require open communication
from everyone and may take a few weeks to see behavioural changes. In some cases, in conjunction with the
Executive Director, parents and teachers, the preschool may have to develop a care plan for you and your
child regarding behavior. In extreme cases, we may have to ask a child to leave the centre for the rest of the
school year giving you one month’s notice (this is stated in more detail on your payment form that you have
signed). It is our responsibility as educators to report any signs of abuse to the Ministry of Children and
Families.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2018/19 Parent Information Package
11Section 6 – Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures
Separation Anxiety
It is normal and appropriate for your child to feel anxious about being dropped off in a new environment
with new teachers. We have attached an appendix with advice and information on Separation Anxiety.
Arrival
We do understand that there are times where a family is late bringing their child in as they may have
another sibling to drop off first. We are offering an early drop off option for families if you are interested
between 8:00-9:15. If you are interested in this option please email Christine at
director@highlandspreschool.ca.
When you drop your child off at preschool, it is important to sign your child in each morning on the sign-in
sheet posted by your classroom door. There is space provided on the sheet for your comments relating to
your child for that day or if you would like to request to speak to the teachers after class. When waiting for
classes to start and at pick up time we ask that all parents and caregivers to supervise all the children in
their care. There are many books available in the hallway to read or different games to play while you are
waiting. Please remember that other classes might be in session therefore we ask that the children not run
or scream in the halls.
Dismissal
All people who are picking up must physically come in the building to sign their child out, please ensure to be
on time so that your child is not anxious while they are waiting. Failure to pick-up your child on time will
result in late fee charges (Please see our Fees Policy attached.)
Children will only be released to people on the authorized to pick up list. If it is the first time that someone is
coming to pick up your child the teachers will ask them for picture id. If there is an alternative person who is
picking up your child for that day who is not on the pick-up list, we ask that you contact the teacher or the
ED at the preschool in advance via email or phone 604-980-1740 or the director’s emergency cell 604-970-
3038. Please note and remember that this number is only active to receive calls from 9am-4pm Monday
to Friday when school is in session. This number is only for URGENT CONCERNS regarding your child while
they are in our care such as the inability to pick them up as scheduled or a family emergency. In the event
of an unexpected school closure, community emergency or natural disaster you may receive group texts
from this number so please add it to your contacts. Please, do not use this number for anything other than
an URGENT CONCERN or EMERGENCY.
If a child is not picked up by an authorized adult soon after class ends, the teachers will try to contact you
and/or the other emergency contacts that you have provided. It is the staff’s legal responsibility to the
extent that is possible, not to release a child to any person, authorized or not, who is unable to adequately
care for a child. We follow the Community Care Facility Act, Child Care Licensing Regulation Section 31.
Should this circumstance ever arise, we will suggest alternatives or call the appropriate authorities.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2018/19 Parent Information Package
12Schedule 2018-19
AM Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Early morning 8-9:15
9:15- Blue 2's Blue 2's
11:30
9:15- Yellow 2's Yellow 2's
11:30
9:15- Green 2's Green 2's
11:30
9:00- Yellow 3's Yellow 3's Yellow 3's
11:30
9:15- Green 3's Green 3's
11:45
9:00- Blue 3 & 4's Blue 3 & 4's Blue 3 & 4's Blue 3 & 4's
12:45
9:15- Purple 4's Purple 4's Purple 4's Purple 4's
11:45
Lunch coverage
11:45- Green 3 & 4's
2:30
Yellow 3 &
12:30- Yellow 3 & 4's Yellow 3 & 4's Yellow 3 & 4's
4's
3:30
12:30- Green French Green French
3:45
12:30- Green cooking Green cooking
3:45
1:15- Art Class Sports/Gym Music Class
2:30 class
Use of school grounds
GYM USE: Our gym is to be used by students only, under teacher supervision, during school hours. It may
not be used by siblings or students at any other time, including before and after school and in between
sessions. Please do not encourage your children to go into the gym or play on the equipment set up for the
session.
Safety in our Parking Lots
For safety reasons, please back your car into the parking stalls. Please park in designated stalls only and do
not block the driveways, particularly around Brookridge, as this causes much inconvenience to our
neighbours, Highlands Parents and other visitors at Highlands Church. Parents are encouraged to use the
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2018/19 Parent Information Package
13back parking lot (enter at Brookridge off Ridgeway). Enter the Preschool through the playground making
sure that you shut the gate. Please do not leave children unattended in the parking lot or playground.
Please use the Entrance doors only (courtyard door and playground door) while entering the school. The
doors at the end of the long hallway by the purple and blue classrooms are for Exiting Only. These doors
should always be shut and no child should be allowed to leave unattended.
Please remember the parking lots are a shared environment and on many days it is extremely busy with
visitors, church groups and events. Please be patient and respectful to everyone using the space. If you are
able to walk or cycle to the preschool on some days it would be much appreciated, particularly while
Edgemont Village is undergoing the current reconstruction and developments.
Should you have any other questions or concerns please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Director,
Christine Hamel at director@highlandspreschool.ca.
Welcome to Highlands Early Learning Centre, we wish you a successful
year!
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2018/19 Parent Information Package
14Highlands Early Learning Policies- Fees, Withdrawals and Class Changes
1. Registration Fee: A Registration Fee of $75 per child is due at the time of registration and is non-
refundable. The Registration Fee is payable through PayPal.
2. Non-Refundable Deposit: To confirm your child/children’s enrolment at Highlands Preschool, a non-
refundable, non-transferable deposit equal to one month’s tuition will be required and is payable via
PayPal. You will receive an email from our Registrar confirming your child(ren)’s class placement, along with
further registration instructions. Upon confirmation of registration, a deposit of one month’s tuition will
become due by 11:59pm on February 26th, 2018. The deposit is non-refundable and is forfeited in all cases
of withdrawal from the school, including withdrawal prior to the commencement of the school year, during
the school year, or upon failure to provide tuition payments as described below. If your child completes the
school year with Highlands Preschool, the school will apply the non-refundable deposit to pay June’s tuition.
3. Tuition Payments: Post-dated tuition cheques must be received by the school by June 30, 2018.
Payments may be made in any of the following ways: 9 (nine) post-dated monthly cheques from Sept. 1,
2018 through May 1, 2019; OR 1 (one) cheque dated September 1, 2018 for tuition through May 1, 2019 (9
months); OR 3 post-dated cheques, each for 3 months of tuition, dated September 1, 2018, December 1,
2018 and March 1, 2019. Failure to provide post-dated tuition cheques by June 30, 2018 will forfeit your
child’s spot in the Preschool.
4. Early Withdrawal: For all withdrawals from the date of the payment of your non-refundable deposit to
and including August 31, Highlands Preschool will retain your non-refundable deposit.
For all withdrawals from and including September 1, Highlands Preschool requires one full calendar month’s
written notice (the “Notice Period”) to be received by the 1st day of the month preceding the month of
withdrawal. Tuition is payable and will be charged during the Notice Period; however, your child is still
enrolled and is welcome to attend school during the Notice Period. All outstanding tuition payments will be
refunded, excluding the non-refundable deposit (see information above regarding the non-refundable
deposit). Notice of withdrawal is to be delivered to our Director or Registrar by hand, mail, or email.
The only exception to this is for children enrolled in the Two Year Old Class. While we prefer one full month’s
written notice, in consideration of the young age of the children in the Two Year Old Class, we will waive the
notice requirement if we are able to fill the spot within the month your child leaves the program. A refund
will be given as of the date the spot is filled.
5. Probationary Notice: If, despite Highlands Preschool’s best efforts, the school is not a good fit for your
child, the school reserves the right to give your family one month’s probationary notice. For this month, the
Director will customize a plan to further help your child. Parents must be willing to work with the school to
implement the decided upon plan or may choose to withdraw immediately. If at the end of the month the
situation does not improve you will be required to withdraw from the school.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2018/19 Parent Information Package
156. Class Changes: Students who did not receive their first choice of classes will be permitted to move to
another class if a space becomes available before October 31. After October 31, any vacancies will be
offered to families outside the preschool.
7. Late Pick-Up Charge: Children are to be picked-up immediately upon dismissal. Failure to pick-up your
child within 15 minutes of classroom dismissal time will result in a Late Pick-Up Charge of $30.00 per child;
any late pick-up after 30 minutes post class dismissal will result in a Late Pick-Up Charge of $50.00 per child.
Parents will be invoiced for this charge by email and payment is due to Highlands Preschool immediately
upon receipt of invoice.
8. Missed Payments: There is a $25 administration charge for any missed payments in addition to any
banking charges incurred to the preschool. If three missed payments are incurred, we require payment by
cash for all future months. Alternatively, we may request the withdrawal of the child from the school. Please
note that if you change financial institutions you will need to inform the Executive Director and update your
post-dated cheques to ensure proper payment and not incur any administration charges.
Highlands Early Learning Centre 2018/19 Parent Information Package
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