2024-2025 Program

1. Admission Requirements

​The purpose of this policy is to outline the requirements and criteria for admission to Journeys enrichment preschool program. Our goal is to ensure a fair, transparent, and equitable admissions process for all applicants. Applicants must be 2 1/2 years of age or older by the start date of the program/course. A completed application form must be submitted by the specified deadline. Forms can be obtained from our office. A non-refundable application fee of $50 is required. Payment details are provided on the application form. Applicants must submit an id as part of the application process. Applicants will be notified of their admission status within 5-7 business days. Accepted students will receive further instructions on enrollment and orientation.

2. Tuition and Payment Policy

​This policy outlines the tuition fees and payment procedures for enrolling in Journeys. Our goal is to provide clear and transparent information to ensure a smooth financial process for all families.

Full-Time Enrollment: $140 per month

Part-Time Enrollment: $140 per month

Drop-In Rate: $35 per day

Tuition rates are reviewed annually and may be adjusted. Parents will be notified in advance of any changes.

A non-refundable enrollment fee of $50 is required at the time of registration. This fee secures your child’s place and covers administrative costs.

An annual supply fee of $200 is charged to cover classroom materials and supplies. This fee is due by the first day of school.

Tuition is billed on a monthly basis and is due by the 1st of each month. Payments should cover the upcoming month’s tuition.

Payments can be made via bank transfer, credit/debit card, checks. 

A late fee of $30 will be applied to accounts with payments received after the due date. Continued late payments may result in suspension of services until the account is current.

​A fee of $30 will be charged for any returned or bounced checks or failed electronic payments. The outstanding balance must be settled promptly.

A written notice of 30 days is required if you wish to withdraw your child from the program. Tuition will be prorated based on the notice period.

Enrollment fees and supply fees are non-refundable. Tuition refunds will be provided only for withdrawals made with the appropriate notice period, and will be prorated based on the date of withdrawal.

Any changes to tuition rates will be communicated to parents at least 60 days prior to implementation.

For any questions regarding tuition and payment, please contact Danielle Braun at journeyspnw@gmail.com.

3. About Us

​At Journeys, we believe in fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment where every child can thrive. Our teaching practices are grounded in the belief that each child is unique and learns best through play, exploration, and meaningful interactions. We emphasize a child-centered approach that encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. By integrating hands-on activities, imaginative play, and collaborative learning, we aim to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Our dedicated educators focus on supporting each child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development, ensuring that every child feels valued and confident as they embark on their educational journey.

4. Hours of Operation

​Monday-Friday 9am-2pm

5. Holiday Closings

This policy outlines the scheduled holiday closures for [Preschool Name]. Our aim is to provide clear information regarding when the preschool will be closed, ensuring parents and guardians can plan accordingly.

 Scheduled Closures

 Major Holidays

New Year’s Day: January 1

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Third Monday in January

Presidents’ Day: Third Monday in February

Spring Break: 

Memorial Day: Last Monday in May

Independence Day: July 4

Labor Day: First Monday in September

Thanksgiving Day: Fourth Thursday in November

Winter Break: 

Christmas Day: December 25

Additional Closures

The preschool may also be closed for [e.g., staff professional development days, emergency situations, etc.]. Parents will be notified in advance of any additional closures.

6. Inclement Weather

​The decision to close the preschool due to inclement weather or other emergencies will be made by the Director or Administration based on current weather conditions, forecasts, and advice from local authorities. 

Decisions to close the preschool will be made by 7:00 AM on the day in question. Notifications will be communicated to parents and guardians as soon as possible.

7. Child Drop Off & Pick Up Policy

This policy outlines the procedures and guidelines for dropping off and picking up children at Journeys Preschool. Our goal is to ensure the safety, security, and smooth operation of our drop-off and pick-up processes.

Drop-Off Times

Regular Hours: 9:00-9:30am

Authorized Drop-Off Personnel

Parents or authorized guardians must escort their child to the classroom or designated drop-off area. Please ensure that you sign your child in with the staff member present.

Identification

For safety reasons, a valid ID may be required for parents or guardians who are not recognized by the staff.

Health Screening

Upon arrival, a brief health screening may be conducted, including a temperature check, to ensure the well-being of all children.

Late Arrivals

If you arrive after the designated drop-off time, please proceed to the front office to check in and be directed to your child’s classroom.

Pick-Up Procedures

Pick-Up Times

Regular Hours: 11:45am-12:00pm

Extended Hours: 12:00pm-12:30pm

Authorized Pick-Up Personnel

Only individuals authorized on the emergency contact list may pick up a child. A photo ID is required to verify identity at pick-up.

Late Pick-Ups

A late fee of $10 per 15 minutes will be charged for pick-ups occurring after 12:30Pm. Continuous late pick-ups may result in a review of enrollment.

Early Pick-Ups

If you need to pick up your child before the designated time, please notify the front office in advance and arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the early pick-up time.

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Procedures

In case of an emergency requiring a change in pick-up plans, please contact the preschool immediately

Changes in Pick-Up Authorization

Any changes to the list of authorized pick-up persons must be communicated in writing or through email and confirmed by the preschool.

Safety Checks

All individuals picking up children must adhere to safety checks and procedures set by the preschool.

Vehicle Safety

Please ensure that your vehicle is parked in designated areas and that you do not leave children unattended in the car during drop-off or pick-up times.

8. Late Pick-Up Policy

A late fee of $10 per 15 minutes will be charged for pick-ups occurring after 12:30pm. Fees will be added to the following month's tuition invoice.

 Repeated Late Pick-Ups

Frequent late pick-ups may lead to a review of the child’s enrollment. A meeting with the preschool administration may be required to address the issue and explore possible solutions.

Emergency Situations

If you are running late due to an emergency, please contact the preschool at [phone number] as soon as possible to inform us of your situation. We will do our best to accommodate your circumstances.

9. Parental Access

Regular Access Hours

Parents and guardians are welcome to visit the preschool during regular hours 9:00am-12:30pm to observe their child’s activities or discuss any concerns with staff. Visits should be arranged in advance to minimize disruption.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up

Parents or authorized guardians must escort their child to and from the classroom during drop-off and pick-up times. This ensures the safety and proper supervision of the child.

Classroom Observations

Scheduling Observations

Parents wishing to observe their child’s classroom experience should schedule a visit with Danielle at least 48 hours in advance. Observations are typically limited to 30 minutes to avoid disruption.

10. Sick Child Policy

Children must be kept at home if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:

Fever

A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Children must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications before returning to preschool.

Vomiting and Diarrhea

Children who have vomited or had diarrhea must stay home until they are symptom-free for 24 hours.

Contagious Diseases

Children diagnosed with contagious conditions such as strep throat, pink eye, lice, chickenpox, or flu should remain at home until they have been treated and are no longer contagious, as determined by a healthcare provider.

Severe Coughing or Difficulty Breathing

Children exhibiting persistent coughing or difficulty breathing should stay home until they are evaluated and cleared by a healthcare provider.

Rash with Fever

A rash accompanied by a fever should be evaluated by a healthcare provider before returning to preschool.

Illness During the Day

If a child shows signs of illness during the day, they will be isolated in a designated area and parents will be contacted to pick up the child as soon as possible.

Emergency Contacts

Parents must ensure that emergency contact information is up-to-date and that an authorized person is available to pick up the child if needed.

Medication Policy

Medication can only be administered by preschool staff with a completed Medication Authorization Form, which must be provided by the parent or guardian.

Return to Preschool

Medical Clearance

Children who have been ill with a contagious disease must provide a note from a healthcare provider confirming that they are no longer contagious before returning to preschool.

Wellness Check

Children returning after an illness should be well enough to participate in regular activities and should be free of symptoms as outlined in the exclusion criteria.

Prevention Measures

Hand Hygiene

Emphasis on proper handwashing techniques will be promoted among children and staff to help prevent the spread of illness.

Health Education

Regular health education will be provided to children and parents regarding symptoms of common illnesses and preventive measures.

communication

reporting Illnesses

Parents are encouraged to notify the preschool if their child is diagnosed with a contagious illness so that other families can be informed and appropriate measures can be taken.

Updates and Information

Updates regarding any health-related issues affecting the preschool community will be communicated through email.

11. Camera Access

​Parents or guardians who do not wish for their child to be photographed or recorded may indicate this preference on the consent form. While the default assumption is that consent is given, explicit opt-out requests will be respected.

12. Nap Time

The preschool program operates from 9:00am to 12:00pm without a designated nap period. The daily schedule includes a variety of activities such as:

Educational lessons and group activities

Creative play and physical exercise

Snack and meal times

Quiet time for reading or individual activities

Rest and Relaxation

Although nap time is not included, we recognize that some children may need a period of rest. Quiet time will be provided during the day where children can engage in low-energy activities such as reading, drawing, or listening to calming music.

22. Biting

"Biting is a normal stage of development that is common among infants and toddlers and sometimes even among preschoolers. It is something that most young children will try at least once.

When biting happens, our response will be to care for and help the child that was bitten and to help the biter learn more appropriate behavior.

Our focus will not be on punishment for biting but on effective behaviors that address the specific reason for biting.

Supervision and prevention will be the number one way we help change the behavior.

Notes will be written to the family of the child who was bitten and the biter's family. We will work together with the families of each to keep them informed and to develop strategies for change."

23. Infant Care

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24. Toddler Care

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25. Special Needs Children

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26. Curriculum & Activities

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27. Guidance & Discipline

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28. Parent Communication

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29. Meals

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30. Child Abuse

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