Tuition and Payment
Billing and Due Dates:
Tuition is billed monthly via Brightwheel, due on the first of each month, with invoices sent 10 days in advance.
Rates and Adjustments:
Tuition rates are provided in the Family Handbook and may be adjusted annually with 30 days’ notice.
Late Fees:
Payments received after the due date may incur fees as outlined in the handbook.
Enrollment, Deposit, and Schedule
Program Selection and Hours:
Program, start date, and schedule are based on the enrollment selections made previously. Add-on selections including extended care, meal program, etc., will be made during billing setup and are also subject to the same 30-day adjustment notice period.
Deposit and Enrollment Commitment:
A nonrefundable deposit is required to secure enrollment and reserve your child’s space. This deposit confirms your commitment to begin care on the agreed start date and will be applied to the first month’s tuition once care begins.
- If a family chooses to cancel enrollment or delay the start date after the deposit has been paid, the deposit will not be refunded or credited, regardless of reason.
- If a family wishes to formally withdraw before the start date, a 30-day written notice may still be submitted; however, this does not affect the nonrefundable status of the deposit.
- IMS reserves the right to fill the reserved space if written cancellation is received, but the deposit will remain forfeited.
Cancellations and Withdrawals
A 30-day written notice is required for all withdrawals after enrollment begins.
Failure to provide this notice may result in additional tuition charges equivalent to up to one month’s tuition.
All outstanding balances must be settled at the time of withdrawal.
Refund Policy
Tuition refunds or credits are not provided for:
- Absences, vacations, or holidays
- School closures, weather-related closures, or emergency closures
- Schedule changes or reduced attendance by the family
- Cancellations made before the child’s start date (deposit is nonrefundable)
Subsidies and Financial Assistance
Families eligible for state subsidies or Child Care Aware® assistance are responsible for submitting required documentation promptly. Any portion of tuition not covered by assistance remains the family’s financial responsibility.
Program Policies
Admission Requirements:
All required documentation (immunization records, emergency contacts) must be submitted before the start date and updated as needed.
Attendance:
Consistent attendance is expected. Notify IMS in advance for planned absences, which do not qualify for tuition adjustments.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up:
Follow designated drop-off and pick-up times. Late pickups may incur a fee, as detailed in the handbook.
Nutrition Program:
IMS offers an optional meal program at an additional cost. Allergy and dietary needs are accommodated as specified in Brightwheel.
Health and Illness Policy:
Children showing signs of illness should remain home. IMS reserves the right to send a child home to protect community health based on applicable state licensing guidelines.
Discipline and Behavior:
IMS uses a Montessori approach, emphasizing positive reinforcement. Families are encouraged to align behavior expectations at home and school. IMS reserves the right to terminate enrollment if behavior or family interactions compromise school safety or program integrity.
Emergency Policies
Emergency Contact Information:
Families must keep emergency contact details current. IMS conducts regular emergency drills and will contact families promptly in case of an emergency.
School Closures and Weather Delays:
Notifications of closures or delays are sent via Brightwheel by 6:30 AM. Tuition is not adjusted for closures.
Agreement and Signature
By signing, I confirm that I have read and agree to abide by the policies in the IMS Family Handbook. I understand the expectations for payment, attendance, and behavior, and I support my child’s learning in alignment with IMS’s mission. I understand that the deposit is nonrefundable under all circumstances, even if my child does not begin care, and that a 30-day written withdrawal notice is required for all cancellations or withdrawals.