Nelephant is a part of the $10/Day agreement (CWELCC) with the federal government which allows us to keep our tuition costs very low. This program provides funding from the government for a predetermined number of days in each school year, including what are called 'Allowable Closure Days' when the school is closed for professional development and other breaks. As of January 1, 2025, the government unexpectedly asked us to include Statutory holidays in our Allowable Closure Days, which we have not done previously. What that means now, is that our 8 Professional Development Days – which are essential for maintaining the high quality of education and care your child receives – are no longer funded.
In real terms, this means that as we continue providing Professional Development for our staff, we will be short approximately $25,000 per year in staff wages.
Why Do PD Days Matter?
PD days are opportunities for growth, collaboration, and renewal that directly impact the experience your child has in the classroom. On these days, our teachers:
- Engage in workshops and conferences on child development, Montessori best practices, and innovative teaching methods.
- Learn from guest speakers who provide insights tailored to the unique needs of our school community.
- Plan lessons, create new materials, and bring fresh ideas into the classroom.
- Visit other Montessori schools to observe and gain inspiration to enhance their own teaching methods.
- Host Parent-Teacher Interviews, giving you a window into your child’s progress and growth.
- Build relationships with one another, strengthening the teamwork that fosters a warm and cohesive learning environment.
- These days are not a luxury; they are a necessity. They are what allow us to provide the exceptional education and care for your child that you entrust us with every day.
How You Can Help
We are asking you to donate your child’s $240 Enrollment Fee to our PD Day Fund. Typically, this fee would be deducted from your June tuition. If everyone chose to donate instead, we could raise just over $15,000—bringing us significantly closer to covering the cost of these vital learning days.
Both the Administration and the Board of Directors are committed to continuing to provide quality Professional Development for our teachers. We believe it is the only way to ensure the high-quality education for which Nelephant has always been known.
As a registered charity, we can provide a charitable donation receipt for your contribution.