Program Participation & Financial Agreement

This Program Participation & Financial Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between The Handpicked Education & Co, California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating The Nest at Handpicked House, ("The Program"), and the Parent(s)/Guardian(s) listed below.

The purpose of this Agreement is to clearly outline the financial responsibilities associated with participating in The Nest. By signing below, the Parent/Guardian acknowledges that they have read, understand, and agree to the terms outlined herein. 

1. Program Participation

Participation in The Nest is a commitment for the full Program Year (September through June).

Program tuition reserves your child’s space in The Nest and allows The Handpicked Education to thoughtfully plan staffing, purchase curriculum and materials, prepare learning environments, and sustain the ongoing operation of our nonprofit.

Because these commitments are made in advance, program tuition is based on reserving a space in the program—not on attendance.

2. Registration Fee

A non-refundable $75 Registration Fee is required to reserve a student’s space.

Participation is considered confirmed only after:

• Acceptance into the program
• Receipt of the completed enrollment paperwork
• Receipt of the signed Financial Agreement
• Payment of the registration fee

The registration fee is non-refundable and cannot be paid for by Charter Funds.

3. Program Tuition

 

Program tuition is due according to the payment plan selected during enrollment.

• Charter School Payments
  • PO's submitted by the 15th of the preceding month. (ie; PO submitted by Jan 15th for month of February)
  • Due by the 1st of the month.
  • Semester - 
    • Semester 1 - PO submitted by August 15th, Due by August 30th, Semester 2 - PO submitted by December 15th, Due by Dec. 30th.
• Private Pay - Annual - Due by September 1st.
• Private Pay - Monthly - Due by the 1st of each month. 

Failure to attend scheduled program days does not reduce or eliminate tuition obligations.

Families utilizing charter funding remain responsible for understanding their charter school's funding policies, spending limits, deadlines, and vendor requirements. The Handpicked Education cannot guarantee the amount of funding approved by any charter school.4. Charter School Funding

The Handpicked Education is an approved vendor with several California charter schools.

Charter funding is offered solely as a payment option and does not transfer financial responsibility from the Parent/Guardian to the charter school.

Parents/Guardians agree to:

• Submit Purchase Orders or fundign requests by the required charter deadlines.
• Submit requests no later than the 15th of the month preceding service, unless their charter requires an earlier deadline. 
• Copy kelly@thehandpickeded.com when requested
• Promptly provide any documentation requested by either the charter school or The Handpicked Education

Families utilizing charter funding remain responsible for understanding their charter school's funding policies, spending limits, deadlines, and vendor requirements. The Handpicked Education cannot guarantee the amount of funding approved by any charter school.

If a charter school delays payment, reduces funding, changes vendor policies, denies payment, closes funding before the conclusion of the Program Year, or otherwise fails to pay, the Parent/Guardian remains fully responsile for any outstanding balance.

Parents/guardians are responsible for submitting purchase orders and required documentation by all applicable deadlines. If a charter school delays, reduces, or denies payment for any reason, the parent/guardian remains financially responsible for any unpaid tuition balance.

5. Initial Tuition Installment

 

The first tuition payment for each Program Year is due in August, prior to the start of programming in September.

Many charter schools conclude their fiscal year before the new Program Year begins. Collecting the initial tuition payment in August allows The Handpicked Education to secure staffing, purchase curriculum and supplies, prepare learning environments, and ensure a successful start to the Program Year.

This August payment is the first scheduled tuition payment for the upcoming Program Year and is not an additional fee.

 

6. Scholarships & Tuition Discounts

Scholarships, Founding Family discounts, sibling discounts, or other tuition reductions are offered at the sole discretion of The Handpicked Education.

Unless otherwise stated in writing, these reductions:

• Apply only to the Program Year awarded
• Have no cash value
• May not be transferred.
• May not be combined unless specifically approved.
• May be modified or discontinued if participation requirements are no longer met.

7. Late Payments

Payments received after the due date may incure a $25 late fee.

Accounts that become delinquent may result in:

• Temporary suspension of participation
• Suspension of charter billing
• Loss of scholarships or discounts
• Ineligibility for future enrollment opportunities
• Collection efforts as permitted by law

Late fees do not waive the Parent/Guardian's responsibility for tuition.

8. Returned Payments

A $35 Returned Payment Fee will be assessed for returned checks, failed ACH payments, or declined electronic payments.

Future payments may be required through another approved payment method.

9. Withdrawal, Cancellation & Refund Policy

Families may choose to discontinue participation at any time by providing written notice.

However, participation in The Nest represents a commitment for the full Program Year.

Because staffing, supplies, materials, curriculum, and program operations are planned based on enrolled participants, program tuition is non-refundable, and families remain financially responsible for the full annual tuition commitment regardless of withdrawal.

No refunds, tuition reductions, credits, or make-up days will be provided due to:

• Illness
• Vacation
• Missed program days
• Schedule conflicts
• Relocation
• Dissatisfaction
• Voluntary Withdrawal
• Charter funding decisions
• Any circumstance beyond the control of The Handpicked Education

Any exception must be approved in writing by the Executive Director of The Handpicked Education.

10. Program Expectations

The Handpicked Education is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive community for children, families, and staff.

The Handpicked Education reserves the right to discontinue a family’s participation if continued participation is determined to no longer be in the best interest of the program community or if program policies are repeatedly disregarded.

11. Program Interruptions

Should circumstances beyond the reasonable control of The Handpicked Education—including natural disasters, wildfire, public health emergencies, government orders, facility issues, or other unforeseen events—require modification of programming, reasonable efforts will be made to continue providing services in an alternate format whenever practicable.

Such circumstances do not automatically relieve families of the financial obligations outlined in this Agreement.

12. Delinquent Accounts

The Handpicked Education reserves the right to suspend participation, deny future enrollment opportunities, and pursue collection of unpaid balances.

To the extent permitted by California law, Parents/Guardians agree to be responsible for reasonable collection costs, court costs, and attorney’s fees incurred while collecting unpaid balances.

13. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the complete financial understanding between the parties and supersedes prior verbal discussions or informal communications regarding tuition, payment schedules, or financial responsibilities.

Any modification must be made in writing and approved by The Handpicked Education.

14. Electronic Signature

Electronic signatures shall have the same force and effect as original handwritten signatures.

15. Acknowledgement

By signing below, I acknoweldge that I have

• Read this Agreement in its entirety
• Had the opportunity to ask questions
• Understand that participation is a commoitment for the full Program Year
• Understand that tuition reserves my child's place in the program rather than paying only for days attended. 
• Understand that I remain financially responsible regardless of charter funding decisions. 
• Agree to comply with the payment policies outlined herein.
• Acknoweldge receipt of and agreement to follow The Nest Family Handbook

Tuition