HOME Preschool will be operating a Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK), Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. from August 24, 2020 – June 4, 2020.
Because this is a state-funded program, there are rules and regulations set by the State that both the provider and the parents/guardians must follow. PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION BELOW CAREFULLY!
Attendance: Attendance during the scheduled instructional days is of utmost importance to remain in the VPK program. Not only is HOME Preschool funding linked to attendance, but also the child’s success upon entrance into Kindergarten. Parents are required to sign and comply with the following policy on Attendance and Tardiness to remain in the VPK program.
Tardiness: Arrival for the VPK program should be no later than 9:00 a.m. VPK arrivals should be signed in at the front office. The instructional day starts at 9:00 a.m. and all children are expected to be in place and ready to start the day. Arrivals after 9:00 a.m. are disruptive to the group in progress and difficult for the arriving child as well. We understand that it is occasionally unavoidable to be “running late”, but more than twice a month will not be acceptable and will be cause for termination from the VPK program.
Late Pick Up: The VPK program ends at 12:00 p.m. daily; lunch is served between 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. daily. Parents are required to pick up child(ren) between the hours of 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. A late fee of $1 per minute will be assessed if your child is not picked up within the given times.
Absence: Daily attendance in the VPK program is necessary for optimal learning, however, you will be allowed three (3) absences per month. Any absences beyond those require a written note from the parent/physician for one of the following reasons:
- Illness or injury of the child or the child’s family member which requires hospitalization or bed rest;
- Physician or dentist appointment;
- Infectious disease or parasitic infestation;
- Funeral service, memorial service, or bereavement upon the death of the child’s family member;
- Compliance with a court order (e.g. visitation, subpoena);
- Special education or related services for the child’s disability;
- Observance of a religious holiday or service;
- Family vacation, not to exceed five (5) excused absences per program year.
Please note: HOME Preschool will allow one documented 5-day absence during the 180-day instructional period. Documentation must be submitted in advance, explain the reason for the 5-day absence, and be dated and signed by the child’s legal custodial adult. Any additional absences of five (5) consecutive instructional days will be considered a withdrawal from the VPK program at HOME Preschool. Withdrawals from the VPK program will not be eligible for re-enrollment.
Uniform: All students are expected to be in uniform every day, unless otherwise specified. Plain clothes can be very distracting, so we respectfully ask that parents comply with our Uniform Policy.
Withdrawal from wrap-around service: A months’ notice must be given to the Director, if at any time a parent/guardian withdraws his/her child from the wrap-around services offered by HOME Preschool but chooses to remain in the VPK program.
Transfer: Should you decide at any time after the start of the VPK program that you wish to transfer your child to another provider, it is the parent’s responsibility to go to their family services portal or contact ELC of Broward to obtain the transfer.
Dismissal: At HOME Preschool, we strive to meet the needs of all of the children and families in our school. Please feel free to consult us on any issue. Yet, there are occasions when despite our best efforts we are unable to accommodate a particular child or family. Whether the situation is that the placement is not appropriate for that child or there is non-compliance with the policies and procedures outlined in this agreement and /or the HOME Preschool’s Parent Handbook, we reserve the right to dismiss your child from the VPK program.
Payment: If you wish to keep your child enrolled after the program has ended, parents will be required to pay the current rate for each child on a weekly basis.
To participate in the VPK Program at HOME Preschool, I agree to comply with the terms of this Absence and Tardiness Policy. My signature below is acknowledgement of my review and acceptance of the terms of this policy.