first circle learning centers | parents handbook | enrollment
In order to reserve a space in the classroom, you must complete an Enrollment Packet and submit it with the enrollment fees [see Program Information packet]. Your child’s file must be completed prior to their first day to allow classroom staff sufficient time to familiarize themselves with your child’s history.
We welcome applications for any child with a disability and will make reasonable accommodations to the extent possible to serve the child. In determining whether accommodations are reasonable and necessary, First Circle will, with parent consent, request information from local public schools or other health or service providers.
For any child with a known disability, we will collaborate with the family on a plan that includes specific accommodations related to the disability. Accommodations might include modification to the child’s participation in First Circle’s regular activities, a change in staff ratio, or any special equipment needed to serve the child. Any medical issues will be addressed through a Special Care Plan [see Health + Safety].
Within 30 days after we’ve created a Plan for Accommodations, First Circle will provide written notification if the accommodations would cause an undue burden to the program. The notification will include reasons for the decision and inform parents that they may request that EEC review compliance concerning the decision, a copy of which we’ll maintain for our records.
First Circle places children in classrooms based on age and developmental readiness, considering emotional, cognitive, and physical development, family preferences, and cultural factors. Preschool and k-prep placements may or may not align with local kindergarten age cut-offs. Each classroom has an appropriate age range to ensure engagement and learning, and children transition based on age and readiness. EEC regulations allow for flexible placements outside chronological age groups based on progress reports and parental input, with decisions made case by case to balance individual and classroom needs.
Please refer to the Supplies section for complete information on what your child will need.
Depending on your child’s temperament and transition style, we recommend between one and three transition visits for your child to spend a few partial days in the classroom before their official enrollment date. For children who tend to be slow to warm up, it’s best to get them used to the drop-off procedure in short periods over sequential days. For instance, if your child seems anxious at drop-off, we may recommend bringing them in two hours per day for three days in a row before their official enrollment date in order to establish a consistent drop-off routine. We typically recommend that you start care at least a week before you really need it, so that you can have some flexibility during this all-important time.
This handbook contains all policies and procedures related to the daily operation of the program. For policies related to schedules, tuition, and payment, please refer to the Program Information packet.