Frequently Asked Questions?

 

 

Q: May I tour the Ark preschool if I'm interested in enrolling my children?

 

We welcome prospective clients to tour our facility. However, 9-9:30 and 2:15-2:30 are busy with drop off and pick up traffic, and most of the children go down for naptime right after lunch (approximately 12:30-1:30). Tours are best given outside of these busy hours.  Of course, parents of currently enrolled students may stop by anytime.

 

 

Q: I stopped by the Ark but the doors were locked.  Why?

 

We lock down the Ark hallways for the security and safety of our children.  If you are a parent or if you have business at the Ark, call the number on the sign posted on the doors or call the office and someone will come let you in. 

 

 

Q:  What kind of security do you have at the Ark?

 

In addition to limited access to our facility, we have cameras stationed throughout the halls and in every classroom.  No one is allowed to pick up any child without identification and consent of the parent/guardian.  All our playground areas are securely fenced and we do a name to face headcount before any transition around the facility. We exceed state teacher:child ratios by having nearly double the number of required teachers on staff.  We also meet or exceed all local and state childcare,fire, and health codes.

 

 

Q: My child does not nap, does he have to sleep?

 

All of our classrooms have a rest time per state regulations. Children are not required to sleep, but they are expected to lay down quietly on a mat during rest time.  Rest times vary by class/age group.  Call the office for exact times.

 

 

Q: If my child is not potty trained can he/she attend the Ark?

 

It depends on your child's age and classroom placement.  Approximately half of our classrooms are equipped with diaper changing stations.  Most of those rooms house children who will turn 3 during the school year and younger.  Please call the office to ask about your child's individual needs.

 

 

Q: What kind of religious instruction is offered to students of the Ark?

 

Ark students attend "Chapel Time" in our sanctuary on Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 9:15-9:30 a.m.  They sing songs, hear a Bible story, and learn age-appropriate lessons about God and His love for them.  We discuss what we believe to be the true meaning of Christmas and Easter.  And we also celebrate many secular holiday traditions.  We may wear costumes to our Pumpkin Parties or have a visit from the Easter Bunny.  Please contact the office for more information.

 

 

Q:  What educational curriculum do you follow at the Ark?

 

Our Director, Susan Gallander, holds a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  She is also a published author of elementary curriculum.  In consult with local kindergarten teachers, she has hand selected the best parts of several different published preschool programs to prepare Ark students for a smooth transition into kindergarten.  Learn more about Susan here.

 

 

Q: Why was I charged for "PM Extended Care" when I was just a couple of minutes late?

 

Our program ends promptly at 2:30. Your child may be escorted to the extended care room at anytime after that. The charge is a flat rate, whether your child is there for 5 minutes or 60. Please understand that our teachers need to leave on time to pick up their own children from school. We pay two teachers extra to stay late with those students who are not picked up on time. The extended care fees pay for their time.

 

 

Q: If I am going to be late, do I need to call?

 

It is only necessary to call if you won't arrive before 3:30, when extended care ends.  All children who have not been picked up by 2:30 will be escorted to the extended care room by their teachers. 

 

 

Q: Can I get a statement of my account for tax or other purposes?

 

At this time we do not send statements each month to every client.  We send statements only to those who incur additional charges during the month (i.e. drop-in fees, extended care fees, etc.)  However, we are happy to send a monthly statement via email or an annual statement to the email address you provide.  Please contact bookkeeper@thearkrockwall.com to make your request.

 

 

Q: May I pay my tuition with a credit card?

 

Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to accept credit card payments.

 

 

 

Q:  May I pay my tuition automatically through my bank account?

 

Yes, you may set up automatic payments via check-by-mail through your bank's online bill pay system. Be sure to put your child's name as the "account number" when setting us up as payee.  If you need assistance, please call your bank.

 

 

Q:  I am withdrawing my child, may I get a refund of tuition and fees that I have already paid?

 

Generally, tuition and fees are NON-REFUNDABLE with these exceptions:

• your child becomes chronically ill and/or physically unable to attend any school or daycare
• your family moves out of the school area
• we are unable to place your child

 

 

Q:  If I withdraw my child, will you pro-rate my tuition for that month?

 

Tuition will only be pro-rated under the circumstances outlined above and for students who begin after the third week of the month.  If you know you will be leaving our program, please let us know as soon as possible so we can fill your child's space.  You are responsible for all fees and tuition until we have received written notice that you will be leaving our program. 

 

 

Q:  Do you offer a discount on tuition if I enroll more than one child in your program?

 

Only if you enroll 3 or more children in the same year.  Please contact the office for more information.