Thank you for your interest in Tender Learning Centre. We offer programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, Kindergarteners, and children of school age up to fourteen years. Tender Learning Centre offers after-school care for the school-aged child, which includes some holidays, snow days, school vacation weeks, as well as summer camp programs. Tender Learning Centre can accommodate the needs of children of all ages in our spacious center. TLC offers services for children and their families and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, cultural heritage, political beliefs, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.

Tender Learning Centre has been established to provide working families with uncompromising, high-quality day care. We pride ourselves on our reliable, consistent, clean, and inviting facility. Our professional staff of teachers and assistants strive to meet the needs of each individual child. Because of our dedication to high-quality individualized care, we feel it is critical to maintain a low child/adult ratio to ensure that your child will receive the attention he/she needs and deserves.

We are always available to answer questions or share information with you, and we encourage you to take advantage of our proximity to your work site and visit often. You may stop by TLC at anytime unannounced and visit your child.

Daily Activities

Each child will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities to play alone or with chosen peers. We have daily outdoor activities (weather permitting), which promote fine and gross motor skills. Our five playgrounds offer each age group a fun safe place to play. With over 9,000 square feet, it allows all ages to be out at once. Teachers specifically design programs for each class, stimulating intellectual growth, starting as young as our Toddler One program.

Behavior Management Plan

Teachers will handle conflict and discipline issues first by redirecting the children. This means an alternative toy or situation would be offered to the child to divert his/her attention. If necessary, "time outs" would then be used. The child will be (physically, if necessary) removed from the group to sit in a "time out" spot for no longer than 5 minutes. If necessary, the child will spend time in the office with either the Assistant Director or the Director.

or

The child will not be allowed to participate in one of his favorite activities. Again, this is to be explained so that the child is aware of the misbehavior and the consequences of the misbehavior.

and

If the problem continues, the Director, parents, and teacher will meet to determine the next course of action.

Enrollment

Children are enrolled at TLC after personal visits that include parents, children, and Director. At this initial meeting, written copies of purpose, services, referral policy, and procedure for parent conferences are provided.

Yearly Fees

A yearly fee of $150 is due each September for every family and will be pro-rated for families starting after September. This fee is not refundable. In March of every year, there is a registration fee of $25 per family to secure your child's slot for the following September. There is a field trip fee due in the summer for the prekindergarten, kindergarten and school-aged camp programs. The fees will be determined yearly, based on the trips and activities planned. Cost will be approximately $50.00–$200.00 depending on the class. Information on the camp programs will be available in the spring for that summer.

Tuition

Tuition is due prior to the 1st or split in equal installments on the 1st and the 15th of each month. Payment is due in advance. There are no refunds for hazardous driving days, natural disasters, power outages, or loss of water/heat. A deposit of $25 registration fee and the first week's tuition is required to hold a slot. This tuition will be applied to the child's first week here. A late charge of $10 per day will be charged for tuition not received by the 3rd or 17th. Returned checks are subject to a $20 returned check fee. In addition, you are required to pay for holidays and vacation weeks. There are no make up days for part-time children.

Hours of Operation

The center opens at 7:15 a.m. and closes at 6:15 p.m. Please do not drop off your child before 7:15. It is also important to pick up before 6:15, 1eaving the appropriate time for gathering your child and their belongings. Anyone who arrives for pickup after 6:15 p.m. or leaves the building after 6:15 p.m. will be required to sign our after hours clipboard and will be charged a late fee of $5.00 for the first five minutes and $2.00 per minute after 6:20 p.m.

Withdrawal

Three weeks written notice is required for withdrawal for any reason. However, the center reserves the right to request withdrawal of any student if conditions do not prove to be satisfactory to both parties.

Vacations

Families are responsible for paying year-round, even in the instances when they will be on vacation. TLC is closed for one week in August. Payment is required for that week.

Emergency Closings

In the following instances it may be necessary for TLC to close and stay closed until the situation is resolved; loss of water, heat, electricity, natural disaster, and fire. TLC staff will notify parents, by cellular phones (if necessary) to come pick up their child, where they should pick them up, and how soon the child needs to be picked up. In the event that the children need to be evacuated from the center, TLC and staff vehicles will be used, possibly in conjunction with the town safety officials. The children will be transported to the closest and safest facility.

General Policies

• All children must have a current Health Form on file with up to date immunizations.
• In the event of a serious injury, necessary first aid is given and the parents are notified immediately. The child will be transported to the Lahey Clinic by the Director, in a car seat if under the age of five, or ambulance depending on the severity of the injury. O.C.C.S. will also be notified.
• Medicines may be administered at the center, if necessary, only with written permission from the parents and a prescription from the child's doctor.
• Please do not allow your child to bring breakable items, toys, or valuables to school.
• Each child receives recognition on his/her birthday. If you wish to send a treat, please inform your child's teacher.
• Please mark all clothing plainly.
• Please inform the center if your child is going to be absent or late.
• Regular conferences between parent and teacher can be scheduled at anytime.
• Please notify the school if there is a change of address or phone number.
• There shall be a file of the names of persons authorized to pick up the child. Written permission from the parent is required for the release of the child to any person other than the parent.