Admissions
Sonrise Christian Preschool operates similar to Pinellas County School District schedule as we are a fully accredited preschool and not a daycare. All applications are accepted without regard to race, color, or national origin.
To register at Sonrise Christian Preschool, please submit the following:
• Enrollment form
• Notarized Medical/Emergency form
• Tuition Agreement
• Discipline Policy form
• A copy of the birth certificate
• Parent agreement form
• A current Form 680 also known as the Certificate of Immunizations from your pediatrician.
• School Entry Health form, also known as the physical form from Pediatrician.
• All fees such as the registration fee, supply fee and activity fee. These fees are annual and are non-refundable.
All paperwork must be completed and turned into the office before your child can start. We cannot hold a space for a child without payment of all fees.
For safety reasons, we need photocopies of the driver license or identification card of any person that has permission to pick up your child. If someone is not on the pickup list, we must have permission to release your child in writing.
CLASSROOM PLACEMENT
Parents may not request a teacher. The reason for this is because there are only two classrooms for each age and requests do not take into account the combination of children in the group. The class rosters are created with input from their teachers to make the best combination of children and reduce conflicts. We consider many aspects of the classes while making the rosters. You may express your preference, but it is not a guarantee that we will be able to place your child where you want.
CONFIDENTIALITY PROCEDURES
All the children’s records shall be kept confidential. Committee members, Sonrise Christian Preschool staff, volunteers and other employees shall not discuss or disclose personal information regarding children and facts learned about children and their relatives except: (a) with the parents or the person(s) authorized by the parent(s)/guardian(s) to receive such information, or (b) with the agency assisting the parent(s)/guardian(s) with planning for the child.
WITHDRAWALS & RE-ENROLLMENTS
A two-week written notice is required when a child is withdrawn from the center. If a child is absent for more than two weeks without notice, we will assume that the child has been withdrawn and will proceed to register another child from our waiting list. If a child is withdrawn from the center and later wishes to re-enroll within a two month period, the
registration will be waived. After the two-month period, the full registration fee will be required.
SIBLING PRIORITY POLICY
Siblings of enrolled children have a priority status on the waiting list in order that we may better serve our current families. Prior payment history will be considered before an offer of enrollment is made. The exception to sibling priority occurs when commitments have been made before parent requests a spot. Sonrise consistently has a waiting list and is it in a parent’s best interest to request a spot in the preschool as soon as possible and have their name placed on the waiting list.
CUSTODY ISSUES/POLICIES
In the event of a change in custodial arrangements for a child, both parents are asked to notify the Director in writing of the specific changes. We ask that staff members be kept informed of custody arrangements and changes in circumstances. This will help the staff ensure that notes about next-day events or field trips, etc. make it home to both parents and it will also provide an opportunity for us to provide a higher quality of care for your family. It is important to note that the preschool is legally obligated to release a child to either parent unless there is a court decree on file at the center that states otherwise. The preschool must limit its involvement in domestic disputes. Our intention is to remain a neutral and safe place for your child. We will not withhold a child from any parent without a court order. However, a court order will be followed and enforced. Any person attempting to pick up a child that has been asked not to by the courts will result in a call to the police and a lock down at our preschool. We ask that all documents and changes be copied for the office and the staff immediately and kept current.
MANDATORY ABUSE REPORTS
In order to protect children, the law requires certain persons who may have frequent contact with children and their families, and who are in a position to identify child abuse and neglect, to report it. All child care employees are required to report any suspicion of abuse to Child Protective Services. Please be aware of this requirement and legal obligation. The staff will be morally and legally required to report any signs and suspicions of abuse.