Preschool Parent Agreement
BRIS AVROHOM OF FAIR LAWN D/B/A ALEF PRESCHOOL (the “PRESCHOOL” or “Alef Preschool”) is excited to welcome your child to Alef Preschool.
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL PARENTS AND/OR GUARDIANS TO READ AND BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PRESCHOOL PARENT AGREEMENT. THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE SAVED IN YOUR ACCOUNT AND YOU MAY REFER TO IT AT ANY TIME. YOU MAY ALSO PRINT IT FOR YOUR RECORDS.
IGNORANCE OF THE EXISTENCE OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ITS GUIDELINES SHALL NOT BE GROUNDS FOR EXEMPTION.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS AGREEMENT, PLEASE CONTACT US.
Required Information
1. I understand that in order to secure a place for my child in Alef Preschool, I must agree to all the terms and conditions of this Preschool Parent Agreement and my application needs to include all of the following:
A. Online Preschool enrollment completed with accurate and up to date information.
B. Online health form for each child completed, digitally signed, and submitted.
C. A $400 non-refundable deposit. Please refer to the Refund Policy below.
D. Submit payment method information, choice of full payment or payment plans as outlined in the Preschool enrollment.
2. I understand that Alef Preschool will not hold a spot for my child if the deposit and/or full payments are not received or have not been set up in my account.
3. It is New Jersey state law that a completed application, health history, and immunizations be submitted to the preschool office prior to my child beginning school. There are no exceptions.
4. I acknowledge that my child will comply with all Alef Preschool guidelines and requirements as set forth in this Preschool Parent agreement and the Parent Handbook. Alef Preschool reserves the right, but is not obligated, to deny entry into Alef Preschool to any Parent or Child who is not in compliance with any of its guidelines.
Communication
1. I understand that Alef Preschool communicates with parents primarily via email and mobile phone messages and notifications. I have provided a working email address which I check frequently, I authorize Alef Preschool to send me and other parents/guardians on my account, Preschool related information via this email address. I agree to receive Preschool text messages and notifications to my mobile device of which I have provided the mobile number for. I will also download the Preschool app if applicable.
2. I understand that when Alef Preschool sends an email or message, it assumes that I have received and read the notification in its entirety. Alef Preschool further assumes that if I have a question, I will contact the Preschool office by email asap to get clarification. I understand that the longer I wait to ask a question or share a concern, the less likely Alef Preschool will be able to have a timely and favorable response. Alef Preschool will not be held responsible if I miss notifications due to filters or glitches, if I overlook an email or message, if i don't read the communication in its entirety, or any other computer/device or non-computer related issue.
3. I understand that it is my responsibility to notify Alef Preschool immediately upon email address or phone number change, or if I see that I have not received any Preschool related emails or messages leading up to a few weeks before the beginning of my child's Preschool session. I will also check my spam folder and adjust my email settings to ensure I am receiving the Preschools emails.
4. I agree to not send my child to Preschool and notify Preschool immediately if my child tests positive for Covid, exhibits any Covid symptoms, has a fever in excess of 100.4 degrees; or lives in a household in which a member tests positive for Covid, exhibits any Covid symptoms or has a fever in excess of 100.4 degrees; or otherwise comes into contact with anyone who contracts Covid, exhibits Covid symptoms or tests positive for Covid.
Tuition Policy
By enrolling my child(ren) at Alef Preschool, I acknowledge and agree to be responsible for all tuition, fees, and other charges associated with enrollment, as outlined in the school’s tuition and fee schedule. I authorize Alef Preschool to charge my payment method for these amounts in accordance with the school’s payment policies. I understand that enrollment is considered a financial commitment for the full school year, and I agree to abide by the school’s policies regarding payments, late fees, refunds, and withdrawals.
1. I agree to pay the full amount of the Preschool tuition per child, as stated online, as well as any additional fees or charges as stated on the Preschool enrollment page and the website. I understand that there are fees in addition to tuition, some mandatory like security fees and some voluntary like lunch and enrichment. I understand that full Tuition, security fees, charges for extra care and voluntary activities or programs are required in full, unless I have entered into a written tuition agreement signed by both myself and the Preschool director that indicates otherwise.
2. If I use a credit card for any Preschool related payment I agree to pay a 3% surcharge. I understand that I have a choice to use eCheck/ACH for which there is no fee.
3. I agree to pay a $30 returned payment fee for each individual Credit Card charge disputed or unpaid by my card company or bank, check, or E-Check/ACH that is returned from the bank unpaid. I understand that this fee will be applied to my Preschool account and I will be obligated to pay it immediately together with the amount of the original balance.
4. I understand that my account will be reviewed every once in a while in order to ensure accuracy. If there is an outstanding balance that is not part of a payment plan, my method of payment (E-Check or Credit Card) will be used to collect payment for the amount due at that time.
5. The Preschool office will send me an email with my balance before any charge (not related to regular tuition) is made. I will then have up to five days from the date of the email to review my account with the office staff to ensure accuracy. If I have not contacted the Preschool office within five days after the email, I authorize my account to be charged as described above.
Refund Policy
Alef Preschool makes deposits, purchases and hires staff based on the numbers of children enrolled. Enrolling to Alef Preschool is your commitment that your child will attend the full term you singed up to.
Therefore, there can be no refunds or deductions from tuition for any reason, including without limitation to the following:
1. Preschool will not offer, and parents/Preschoolers will not be entitled to any refunds or deductions from tuition for any reason including, without limitation:
A. Cancelations to enrollment for any reason, arriving late, leaving early, vacations, holidays, missed weeks, missed days, missed trips, sick days for any health reason, injury or Covid, cancellations to enrollment for any reason, or suspension/expulsion from Preschool for any behavioral reasons.
B. If a Preschooler is otherwise unable to attend or participate in Preschool activities for any reason.
C. If Preschool is suspended or closed due to a health or pandemic related reason, or due to government suspension or closure of Preschool, unless otherwise stated online under Covid Refund Policy.
2. All requests for refunds, credits or changes in enrollment must be submitted in an email to the Preschool office. The date of the first written request for a refund will be used to determine when the refund was first asked for. Verbal requests for refunds or changes cannot be honored.
3. If a refund is issued, it is based on the remaining enrollment after cancellation or actual Preschool attendance. The refund will be the balance left after those charges are applied.
Arriving Early, Picking Up Late Policy
I understand that extra care is optional and there is a per period, per child charge for extra care in addition to Preschool tuition. I agree that my child needs to be supervised at all times while on Preschool grounds, even outside of Preschool hours. I agree to pay the full per period per child rate for extra care as explained below.
School begins at 9:00am each day. Doors will open at 8:50am.
School ends at 12:30pm (twos half day) or 3:00pm according to your enrollment, with extra care from 3:15-6:00pm.
Please be prompt when dropping off your child, as lateness takes away from your child’s learning time. Please be prompt when picking up. Charges will apply for late pick-ups.
Extra Care Policy
Extra Care hours (in excess of the hours you enrolled to) will be billed at $11 per hour.
To ensure proper staffing and supervision for extra care, any additional care beyond the daily hours you enrolled for will be billed in full-hour increments once more than 15 minutes of extra care have elapsed. This means that if your child remains in extra care for any portion of an hour — starting at 15 minutes — it will be considered a full hour.
For example:
School begins 9:00am. Dropping off before 8:50am (as early as 8am) is considered one hour of extra care.
School ends 3:00pm and dismissal ends at 3:15pm.
Picking up 3:15pm - 4:15pm is considered one hour of extra care.
Picking up 4:15pm - 5:15pm is considered two hours of extra care.
Picking up 5:15pm - 6:00pm is considered three hours of extra care.
Release, Photo Release and Release From Liability
I give my child permission to participate in all advertised, scheduled and or published Preschool activities, trips, short walks around and near school premises and programs. By registering my child to Alef Preschool I attest that I have reviewed the published program and trips and that my child is physically, emotionally, and socially capable in every way of participating in the Preschool's programs and activities. I understand that some trips will require an additional waiver from trip host. I further agree that Preschool's willingness to accommodate me and/or my child for a special need or request does not obligate Preschool to do so again. It further does not absolve me from my responsibility to ensure that the Alef Preschool program is suitable for my child. Alef Preschool is not responsible to inform me of any doubts that staff or administration may have about my child's ability to participate in the program. However Alef Preschool may refuse, suspend, or expel my child with no refund based on Preschool determination of his or her inability to participate in the program.
I give Alef Preschool permission to arrange for the transportation of my child to scheduled Preschool trips. I allow my child to board vehicles hired by Preschool for the purpose of transportation to and from Preschool scheduled trips and activities.
I allow my child to be in photos and videos taken by and/or produced by Alef Preschool and its affiliates. I also allow videos and pictures of my child to be used on the websites and social media pages of Alef Preschool, Bris Avrohom of Fair Lawn, and Fair Lawn Jewish Day Camp, as well as in print materials. When photos are published, no personal identifying information about the individual will be included. I understand that I may request that pictures not be published if my child appears in a photo with fewer than three other children. However, I acknowledge that Alef Preschool is unable to accommodate requests to opt my child out of group photos where they appear with three or more other children. I further understand that while Alef Preschool will respect my wish for my child not to appear in published photos, it will also make reasonable efforts to minimize the use of photos featuring my child, even in group settings.
I understand that Alef Preschool cannot and does not guarantee that no child will become ill or infect others. I understand that Preschool will do its best to follow the applicable state and CDC guidelines with regard to Covid safety at Preschool.
I acknowledge that transmission of pandemics, epidemics, airborne diseases, and other communicable diseases, including but not limited to COVID-19, are outside of the school’s control and occurring without its fault or negligence. I further acknowledge that there is an inherent risk in contracting COVID-19 and other communicable or airborne diseases despite compliance with applicable guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”), Department of Health (“DOH”), or other guidelines as may be promulgated by federal, state and local agencies from time to time. I understand that by enrolling and sending my child to Alef Preschool, I assume the risk of infection from COVID or other communicable diseases despite the efforts and precautions that Alef Preschool will implement.
I understand that Alef Preschool involves many activities, social and other interactions, and responsibilities some of which may be new to my child. I understand that these come with certain risks and uncertainties beyond what my child may be used to dealing with and beyond what Alef Preschool may control. I am aware of these risks and I am assuming them on behalf of my child who is a minor. I realize that no environment is risk-free and/or 100% safe. Therefore I assume responsibility of all costs, medical expenses or any other damage or suffering that may result from participating in Alef Preschool, or an injury or incident at Alef Preschool. I will not hold Alef Preschool responsible for any medical or other expenses I may incur due to my child attending and participating in the program at Alef Preschool. I realize that some situations may not be covered by my insurance or the Preschool's insurance, and that some situations may be specifically excluded by my or the Preschool's insurance. I will not hold Alef Preschool responsible for any medical or other costs or expenses I may incur while my child attends the program at Preschool.
I acknowledge on my own behalf and on behalf of my child that Alef Preschool is not liable to me or my child, jointly, severally, or individually, and I agree to forever release and waive Alef Preschool and each of its owners, board members, volunteers, affiliates, vendors, employees, agents, representatives, successors, or assigns from any and all claims or causes of action regarding harm or injury arising from or related to COVID-19, or other communicable diseases, physical injuries or emotional traumas outside of Alef Preschool’s reasonable control. I agree to voluntarily give up, relinquish, or waive any right that may otherwise exist to bring a legal action against the Preschool for personal injury, emotional suffering or property damage. To the extent that statute or case law does not prohibit releases for negligence, this release is also for any claims or causes of action for negligence in New Jersey or any other jurisdiction. I make this release on my own behalf and on behalf of my minor child. I acknowledge that I have carefully read this provision and understand that it is a release of liability.
I have instructed my child on the importance of proper behavior and abiding by Preschool's rules. My child (to the extent age appropriate allows) and I both acknowledge that he or she is familiar with these rules and will obey them.
If any portion of this release from liability shall be deemed by a Court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, then the remainder of this release from liability shall remain in full force and effect and the offending provision or provisions severed here from.
Liability General Rules and Policies
Alef Preschool has policies in place to help each Preschooler gain as much as possible from the Preschool experience. A copy of Alef Preschool's rules, agreement and health policy are available on the Preschool website. My signature on this agreement indicates my consent to abide by all of Alef Preschool's rules, regulations and policies.
I understand that Alef Preschool will do its best to place my child in the groups and/or with the friends that I have requested, with no guarantees. Preschool reserves the right to, in its sole discretion, place Preschoolers in the groups that it believes is in the child's and Preschool's best interest, regardless of what parents have requested verbally or in writing. I agree to accept group placements made by Preschool, I will not request that changes be made.
I agree to address any concerns about the school directly with the Preschool administration in a respectful and constructive manner. Rather than expressing complaints to friends, whether online or offline, I will maintain an open line of communication with the school to work toward a resolution.
I understand that Alef Preschool is a mainstream preschool and is not specifically staffed or equipped to provide specialized support for children with special needs. However we are pleased to welcome children with special needs into our school and do our best to accommodate all children. Enrollment is contingent upon mutual agreement between the school administration and the parents that the program is suitable for the child and that the child will benefit from participation.
In rare instances where a child does not thrive within the school environment, the school will collaborate with the parents to support a successful experience. If deemed necessary, a shadow or facilitator may be required for the child to continue enrollment. Any shadow must receive prior approval from the Director. If all reasonable efforts to support the child have been exhausted and it is determined that the program is not in the best interest of the child, the family may be required to withdraw the child from the program.
I acknowledge that Alef Preschool does not conduct professional diagnoses before or during the school year. The preschool, in collaboration with the parents and based on my child's behavior, will determine whether my child is able to participate in the program. Additionally, I understand that Alef Preschool cannot assume responsibility for injuries or distress resulting from the school's inability, despite it's best efforts, to provide specialized care. By enrolling my child, I affirm that my child is capable of participating in a mainstream program, can function appropriately in a group setting, follow directions from staff, and engage in self-regulating behavior.
I accept full responsibility for any associated costs and acknowledge that in the event my child is dismissed from the program due to an inability to participate as determined by Alef Preschool, I will forfeit any refund of tuition or fees.
I will notify Alef Preschool immediately of any physical concerns, limitations, or diagnosis that my child may have or develop before or during the current school year, as well as any medical diagnoses that may be new for this year.
Alef Preschool reserves the right to remove any Preschooler from Preschool for reasons it believes are in the best interests of the Preschool and the children enrolled. Should a Preschooler be sent home for any such reason, no refund will be made.
I will keep my general contact information and emergency contact information current with Alef Preschool. I will notify Alef Preschool immediately of any change in my contact information.
I will pay for any damage done by either my child acting alone or in concert with others to Alef Preschool property and/or property of any facilities, equipment, or vehicles rented, leased, or used by Alef Preschool.
Neither Preschool nor any of its staff shall be responsible for the loss of or damage to the personal property of the Preschooler. I agree to ensure that my child does not bring expensive belongings to Preschool.
I understand that Preschool is run by people, and those people will work hard to keep Preschool safe and fun. I understand that these people deserve the same respect and courtesy that any other person deserves. The people at Alef Preschool will always treat me and my child with respect, and the same is expected in return.
I understand that caring for other people's children is always difficult and requires a huge degree of care and responsibility. I agree to respect that level of care and trust. If I have a question, a disagreement, or a concern, I will address it directly with the Preschool office or the director, by way of email or private message. I understand that while in the event of a disagreement or misunderstanding I have with the Preschool, I may feel good by venting to my friends online or offline, but this is not how I will help my child or myself resolve the issue. Rather, I understand that by having direct and immediate communication with the Preschool office and/or director with the intention of resolving the matter asap, this will best benefit my child and other children at Alef Preschool.
I agree to abide by the decisions that the director of Alef Preschool makes, I understand that these decisions will always put the safety of the kids first. I further agree to bring up any disagreements I have with these decisions, or questions I have in a respectful manner, and in private, just like I would expect when the Preschool communicates with me.
To ensure that our warm and welcoming environment remains fair, safe, and responsible, I agree to the following: Every child has the right to a healthy environment. I will not send sick children to school. I agree that if a child arrives at school ill or becomes ill during the day, they will be sent home. Alef Preschools health policy requires a minimum 24-hour waiting period before returning to school after fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or a communicable illness. Please refer to the Parent Handbook for full details.
No Abuse Policy
Alef Preschool has a no abuse policy and will not tolerate children using any form of abuse whether verbal or physical against another Preschooler or staff member. All children engaging in any form of abuse or bullying, (irrelevant of who started) will be subject to disciplinary action, which may consist of some or all of the following and not necessarily in this order:
A warning from the teacher, a talk with the Preschool director, a phone call home informing parents of the situation, or suspension from Preschool. Alef Preschool will do its best to prevent and minimize any form of abuse. I understand that Alef Preschool will not be held responsible if abuse does occur and I release Alef Preschool from any responsibility in case my child suffers any form of abuse at the hands of another child.
Medical Insurance
Alef Preschool shall not be responsible for the cost of any medical, health or dental treatment relating to participating and/or attending Preschool. I understand that no environment is 100% risk free despite the best practices of Alef Preschool. I understand that I am required to have medical insurance with adequate coverage for the risk that sending my child to a Preschool involves. I take responsibility for any and all expenses, medical or otherwise, resulting from an injury while attending Alef Preschool, and work with my insurance to get it paid without involving Alef Preschool in any way. I understand that my child, myself or someone in my family may get sick with Covid or any other disease during the time my child is enrolled. I have the necessary health insurance to make sure that my family and I can get the medical treatment we may need. I understand that some insurance policies may exclude pandemic related events, and that while I am covered for general medical expenses, not all medical expenses may be covered, and non-medical expenses may not be covered by my policy at all.
Waiver of Trial and Agreement to Arbitrate
In the event that there are any disputes regarding this Agreement, I, on my own behalf and on behalf of each enrolled child, waive any right to a trial in a court of law before a judge and jury. I, on my own behalf and on behalf of each enrolled child, agree that any such dispute shall be brought no later than ninety (90) days after the last day of school of the current year, and will be determined by binding Arbitration before one (1) arbitrator with experience in the Preschool industry to be selected and agreed upon mutually by the parent/guardian and Alef Preschool, and that such arbitrator shall certify that the arbitrator is free from any conflict of interest. I, on my own behalf and on behalf of each enrolled child, further agree that the arbitration will take place solely in the State of New Jersey and that the substantive law of New Jersey shall apply, and that if I seek to assert a claim against Alef Preschool on my own behalf or behalf of my child, I will notify Alef Preschool in writing with a demand for arbitration. To the extent that any claim I have against Alef Preschool has not been released or waived by this Agreement, I acknowledge that I have agreed that my sole remedy is to arbitration of such claim, and that such claim may only be brought against Alef Preschool in accordance with the above Waiver of Trial, and Agreement to Arbitrate.
General Agreement
I understand that by submitting the application referenced in Section 1(A) under 'Required Information,' I have agreed to abide by all of the terms and conditions of this Preschool Parent Agreement and all policies outlined in the parent handbook and other documents Alef Preschool has made available to parents and outlined in Section 4 under 'Required Information. I understand that enrolling my child in Alef Preschool means agreeing to all the school's policies and guidelines. If I have concerns or disagreements, I am encouraged to address them directly with the school administration in a respectful and constructive manner, with the goal of solving the matter. Using social media as a platform to vent frustrations or express disagreements is not appropriate and goes against the values and benefits of open and direct communication that lead to solving misunderstanding. If I feel unable to uphold this standard, I should thoughtfully consider whether participation in this school year is the right choice for my family.
I acknowledge that I have read the entire document and that I understand all terms and conditions.
By signing this document, I acknowledge my understanding of its content and that this document cannot be modified orally.
I and each enrolled child agree to abide by Alef Preschool’s policies and procedures, as well as any other rules and regulations, as may be adopted or amended from time to time.
