How to Enroll in our After School Program
Enrollment Tip

Step by Step Guide to Preschool Enrollment:

• Arrange a visit
  We welcome and encourage all parents to visit our program. Arrange a visit by calling us to schedule an appointment. We recommend morning visits around 11:00am to allow parents to observe our small learning groups as well as teacher-child interaction. Wednesdays are usually our field trip days so that day is not recommended for a visit. Afternoon visits are also available around 3:30pm (after the children have taken naps and are about to eat snacks).
  
  
• Apply
  To apply, complete and return the required application form with a $35.00 nonrefundable, tax-deductible application fee. Sections are determined based on the number of people in the household and gross monthly income. Families who do not qualify for State subsidies will be placed on the private preschool waiting list. Private fees for full-time and half-day care are determined by our sliding scale. We recommend parents submit their applications at least a year in advance of the time they would like their child to enroll. Remember to inform us of any address or phone number changes during this time.
  
  
• Waiting list
  After you submit an application form, your child is placed on the appropriate waiting list (subsidized or private) until an opening is available. You will receive a letter to confirm that he/she is on the waiting list and what your fee would be, based on the information provided in the enrollment application. If your child is under two years of age, he/she is placed on a waiting list and we ask that you contact us once your child is completely toilet trained.
  
  
• Opening
  Most preschool openings occur in September after the pre-kindergarten children graduate. We begin calling parents on the waiting list in late-May or early-June. We try to fill all openings during September, but we sometimes have openings in the winter months. In addition, we will also contact families on the waiting list when we have unexpected vacancies.
  
  
• Orientation meeting
  We determine an enrollment date and then arrange an orientation meeting. At the orientation meeting, we fill out required documentation and review materials such as the Parents' Handbook and Emergency Information Card. At this meeting, Preschool families are required to bring:
  
  
• Child’s birth certificate
  
• Immunization records
  
• Parents’ income verification, e.g. paycheck stub or letter from employer (if qualifying for the less than maximum private fee rate or state subsidized rate)
  
• For families paying the private fee, we require a half-month security deposit to secure the opening. (This deposit is refundable with two weeks advanced notice given regarding the child’s last day.)
  
  
• Visit Dates and Gradual Introduction
  After the orientation meeting, parents will be introduced to the staff and several visit dates will be set. We ask families to visit NLF with their child for a few hours several days before the child begins preschool to allow the child to get comfortable with the school. We gradually start the child in school with a half-day schedule for several days (1:30pm pick-up) depending on the child and his/her rate of adjustment.

Step by Step Guide to After School Program Enrollment:

• Arrange a visit
  We suggest you call to schedule an appointment to visit our After School Program in the afternoon. Usually around 3:30-5:00pm is best so you can observe the various groups and the afternoon schedule.
  
  
• Apply
  After your visit, fill out an application form.
  
  
• Waiting list
  If we do not have any current openings, you will be placed on a waiting list.
  
  
• Opening
  If you are on a waiting list, we call you when there is an opening.
  
  
• Orientation meeting
  For new families unfamiliar with NLF, an orientation meeting is set. A few forms are filled out:
  
  
  • An emergency card which has important information on the child and family members as well as a listing of who are authorized people to pick up the child and the ASP contract.
  • The Parents' Handbook will also be reviewed.

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Enrollment Tip:

Parents should visit a program first and get a feel for the organization. If it's possible, bring your child along for the visit and see how your child responds to the school. Don't be surprised if it takes several visits before your child feels comfortable. On the other hand, there are children who just walk right in and instantly feel at home. For more information on how to choose a childcare center, contact the Parents Place at (415) 563-1041.

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