In order for Bright Start to provide the level of service that is expected, it is necessary that tuition payments be made in a timely manner. Payment is due weekly regardless of attendance, holiday, sick day, snow day, staff development day, etc—all tuition fees have been calculated with these eventualities in mind. Payment is due on Monday morning (or first morning of attendance) of each week.
If payments are missed and two late notices have been sent without a response from you, and if Bright Start has not been notified of any extenuating circumstances, a two-week termination notice will be sent. We are more than willing to speak with you and make payment arrangements if necessary.
Enrollment Options & Payment Specifics
Our fee structure has been calculated to provide the highest quality programming for the lowest possible fees. The fees already allow for days missed due to holidays, potential snow days, staff development days, etc. and therefore are due and payable in full on the first day of each week.
A non-refundable one week tuition deposit plus a $30 registration fee per child is required to reserve your child’s enrollment. If the trial period described below has passed and your child remains at Bright Start, the tuition deposit can only be either applied toward the final week of childcare/preschool or forfeited if the child does not attend Bright Start as agreed. A two week written notice of withdrawal is required to be eligible for credit of your tuition deposit. After the completion of the initial two-week trial period, there will be no cash refunds—no exceptions.
Trial Period
The first two weeks of enrollment will serve as a trial period in order to ensure an appropriate match between your child and Bright Start. At the end of the trial period if either parents or Bright Start determines that the setting is not appropriate, the child will be withdrawn and the one-week deposit will be refunded.
It is a goal of Bright Start and Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church to make early childhood enrichment an affordable option for all families in the community. Bright Start offers tuition reductions to families who are income eligible. We encourage you to bring questions regarding financial assistance or any special circumstances about your family to our Director. We would like the opportunity to work with you to make our program accessible to your child.
RATE SCHEDULE
Effective 9/1/07
Full-Time Child care
A full-time enrollment is defined as up to 9 hours of child care per day, five days per week, within the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The tuition for full-time enrollment is $145 weekly. We offer two, three or four days per week with the days being your choice. The rate for that is $45/day for 2 days, $40/day for 3 days, or $35/day for 4 days. Our ability to do that will depend upon our enrollment at that time.
Extended Full-Time Child Care
Extended full-time enrollment is defined as more than 9 hours of childcare per day (to a maximum of 11 hours), within the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The tuition for Extended Full-time enrollment is $160 weekly.
Modified Day
A Modified Day is up to 6 hours of child care per day, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fees for Modified Day enrollments are: 2 days (T,Th) $70/weekly, 3 days $90/weekly, 5 days $125/weekly.
All of the above enrollments include the preschool program and K-Ready (when age and developmentally appropriate.)
Preschool Program
The preschool program operates 5 mornings per week from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., September - June and closely follows the S.A.D. 75 school calendar. Children may enroll for 2, 3, or 5 days per week. The tuition fees for the Preschool Program as a stand-alone module are: 5 days - $80/weekly, 3 (MWF) days - $55/weekly, 2 days (T, Th) $45/weekly. 5 day enrollment includes Tumble Bus and Music with Tammis weekly; 2 or 3 day enrollment includes Tumble Bus and Music with Tammis every other week. Likewise, our K-Ready program in the afternoons can also be accessed as a stand alone program for $80 per week.
Summer Playschool Program
This nine week program is for the same hours as the preschool program during the school year. Fees are the same as for the preschool program.
If there are two or more children in the same family, the full rate is charged for the first child, with a 10% discount for any additional children.
Fee For Late Pick-Up
It is important to the smooth operation of our center that children arrive and depart promptly and according to the written agreement made at time of enrollment. Therefore, we have found it necessary to establish a late fee policy. Our late fee policy is available in the office. It is always necessary to call Bright Start as soon as possible upon knowing you will be late.
