Marietta Academy Center Policies

🚪 Arrival & Pick-Up

Arrival and dismissal times are important transition periods that require consistent safety procedures and supervision.

Arrival Expectations

• Children must be escorted inside and signed in by a parent or authorized guardian
• Staff members must visually confirm and acknowledge each child's arrival
• Children should arrive prepared and ready to participate in daily classroom activities

Pick-Up Procedures

• Only individuals authorized in writing may pick up a child
• Identification may be requested if the individual is unfamiliar to staff
• Children will only be released with proper authorization on file

Late Pick-Up

• A $1-per-minute late fee applies after 6:30 PM
• Repeated late pick-ups may lead to a review of enrollment status

🌡️ Health & Safety

Maintaining a healthy and safe environment is essential for quality childcare. Specific illness, medication, and emergency protocols are reviewed in detail at enrollment and updated when guidelines change.

General Approach

• Children showing signs of fever or other contagious illness are kept home; specific thresholds are provided at enrollment
• Incidents are documented and communicated with parents
• Emergency procedures are practiced regularly

🤝 Discipline & Guidance

We use a positive and proactive approach to behavior guidance and classroom management.

Our Approach

• Establish consistent classroom expectations and routines
• Redirect behavior respectfully and constructively
• Encourage communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills

Prohibited Practices

• Physical punishment
• Humiliation or shaming techniques
• Withholding basic needs or care

When Concerns Arise

• Ongoing teacher-parent communication first; individualized support plans developed when needed

👕 Clothing & Personal Items

Children participate in active, hands-on learning every day.

Expectations

• Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
• Closed-toe shoes with rubber soles for active play

Requirements

• Extra clothing should remain at school
• All personal belongings must be clearly labeled

💵 Tuition & Fees

Clear, consistent payment expectations help us focus on your child instead of billing.

Financial Accountability

• Accounts should remain current and up to date
• Non-payment may result in suspension or termination of enrollment

Important Notes

• Enrollment secures classroom placement and staffing arrangements
• Specific payment schedule, due dates, and tuition adjustment policies are confirmed at enrollment

🎓 Georgia Pre-K Program Policy

Marietta Academy proudly participates in the Georgia Pre-K Program through DECAL. To maintain program quality and continued state funding, the following requirements apply:

Attendance Requirements (Critical)

• Minimum 6.5 instructional hours daily
• Regular and dependable attendance is required
• Excessive absences or repeated early dismissals may affect enrollment eligibility
• Children should arrive at school daily and on time

Early Pick-Up Policy

• Parents or guardians must notify the teacher beforehand
• A valid explanation for early dismissal is required
• Documentation, including a doctor's note, may be requested when necessary

Required Documents

• Birth certificate
• Proof of residency
• Immunization record (Form 3231)
• Health screening documentation (Form 3300)

Meals & Curriculum

• Free breakfast, lunch, and snack daily
• Research-based curriculum aligned with GELDS
• Work Sampling Online (WSO) assessments throughout the year

🛡️ Child Protection Policy

All staff members are mandated reporters responsible for child safety and protection.

How This Works

• Any suspected abuse or neglect is reported to the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS)
• This policy is strictly enforced without exception

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Engagement

We believe families play an essential role in every child's educational experience.

Opportunities for Engagement

• Classroom visits
• Parent-teacher conferences
• School and family events

Communication Expectations

• Respectful and timely communication
• Collaborative partnership when addressing concerns or child development needs

🎄 Holidays & Closures

Marietta Academy is closed on major state holidays:

Closures

• New Year's Eve & New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving (4th Thursday & Friday)
• Christmas Day and the day following

Notes

• Tuition rates remain unchanged during holiday closures
• School closures follow local school system decisions when applicable
• Families receive updates and notifications through official communication channels