Policies

Choosing a Class
The age recommendations outlined for classes have been carefully constructed to best group children in an age and developmentally appropriate way. Therefore, it is important that your child be at least the minimum age by the start of the semester for the class in which you are enrolling. If you have concerns about your child's success in a particular age range, we are happy to discuss your child's needs and to work with you to place him in the class best suited for him.

Non-enrolled Siblings
Due to limited class sizes and the delicacy of the younger class settings, Village and Our Time classes can only accommodate non-enrolled siblings when the sibling is young enough to stay contented in a car carrier or stroller. Emergency exceptions are certainly understood. Siblings are welcome in the Sharing Time of Imagine That! and Young Child classes.

Making the Most of Kindermusik Classes
Plan to arrive about 5 minutes early for class to allow time for your child to settle in to the musical environment as they prepare to enjoy exploring instruments, reading books, or listening to music. We do request that and that snacks be finished prior to class. Be sure to dress comfortably and keep in mind that no street shoes are allowed in the carpeted classrooms. During class, the most important thing you can do for your child is to be an active and patient role model. It is not uncommon for a child to attend several classes before feeling comfortable in class. Keep in mind that what a child absorbs in class is often evidenced in the comfort of the home environment rather than in a certain level of participation in class. The understanding and consistency of the parent or caregiver in class and at home are key to facilitating learning and development.  You and your child will benefit enormously from the Kindermusik experience, especially if you make active use of your At Home Materials. Frequent reinforcement at home throughout the week makes all the difference in a child's comfort and participation in the classroom.

Facility Safety and Courtesy
We are a peanut-free facility. Please do not bring nuts or nut products. If you are waiting in the waiting area during Imagine That! and Young Child classes, you are welcome to bring siblings, but please help them to find quiet activities. You may want to bring books, drawing papers, homework or other quiet activities from home.

Satellite studio
Please do not call the host location of a satellite studio for information or cancellations.  All calls should be made to the main office in Monroe (203-452-8252).

Enrollment and Payment
Enrollment is for the full (or remainder) of the school year, September through May. (Summer classes and PlayDates require advance payment in full at time of registration.) Class fees include the cost of Kindermusik Home Materials, which are pro-rated into the monthly payment. Payment is charged to your credit card or withdrawn electronically from your bank account (depending on the option you choose) on the first day of each month. No bills or notices will be sent. Please be sure to notify us if your credit card or bank information changes. There will be a $10 charge for any payment that does not go through due to inaccurate information, expired credit cards, closed bank accounts or insufficient funds. 

Full year payment:
Some families prefer to pay for the full year, rather than the monthly payment plan. Please see "Discounts and Fees" for more information regarding this payment option.

If you are unable to complete the school year for medical reasons or extenuating circumstances, you may withdraw from your class and cancel the remaining monthly payments by notifying us by e-mail by the 20th day of the month prior to the month you wish to discontinue.

Discounts
Multiple Class Discount: 20% discount for 2nd class in same semester
Sibling Discount: 20% sibling discount for each sibling
Same class Discount: 40% discount for additional sibling in same class/day/time. (Includes one set of home materials.)
Pro-rate Discount: you may enroll at any time, provided there is space. Missed classes are pro-rated.
Home materials Discount: Home Materials are required and cost is included in tuition. However, if you have Home Materials for the particular theme and level from an older sibling's prior participation, please contact the studio for your discounted payment amount.

Full year payment: Some families prefer to pay for the full year, rather than the monthly payment plan. If you pay for the full year by cash or check there is a $20 discount per child. If you pay by credit card or bank draft there is no discount.

Refunds are issued only for classes removed from the schedule by Music for Little Hands.

Weather cancellations
Weather cancellations will be announced on the studio's outgoing message phone 203-452-8252 by 7:30 am for morning classes and by 12:00 noon for afternoon classes and posted on our Facebook business page: www.facebook.com/musicforlittlehands.  

Makeup classes
We do not offer refunds or credits for missed classes, but we ensure you have an opportunity to make-up any absence by attending any of our other classes. Children in our Young Child classes may have a more difficult time making up their absences within the Young Child program, but you are welcome to enjoy an alternative evening or morning class or special event in order to make up your absence. If the director feels it is necessary, makeup classes may be scheduled on vacation days.  Make-up classes must be scheduled in advance to assure there is room to accomodate you. Make-ups may be taken as long as you are enrolled in classes.  We would appreciate advance notification if you know you will be absent from a class so we may open that spot up for someone else to schedule a preview or makeup class. SUMMER SESSIONS include one free class, which will serve as your makeup class if you have an absence.

About Class Photos/Videos
We occasionally take photos and/or videos in our Kindermusik classes for educational purposes and to be passed along to you for your enjoyment.  The educators at Music for Little Hands view these photos and videos in order to learn from each other and to monitor their own progress and continually work toward improving their classroom skills. These photos/videos may be sent electronically, posted online for view by the general public, or displayed on our computer at workshops, festivals, or trade shows for promotional and educational purposes.