NewStart Preschool

Enrollment Procedures

• Children are enrolled on a first come, first serve basis. Siblings of children previously enrolled are given opportunity to enroll one week prior to open enrollment.
• A child is not enrolled until the enrollment forms are returned with the supply fee.
• Parents will be notified by postings and emails of policy or procedure changes.
• Parents must provide a signed notice of health from the child’s pediatrician within 12 months of enrollment, stating that child is in good health to participate in our program.
• If a child has a diagnosed food allergy, a Food Allergy Emergency Plan must be on file prior to admission.

Days of Operation & School Hours

School Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 2:55pm

Our school year runs from September through May, following the FISD calendar for holidays and in-service days (starting 1 week after and ending 1 week before FISD).

Drop-off: 9:00 am to 9:30 am. Please arrive before 10:00 am to ensure your child can participate in the full day's curriculum.

Pick-up: 2:30 pm to 2:55 pm. Please be prompt to respect our teachers' time.

Release of Children

Children will only be released to parents or other adults authorized by parents. We must have a copy of the driver’s licenses on file for all authorized adults. Please inform the teacher and director if someone other than a parent is picking up.

Tuition Payment

Tuition is due the first week of the month. Payments can be made via the Brightwheel app, cash, check, or money order. A late fee of $25.00 will apply to tuition not collected by the first week of each month.

Inclement Weather Policy

We follow the FISD school calendar for inclement weather closings and delays. For a 2-hour delay, we will start at 10:00 am.

Dress Code

Please dress your child in comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. For safety, children must wear closed-toe shoes with a strap behind the ankle, like tennis shoes.

Promotion of Indoor and Outdoor Physical Activity

We believe daily physical activity is crucial. Children will have multiple opportunities for moderate to vigorous active play, both indoors and outdoors (weather permitting), including structured games and free play to develop gross motor skills.

School Supplies

• Backpack (large enough for all items)
• Lunch box
• Water bottle
• All-in-one nap mat (with pillow and blanket attached)
• A change of clothes in a labeled Ziploc bag

Medication & Medical Emergencies

We prefer not to administer medication. If necessary, proper authorization paperwork must be completed. All medication must be in its original, labeled container. In case of a medical emergency, we will contact 911, administer first aid, and then contact the parent. An Incident/Illness report will be completed for injuries requiring medical attention.

Sunscreen & Bug Spray

Please apply sunscreen and bug spray before drop-off on days they are needed. We will reapply natural zinc oxide sunscreen for extended outdoor play and use essential oil-based bug spray when temperatures exceed 79°F. You may provide your own labeled products.

Screen Time

Electronic media is used for educational purposes only and is restricted to less than 15 minutes per day.

Potty Training

We partner with parents to have children potty trained by their 3rd birthday. Children must be potty trained before entering our 3's and Pre-K classes.

Emergency Preparedness Plans

We have detailed plans for evacuation, relocation, sheltering, and lock-down scenarios. Emergency binders with procedures and contact information are located by each door and are available for your review.

Food Service Practices

NewStart Preschool does not prepare food. Children must bring a packed morning snack and lunch from home. Please also send a spill-proof water cup, which we will refill throughout the day.

Illness & Injury Policy

Illness: Children should stay home if they have a fever of 100°F or more, uncontrollable diarrhea, or any illness that prevents them from participating comfortably in activities. Children must be symptom-free for 24 hours (without medication) before returning to school. Please notify us if your child will be absent.

Injury: If a child is injured and requires medical attention, an incident report will be filled out and signed by the parent. Other minor injuries will be reported verbally or in writing by the teacher or director.

Immunizations

All children must meet the immunization requirements specified by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or provide a state-notarized exemption affidavit for reasons of conscience or medical necessity. Records must be kept current.

Food Allergies

Any child with a diagnosed food allergy must have a “Food Allergy Emergency Plan” prepared and signed by their health care professional on file before their first day of school.

Water Activities

Children will occasionally play with water tables during the school year. During summer camps, we have sprinkler play and water tables on designated water days.

Family Participation

We encourage your involvement! Opportunities include class parties, special programs (Christmas, Graduation), events like field day, and volunteering to help teachers.

Parent Communication and Conferences

We use the Brightwheel app for daily updates. Monthly emails and a closed Facebook page provide information on themes and upcoming events. Conferences can be scheduled anytime with your child's teacher and the director.

Discipline & Guidance

Our approach to discipline is positive and aims to teach self-control and acceptable behavior. We use redirection, praise, and encouragement. Corporal punishment or any harsh treatment is strictly prohibited, in line with DFPS minimum standards.

Behavioral Expectations

We empower children to make appropriate choices and regulate their emotions. Staff are trained to help children calm down, process choices, and respond to redirection.

Suspension & Expulsion

For the safety of all children, if a child's behavior continues to endanger themselves or others after documented warnings and intervention attempts, the child may be suspended or expelled at the director's discretion.

Minimal Teacher Responsibilities and Requirements

Our teachers are required to maintain CPR/First Aid training, pass background checks, complete 24 hours of continuing education annually, and provide a nurturing Christian environment while teaching our curriculum.

General Information

• Parents are welcome to breastfeed or provide breast milk.
• You may visit the center anytime (accompanied by staff) and review our policies, minimum standards, and licensing reports.
• The local Licensing office can be reached at 469-229-6900.
• Please keep your contact and enrollment information up to date.

Child Abuse, Neglect, and Reporting

All staff receive annual training in preventing, recognizing, and responding to child abuse and neglect. Employees are mandated reporters. To report abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).

Gang Free Zone: This facility is a designated Gang-Free Zone. Criminal activity is subject to increased penalties under state law.