9. Programs, Enrollment, and Tuition
Happy House Nursery and Pre-K Programs
Enrollment in the Happy House Nursery is open to the community and admits students of any religion, race, color, or ethnic origin. We begin accepting applications for the fall semesters in January. Enrollment is assigned on a first come, first served basis. Previously registered students and their siblings are given preference in enrollment. Additional children may be added from our waiting list if openings are available.
Tuition is due even if your child is unable to attend classes because of illness, vacation, etc. The budget is based on ten full payments from each family. Your understanding of the need to maintain the responsibility for the total expenses for your child is appreciated.
Monthly tuition is due the first of each month. Invoices not paid by the 15th of the month will be assessed a $20.00 late charge. There is also a $35.00 fee for checks returned due to insufficient funds. If your tuition is not paid in full by the end of each month, we will request that you withdraw your child from the program. If there is an uncontrollable financial problem in your family, please feel free to let us know. There may be other alternatives to withdrawal. All enrollments of Universal Pre-K students are at the discretion of the Elmira City School District and no fees apply.
We provide half-day sessions to three and four year olds am or pm sessions for 2.5 hours per day, Monday through Friday. We provide a full day program for Universal Pre-k under the Elmira City School District umbrella for a total of six hours, Monday through Friday. All classes follow the Elmira City School District’s schedule. A calendar of scheduled holidays, conference days, and snow days will be provided at the beginning of the school year. The rooms are set up to provide and stimulate learning and creative play through theme and dramatic play areas, literacy centers, library and reading centers, computer center, math centers, writing centers, block areas, music, movement, art centers and large motor areas (gym and outdoor play area).
Universal Pre-K Program (UPK)
The Happy House Nursery offers a Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) in conjunction with the Elmira City School District. Children who are eligible must reside in the Elmira City School District and be four years old on or before December 1 of their PreK year.
The UPK classes run Monday through Friday, 9 – 3 PM. The children must bring a lunch from their home that is adequately refrigerated with an appropriate cold pack.
They also will be provided with a rest time. Happy House provides a nap pad that is 45″ long and 20″ wide and a small blanket. It is your responsibility to provide a cover that we will send home each week for laundering. Some parents have made a cover, some use a large pillow case. Whatever you wish is fine with us, as long as it covers most of the pad.