Kindermusik With Mrs. Deb Guidelines & Policies

Updated June 25, 2017

Welcome to Kindermusik With Mrs. Deb.  We want your family to enjoy a wonderful time of multi-sensory play and learning together.  To ensure everyone’s safety & enjoyment, please familiarize yourself with these policies.

Pre-class:

- Online pre-registration is required for all Kindermusik experiences to secure your space.  If you need to modify your enrollment for any reason, please communicate this via email. 

- Payment is due before the first class begins.  You can choose to use a credit card during the online registration process, or you can choose “pay in person” to use cash, cheque or e-transfer.  A $5 late-payment-fee will be charged to families who do not submit payment for their reserved space before the first class day, even if you are unable to attend the first class.   

- Receipts for units, sessions & playdates will be issued via email after payment is received, always by week 2 of a unit/session.  Create an email folder to collect these for reference during taxes time. 

- Free preview classes are subject to available space in the requested classes.  Those enrolling for the unit or semester will have priority over those requesting a trial class.  There is a limit of one free preview per family.  

Your child's Kindermusik classroom is full of exploration, creativity and fun.  In order to ensure your safety & enjoyment, please consider the following policies:

- Classes are held at Faith Lutheran Church, 525 Ivings Drive in Port Elgin, which is "behind" the LCBO/Giant Tiger plaza on the south end of town.

- Classes will begin on time as scheduled. Please plan to arrive before the beginning of class. You are welcome to arrive 5 or so minutes early to chat and participate in the gathering time activity. If you are running late, please join us as soon as you are able.

- Wear comfortable clothing. We will be sitting on the floor and moving around a lot.

- Just inside the double doors, you will find coat racks & places for boots/shoes.  You are welcome to bring any bags/purses to class and place them at the table at the back where they will be close, but out of reach of little explorers.

- While barefoot is best for learning, you are welcome to wear socks or soft slippers (such as Robeez or ballet slippers) with non-slip soles

- No food or hot drinks inside the classroom.  If your child requires a snack during class time, please remove them to the hallway and return when you are finished.  *Nursing or bottle feeding is always welcome & encouraged at anytime during class time if the need arises.  You can stay in the circle, or sit along the wall – whatever is most comfortable for you and your little ones
- If you think you'll need it, please bring water for you and your child in a non-spill or lidded cup as there is no water fountain in the biulding. Cups can be kept on the tables at the back of the room or on the cabinet along the door wall.
- Singing/chanting along is very much appreciated and welcome, but please do not feel you must sing. If you prefer not to sing, you can quietly chant the music/poems along with the group or softly in your child's ear. Your participation is important and provides a model to your child. Everyone's voice is unique, and many voices add depth and variation to the lyrics which in turn provides a richer experience for our children

- Choose a way to do the activities with your child that matches his/her developmental level and personality. The Kindermusik motto is to follow the child, allowing them to lead and participate in a way they are comfortable! There is no wrong way to participate and everyone learns from the variety we all bring to each class.

- Remember that above all else classes should be fun for everyone, especially the children. Children learn in their own way, in their own time, and some children will choose not to participate actively in all activities. This choice should be honoured and respected with the knowledge that passive participation & observation is equally valuable.

- Parents/caregivers are responsible for care and safety of their children at all times while in the building and participating in classes. 

- Please be respectful of our venue by staying in designated areas (foyer, bathrooms, classroom).  

Missed Classes & Make-Up Classes
When you enroll your child in Kindermusik, there is a space set aside in class just for them!  However, we know that sometimes classes are missed due to illness, appointments or just "one of those days".  Did you know that your enrollment in Kindermusik With Mrs. Deb classes means unlimited make up classes?  Yes, you read that correctly - unlimited!  While attending your enrolled class is the best choice for your child, if you must miss a class due to illness or other reasons, you can request and schedule a make-up class.  This class might be the same program on another day, or your chance to try another age-appropriate class with your child. Make up classes don't expire so long as you remain consecutively enrolled in Kindermusik units.  Full details below.

Make up class policies:

- If you or your child is unwell (fever, diarrhea, vomiting, thick green or yellow nasal discharge) the best place for you is at home where you can rest and recover.  

- I do appreciate a quick email or message if you will not be attending class.

- If you know in advance you will miss a class (work conflict, vacation) it is very much appreciated if you let me know as early as possible as this may allow someone else to use that space for a make-up class.  Knowing in advance you will be away for a class also means we can possibly schedule your make up class in advance of the class you know you will be absent for.

- Make up classes do not expire and can be carried between units and sessions as long as you remain consecutively enrolled in Kindermusik With Mrs. Deb unit offerings.

- Make up class arrangements are the responsibility of the parent/caregivers.  Mrs. Deb will suggest dates & times to you, but it is your responsibility to follow up and book the make up class.

- Make up classes must be arranged in advance.  Please understand if you simply show up for a make-up class you may be turned away due to lack of extra space & props available. 

- Make up classes are generally available, but can not be guaranteed, please know I will do my very best for you and your family.

- Make up classes can be transferred between siblings in the same family.  

- There are no refunds for missed classes for any reason.  

- Missed classes cannot be used as payment for a new unit.  

- If you have special circumstances or compassionate reasons, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Deb at anytime so we can work together for your unique situation.  

Class Cancellation Policy: Winter Weather
-  Please check your email or the Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/KindermusikWithDeb) before heading out to class if the weather is questionable. Decisions about class cancellations will be made by 8 am for day-time classes and 4 pm for evening classes based on in-town conditions.

-  Should adverse weather cause the closure of local schools (Northport Elementary or Saugeen Central), classes will automatically be cancelled for the day.

-  If classes are cancelled, those affected will be notified via email and there will be a post on the Facebook page. Please help out by acknowledging the Facebook post with a like or comment, or by replying to the email so we know you are aware as this cuts down on the number of follow-up phone calls that need to be made.

-  No post or email means classes are running as usual. As always, please use your own good judgement before heading out in wintry weather based on conditions where you live.

Class Cancellation Policy: Educator Illness, etc. In the event that a class must be cancelled due to instructor illness or other unforeseeable events, a post will be made on the Facebook page and an email sent to the affected classes. Please respond to one of these so we know you are aware. Additionally, if possible, a phone call will be made to those who have not responded to the email or Facebook post before the beginning of class time. A make-up class for any cancelled classes will be added to the end of the current unit, extending our session by a week. Please ensure your contact information is up-to-date on your my.kindermusik.com profile.

Please speak to Mrs. Deb at anytime if you have questions or concerns.

Email: KindermusikWithMrsDeb@hotmail.com
Phone: 519 389 6224