Getting Started: Enrollment and Admission Procedures

Our enrollment process is designed to help you make this most important decision regarding your child early care and education. We want to provide you with the time to visit the classroom, observe your child in the classroom, and answer any questions that you may have. It is important that you convey to us at the time of your visit what your expectations of our Center are.

Before a final enrollment decision is made, we recommend that your child spend some time in the classroom without you. The Program Director will assist you in determining how long this visit should be. This visit will provide the classroom teacher and Program Director the opportunity to observe your child and determine if the classroom selected is appropriate for the developmental level of your child. We will also try to determine if there is a good match with the group size and level of activity.

The following steps must be taken in order to enroll in any of the programs offered by the Shrewsbury Children’s Center. 

1. Arrange for a mutually convenient time to VISIT the Center and the classroom under consideration. The Program Director will discuss with you an appropriate length of time for the visit based on your child’s developmental readiness.
2. The Director and classroom teacher will observe your child’s transition into the group and interactions with both children and adults in order to make the best placement decision for your child. Some children may need to visit several times before feeling comfortable. The Program Director will arrange these visits with you.
   Following your child’s visit, the Director will meet with you to confirm that there is a good match in terms of the group size, philosophy, level of stimulation, program goals and expectations as well as your family’s needs.
3. Complete an enrollment application selecting the PROGRAM and SCHEDULE desired. Remit the non-refundable REGISTRATION FEE and any other associated costs.
4. Complete, with the assistance of the Program Director, a TUITION AGREEMENT. Be sure to read the Tuition Policies and ask for clarifications before signing. The tuition agreement needs to be completed prior to the child’s first day of attendance.
5. Schedule a starting date and/or another visit if desired. Please note that we are unable to “hold” openings for more than 1 week. In order for an opening to be reserved longer than 1 week, it must be paid for.

Enrollment Options: There are 2 enrollment schedule options available.

Option 1: Full Year Enrollment

Parents electing to enroll for a full year (12 months, September 1st - August 31st) will be guaranteed re-enrollment each year. In addition, 1 week of tuition-free vacation time is available to be used between September 1st and August 31st. (See complete Vacation Credit Policy)

Option 2: Partial Year Enrollment

(i.e. September 1st - June 30th) Parents choosing this option are not guaranteed an opening in the upcoming year but will be placed on a waiting list for any available opening. Example: Any opening created by a child leaving the program for the summer will be filled immediately from the names on the waiting list. The child who is leaving will be placed on the waiting list if parents want to re-enroll in the fall. * If you enroll for a partial year, you will be expected to pay tuition through June 30th.