Little Hatch Preschool Student Handbook 2026-27

2026-2027 Student/Parent Handbook 

 

Location 

Washington Primary Building 

803 East National Hwy. 

Washington, Indiana 47501 

www.washingtoncommunityschools.org

(812)254-8360 

Hours of Operation:

Hours: Drop off 7:30-8:00 a.m.
Preschool from 8:00 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. (same as Washington Primary)
Pick up 2:35-2:55 p.m.

Transportation is not provided.

Days of Operation:

Little Hatch Preschool follows the Washington Community Schools calendar for all holidays, breaks, and closures.

 

Washington Community Schools 

Mr. Kevin Frank, Superintendent 

Mr. Steve Peterson, Assistant Superintendent 

Mrs. Kristen Murphy, Principal, Washington Primary

Mrs. Brenda Meredith, Dean of Students

Mrs. Danyelle Niehaus, Preschool Teacher 

Mrs. Holly Reinking, Secretary

Mrs. Alex Isza, Assistant Secretary
 

Table of Contents

• Welcome & Program Overview
  • Welcome Letter
  • Program Overview
  • Philosophy and Curriculum
  • Teachers and Staff Qualifications
  • Daily Schedule
• Enrollment & Program Information
  • Enrollment Requirements
  • Eligibility & Age Requirements
• Family Communication and Program Expectations
  • Parent Involvement
  • Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • Back to School Night
• Attendance & Daily Procedures
  • Attendance Expectations
  • Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
  • Absences
  • School Closing and Delay Information
  • E-Learning/Synchronous Learning
• Health & Safety
  • Illness Policies
  • Health Records and Immunizations
  • Head Lice
  • Absence Protocols
• School Safety
  • Visitors/Volunteers
  • Emergency Preparedness Plan
  • Parent Notification: Illness, Injury, Death of Provider, or Emergency Care
  • Policy on Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Illegal Substances
  • Safe Conditions Policy
• Behavior Guidance
  • Philosophy
  • Positive Guidance Techniques
  • Suspension/Expulsion
• Student Needs & Family Responsibilities
  • What students need for preschool
  • Dress Code
  • Potty Train/Bathroom Policy
  • Rest Time/Nap Policies
  • Outdoor Play Safety
  • Food and Nutrition Programs
• Program Fees and Payment Policies
  • Tuition & Fees
  • Payment Policy
  • Returned or Late Payments
  • On My Way Pre-K
• Enrollment Changes & Termination
  • Withdrawal
  • Termination of Services
• Policies, Compliance, & Acknowledgement
  • Licensing
  • Special Education/Accommodations
  • Non-Discrimination Policy

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Welcome Little Hatch Preschool Families!

Dear Families,

On behalf of the staff at Little Hatch Preschool, we are delighted to welcome you and your family to our learning community. We are proud to have a dedicated team of educators who are committed to nurturing each child’s intellectual, social-emotional, physical, and character development.

As we work together to support student growth and learning, we believe that strong partnerships with families are essential. These collaborative relationships provide a vital foundation for each child’s positive preschool experience.

When you enter Little Hatch Preschool, you will immediately notice our child-centered environment designed to create meaningful learning opportunities for all children. The classroom offers a safe, warm, and engaging space where children are encouraged to explore, develop creativity, grow academically and socially, and build a positive self-concept. We are committed to providing a high-quality early childhood education program. This designation reflects our commitment to Kids at Hope belief, maintaining enriching learning environments, meeting health and safety standards, and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports school readiness.

We look forward to an exciting school year filled with engaging activities that build a strong foundation for learning and foster a lifelong love of school.

Please take time to review the information included in the Student Handbook. If you have any
questions, feel free to contact us at the school. We are here to support your family and ensure
your child has a safe, successful, and rewarding school year.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Kristen Murphy
Principal, Washington Primary

 

Program Overview

Our full-day preschool program provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children learn through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. A play-based approach supports social-emotional development, early literacy, math readiness, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Indiana’s Early Learning Foundations provide the framework for our curriculum and guide our learning experiences to support each child’s growth and development. Through meaningful play and positive relationships, children build confidence, independence, and the skills needed for a successful transition to kindergarten.

Philosophy and Curriculum

Our full-day, play-based preschool program is built on the belief that all children are capable of success—no exceptions, aligning with the Kids at Hope philosophy. We provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment where every child is valued and supported. Learning experiences are intentionally designed to be developmentally appropriate and
meaningful, recognizing that young children learn best through hands-on exploration, active engagement, and positive relationships. Our educators plan experiences that support the whole child, including social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development.

Teachers build strong, caring relationships with children and families and serve as treasure hunters by recognizing each child’s strengths and celebrating growth. Our full-day schedule offers a balanced routine of small-group and whole-group learning, active play, outdoor time, rest, and consistent daily routines that support children’s well-being and readiness for
kindergarten.

Indiana’s Early Learning Foundations provide the framework for our curriculum and guide our learning experiences to support each child’s growth and development.

Teachers and Staff Qualifications

Teachers hold valid Indiana Teaching Licenses. All teachers, staff, secretaries, and substitute employees are required to undergo a comprehensive national background check, fingerprinting, and drug screening. Additionally, principals, teachers, and staff must complete an orientation program, as well as training in CPR, first aid, universal precautions, and health and safety protocols. To ensure ongoing professional development and compliance with best practices, all Little Hatch Preschool staff are required to participate in annual continuing education and training.

Daily Schedule

Our full-day preschool program follows a consistent yet flexible daily schedule designed to support children’s learning, play, and development. Each day includes extended periods of purposeful play in learning centers, small and whole group instruction, outdoor play, meals, rest time, and structured routines that promote independence and social-emotional growth.

Daily activities are intentionally planned using seasonal and thematic units aligned with Indiana’s Early Learning Foundations. Schedules may vary to meet instructional needs and accommodate outdoor play. A daily schedule will be provided at the beginning of each school year.

Enrollment & Program Information

Enrollment

To be eligible for the program, families must meet the following requirements:

• Age: Students must be at least four years old by August 1.
• Transportation: Parents are responsible for daily transportation, ensuring timely drop-off and pick-up.
• Good Standing: Families must remain in good standing regarding all program fees and charges.
• Behavioral Support: Students are expected to follow school behavioral guidelines. We require parents to actively reinforce these expectations to maintain a positive learning environment.

• Attendance: Regular attendance is critical. Parents must ensure students arrive and are picked up according to the school schedule every day.

 

Eligibility & Age Requirements

Our program is available to potty-trained students living within the Washington Community School District and children or grandchildren of staff currently serving Washington Community Schools who will be attending kindergarten at Washington Primary School. Students must be 4 years of age by August 1.

Family Communication and Program Expectations

Parental Involvement

To ensure your child's growth and development, we aim to maintain consistency, cooperation, and communication between home and school. Here are ways your family can be involved in the educational process:

• Daily Communication: Connect with your child's teacher through ParentSquare, written notes, emails, voicemails, or phone calls.
• Backpack Check: Check your child's backpack daily for their folder, empty it, and return the folder in the backpack to school.
• Parent Conferences: Schedule conferences with teachers to discuss your child's progress.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences provide an important opportunity to discuss your child's academic and social-emotional progress. Teachers will schedule conferences to review each child’s progress with their family. Additional conferences may be scheduled by request of the family or teachers.

Back to School Night

Join us for the annual Back to School Night to visit your child's classroom and participate in
school activities.

Lost and Found

Students should check the school’s lost and found area for any missing items. Unclaimed items
are donated to charitable organizations at the end of the school year. Money, jewelry, and other
personal items are turned in at the office

Attendance & Daily Procedures

Attendance Expectations

Good attendance and punctuality is essential for a positive attitude toward school and academic achievement. Parents are responsible for ensuring their child attends preschool daily and arrives at the school before the instructional day begins at 8:00 a.m. Staff will record attendance daily. If your child is absent or late, parents must call the school by 9:00 a.m.

Children absent from the program for 10 days or more may be removed from the roster at the discretion of school administration and replaced with a child on the waiting list. Students who demonstrate a pattern of chronic tardiness may also be subject to removal at the discretion of school administration, with placement offered to a child on the waiting list.

Parents/guardians are expected to pick up their child on time. Repeated late pick-ups may result
in a conference with administration and could impact continued enrollment in the program.

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

Morning Arrival 7:30 - 8:00

Parents should arrive at school using the Highland entrance. Parents dropping off students should enter via the E. Highland Ave. entrance, follow the single lane and pull up to the 1st of 6 designated spots. Students should exit their car onto the sidewalk if at all possible to avoid other cars that may be leaving the drop-off area. Upon leaving the drop-off area, cars should proceed to the highway and turn right.

For students that arrive after the 8:05 tardy bell, they should use the Main Entrance off of East National Highway, park in the main parking lot, and escort their child to the Main Entrance doors.

Parents who park in the front parking lot and do not have business in the office will be asked to get back in their car and follow the car rider procedures to drop off their student.

Parents are not allowed to pull up to the front entrance for drop off or pick up from 7:00-3:10. This is a Bus Lane only. All cars must park in the parking lot.

Dismissal Procedures 2:35

This will be the same process as the Morning Arrival. Parents picking up students should enter via the E. Highland Ave. entrance, follow the single lane and pull up to the 1st of 6 designated spots. Students will be on the sidewalk where teachers will assist students in loading into their vehicles. Once students are secure, cars should proceed to the highway and turn right.

School Closing and Delay Information

There are times when severe weather may cause an alteration of the school day or may close the schools altogether. In the case of a two-hour delay, all arrival times will run two (2) hours later than regularly scheduled. A one-hour delay will have arrival time running one (1) hour later than normal. When schools are closed, no one is to come to the school buildings.

Late opening, early closing, or cancellation of school for any reason (other than regularly scheduled events) will be announced using the automated calling service as well as local radio stations as soon as the decision has been made.

E-Learning/Synchronous Learning

All students are expected to participate in e-Learning days used for lost instructional days due to inclement weather and/or planned PD days. Preschool students will receive learning packets to complete at home instead of using Chromebooks.

Parents/Students will be notified through Parent Square, TV/Radio (inclement weather), and via WCS website of eLearning days. For pre-planned eLearning days, teachers will communicate information to their students as well. Students must show proof of participation on eLearning days by satisfactory completing eLearning day assignments within two school days following the eLearning day. Students will be counted present if school work is successfully completed on time. If work is not turned in at the end of the second day the student will receive an unexcused absence for the day the work is missing. Teachers are responsible for keeping track of the day each assignment was assigned for record eLearning Days. No more than 3 eLearning Days will be used in a given school year. The number of eLearning days may be extended to maintain instruction based upon guidance/directives from local, state, or federal authorities.

Health & Safety

Illness Policies

If your child is ill, please keep them at home. Children with flu-like symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea or temperature of 100 degrees or higher will not be kept at school. If a child becomes ill or injured at school, parents will be contacted according to the Emergency Authorization Form on file and asked to pick up their child. (see Washington Primary Student Handbook)

Health Records and Immunizations

All immunizations must be complete by the first day of school. For more information, please contact the Daviess County Health Department at 812-254-8666. The State of Indiana’s School Entry Immunization requirements for preschool-aged children are:

• 3 Hepatitis B
• 1 Varicella (Chickenpox)
• 4 DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis)
• 1 MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella)
• 3 Polio
• 2 Hepatitis A

HEAD LICE Policy  –  Responsibility of the school nurse 
 

Identification and Notification

Examination: Only the school nurse or a trained designee is authorized to examine students suspected of having head lice. This includes siblings or close contacts within the school.

• Confidentiality: All examinations and student information will remain confidential.
• Notification: If live lice are discovered, the school nurse will notify the parent or guardian.

Treatment

• Sending Students Home: Students found with live lice will be sent home for treatment.
• Treatment Requirements: Parents are advised to use an FDA or health department approved lice treatment or seek professional removal services.
• Instruction: The school nurse will provide the family with instruction and support regarding proper treatment and home control measures.

Returning to School

• "No Live Insects" Policy: The district practices a "no live insects" criterion for returning to school.
• Transportation Restriction: Students identified with lice may not ride the school bus until they have been cleared to return to class.
• Re-Examination Requirement: To return to school, a parent or guardian must bring the student to the building to be examined by the school nurse or designee after proper treatment has been given.
• Clearance: The student will only be permitted to stay and resume normal practices, including riding the bus, once the nurse confirms that no live insects are present.

Reasons for Absence from School

Following the guidelines of the Daviess County Health Department, children should stay home from school if they have:

• Contagious disease
• Temperature over 100 degrees (may return after 24 hours fever-free without fever-reducing medicine)
• Impetigo
• Pediculosis (Lice)
• Conjunctivitis (Pink eye)
• Tinea (Ringworm)

Other reasons may include recuperating from surgery or other medical procedures rendering the student immobile or bedfast.

Returning to School

A child is ready to return to preschool under the following conditions:

• The child’s temperature has been normal for 24 hours without a fever-reducing medication.
• The child is free from any contagious skin rash.
• The child has not vomited or had diarrhea for a 24-hour period.

Please notify the school if your child is absent with a communicable disease. Parents will be
notified if their child has been exposed to chickenpox.

In case of a severe emergency, the following steps will be taken:
1. Provide immediate necessary first aid.
2. Contact 911.
3. Contact parents.
4. Follow the procedure indicated on the child’s emergency form.

School Safety

We believe that the safety and security of all our students is one of our most important responsibilities; therefore the following procedures have been established:

All exterior doors to the school will be kept locked at all times. Visitors will enter and exit only at Gate 1 (main office). Students and staff have been instructed to never open a locked door. Students are instructed to move away from the door and contact the nearest adult.

Students will be released only to parents (legal guardians) or persons designated by the parents(legal guardians).
Changes in pick-up procedures must be communicated to the school. Students will not be sent home or allowed to be picked up in a different manner unless the parent or legal guardian has communicated this change to the school.

Visitors/Volunteers

Parents are always welcome to visit Little Hatch Preschool. Upon entering the building all visitors will proceed to the office, sign in and obtain an appropriate visitor's pass. The pass shall be worn in a visible manner at all times while on school property. Staff members have been instructed to ask all visitors to return to the office if the pass is not seen.

Washington Community Schools follows state laws and guidelines for background checks of volunteers working in the school setting and/or after-school activities.

If you are interested in volunteering please complete a volunteer form and return it to the
office.

Emergency Preparedness Plan

Emergency preparedness packets are in place in the classroom. Fire drills will be conducted once a month for students to practice the procedures. Other Emergency drills will be conducted according to Washington Primary, such as tornado, earthquake, and lockdown drills. Detailed exit plans are posted inside each classroom.

Parent Notification: Illness, Injury, Death of Provider, or Emergency Care

The health and safety of all children in care is our highest priority. In accordance with licensing and safety expectations established by the Indiana Office of Early Childhood and Out‐of‐School Learning and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, procedures are in place to ensure children remain safe and supervised if the teacher(s) becomes ill, injured, or otherwise unable to continue teaching.

Provider Illness or Injury

If the teacher(s) becomes suddenly ill or injured while children are present, emergency services (911) will be contacted when necessary. A pre-designated emergency teacher listed in the program’s emergency plan will be contacted immediately to supervise the children. Parents or guardians will be notified as soon as possible by phone, text, or other available communication method.

Serious Medical Emergency

If the teacher(s) requires emergency medical treatment or transportation, children will remain under the supervision of the pre-designated emergency teacher.

Death of Provider

Parents will be contacted using the emergency contact information provided during enrollment. Families are required to maintain current phone numbers and emergency contacts at all times in accordance with Indiana childcare safety standards.

Emergency Preparedness

This program maintains a written emergency plan, including emergency substitute contacts and procedures for maintaining child supervision, as recommended by the Indiana Office of Early Childhood and Out‐of‐School Learning. These procedures are designed to ensure children remain safe, supervised, and cared for during any unexpected emergency.

Policy on Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Illegal Substances

The use of tobacco, and use or possession of alcohol, illegal substances and firearms is not permitted on Washington Community School property.

Safe Conditions Policy

The following steps will be taken to ensure that your child is safe while at Little Hatch Preschool. Children will be actively supervised with the required number of qualified adults (adults who have completed a national criminal history check,  consent form, drug screen and have completed all required trainings).

Little Hatch Preschool will not care for children in areas that are being remodeled, repaired, or painted. The administrator or director is responsible for maintaining all interior and exterior surfaces, including walls, floors, ceilings, equipment, toys, furnishings, and cribs, in a safe condition, free of sharp points or jagged edges, splinters, protruding nails or wires, loose parts, rusty parts, or materials containing poisonous substances.

Little Hatch Preschool will take the following steps to maintain the classroom.

1. Clean the classrooms and bathrooms daily.
2. Ensuring that a qualified caregiver maintains ratios, group size and supervision at all times. (inside/outside, field trips, etc.)
3. Keep the classroom in a sanitary condition at all times through routine cleaning.
4. Sanitize toys, furniture, cots and other equipment used by children, weekly and immediately when they become soiled or contaminated.
5. Follow any Executive Orders (EO) or local public health emergency requirements.
6. Ensure handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of biocontainments.

• Handwashing
• Exposure to blood and bodily fluids
• Poisons and hazardous material including but not limited to; plants, Asbestos, Carbon Monoxide, pest control equipment

7. Protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water and vehicular traffic.

Behavior Guidance

Philosophy

Young children are continually developing the skills needed to adjust to new environments and social situations. At Little Hatch Preschool, our goal is to teach consistent classroom routines, clear expectations, and appropriate behaviors that support each child’s success in school. Behavior expectations are thoughtfully embedded throughout the curriculum to create a structured, nurturing, and supportive learning environment.

Little Hatch Preschool teachers and staff use Conscious Discipline strategies to promote a positive and respectful classroom climate. Conscious Discipline is a social-emotional learning approach that helps children recognize, regulate, and manage their emotions, empowering them to make safe and healthy choices. Through this approach, children develop self-regulation skills and independent problem-solving abilities across a variety of social situations at school
and with peers.

While learning to manage emotions, children may occasionally express themselves in ways that are not appropriate for a group setting. Behaviors such as hitting, kicking, spitting, using inappropriate language, or any actions that compromise safety or disrupt learning are addressed promptly and consistently to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all
children.

Positive Guidance Techniques

Consistent use of positive guidance techniques helps children understand expectations and
develop appropriate behaviors. To support this learning process, Little Hatch staff will:

• Clearly explain, teach, and consistently reinforce positive classroom rules and expectations.
• Communicate with children at eye level using calm, respectful, and positive language.
• Model appropriate behavior and regularly remind children of classroom expectations
• Encourage children, with adult support, to use appropriate language and problem-solving skills to resolve conflicts.
• Maintain close supervision through proximity by working near children to provide guidance and support.
• Offer choices or redirect children to alternative activities when needed.
• Provide access to a designated calming or quiet area, with adult support, to help children regain self-control and regulate emotions.
• Use Logical, developmentally appropriate consequences that are directly related to thechild’s behavior. For example, “Sand is for digging and building. You were throwing sand in the faces of your friends, so you will need to get out of the sandbox and find another place on the playground to play.”
• Use clear contingencies (when/then statements) to reinforce expectations and support successful transitions and task completion.

Suspension/Expulsion

Suspension or expulsion will only be considered after all other reasonable supports and interventions have been attempted.

Exclusionary discipline may only occur when:

• A child poses a serious and immediate safety risk to themselves or others, and
• The situation cannot be safely addressed through modifications, additional supports, or positive behavioral strategies.

Before any suspension or expulsion is considered, the following steps will occur:
1. Documentation of behaviors and classroom strategies used
2. Collaboration and communication with the family
3. Implementation of additional behavioral supports and interventions
4. Consultation with specialists or support organizations when appropriate
5. Exploration of outside services or evaluations if needed

A child will not be expelled solely due to behavioral challenges unless the above procedures have been followed and all reasonable supports have been exhausted.

Little Hatch Preschool believes that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed in a supportive environment, and we are committed to working collaboratively with families and community partners to make that possible.

Student Needs & Family Responsibilities

What students need for preschool

Water Bottle
Children shall bring a small, insulated water bottle with a secure lid for the classroom . No glass containers please. Please write your child’s name on the bottle. These will be sent home on Friday to wash and brought back each Monday.

Dress Code
All students shall come to school clean, neat and dressed in a manner conducive to the promotion of personal health and an effective learning environment . Under ordinary conditions, boys and girls need to wear clothing to school that is comfortable and age appropriate. Apparel or appearance which tend to be distracting from the purpose of the
school will not be permitted. For health and safety reasons, tennis shoes and/ or flats should be worn (thongs, flip-flops, sandals, heels, etc. are not acceptable.) Toes and heels should not be visible. The school reserves the right to modify the dress code should problems occur. The dress code applies to school, school functions, and field trips unless prior approval is granted. Parents may be called to bring proper attire to school.

Please bring one complete change of clothing on your child’s first day. This includes pants, shirt, socks, and underwear. Mark all clothing with your child’s name and place all clothing inside a ziplock bag. This will stay in your child’s backpack. If your child wears a loaned item home, wash, and return the item as soon as possible. As seasons change be sure the extra clothing reflects the weather and temperature changes.

Potty Training/Bathroom Policy

Washington Primary School Preschool students are expected to be fully potty trained prior to enrollment. This means children are able to use the toilet independently, including wiping, flushing, and washing hands.

Teachers and staff will provide guidance and support as needed, but staff cannot provide ongoing assistance with toileting beyond occasional reminders or safety checks.

Families are asked to:

• Ensure their child wears clothing that allows independence (e.g., pants that can be easily pulled up and down). Please avoid rompers and bibs.
• Provide a change of clothes in case of accidents.
• Communicate any specific needs or concerns regarding bathroom routines with the teacher.

Children who are not fully potty trained may need to delay enrollment until they can meet these expectations for safety, hygiene, and classroom management.

Rest Time/Nap Policies

Children will have a supervised rest period daily after lunch. If after 30 minutes of rest time a child is unable to sleep, they will be given a quiet activity while classmates continue to rest. Cots are provided for rest time. Please send a small blanket. No large blankets or sleeping bags please, as children struggle to store these away in their cubbies. A small pillow and stuffed animal are optional items you may also wish to send with your child. These will also be stored in
your child’s cubby and taken out only during rest time. Blankets will be sent home each Friday to be washed and returned on Monday.

Outdoor Play Safety

Children will have outdoor play daily, weather permitting. Outdoor recess will not be held in the event of rain, thunderstorms, or hazardous weather, or when the wind chill is below 32°F or the heat index exceeds 90°F, in accordance with Indiana Department of Education and Indiana State Department of Health guidelines.

Food and Nutrition Programs

Breakfast and Lunch
Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all students from Sodexo. Children may bring lunch from home. Families are encouraged to provide nutritious, well-balanced meals. Lunches should include foods from a variety of food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein in accordance with program wellness practices.

For the safety and well-being of all children, families must follow all posted food allergy guidelines and any additional program requirements. Foods with excessive sugar, minimal nutritional value, or items that cannot be safely stored or served may be discouraged. Staff will support children during mealtime to promote independence, healthy eating habits, and positive
social interactions.

Nutritious Snacks
The preschool program provides daily snack time for children. Parents/guardians will have the opportunity to provide snacks for the entire class once per month. A snack sign-up form will be provided to help with planning and ensure fair participation.

All snacks must be healthy, nutritious, and developmentally appropriate and must follow posted food allergy guidelines and program requirements. A suggestion list will be provided. Snack time supports healthy eating habits, independence, and positive social interactions.

Birthday treats (store-bought only) may be sent in on your child’s special day. Please notify your child’s teacher in advance if you plan to send treats so we can plan accordingly and ensure safety for all students.
 

Program Fees and Payment Policies

Tuition & Fees

• Enrollment Fees (Due at Preregistration)
  • To secure your child’s placement in the program, the following fees are collected during the enrollment process:
  • Registration Fee ($125): This fee is non-refundable. For students who attend the program, this full amount will be credited toward your first month's tuition (August). Note: Should you choose to withdraw prior to the start date, this fee is forfeited.
  • Supply Fee ($25): This fee covers all necessary materials for the entire school year and replaces the traditional school supply list. This fee is non-refundable.
  • Total Due at Enrollment: $150

• Tuition
  • Daily Rate: $25.00 per day.
  • Annual Total: Based on the 180-day school calendar
  • Billing Cycle: Tuition is billed monthly. The total monthly amount is calculated based on the number of days school is in session for that specific month.
  • School Calendar: Little Hatchet Preschool follows the Washington CommunitySchools calendar. You will not be billed for holidays, scheduled breaks.
• Financial Responsibility
  • All fees must be paid to keep the student in "Good Standing" and maintain their enrollment spot.
  • For families using On My Way Pre-K Vouchers, please note that any balance not covered by the state voucher remains the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

Payment Policy

• Due Date: All payments are due by the 1st of the month. (e.g., August payment is due by August 1st).
• Invoicing: Bills will be generated via Skyward by the 15th of the month prior to the due date.
• Accepted Payment Methods:
  • Online payment via eFunds
  • Check (Made payable to Washington Community Schools)
  • Cash

Returned or Late Payments

If a check is returned for insufficient funds, the family will be required to submit the payment in cash within three (3) school days of notification. A returned check fee may be applied in accordance with district policy.

If payment is not received within the three-day period, the student may not attend until the balance is paid in full. Repeated returned checks may result in the family being required to use cash only for future payments.

Please note: When payment is past due your child will not be allowed to return to preschool until the balance is paid in full. Your child’s seat will be held for a limited amount of time and then the seat will be offered to a child on the waiting list. Families will owe for 180 days of instruction regardless of whether their student attends every
day.

On My Way Pre-K

On My Way Pre-K awards vouchers to 4-year-old children from families who meet specific income guidelines providing access to a high-quality pre-K program the year before they begin kindergarten. Families who are approved may use their voucher at any approved On My Way Pre-K program.

More information about On My Way Pre-K is available at:
https://www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/on-my-way-pre-k/.

Enrollment Changes & Termination

Withdrawal
If your child needs to withdraw from preschool, please provide advance notice to help prepare your child for the transition and offer the spot to a child on our waitlist.

Please note that NO refunds will be issued upon withdrawal.

Termination of Services

Washington Primary School/Little Hatch Preschool reserves the right to withdraw a child from the program in certain situations, including, but not limited to:

• Nonpayment of tuition or fees in accordance with the school’s payment policy
• Repeated noncompliance with arrival, pick-up, or other program procedures
• Behavior that threatens the safety or well-being of the child, other students, or staff
• Violation of licensing regulations, school policies, or procedures

The school will make every effort to work with families to address concerns before withdrawal is considered. In cases where safety or well-being is at risk, the school may take immediate action, which could include restricting access to the facility.

Policies, Compliance, & Acknowledgment

Licensing
As a public school–based program, Little Hatch Preschool is accredited and recognized by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) for preschool educational services.

Special Education / Accommodations
Parents are encouraged to inform the school of any special needs, medical conditions, or accommodations their child may require during the registration process. Documentation from a healthcare provider or educational specialist should be shared with the teacher and administration to ensure the child’s needs are appropriately supported.
The school will work with parents and staff to provide necessary accommodations and ensure staff are informed and prepared to meet the child’s needs. Children may require a care plan or additional support prior to the start of school, depending on the nature of their needs.

Non-Discrimination Policy
Washington Community Schools, the Board of School Trustees does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including transgender status, sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information which are classes protected by Federal and/or State law (collectively, "Protected Classes") occurring in the Corporation's educational opportunities, programs, and/or activities, or, if
initially occurring off Corporation grounds or outside the Corporation's educational opportunities, programs, and activities, affecting the Corporation environment.

The Board also does not discriminate on the basis of Protected Classes in its employment policies and practices as they relate to students, and does not tolerate harassment of any kind. Equal educational opportunities shall be available to all students, without regard to the Protected Classes, age (unless age is a factor necessary to the normal operation or the
achievement of any legitimate objective of the program/activity), place of residence within the boundaries of the Corporation, or social or economic background, to learn through the curriculum offered in this Corporation. Educational programs shall be designed to meet the varying needs of all students.