Handbook

Handbook

Prek3-5 Program

Our program uses a rigorous curriculum that is playful and intentional.  Focusing on children's cognitive, social emotional, and physical development.  Embedding high quality academics into play based exploration.
 

Our Mission: To provide a safe, nurturing, secure, educational, and enriching environment that fosters a love of learning and positive self esteem.  We believe that through support, individual attention, and recognition we are building the foundation necessary for a lifetime of learning.

 

Enrollment/Withdrawal Process: Program information is provided to parents upon request.  Admission process is based on:  Space availability, and completion of all required enrollment forms and fees.  Copies of personal documentation must be received within 5 business days of the enrollment process.  MCPA Policy is listed within this document and are detailed and given to parents upon signing the enrollment agreement.  If withdrawal becomes necessary the parent should provide written notification to MCPA at least 30 days in advance.  Tuition for the 30 days notice is due, even if your child does not continue to attend during that time.  When removing a child all tuition must be current including payment of 30 day notice. All tuition and any other fees incurred throughout this period will be due payable. Failure to pay fees will result in parent being responsible for all legal fees, court fees, reimbursement for any time off work and any other cost pertaining to the collection of the tuition. No portion of tuition, registration, or fees will be refunded.  To re-enroll all normal procedures and fees will apply.  Occasionally, a child is unable to adjust to the environment/program OR behavior becomes a problem and dismissal becomes necessary.  In this situation MCPA will make every reasonable effort to accommodate the child and family, tuition and fees will not be refunded.  MCPA reserves the right to dismiss students from enrollment at sole discretion.

Parents will be notified of handbook and policy changes via email & written with a link to our website and located under "handbook"  Handbook and Policies are always located on our webpage.  

Written Handbook/Policies are available by request only.

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Enrollment & Acceptance Policy

Enrollment at MCP Academy is based on acceptance into the program and is not determined on a first come, first served basis.

MCPA carefully reviews each prospective student and family to ensure that the school environment, educational philosophy, and program structure are an appropriate fit for the child’s academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

Submission of an inquiry form, tour attendance, application, registration fee, or placement on the waiting list does not guarantee acceptance or enrollment into the program.

As part of the admissions process, MCPA may require:

• A parent and student interview

• Classroom observation or trial visit

• Review of previous school records or evaluations

• Discussion regarding educational, behavioral, or developmental needs

Enrollment decisions are made at the discretion of school administration and are based on classroom availability, program fit, staffing, and the school’s ability to appropriately support the student within the learning environment.

MCPA reserves the right to accept, deny, or discontinue enrollment at any time if it is determined that the program is not the appropriate fit for the student or school community.

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Special Needs & Student Support Policy

At MCP Academy, we strive to provide a nurturing, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students. We understand that every child has unique learning styles, strengths, and needs.

Enrollment of students with special needs, developmental delays, behavioral concerns, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether MCPA can appropriately meet the needs of the child within our program setting.

Please note that MCPA is a private microschool and does not have a Special Education certified teacher or licensed special education staff member. In addition, MCPA does not provide:

• Special Education services

• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans

• One-on-one aides or paraprofessionals

• Behavioral therapy services

• Occupational, speech, or physical therapy services

Families are required to fully disclose any medical diagnoses, behavioral concerns, learning accommodations, therapy services, or educational support needs prior to enrollment. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in dismissal from the program if it is determined that the school is unable to safely or effectively meet the child’s needs.

Acceptance into the program is based on multiple factors, including:

• The student’s ability to safely participate in the classroom environment

• Ability to function within group instruction and daily routines

• Staffing availability and classroom ratios

• The school’s ability to support the child while maintaining a positive learning environment for all students

MCPA reserves the right to determine whether the program is an appropriate placement for each child. If, at any time, it is determined that the school cannot adequately meet the needs of the student, families may be asked to seek a program or setting with specialized support services better suited for the child’s success.

 

Tuition & Fees:   Registration Fees are paid when enrolling & every year for the new school year.  When first enrolling space will be held for your child for up to 5 business days after registration has been received. Registration which has not been paid by the new school year enrollment date will result in dismissal from the program until registration fees are paid, and all re-enrollment procedures are complete.   Rates are payable whether or not your child is present.  Tuition is paid in advance.  Tuition is paid by virtual payment and will be invoiced based on your tuition plan.  Payments will be autodrafted.  Weekly Payment is due every Friday by 4:30pm.  If payment has not been made by this time a immediate $50 charge will be added to your account and $10 per day (Including weekends).  Student will not be permitted  Monday morning without payment of tuition and fees. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY.  If a holiday falls on or during a tuition payday then payment will be under same terms on the day before holiday. Tuition rates are based on enrollment and not attendance. HOLIDAYS SCHOOL IS CLOSED/WEATHER DAYS: Full tuition is due for weeks that include holidays/bad weather days unless we have notified otherwise. At MCPA you must pay per "position" which means that the position is held just for your child and is not based on attendance.  There will be NO refunds or adjustments made to your tuition for your time missed due to illness, holidays, or days off.  A place has been reserved for your child and cannot be filled on a short term basis.  ​

Tuition is an annual fee and contractual obligation for the academic school year. Families may choose from the following payment plan options:

 

 

#1: Annual Payment in Full
Full tuition payment due by July 1st.

#2: Annual Payment 2 payments

First half due July 1st

Second half due December 1st

#3:Monthly Payment Plan
Monthly installments beginning July 1st.

#4: Weekly Payment Plan
#1-Weekly installments beginning July 1st.

#2-Weekly Installments beginning August 1st

 

 

 

 

 

*Please note that payment plans beginning after August 1st will be adjusted and may result in higher monthly or weekly payment amounts.

 

Staff Vacations/Sick Days/ Personal Days:  MCPA will operate on a school calendar and will close according to the MCPA school calendar.  MCPA calendar will be provided each fall for closings and holidays.  All installment payments will draft regardless of holidays and closings.  

 

Late pick up/Early drop off Fees:  Extended care fee of $25 will be immediate for students checked in on campus before orafter school hours (a grace period is available from 8:15-8:30 and 3:30-3:45 with no extra charges) if a student is enrolled for extended care late (7:30-4:30) fees will be charged according to their enrollment agreement.  Beginning at 4:30 The late fee of $50 will be an immediate charge and $1 per minute.  At 15 minutes an additional fee of $50 will be applied.   Late fees will NOT be waived for any reason.  After the 3rd late pickup a red slip will be sent home with student to discuss dismissal or continuation of attendance at MCP Academy.   

 

Security: The doors will be locked throughout the entire day to ensure the safety of the children & staff while children are in care.  Please use doorbell and someone of the staff will be happy to assist you, please have your DL/ID ready to show upon arrival.

 

Nutritional Needs: NO Peanut products are permitted.   

Please supply your student with a PEANUT FREE nutritious am snack, and full lunch that is ready to eat.  We will be unable to heat and/or refridgerate lunches.   

 

*Breakfast:  Please have Breakfast eaten before arrival.

 

Open Door Policy:  MCPA has an open door policy.  Parents can call or visit anytime during our operating hours, but for the safety of all of our staff and students will be required to remain at the front desk and may not enter classrooms spaces.  If you wish to discuss your child's behavior or progress please arrange and set up an appointment for a conference with your students teacher.

MCP Academy believes that strong communication and collaboration between families and staff are essential to student success. Parents and guardians are welcome to communicate with teachers and administration and may visit the school.

To maintain a safe, focused, and uninterrupted learning environment, all conferences must be scheduled in advance. Appointments ensure that instructional time is protected and that staff are able to provide families with their full attention. Unscheduled visits during instructional hours may be limited or redirected to a scheduled time.

Classroom observation is not permitted. However, our doors are always open for students to come to the front office or designated area to visit briefly with their parent or guardian when needed. This policy allows MCP Academy to remain accessible and responsive to families while prioritizing student safety, instruction, and learning.

 

Procedure for release of students:  For the safety of your child as well as all children who attend MCPA, Please be prepared to show picture ID when picking up a student.  Children are signed in/out and allowed to leave ONLY with their parent or person designated in writing by the parent.  The parent or designated person will sign out the child along with the time the child is leaving.  At the time of enrollment the parent completes and emergency info form.  This form contains the names and telephone numbers for all persons given the responsibility of picking up your child.  It is parents responsibility to keep the information current and accurate.  Forms are available for change to any information needing with MCPA.  A person requesting to pick up a child should be listed on the Emergency contact and information form.  However, emergencies may arise that require your child to be picked up by a person other than those listed on the emergency form.  Before dismissal time, the parent must notify staff at MCPA and supply pertinent information about the person arriving to pick up the child.  Any unknown person picking up the child will be asked to show proper id before the child will be released.  The child will not be released without sufficient ID.  Before release of the child a copy of ID will be made and kept on file.  If divorced or separated Custody we must have a copy of Custody papers on file to deny dismissal to parent. This is State Law

 

Change of Information: It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to update information on file as soon as a change takes place.  You may be asked to update your child's record annually even if there are no reported changes.  If your child does not reside with both parents, you will be required to show evidence of custody if needed.  A court decree will be required to prevent either parent from having access to a child.  Under state law we CAN NOT and WILL NOT prevent a legal parent from picking up a child, UNLESS a court order is in place and on file.

 

Immunization requirements: MCPA requires that every student must be immunized and immunizations must remain current, For children who are not vaccinated a notarized affidavit must be on file.  As regulated by Texas State Law we require validated records of completed immunizations for all students.  As soon as your child receives immunization boosters, please send a copy of immunization records to MCPA via Brightwheel.

 

Potty Training: Children are required to be fully potty trained to attend MCPA.   

 

Rest Period:​  All Pre K children are provided a quiet time and a place for rest. Soft music and a soft lit room provide relaxing atmosphere for the children. Children are encouraged to rest during this time.  If your child falls asleep he/she will be awakened at the end of the rest period, and no earlier unless parent has arrived to pick up child.

 

Curriculum:  MCPA uses Custom State Approved Themed Units & curriculum.  We use integrated project based studies, changing around every 4-6 weeks.  Children are offered the opportunity to enjoy activities, including messy sensory, creative art, alphabet and language, music and movement, hands on math and science, social activities, and games.  Digital curriculum programs are also used to assess, and support student learning. 

These developmentally appropriate activities encompass all areas of your child's development.  Our belief is that all children learn best through hands on activities and interacting with their environment and we strive to present activities with that in mind.

Our program uses a rigorous curriculum that is playful and intentional.  Focusing on children's cognitive, social emotional, and physical development.  Embedding high quality academics into play based exploration.

 

Enrichment Classes: 

We believe in engaging the child's entire self. Mind & Body.  We have several outside classes that are offered at our little program each week.  
Stretch N' Grow (is the world’s largest network of certified youth fitness instructors providing fun and engaging enrichment programs that get kids moving at their schools)

Music (your child will learn how to play a variety of instruments including the tambourines, maracas, rhythm sticks, and triangle. Our fun and engaging activities are designed to help stretch their imaginations as they learn about music style, tone, melody, and harmony.)

Art (Specializing in children's art classes, and camps. Kidcreate Studio - Mansfield is an art studio just for kids. At Kidcreate Studio -, your child will create fridge-worthy masterpieces, learn art concepts, and experiment with many different art materials.

 

Screen Time: MCPA follows all state policies when it comes to screen time allowance.  No more than 2 hours will be permitted for screen time of any type, unless it is a special occasion/movie day.  While digital learning has many benefits and allows us to use real time assessment.  We believe hands on learning has the most benefits. 

Hand-to-Mind (Hands-On) Learning

• Brain Activation: Writing and physically manipulating objects (like blocks or pen-and-paper) activates multiple interconnected brain regions, including motor and sensory processing, leading to higher retention.

• Multisensory Engagement: Uses spatial and tactile feedback, which is crucial for young children learning to read and write, and helps adults grasp complex conceptual ideas.

• Deeper Focus: Naturally forces the learner to slow down, encouraging reflective thinking and reducing screen-related distractions

 

Smoking policy:  MCPA is a smoke free AND drug free property.  During business hours smoking is NOT permitted on or around the premises.  

 

Illness & Well Child Policy:  

At MCP Academy, the health and safety of all students and staff is a top priority. If you have any questions regarding your child’s health or whether they are well enough to attend school, please contact MCPA staff prior to bringing your child to campus.

The symptoms listed below are intended to help guide families in determining when a child should remain home from school. If any of these symptoms develop while a child is in attendance, parents/guardians will be contacted immediately and required to pick up their child promptly. To help maintain a healthy learning environment for all students, we ask families to be mindful and considerate in preventing the spread of illness.

If a parent or guardian is unavailable during the school day, an authorized emergency contact must be available to pick up the child within a reasonable timeframe.

Weather permitting, students participate in outdoor activities daily. If a child is not well enough to fully participate in all school activities, including outdoor play, they should remain at home.

Students Must Remain Home If They Exhibit Any of the Following Symptoms:

1. Vomiting

2. Two or more loose stools/diarrhea

3. Fever of 100°F or higher

4. Eye discharge, red or itchy eyes, or crusted eyelids

5. Listless or lethargic behavior

6. Refusal to eat or drink/lack of appetite

7. Extreme irritability

8. Unusual behavior persisting over time

9. Swollen glands at the back of the neck

10. Blotchy rash on the stomach/back or fine rash across the torso

11. Swelling along the jawline or in front of the ear

12. Severe sore throat accompanied by refusal to eat or drink and/or upset stomach

13. Head lice, body lice, or presence of nits

14. Crusty blisters or fine blisters on the scalp, face, or body, including symptoms consistent with chickenpox

Illness During School Hours

If a child develops a fever or any symptoms of illness after arriving at school, they will be temporarily separated from the classroom in a quiet, supervised area until a parent, guardian, or emergency contact arrives.

Students who become ill while in care must remain home for at least 24 hours symptom-free without medication, or until evaluated by a physician and a doctor’s note has been provided to the school.

Daily Health Checks

Health checks are conducted each morning prior to a child entering the classroom. These checks may include:

• Temperature screening

• Visual wellness check and greeting

• Brief health communication with parent/guardian

Once cleared, students will sanitize their hands and proceed to their classroom.

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Medication Guidelines: We will NOT administer medication of any kind unless it is a EMERGENCY situation.  Please speak with MCPA staff if you have questions regarding medication.  Medication is NOT permitted in children's bag or backpacks.  Parents who bring medication for ANY reason are required to check/sign in medication and sign out medication when taking home. 

 

Emergency Situations:​ You can be assured that MCPA makes every effort to provide a safe environment for your child.  We are properly equipped with fire and smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and MCPA staff are fully trained in CPR, First Aid, AED, Food Allergies, Choking, and Asthma.  We have an extensive Food emergency plan, as well as Intruder, Weather, and evacuation plans.  These plans are on file and always available for review when asked. 

 

MCPA Emergency Plan:

In an emergency evacuation or relocation we will move the children to a safe area or alternate shelter down the street 2 buildings over to the Cutting Edge Pediatric Therapy building.

In the case of a area wide evacuation or relocation we will go to the nearest fire station, Located Broad Street

How children will be evacuated or relocated to the designated safe area or alternate shelter:

Parents will be contacted to immediately come to pick up their child. For children who can not be picked up before evacuation they will be placed in our personal vehicles and transported. For children under 24 month or with limited mobility we will be carried or held by staff.

Attendance of children will be counted using our Brightwheel app as well as parent communication.

Emergency Phone numbers:

817-901-1039 Cell Phone

 

Communication with local authorities will be via cell phone. Documentation will be carried via cell device is stored in Brightwheel.

Shelter in place & Intruder Emergency

Children will be taken to our Bathroom to shelter during severe storms or the inner hallway.

In the event of Intruder/hostile adult activity students will immediately go to the indoor playground to shelter or escape to safety out the door.

Reuniting communication will be sent using Brightwheel. Each parent will also be contacted via phone.

Children will be cared for and activities will be provided until parent can pick up.

Fire Drills will take place each month. Relocation during a fire is to across parking lot grass area.

 

Child Abuse Reporting: How to Contact Child Care Licensing; Minimum Standard Review MCPA will follow all state rules and guidelines regarding child abuse reporting.  If a child shows signs of abuse, or abuse is suspected we are required by law to notify the appropriate authorities.  MCPA Staff completes a yearly training on the prevention and response to child abuse and neglect of children.

Our program is on a private school exemption and does not receive visits or oversight through childcare licensing.  We do however abide by all minimum standards. 

 

How to contact Child Care Licensing:  For any questions, information, or concerns, and to report suspected child abuse or neglect.  You may contact child care licensing at any of the ways below:

​* www.dfps.state.tx.us

* 817-321-8604

* 1501 Circle Dr. Suite 310 Fort Worth TX 76119

* PRS Child Abuse hotline 1-800-252-5400

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Water Play :Throughout the year, we participate in several splash days & sprinkler play.  We DO NOT go to any type of swimming pools. 

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Inclement Weather​: In the case of Bad weather we will follow Mansfield ISD Delays and Closings.  Check your local news and weather channel listings.  (If in the case we feel the weather is getting too bad throughout the day and we need to close, we will contact parents as soon as possible to come and pickup children as necessary)

When Mansfield ISD closes school due to weather, MCPA will also be closed.  We will inform Parents/Guardians if the school will be open for the day, open half the day or closed all day.  Due to power outages or severe weather, where we are unable to keep a comfortable & controlled environment we will be closed.  Parents will be alerted via our Brightwheel system or email to inform them of any closings.

Each day our children enjoy a array of outdoor & indoor activities.  Please plan for your child to go outdoors each day, where we have large motor activities, messy activities, playground equipment, and other fun things for the children to enjoy outdoors.   

In the event of rainy or extremely hot or cold weather our children will enjoy a variety of indoor large motor activities.  (Parachute, rolling balls, children's yoga, indoor playground, etc) 

 

Tuberculin Testing: Testing for children is not currently mandated by the state of Texas.  However, tuberculin screening is required for staff.  MCPA will follow all county guidelines in regards to TB screening.  For more information on TB screening please call your local health department.

 

Vision and Hearing Screening: Screening must be completed for every student ages 4 years and older when attending school/preschool as required by the state of Texas. 

 

Dress Code: All children should be dressed in assigned MCPA Logo clothing & closed toed slip on white/black shoes.  Each day students will participate in a wide variety of activities, including outdoor play.  During outdoor time clothes and shoes may become dirty or muddy.  Please take into consideration when dressing your child for the day.  MCPA will make every effort to protect students clothing, but be aware that spills and accidents may occur.  Each item should be labeled with your child's name clearly marked.  MCPA will not be responsible for ruined, lost, or stolen items.  

 

Weapons Policy/Gang Free/Drug Free Zone: At no times shall parents bring any firearm, darts, cap gun, knife, pepper spray, or any other tool used to inflict injury be allowed on the the premises.  Texas Penal Code States any area within 1000 ft  of a school is a gang free zone.  Criminal offenses related to organized criminal activity is subject to a harsher penalty.  

 

Personal Items: We ask that you do not send any toys from home.  Occasionally we may sponsor a show and tell day.  Your child will be permitted to bring an item related to the topic to the class to share and discuss.  This item must be labeled with your child's name and taken home at the end of the day.

 

Discipline and Guidance Policy: The message that we want to exhibit through modeling and actions, is that our school provides a secure and safe environment.  Within this environment learning, related to all facets of life occur.  The relationship involved in the development of positive self-esteem and positive self confidence has a direct relationship to school, on the playground, at home, or wherever children may be in the real world.  That is why we must establish an environment that is consistent in nurturing and honoring the special worth and value of each child attending.  

When a child chooses to disrupt their own learning, interfere with another student's learning, perform an action that may harm them self or others, or is openly disrespectful the teacher will choose from one of the following options.

a. Talk with the child on their level.  b. Place the child in a time-out/ thinking area/peace place.  c. Limit the classroom or playground privileges  d. Call a conference with the parent. e. Sent home for the day ( MCPA will notify parents due to extreme or continual disciplinary issue, where a child has become a disruption to the success of their day.  In some cases a child will be sent home for the day to regroup and rejoin their class the next day for a fresh start.)

The option chosen by the MCPA staff will depend on the severity/nature of the child's behavior.  We will always work with the parent in solving behavior problems involving their child.  However, if there is continued lack of self control and or other related problems that interfere with learning or the safety to oneself or others, the child may be permanently dismissed from MCPA. 

 

Field Trips:  We take FAMILY Field Trips at MCP ACADEMY.  Parents will transport their own child.  You must sign a contract at the beginning of the year to ensure this is ok with your family.  

Kindergarten-8th grade take weekly field studies off campus.  A permission slip will be sent home with you child. 

 

Special Events/Outside Food: Please notify MCPA if it is your child's special day and you would like to bring non-food goodies.    You may bring age appropriate party favors and pass out invitations.  These items will be distributed by the teacher at the end of the day.  Please bring one for each child.  For privacy, we cannot release addresses or phone numbers of any child and/or family member without their prior permission.  We do not permit outside food/cupcakes/cookies/etc to be brought in due to food allergies and restrictions at MCPA. 

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Pictures & Videos:  

Photos and videos of students may be taken periodically throughout the school year while participating in activities and events at MCP Academy.

These images and recordings may be used for educational, promotional, and school-related purposes, including but not limited to:

• School social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)

• School website

• Yearbooks

• Keepsake items

• Graduation or event slideshows/DVDs

• Marketing materials, newsletters, and other school publications

By enrolling your child at MCPA, parents/guardians grant permission for the school to photograph and/or video their child for the purposes listed above.

MCPA will never intentionally share confidential student information alongside photos or videos and will make every reasonable effort to represent students respectfully and appropriately in all media and publications.

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MCP Academy is a secular school and does not focus on nor give preference for any one religion or culture.  MCPA welcomes all and does not discriminate based on gender, race, sexual orientation, or religion.

 

"The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life" ~Maria Montessori 

 

 

 

©MCPA