General Program Policies
Make-ups
PLEASE try to limit make-ups to two a semester if possible and ALWAYS call or email in advance to let us know that you will either be missing a class or would like to schedule a make-up. Please try to make-up in classes that are not listed as full on the schedule, and PLEASE NEVER show up unannounced to a class that is not your regularly scheduled class.
If you can not attend call or text and let us know at 901-218-4695 or email us at info@memphisaardvarks.com.
Guests
Since most of our classes are at or near capacity, we ask that only 1 caregiver attend with each child. You may occasionally schedule to bring a guest with a child to class provided there is room. Call or email to check availability.
Snacks
Please try to keep eating and drinking to a minimum during class time. It’s a good idea to make sure your child has had a good snack prior to class as kids tend to burn a lot of energy while Aardvarking. That said, we certainly understand that you know your little ones best and it is no crime to provide a few bites of a snack or sips of a drink during class time if that’s what the situation requires. We simply ask that you always do so off of the rugs and central class area as it can create a mess and be a distraction to other children. Also, please try to keep all snacks and sippy cups away from child’s reach in higher level cubbies and shelves.
Socializing
First and foremost, we want classes to provide a positive social experience for you and your children. We recognize that as parents we can get very hungry for adult conversation. Aardvarks class can be a great place to make new friends and connect with old ones, so please do so and enjoy this aspect of the program!! We only ask that you be mindful of how socializing affects the flow, focus, and energy of the class and remember that if you are not engaged in the activity neither will your child be. Please try to keep talking limited to before and after class and during the free dance and instrument jams.
Refunds
Tuition fee is fully refundable before the first day semester begins. Up until two weeks after the semester has begun 50% of tuition fees will be refunded for remaining unattended classes at time of cancellation. No refunds after two weeks.
Bad Weather
We will follow the Memphis City Schools for closure due to weather. There are occasions when we may decide to have class even though city schools are closing, so you should always check the website at www.memphisaardvarks.com to determine if class will be held or not during questionable weather, or call/text us at 901-218-4695.
Teacher Absence
Although it is very rare, there are occasions when Michelle or Jeremy may need to miss a class. We will do our best to substitute a teacher for the class, if one is not available we will reschedule the class. In this case, we will make every effort to notify everyone in the class at least 24 hours in advance, so please make sure we have a contact number for you that is accurate and opt in for text messages (only used for class notifications). We will also send an email. Usually, a make-up class will be scheduled for the end of the session. If you are unable to attend the make-up class you will be given the option to make-up in a different class, have the cost of the class credited to another semester, or receive a refund back to the original payment method. Thank you for your patience and flexibility while we build a strong, core staff of Aardvark teachers that can cover for one another.
Other Helpful Hints for Getting the Most Out of Class
* Children tend to do better when they are well fed and rested. A snack and a nap prior to class (when you can make it happen) is a good idea.
* If your child is not developmentally mature enough to participate in an activity (ie, he/she doesn’t have the language or motor skills to sing or coordinate small or big movement exercises)- DON’T WORRY- just model for him/her even if he/she appears distracted. Children are typically absorbing way more then we give them credit for. Even though it may feel silly to wave your arm around hailing a taxi while your 13 month old is playing with a shoe on the other side of the room, just DO IT and every now and then try to bring them back into the group/activity. Before no time, they will be doing all the movements for songs at home you were convinced they were not attending to in class.
* Children, especially 0-2, have the natural inclination to explore EVERYTHING. It is ok for them to wander about the environment. Trust us, they are absorbing A LOT and it’s ALL GOOD!
* If your child is older and you are working on helping him/her to develop more self-control, better listening skills, and the ability to consistently follow directions, you might consider prepping your child before class by reminding him/her of the structure of the class (ex: First we sit on the rug and sing the hello song, then we’ll sing some quiet songs before we stand up and run around, etc) as well as setting some behavioral expectations. It is also OK to give a warning for behavior that is disruptive or dangerous and then take your child out of the class for a few minutes if he or she is unable to follow through with your directives. Often times, kids just need a break to refocus. If you feel unclear about whether your child’s behavior is disruptive or confused about how to handle a certain behavior your child is presenting in class, PLEASE talk to us. Every child is unique and we will support you in every way we can to help your child get the most out of the class and have the class be a positive growth experience for him or her.