Academic Preparatory Services

I. Purpose
The purpose of GALA’s Preparatory Academic Program is to provide Montessori style academic readiness instruction to children aged 2 through Pre-Kindergarten.

II. Hours of Operation
GALA school hours are from 9:00am–3:30pm. Extended hours are available from 7:00–9:00am and 3:30–6:00pm. 2, 3, 4 or 5-day enrollment is available. Transportation is not provided to or from our facility.

III. Dates of Service
GALA operates Monday-Friday. Please note the school observance holiday calendar. Days may not be rescheduled or credited for absences, illnesses, school observance day closings or vacations.

IV. Classroom Ratio
GALA has a teacher/student ratio starting at 1:7. Our school offers four Montessori style preparatory pre-school classrooms and one Pre-Kindergarten classroom. Enrollment is limited.

V. Lunch/Snack
Daily snack is served at no additional charge. Monthly lunch & snack menus are available in the reception area. Drinks are provided throughout the day (including lunch) at no additional charge. Children have their choice of cranberry, orange or apple juice. Milk (2%) is always served with lunch. Parents have the option of packing a lunch for their child or GALA will provide lunch for $4/day.

VI. Terms of Payment
Tuition is invoiced monthly (please see tuition page in this packet). Families must make a weekly payment minimum on Monday or Tuesday morning of each week. Late fee surcharges are assessed on Tuesdays of each week. Late fee surcharges are not waived for any reason. Balances may not be carried over to a new week. Tuition services are non refundable. Each family may request a one week vacation credit per school year. Please give 30 days notice of program withdrawal.

VII. Parents Night Out
GALA provides evening child care services on a selected Saturday of the month. Hours are from 6:00pm–11:00pm. Please sign up in advance to ensure adequate staff preparation. This private service is available only to families enrolled at Grade A Learning Center & Academy.

Enrollment Procedures/Instructional Services

I. Registration
GALA’s one time (not annual) registration fee ($189) includes our personalized “goody bag” filled with gifts and supplies.

II. Health Services
Parents must submit proof of health insurance and Immunization Form 3231 (Form 3231 replaces forms 3032 & 3227).

III. Restroom Procedures
GALA staff will accommodate those children who are not yet restroom disciplined. We ask parents to bring diapers or pull ups weekly. A change of clothes is required for all children.

IV. Uniforms
GALA T-shirts and sweatshirts are provided at a nominal fee. Jewelry is not permitted. Shoes must be closed toe.

V. School Pictures
Each spring and fall, students will be photographed. Parents may opt to purchase an individual and/or class picture.

VI. Lesson Plans
Written lesson plans containing specific instructional activities are provided for each class. Lesson plans are based on school readiness learning goals and include educational activities in the areas of Language, Literacy, Phonics, Mathematics, Social Science, Spanish, Music, Art, Computer technology, Motor Skills & Physical Development.

VII. Portfolios and Assessments
GALA will maintain a portfolio for your child. A portfolio is a measurement of academic growth & development. Your child’s portfolio will emphasize skills in Phonics, Mathematics, Writing & creative techniques. Assessments include teacher documentation of specific skills through instructional work samples and curriculum assessment tools. Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled by our Curriculum Director.

VIII. Graduation
Please see your Director for your child’s graduation scope and sequence. Classroom graduations are scheduled in August, January and June of each school year.

IX. Daily Monitor Report
GALA places great emphasis on parent/teacher correspondence. Each child will complete his/her day by receiving a daily report noting his/her eating & napping regimen, special activities, & number & letter of the day.

X. Rest Time
To maximize instructional activities, rest time accompanied by classical music is vital to ensure optimal learning, comprehension and retention.

Our Facility, Equipment, and Credentials

I. Internet Viewing
GALA is proud to offer our parents the convenience and luxury of internal monitoring & internet viewing. We have pride & confidence in our center, our program and our staff. GALA firmly believes in an open door policy. We want our parents to be confident with their selection of Grade A Learning Academy. Internal monitoring consists of a real time monitor located in the reception area. This allows parents to observe their child enter his/her classroom each morning and his/her involvement in the classroom prior to departure. Internet viewing offers a real time, streaming image of our classrooms via the internet. We believe that having the ability to connect with your child throughout the day is a valuable resource! Internet viewing enables parents, grandparents, and other authorized persons to use our true open door policy and visit their child’s classroom at any given time throughout the day. Every room, including our outdoor physical education area, is uniquely represented in our system. Our internet viewing feature is highly protected by security measures. Only authorized persons who have been granted access codes may enter the system. Your cooperation and understanding is greatly appreciated. Please see your Director for additional internet viewing literature.

II. Our Facility
GALA’s newly constructed facility is equipped with an internal monitoring and internet viewing system, a state of the art computer laboratory, creatively decorated classrooms, art room, café and state of the art physical education equipment. Our students are comforted and motivated by a continuous background music sound system. GALA facilitates the strongest academic program that can be found at the pre-school and Pre-Kindergarten level.

III. Classroom Centers
Each classroom has work centers for Montessori style, personalized instruction. Our state of the art classrooms are spacious, colorful and accommodating to the developmental needs of your child.

IV. Instructional Technology
GALA hosts a state of the art computer laboratory that offers personalized developmental programs to foster a solid foundation in Language, Literacy, Phonics, Mathematics, Motor Skills and Technology.

V. Playground Equipment
GALA’s 13,000 Sq. ft physical education area & equipment accommodates all muscle groups and sporting interests. Recess is scheduled twice daily.

VI. Foreign Language
Foreign Language is an essential tool easily mastered by young children. GALA offers Spanish lessons twice weekly (Tuesday and Friday).

VII. Our Credentials
GALA faculty must meet licensing requirements for child care personnel.

• All GALA personnel must have completed a satisfactory criminal background check. Senate Bill 165, passed during the 1999 session of the Georgia General Assembly, made changes in the Criminal Records Check process for all licensed child care centers.
  
• GALA faculty and staff hold Nationally Recognized Credentials including, but not limited to: PSC in Early Childhood or Elem. Ed, BA in Early Childhood, Elem. Ed, PSC Certification in Special Ed or other Specialty Field for Grades P-12, technical diploma/degree in Early Childhood Care, Education, or Montessori, Child Development Associate (CDA), or Child Care Professional (CCP).
  
• All personnel and staff must satisfy annual requirements in Health, Nutrition, First Aid, Child Abuse, Disease, Fire Safety and C.P.R.