Policies and Makeups

Satisfaction Guaranteed

If you aren't completely happy with your Kindermusik experience after attending at least five classes, we'll refund or credit all of your tuition except for the cost of Home Materials, which are yours to keep and enjoy. Pro-rated tuition refunds may also be given in case of withdrawal due to unforeseen circumstances, at the discretion of the Director.

MakeUps

You are welcome to make-up classes you have missed or classes you anticipate missing by attending another class of the same age group OR a "Family Time" class (mixed ages newborn-7). Make-ups do not have to be made during the same week of your absence--they can be done at any point throughout the session.

1. Choose a class from our current schedule. When possible, please try to avoid choosing a class listed as "full", as that indicates the class is already at capacity.

2. Please be sure to send a brief email or leave a voicemail to let us know when you plan to make-up so we can be sure to notify you of any special circumstances.

3. If you are going to a location other than your usual class, please be sure to print out directions and maps so you can find us.

Although we are generally amenable to make-ups, please keep in mind that because the dynamics of the children in a particular class vary, make-ups will be handled on an individual basis at the sole discretion of the instructor. Make-ups are not guaranteed. Fees are neither prorated nor refundable for classes missed.

Payment Policies

Payment in full of tuition, materials fee, and one-time registration fee are due at time of registration.

One registration fee per family covers and all Kindermusik classes with SoundSteps. Registration fee is non-refundable. If you cancel before the first class, materials fee may be refundable. There is a $25 returned check fee.

Fees are neither prorated nor refundable for classes missed.

Discounts for Siblings, Newborns, and Special Needs

The following may be eligible for discounts. Please contact us for eligibility and coupon code.
1. Siblings enrolled in Kindermusik classes except Family Time
2. Children with qualifying Special Needs
3. Newborns under 4 months: free materials for your first 5-7 week Kindermusik unit
Each Kindermusik semester (Fall, Spring, Summer) consists of two units or themes, each having a unique set of materials (CD, book, parent materials).
You may join the semester at the beginning of the semester or mid-way, when we start the new unit. 
Your materials for your first unit will be free--a $35 value!
Eligibility for Fall Kindermusik classes: babies born May 5 or later.

Eligibility for Spring Kindermusik classes: babies born September 15 or later. 

Eligibility for Summer Kindermusik classes: babies born in February 1 or later

Safe Behavior Policy

Because certain aggressive behaviors create apprehension for children and consequently ruin the class experience, these behaviors will not be tolerated. Aggressive behavior toward other children or adults will be grounds for dismissal and/or expulsion from class.

Aggressive behaviors include, but are not limited to: throwing objects at others, biting, hitting, kicking, tackling, and scratching. Also included are behaviors that cause damage to the classroom facility or property of Sound Steps.

The following actions will be taken if these behaviors occur:

First incident: parent must remove child from that class for the remainder of class that day.

Second incident: parent must remove child from that class for the remainder of class that day. Additionally, the child may not attend any classes for a period of no less than two weeks.

Third incident: parent must remove child from that class for the remainder of class that day and child may no longer attend Kindermusik classes for the remainder of the semester.

Sound Steps reserves the right for an instructor to ask a parent to remove a child from class at any time or to deny admission to a class due to any of the above mentioned behaviors.

Safety and Allergy Concerns

Please be aware than some children are very sensitive to certain foods and therefore, we ask you not to bring food or drink into the classroom. If your child needs a drink or snack during class, please step out of the room for a moment to accommodate his/her needs. If you have food or a cup in your bag, please be sure it is somewhere where no other child could accidentally eat or drink it.

Also, please avoid wearing heavy perfumes.

Shoes: On or Off?

We request both adults and children go barefoot or in socks in Kindermusik to help keep the floors cleaner. Also, children learn through their senses, including touch/feel on the bottom of their feet. Barefoot is best for sensory development. It is easiest to experience movement in bare feet. Shoes are not permitted in the room at Our Redeemer.

Sick Child Policy

Please be considerate of other children when deciding whether or not your child is healthy enough to attend class. Please follow these guidelines and if you or your child has any of these symptoms, please do not attend class:

Fever within the last 24 hours; Runny nose with yellow or green mucus; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Sore throat or difficulty swallowing; Lice; Rash or spots on skin, ringworm infection; Severe itching; Mouth sores; Eye discharge; Significant tiredness, irritability, crying; Uncontrolled coughing; Difficulty breathing, wheezing.

Ask yourself this important question…if your child is healthy, would you want him/her playing with another child that has your child’s symptoms? If the answer is no, please do not bring him/her to class. If your child exhibits these symptoms, please be advised that in the interest of safety for all children and adults present, we will ask you to leave and make-up the class at a better time.

Before Class

• Provide snacks for your child at home. Please do not bring food or drinks to class.

• Please leave toys, pacifiers, sippy cups, etc. at home or in the car. Your child will need to have his hands and voice free to participate.

• Please arrive on time. All children need a few minutes to settle into a new environment, so feel free to come 5 minutes early to facilitate a comfortable learning environment.

• Listening to the CD frequently will help a child feel a sense of familiarity. This will make the class more enjoyable for them. Unfortunately, you will get tired of it long before they do.

• Please set your phone to silent or vibrate. We understand that sometimes emergencies arise and you need to take a call. In that case, please step out of the room so that your speaking does not distract the children.

During Class

• Kindermusik is a special time for you and your child. We encourage you to use the class time to fully enjoy and participate in the activities with your child.

• Toddlers learn by discovery and imitation. So no matter what your voice sounds like or how silly you feel, you are the child’s best teacher and they do what you model for them.

• Kindermusik is a shared family experience. Unlike a playgroup, Kindermusik is not a time for visiting. Focusing on the activity will help the class move along smoothly, whereas visiting distracts all the children and parents, ultimately leading to a chaotic environment. You are always welcome to come early or stay late to visit. You may also enjoy the playground if it is not being used by a school class.

• Encourage your child by describing what she did and showing your delight. Using phrases such as “You rang the bells” or “You tapped your sticks very fast”, rather than “Good job” will foster intrinsic motivation in your child and enhance her self esteem.

• Allow your child his or her own response. Your child’s response may be to retreat to a corner or wander around the room. Even if your child’s response is inward or different, it is still that child’s way of learning. It is difficult for parents to watch their child sit motionless or do something completely different than the rest of the class. Our philosophy asks for acceptance and respect of your child’s response. We trust the child to interact within the environment when the child is ready. Please refrain from manipulating your child’s response. It is appropriate to encourage and model. Remember that Kindermusik is process oriented, not performance.

About Behavior

It is perfectly normal for children to run, tumble, scream, cry, and protest. And all children will do these things. Please keep in mind, however, that some behaviors, although very natural for a child, may be disruptive during an inside activity.

[For parent of 3-5 year olds: Additionally, your child may react differently when you enter the room. This is a typical 3-5 year old reaction. They may have been fully participating until you enter, then shut down completely. Or they may have been perfectly behaved, and then suddenly act-out when you enter.]

• If your child becomes upset or disruptive, please take her outside the room and set appropriate boundaries before returning. This helps the class move smoothly and keeps all the children focused.

• Running is not permitted for the safety of the children. Also, please stop any “contagious behaviors” that affect the class.

• All children have rough days. If your child is upset and unable to settle in, it is best to leave and try again another day. If your child is misbehaving, a stern warning followed by going home usually prevents the behavior’s recurrence. You are always welcome to make-up the class and try again on a better day.

After class:

• Please try to find time to enjoy the home activity book/journal and read the story book(s) with your child. It will only enhance the in-class experience and increase the value of your Kindermusik investment.

Cancellations

Inclement Weather: In the event of snow, ice, or other inclement weather, safety should be your priority. In extreme circumstances, class will be cancelled and a make-up will be scheduled. To confirm whether a class will be cancelled, critical cancellation information will be posted on the home page of the website or you may call your teacher. 
If the weather is reasonably navigable, class will not be cancelled. However, please do not come to class if you are not comfortable driving with your child in hazardous conditions. You may attend another class at a later date.

Other Cancellations: In the rare event we need to cancel classes due to teacher illness or other unforeseen circumstance, you will receive as much advance notice as possible. Make-ups will be offered.

On Site Childcare

We have access to adjacent rooms and the playgrounds at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and St. Thomas Aquinas Church. If you would like to arrange for a babysitter on-site to care for your child(ren) while you attend Kindermusik with another child, you may either 1) bring your own sitter or 2) contact us and we will give you contact information for one of our trusted sitters. You are hiring this sitter as an independent contractor. All payment arrangements are made directly between the parent and the babysitter. Price may vary depending on the sitter you choose. SoundSteps is not responsible for your child while in the care of an on-site sitter. All sitters must undergo a background check.

Preschool Registration Forms

BETHEL EARLY CHILDHOOD Kindermusik Enrollment 2010-2011
CALLIER CHILD DEVELOPMENT Kindermusik Enrollment 2010-2011
SPRINGHILL MONTESSORI Kindermusik Enrollment 2010-2011
ST. JAMES Kindermusik Enrollment 2010-2011
CHILDRENS CENTER Enrollment Fall 2010
UNITY Enrollment 2010-2011

Piano-Guitar Registration Forms

PIANO & GUITAR LESSON CONTRACT