Classroom Policies

MAKE-UP CLASSES:

Classes will be made up in the event of the instructor's illness or inclement weather. You will be notified of the cancellation and the scheduled make-up class as soon as possible. Pied Piper Studios is not required to offer make-up classes for your own personal absences due to travel, illness, etc. However, you may request to attend one currently scheduled class other than your own if that class section is not already registered to maximum capacity.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT:

Parent involvement is a vital part of the Kindermusik Philosophy. We believe that parents are a child's best teacher and for this reason, we require that a parent or caregiver attend the full 45 minutes of each Village and Our Time class. Not only does your involvement provide special bonding time between you and your child, but it creates an environment of support as your child builds her independence. Overall involvement in and out of class communicates to your child that she is important and worth your time and attention. Her learning will be enhanced by your presence and interest.

Please keep your chatting with other parents to a minimum during class. While Kindermusik seeks to build a social, music-making community, and we love to see parents develop supportive relationships with one another, please recognize that this your child's special time with you, and your active, focused, enthusiastic participation sets an important example.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:

We understand that young children are still learning how to interact in a group setting, but we must ask that you be sensitive not to compromise the safety or enjoyment of others in class. Running and throwing are two behaviors which are absolutely prohibited the classroom unless specified by your educator during a particular activity. As your educator, I am not responsible for disciplining your child. Please be observant and immediately correct or deal with any inappropriate classroom behavior yourself. If your child becomes disruptive in class, please excuse yourselves to the hallway so that you can give your full attention to your child's needs without disturbing the classroom environment. Once your child is calmed, feel free to join the class as soon as you can!

In order not to distract other children in class, we do request that toys, juice cups, pacifiers, etc. be kept out of sight in the classroom. Likewise, no food or drink is allowed in the Our Time classroom. When hunger calls or a diaper needs changing, please step outside the classroom. There is a bathroom available down the hallway. Village babies may be bottle or breast-fed during class as long as this does not distract other participants. While feeding your child during a class, please excuse yourself to the hallway or restroom if you find other children too interested in your activity!

Many parents tell us that they see a completely different child at home than they experience in class. This is completely normal! Some children are naturally hesitant and others are over-stimulated by a group environment. Permission to bring along a special lovey or transitional object may occasionally be granted to encourage participation from very shy children. If your child appears distracted, hyper, or cannot focus on the present activity, please don't worry! Do actively attempt to help her refocus or quietly engage her in participating in her own way. She may be interested in trying again later on at home.

UN-ENROLLED SIBLINGS:

Limited class sizes and age-appropriate curricula mean that we are unable to accommodate non-enrolled siblings unless they are young enough to sit contented in a stroller or infant carrier or are old enough to quietly amuse themselves with a book for the entire class period. Special circumstances or emergency situations are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Please feel free to speak with me if you have any questions regarding this policy.

COURTESY INFORMATION:

Arriving before class begins allows your child time to settle in to the musical environment; together you may enjoy exploring instruments, reading books, or listening to music. However, please respect that I need time to prepare both myself and the classroom for another great Kindermusik experience. Plan to arrive 5 minutes prior to class, but no earlier.

Barefoot is best! You and your child will be encouraged to remove your socks and shoes before class. This allows the many nerve endings on the bottoms of the feet to be stimulated, adding to your child's learning potential! If you or your child choose to wear socks, please be sure they have a non-slip bottom to minimize slipping.

Please dress comfortably! Kindermusik classes are full of active fun and you'll have an easier time participating with your child if you feel free to move.

GUESTS:

At some point during the semester, you and your child may want to bring a friend along to "try out" the class. Please feel free to do so! Un-enrolled guests are welcome to one free preview visit at any time during the semester. However, please notify me prior to the visit so that I can prepare any additional materials or procure enough instruments.

HOME MATERIALS:

You and your child will benefit enormously from the Kindermusik experience, especially if you make active use of your At Home Materials. Not only does reinforcement at home during the week make all the difference in your child's comfort and participation levels during class, but it gives your child the full benefits of Kindermusik's age-appropriate curricula, developing her physical, cognitive, language, emotional, social, and musical self.