FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

When does VELC school start and what are the hours?

VELC follows the Shelby County School System (starting in August and running through May). If Shelby County Schools are out for holidays, inclement weather, etc – VELC is also out. Our times are 9:30-1:30. If a child is enrolled in early or extended care – their hours may fluctuate from as early as 8:00 to as late as 4:30. 

What ages are accepted at VELC?

6 weeks -- K5.

When is Parent Orientation/Open House?

Parent Orientation is always held the week before school starts in August. An email will be sent out to all families with the exact date/time.

When is tuition due?

For K5 – invoices are emailed out in early June with a payment deadline at the end of June. K5 families are responsible for paying August’s tuition in June. These families will not receive another bill for the K5 class until September. For babies-K4 – your first invoice will be emailed out at the very beginning of August. Payment is due by August 10th. Many families pay this first bill at Parent Orientation. Tuition is due on the 1st of each month and considered late by the 10th of each month. 

*****If you ever need to extend your due date, just let us know. However, if the 10th passes by and payment has not been received – a family will be responsible for their tuition + a $25 late fee.  

What forms of payment are accepted for tuition payments?

VELC accepts cash, checks, online payments with a credit/debit card, or BillPay (through banks). All online transactions incur an automatic 2.2% finance fee. BillPay is a free service set up by each individual family through their own personal bank. 

What does my child need to bring from home?

All children will bring a backpack with a change of clothes (labeled please) and their folder (2s and up). Babies and 1s may bring a comfort item if needed (pacifier, lovie, etc).  

What specials does VELC offer? 

Children (2s and up) will attend Chapel, Music, Art, and Creative Movement each week. 

Does VELC offer any after-school activities (outside of extended care)?

Soccer Shots and Tippi Toes Dance are offered. Each of these are here once a week.

Do families send lunch and snack from home?

Lunch should be sent from home. Babies and 1s have access to refrigerators/bottle warmers in the rooms but the older ages should wrap warm food in foil or send in a thermos. Cold food can be chilled using ice packs. Some classes will have sign-up sheets for snacks while others will ask for snacks to be sent from home. Your child’s teacher will let you know for that classroom.

Is there a summer program?

Valleydale Church has a summer program that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The hours are the same as VELC (9:30-1:30). Extended care (8:00-4:30) is also offered. 

What type of security is provided at VELC?

We keep all doors locked for the safety and security of the children inside. Teachers have magnet fobs to use for entering/exiting. For pick-up…..only those on a child’s pick-up list will be allowed to take a child.  If someone comes and we either have never met them before or their name is not included on the form, we will call that child’s parents to get permission. Only then will the child be released to that adult. 

What happens if we arrive late or need to leave early?

Carpool runs from 9:25-9:40 and from 1:25-1:40. If you and your child arrive after 9:40 or before 1:25 – please enter through the main church entrance (top of the driveway) and take the stairs or elevator down to us on the 1st floor. Please ring the doorbell if you do not see us through the office window.

*****Early and extended care sessions operate outside of our regular hours. Doors are unlocked from 7:55-8:10 in the morning for drop-off. For afternoon extended care pick-up (3:00 & 4:30) – parents are asked to park and walk to the glass doors (preschool entrance) for their child. Children will be kept inside until a parent comes to the door. 

Can I call, text, or email  my child’s teacher during the day?

Absolutely!  However, please know that they will not be able to answer/return the communication until on a break. If it’s an emergency, please call the VELC office (205-271-7728). 

What happens if I am late picking up my child?

All families are allowed a one-time waiver if late for pick-up. Times when parents are routinely late with pick-up will result in the following fines: 

$1/minute - first 3 times

$2/minute – next 2 times

$5/minute – 5 or more times