Table of Contents
Welcome Letter ............................................................................................. 2
Features and Benefits..................................................................................... 3
Daily Schedule ............................................................................................... 4
Programming ................................................................................................. 5
Program Operating Hours............................................................................ 12
Enrollment and Attendance ......................................................................... 13
Safety and Licensing ................................................................................... 15
Communication ........................................................................................... 17
Discipline and Guidance.............................................................................. 19
Parent/Guardian Expectations ..................................................................... 21
Summer Program ......................................................................................... 31
Site Specific Operation Information ............................................................ 32
Welcome
Dear Parents and Children:
Welcome to AlphaBEST and thank you for entrusting our staff with the development, education
and care of your child. We know you have options for extended day programming services and
we are committed to making this a great experience for your family.
AlphaBEST is committed to fostering and supporting the individual success of each child. We
are passionate about learning and recognize that developing a partnership with each child and
family is the cornerstone of our joint success. At AlphaBEST we openly welcome your
involvement and encourage you to visit and participate on a regular basis.
Our four learning zones provide each student the opportunity to participate in activities designed
to inspire, engage, discover and learn in a safe, high quality environment:




Technology Arts- STEM & Technology
Language/Literacy – Spanish Enrichment, Chinese Culture, French Culture & Sign Language
Fine Arts-Drama, Visual, Movement and Music
Fitness/Wellness-Tactical Game Play and Nutrition
We offer some of the most unique programming in the extended day field and take pride in
our talented staff members who offer a diverse range of skills and knowledge. As a team of
professionals, we understand that children do not care how much we know until they know
how much we care.
Thank you for selecting AlphaBEST Education, Inc. as a quality educational solution for your
child’s care. We are here to help and are never more than a phone call away. Please don't hesitate
to reach out to us if we can be of any additional assistance.
Best regards,
Judy Nee, Vice President and General Manager
Page 2 Features & Benefits
AlphaBEST extended day programs offer opportunities for your child to learn, develop, explore
and have fun beyond the school day in a safe, educational environment.
THE ALPHABEST ADVANTAGE…
Our Experience and Reputation: AlphaBEST provides afterschool programming to
approximately 10,000 students in ten states, in close partnership with school districts.
AlphaBEST is recognized by the American Association of School Administrators and the
National Association of Elementary School Principals as a top provider of extended day
services that go beyond the traditional 'child care' model.
After School, At School: By housing our program at your child’s school, we provide a seamless
transition for your child between AlphaBEST and his/her regular school day program. Have
peace of mind knowing that your child is with teachers and educational assistants in a safe,
secure and convenient setting.
Expanding Personal Horizons: AlphaBEST Education’s unique modular programming allows
all children the opportunity to participate in activities that excite, motivate, interest and engage
them. Age appropriate activities encourage them to expand their personal horizons and meet their
full potential.
Procare, The Nation’s Number One Child Care Software: AlphaBEST utilizes Procare, the
nation’s number one child care software to manage student billing and payments. All payments
are made online via Procare’s Tuition Express. Payments can be made weekly or monthly by
credit/debit card or bank draft. AlphaBEST offers the convenience of tuition auto-draft for
families.
Page 3 Daily Schedule
The daily schedule of the program is posted on the parent communication board for review.
Programming modules rotate on a daily basis for each group. Each group will have a different
component each day. A sample schedule and module descriptions of all programming offered
this school year is provided below.
Sample Before School Program Schedule
Monday
Clubs
HW Helper
Reading
Fitness
Block 1
Block 2
Tuesday
Clubs
HW Helper
Reading
Character
Education
Wednesday
Clubs
HW Helper
Reading
Fitness
Thursday
Clubs
HW Helper
Reading
Character
Education
Friday
Clubs
HW Helper
Reading
Fitness
Sample Afterschool Program Schedule: InZone Program
Monday
Tuesday
Block 1
Block 2
Block 3
Learning Zones
Block 4
Explore Interests
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Attendance, Snack & Recreation
Homework Assistance and/or Tutoring
Fitness Boost
(Circuit Training)
Fun Friday
Enrich and Grow
Units of Study
&
Social Action
Fitness
Arts
Drama, Music,
&
Art,
Wellness
Movement
*All four Enrichment Zones are implemented each day
in larger programs.
In Zone Clubs: GO Far Running Program, USTA Tennis, Rally Jump Rope, Yoga,
Boot Camp, Sports Rotations, Eco Literacy, Financial Literacy and Flocabulary.
Special Interest Clubs: These will vary depending on interest of students and the talents of
staff. Examples include but are not limited to: Glee Club, Newspaper Club, Recycling Club,
Game Club.
Technology
(STEM)
Foreign
Language/
Literacy
Arrival and Snack:
Greet the children, take attendance, have snack, make any
announcements for the day, share the day’s activities, review
rules/routines, structured recreation activities (indoor and outdoor)
Homework Helper:
Quiet, relaxed atmosphere with limited distractions. Those that
finish early can participate in quiet learning games, reading,
journaling, etc.
Core Programming:
Programming rotates on a daily basis for each GROUP. Each
group will have a different component each day.
Clubs:
Children will choose from 2-3 clubs per month. These clubs will be
based on the interest surveys from the participating children and from the
talents of the staff in the program they serve. Some clubs will be offered
company wide as part of a broader programming mission like the GO
FAR Running Program.
Page 4 Programming
ACTIVITIES - AlphaBEST Education’s InZone program provides all students
the opportunity to participate in activities offered in four learning zones:

STEM – Technology and Engineering focus (Club Invention, Digi Art, Stop
Motion Animation, Lego Robotics and Game Design)

Foreign Language – Spanish Enrichment, Chinese
Culture Language, French Immersion and Sign Language

Dramatic and Visual Arts

Fitness and Wellness
HOMEWORK
The AlphaBEST Homework Zone provides time, space, materials
and support necessary to complete assigned homework each day in a
quiet, relaxed atmosphere with limited distractions. Staff rotates
through homework stations to provide assistance to students when
necessary. Whenever possible, teachers are hired for this role.
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Reading Center: Sustained Silent Reading/ Reading Log/Read Alouds
Subject Area Support Center (All Subjects): Utilizing Cooperative Teaming & Peer
Mentoring Tutoring Model
MindZone Literacy and Math Stations: Interactive Games to Practice Skills and Enhance
Study Habits (New Path Learning Games, Banana Tiles, Wrap Ups and Comprehension
Dice)
AlphaBEST Writes: Story Starters/Journaling
FITNESS AND WELLNESS ZONE
The AlphaBEST Fitness Zone, developed in partnership with Titus Sports Academy, is a
prevention-driven fitness, health and wellness program that is based on principles and techniques
designed to improve gross motor skills, flexibility, posture, strength, balance and coordination.
The program uses a long-term physical development approach to fitness and nutrition. The Titus
model is outcome-driven and has proven to be effective in consistently normalizing BMI over a
five-year period. It has also gained national attention from both the Alliance of Community
Health Plans and the National “Let’s Move!” initiative. The Titus curriculum fulfills several
Common Core Benchmarks for K-5 Physical Education:

Enhanced Learning: All students undergo a series of physical assessments to determine
their current fitness level. The tracking system and interactive communication-reporting
tool is designed to empower the student to take ownership of their own health and fitness.

Motor Skill/Game Play Tactic: Based on the principles of sports performance training,
the fitness game activity is designed to teach how skills can be accelerated in a
competitive environment through game play tactics. Participants discover how motor
skills are performed in a game setting.

Assessment: To validate improvement, staff continually assesses and longitudinally
tracks each student’s performance factors in the following areas: flexibility, strength,
speed, agility and endurance.
Page 5 STEM ZONE (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH)
STEM education has become a critical focus of educators nationwide as we seek to create critical thinkers
and the next generation of innovators. AlphaBEST Education takes pride in our unique, cutting-edge
STEM and Technology Arts programming developed in partnership with some of the nation’s leading
STEM experts. STEM options below are customized according to students’ age and interest level.
CLUB INVENTION (9 Sessions) – An initiative
of the National Inventors Hall of Fame and the
US Patent and Trademarks Office, this
innovative program seeks to expand STEM
learning, aligns with national and state standards,
and encourages students to become inventors.
This year’s Club Invention module includes:
Castles, catapults, and coats of arms™
The Castles, Catapults, and Coats of Arms module
weaves medieval history, basic scientific principles
and hands-on creativity through the challenges
presented in each session. While assuming the roles
of lords, knights, craftspeople and serfs, children
work in cooperative groups to complete each task.
Children explore the concept of center of gravity
when participant groups try to build the tallest
tower. Buoyancy is explored by building boats that
float while carrying weight to cross a castle moat.
Groups build a weight-bearing drawbridge and
design and build catapults that launch a ball at a
target after experimenting with levers.
GAME DESIGN (6-8 Sessions) - Almost every
child loves to play computer games; however,
playing a game is very different from creating one.
Through dynamic, individualized tutorials, InZone
seeks to motivate students who may be “passive”
game players to becoming “active” game creators.
During a series of lessons, students author a
prescribed computer-based game, which is theirs to
keep, to play and to share with their friends. In
addition to developing creative thinking and
technology skills, students are introduced to logic
and problem solving techniques while reinforcing
various math and reading/literacy concepts.
ROBOTICS DISCOVERY (6-8 Sessions) - Young
engineers create working models of amazing
machines and
creatures, such as a
floatplane simulator, a
hungry alligator or a
pair of singing
parrots. Students
build LEGO® models
featuring working
pulleys, gears, motors
and sensors, connect
them to a computer
and then use studentfriendly programming
code to bring their
imaginative creatures to life.
PRE-ROBOTICS – MECHANISMS &
MACHINES (Intermediate Focus: 6-8 Sessions) Future engineers take on assignments to assemble
various LEGO® machines, models and robotic
creatures while conducting real-world science
experiments with motion, force and energy. Models
are brought to life with the addition of motors,
gears and generators – even sustainable energy like
wind! This is an ideal introduction for students
interested in participating in more advanced
robotics programs. Aligned with the national
standards, this curriculum also ensures students
learn how to effectively collaborate while building,
testing and innovating their machines.
Page 6 STOP MOTION ANIMATION (6-8 Sessions) Animation (digital film making) brings inanimate
objects to life. Utilizing software developed by the
Tufts University team at iCreate to Educate,
InZone students create their own digital videos
using basic classroom and household materials.
The collaborative process is not only fun and
engaging, it has proven to be highly successful in
helping the young and young at heart to discover
and express their creative ideas, develop problem
solving skills and confidently conceptualize their
ideas while experiencing literacy lessons in a whole
new way.
BEE BOT ROBOTICS (Primary Focus: 6-8
Sessions) - This fun engaging program uses
cooperative learning principles which enable
primary age students to interact and program the
award-winning Bee-Bot floor robot. It’s simple
and child-friendly design is the perfect foundation
for teaching control, directional language and
programming to young children. The Bee-Bot is a
wonderful tool to learn with – not only for
academic reinforcement, but also for learning
classroom etiquette, social skills and other
important 21st century skills.
DIGITAL ARTS (6-8 Sessions) - This InZone
program links art, digital animation and technology
by introducing students to an easy-to-use tool that
bypasses traditional presentation software
programs. The software, Animation-ish, is the
result of a unique partnership between
FableVision, the award winning children's media
company founded by illustrator and author Peter
Reynolds, and Montreal-based Toon Boom
Animation. By emphasizing digital art within a
STEM program, AlphaBEST has turned STEM
into STEAM, thereby encouraging whole brain
development and nurturing the creativity and
artistic gifts necessary to fuel innovative thinking.
Page 7 ARTS ZONE
DRAMA (18 SESSIONS) – In partnership with
Drama Notebook, this zone engages children in
the fundamentals of drama, as well as clowning,
puppetry, storytelling, playwriting, costuming and
Shakespearian drama. Students participate in
plays, skits and stories, as well as games and
activities that celebrate the entire discipline of
drama and incorporate literacy.
This year’s module theme includes:
“Around the World in Stories,” in which
AlphaBEST students will take a magic carpet ride
and learn about different countries through their
rich and interesting folktales. Using exciting
directed discussion, students will embark on an
exhilarating journey, using their acting and stage
talents to tell these folktales. They will be
encouraged to further interpret each story and add
their own “special touch,” which might be in the
form of additional lines for the script, a great prop
or a creative costume. AlphaBEST students will
become more confident in their personal expression
and speaking as they learn yet another way to
interact with their peers, while building towards a
wonderful collaborative final production.
MUSIC, VISUAL ARTS, AND DANCE &
MOVEMENT (12 Sessions: 2 Themed Units)
Music: This integrated art area encourages children
to share their musical interests and raises awareness
of the various types of music, including vocal and
instrumental. The focus is on music appreciation
and not mastery of instrumental or vocal technique.
Emphasis is placed on listening to and critiquing
different forms of music, creating “home- made”
instruments and creating songs (melody and lyrics)
or new lyrics to popular melodies.
Visual Arts: This integrated art area engages
students in creative projects using a variety of
visual art mediums. It teaches elements of art and
design, along with problem solving skills. Various
forms of art are incorporated, such as drawing,
painting, sketching, fabric art, clay art, found art
(finding reusable items to use in creating art pieces)
and, where possible, computer-generated art and
photography.
Dance and Movement: This integrated art
empowers children to come together through dance
and movement. Children share their moves, create,
explore, choreograph and play with possibilities
through simple movement and dance activities that
incorporate interpretation of a song or a mime.
Teamwork, collaboration and positive group
interactions through group and partner work is
encouraged.
This year’s module themes includes:
“All That Jazz” – Did you know that rap actually
has its roots in early chants of African American
slaves? Students will learn about the history of
jazz, listen to some of the most famous performers,
like Miles Davis and “Satchmo” and learn to jam
along with other jazz performers using rhythm
instruments, as well as “found” instruments. They
will also explore and create Cubism art and use
their creativity to produce their own Cubism art
projects. Our budding artists will learn more about
the use of color, how basic geometric shapes can
create amazing works of art and how to make
artistic choices based on their own evolving tastes.
“Welcome to the 60’s” –Students will be giving
peace a chance while learning about the music and
art of the amazing 60’s. “The Jetsons” set the tone
for our students to learn of the amazing
technological advances predicted during this
remarkable decade. Yes, the Jetsons had LED TV!
Students will learn about famous historical persons
and events, including the first moon launch in
1969. Get in line and learn “The Madison,” the fun
line dance that was the hit on “American
Bandstand” for years. Viewing and reinterpreting
the incredible art of Andy Warhol, as well
reimagining “peace art,” will allow students to
express themselves using design, color and various
materials.
Page 8 LANGUAGE AND LITERACY ZONE
AlphaBEST Education understands that today’s students need to be well-rounded in order to be globally
competitive. Their communication needs will be expanded and varied. Enrichment programming that
supports cultural literacy helps students to develop a more global understanding of each other and where
we come from, as well as where we are going. Literacy involves a continuum of learning that allows
students to achieve their goals, develop their knowledge and potential and participate fully in their
community and society. Our goal is to promote acquisition of vocabulary and practical conversation
skills, including: greetings, counting, shapes, pronouns, letters, days of the week, months of the year,
colors, food, animals and family members.
SIGN LANGUAGE (9 Sessions) – AlphaBEST
students
receive
instruction
and practice
in facial
expressions,
spatial
awareness,
vocabulary,
sentence
structure and finger spelling to begin an elementary
conversation both expressively and in the
comprehension of American Sign Language (ASL).
ASL stimulates learning through various senses and
increases awareness of different abilities.
SPANISH ENRICHMENT (9 Sessions) –
AlphaBEST Education’s foreign language
enrichment component offers nine fun-filled
lessons in Spanish. This multisensory approach is
designed to stimulate different learning styles
through the creative use of cooperative learning
structures and teambuilding principles. Units of
programming include: action verbs, days of the
week, months of the year and the seasons.
This year’s module theme includes:
“Viva AlphaBEST” - ¡Viva AlphaBEST! What is
VIVA? Viva means celebration or cheer. Latinos
use this term when they get together with families,
attend sporting events, celebrate birthdays and have
FUN. As we learn Spanish, we will celebrate
culture and have FUN learning the language
through music, dance, movement, games and
hands-on projects. We will finish the unit with a
birthday celebration. ¡VIVA ALPHABEST!
This year’s module theme includes:
“Traveling In Time”- In this thematic unit,
students will travel to the age of dinosaurs, visit the
first school in America, celebrate Independence
Day and go on the first submarine ride as they gain
new vocabulary through American Sign Language.
Through games, popular literature, cooperative
learning, and hands-on projects, students will
acquire new sign language and prepare for a
celebration that includes a musical performance.
Page 9 CHINESE CULTURE (9 Sessions) - AlphaBEST
Education’s Chinese (Mandarin) language and
cultural curriculum, developed by a Chinese
language and culture expert, revolves around 9
units, each devoted to a specific age and
developmentally appropriate topic. Each unit topic
builds upon the previous one and progresses in a
manner that mirrors the Chinese curriculum offered
in schools across the country. Units of
programming include: transportation, historical
figures, shopping/dining, nationality, famous sites,
and customary crafting.
This year’s module theme includes:
“In the Park” - “In the Park” (Gōng yuán lǐ) is a
thematic unit designed to introduce students to the
Mandarin/Chinese language and culture. The
lessons include exercise, sports, games, dance &
music, wildlife, arts, food and kite flying in the
park. Each lesson includes two components: the
introduction of new vocabulary words and culture.
Lessons include hands-on activities that help
students practice the language, usually with
movement. For instance, students are introduced to
the four tones with movements, and sing songs,
such as “Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes” in
Mandarin. The students have fun learning while
getting a good work out!
FRENCH CULTURE (9 Sessions)- AlphaBEST’s
French unit of study is based on the concept that a
child's brain is wired to play. Learn-by-playing is
not only a fun way to learn and engage a student, it
is also one of the most rewarding and efficient
ways to discover a new language. Students will
explore and discover not only the language itself,
but also the culture, fun facts and the rich history of
French-speaking countries through hands-on
activities and group engagement.
This year’s module themes includes:
“Bon Voyage” - “Bon Voyage” is a thematic unit
designed to introduce students to the French
language and culture. The lessons are designed to
engage the students in a fun and rewarding way
with games, fun facts, wildlife, arts, food, videos
and much more. Each lesson introduces the
students to a new set of vocabulary words and
includes a hands-on activity. For example, foodrelated words are linked to recipes that the students
create based on their own preference and taste.
Modules are designed to engage students, stimulate
their natural curiosity and support them as they
learn and practice a new language at their own
pace. Activities are designed to encourage all
students to participate and use their imagination
and energy to create, draw or play a fun game.
ENRICH AND GROW FRIDAYS (36 Sessions) AlphaBEST is the place to enrich and grow the
lives of children. Each Friday, the students will
explore special interests, holidays and local themes,
and engage in activities centered around those
themes, such as Crime Scene Investigation (CSI),
Science Wizardry and Eat Your Art Out.
Throw Back Fridays: Happy Birthday AlphaBEST!
We are turning TEN this year! The students will
participate in FUN activities and craft making as
we reflect on the beginnings of our journey of
Inspiring, Engaging, Discovering and Learning.
Page 10 INZONE CLUBS
InZone Clubs allow students to choose from various areas of interest and explore them in a less structured
environment than that of the Learning Zones. Clubs are rotated throughout the year and based on student
choice and staff talents. Club options include:
FINANCIAL LITERACY - Biz World teaches the
GO FAR RUNNING CLUB - This
basics of entrepreneurship, business and finance by
exercise/running program combines physical
showing students how the entrepreneurial cycle
activity and education about a healthy lifestyle,
operates in the friendship bracelet industry.
along with lessons about the importance of good
Students are divided into companies, with each
character. The program offers six-weeks of training
student taking on a leadership role to support the
for a one-mile Fun Run.
team in designing, manufacturing, marketing and
selling their products in the marketplace.
FLOCABULARY The Word Up Project assists students in grades 2- RALLY TENNIS - This curriculum is part of a
5 with professionally produced rap songs that teach national US Tennis Association initiative to
vocabulary and reading.
provide resources to teachers and coaches offering
tennis. Skills enable students to embrace the game
Math Rap Level One supports students in grades
of tennis and adopt an active lifestyle. Rally
K-3 as they practice and master the addition and
Tennis scales down all aspects of regulation
subtraction of single digit numbers.
tennis—equipment, court dimensions and
Math Rap Level Two supports students in grades
scoring—so that the game becomes specifically
2-5 with multiplication and division facts.
tailored to children ages 5 -10.
BOOT CAMP FOR KIDS - Boot Camp is
designed to provide a fun way for kids to be active
and improve coordination, collaboration with
partners and teamwork to achieve a common
fitness goal. Boot camp focuses on increasing
energy, combating obesity, teaching nutrition facts,
increasing confidence, building core strength and
teaching children how to fuel their bodies more
efficiently.
WACKY TRACKS (9 Sessions) –
Wacky Tracks provides a fun
way to learn about engineering.
Each team of 5-6 children uses
pipe insulation tracks and
marbles to create twists and
turns and loops and spirals to
build a complete roller
coaster. Every child has
a job designing, testing and
exploring the physics behind
keeping the ball in the track. Wacky Tracks is
STEM at its best with discovery learning at
its core!
ALPHABEST JUMP ROPE RALLY - Developed
by jump rope pioneer and physical education
specialist, Susan Kalbfleisch MEd., this program
has been successfully used by thousands of
educators across North America, the Caribbean,
Europe and Hong Kong since its launch in 2002.
ECOLOGY PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
UNIT - Students plant a garden using sustainable
growing practices and contributes its harvest to a
food bank. The project provides opportunities for
students to conduct plant science research projects
and to share their work at a public forum.
Students have the opportunity to explore new areas of interest and develop hobbies. Through
Site-Created Special Interest Clubs, students might select scrapbooking, cooking, model making
or others they request. By allowing students to select their clubs, each program is truly unique.
Page 11 Program Operating Hours
AlphaBEST operates programs throughout the United States and works with specific schools and
communities on how best to provide service. Each program is licensed, where applicable, by
their respective State Agency and permitted to operate within the given parameters. This includes
the hours in which the program operates.
We will work with all families in order to facilitate their needs and understand that, on occasion,
families may arrive to the program late. We understand and appreciate your call before closing to
let us know. In this case, a late pickup fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged at any time that a
parent/guardian or other authorized person does not sign a child out of the program by the close
of the extended day program.
While we understand that this does occur, this becomes an issue when families take advantage
and consistently pick up late. Three or more incidents within a 60-day period may result in
termination. Please understand that if this policy is abused, we may ask you to find alternate care
for your child. We ask that all parents have an authorized “back-up” person to pick your child
up on time. This can be a relative, friend or trusted neighbor. Please speak to your Site Manager
to add any authorized pick-ups to your child’s file.
Release of Children
A parent or other pre-authorized person must sign out each
child daily. Each child must be escorted in and signed in and
out of the program. The adult should sign a full signature and
note the time of departure before leaving with the child. This
person must be listed on the child’s enrollment form. For
children’s protection, AlphaBEST Education, Inc. will only
release a child to the child’s parents, guardians or to another
authorized person whose identity has been verified through a
photo-identification card.
If a child is not picked up by the close of the program, all authorized and emergency contacts on
the application will be contacted. If the contacts are unavailable by phone, the appropriate state
agency and/or the local police authority will be contacted. If a child is not picked up after 30
minutes and if the parents or guardians are not available due to death, illness, emergency or any
other cause, the child may be released to protective services of the state or the local police
authority. This will be done in accordance with state childcare licensing regulations.
Page 12 Enrollment and Attendance
Eligibility
AlphaBEST Education will not discriminate against children on the basis of gender, race,
religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, homeless
status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability in its
education programs or activities. Specifically:




Sites will not exclude children with disabilities from their programs unless their presence
would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or others or require
a fundamental alteration of the program in order for them to attend.
Sites will make reasonable accommodations to their policies and practices to integrate
children with disabilities into their programs unless doing so would constitute
a fundamental alteration of the program.
Our leadership team will make an individualized assessment about whether a particular
site can meet the particular needs of the child without fundamentally altering its program.
Children who pose a direct threat –a substantial risk of serious harm to the health and
safety to themselves or to others – will not be permitted to remain in the program. Senior
Administrative Staff will make this decision only after a consultation with program
manager, staff and parents has taken place.
This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any state and federal laws applicable to
AlphaBEST's programs. Please note, AlphaBEST requires all children to be potty trained to
participate in our program.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal from the AlphaBEST program requires that two (2) weeks written notice be given
prior to the final date of attendance. Full tuition for the week will be charged if your child attends
a portion of the week and withdraws prior to Friday. We reserve the right to withdraw a child for
conditions related to behavior, ability of child to adjust to the program, ability for program to
meet the child’s needs or non-payment without notice during the program.
Attendance
AlphaBEST will ensure that each child is signed in and out of the designated AlphaBEST
Education, Inc. area immediately upon arrival and departure daily. Parents must sign each child
in and/or out of the program. The child will not leave the AlphaBEST Education, Inc. space until
a pre-authorized parent/guardian or AlphaBEST Education, Inc. designee escorts the child from
the program. Only authorized individuals and emergency contact information found on the
child(ren)’s enrollment form will be used in accordance with strict safety and supervision. Any
changes to the Enrollment Form must be done in person at the site in the presence of the
management.
Page 13 If a child does not arrive at the program as scheduled, the program staff will contact the school
office to verify attendance that day. If the child was in attendance, but not in the program,
parents or guardians will be contacted immediately. If the parent cannot be reached, program
staff will contact the emergency contacts listed on the Enrollment Form.
Absences
Absences should be reported prior to the expected time of attendance to the AlphaBEST local
office or program. Remember, tuition fees are due regardless of attendance, including planned
parent vacations. Absentees without prior notification may be mistaken for a missing child and
result in unnecessary concern and time spent searching for the child. Please note that the school
is not responsible for providing AlphaBEST Education, Inc. with attendance information
Early Dismissal Days
During early dismissal of the school, AlphaBEST will operate when able, based on permission of
the school and our ability to have staff for supervision of children. Review your program
calendar for plans regarding these days during the school year. At no time will AlphaBEST
provide food other than snacks and a drink to children, so please plan for this if any meal is not
provided to your child, such as breakfast or lunch.
Weather Closings (Snow Days)
AlphaBEST follows the delay and closing procedures set
forth by your school district. In general, when schools are
closed due to inclement weather, AlphaBEST will also be
closed. Prior to your child starting the AlphaBEST program,
you will be notified of the policy specific to your school
district.
*Tuition is due regardless of attendance. If schools are
closed two or more days, tuition will be pro-rated only on
two or more snow days and not a combination of a snow
day and a regularly scheduled day off. Normal tuition
rates will apply in these cases.
Page 14 Safety and Licensing
Accidents / Illness
If a child is unable to attend school during the day, he or she
should also not attend the AlphaBEST Education InZone
program. Also, if a child gets sick while in the program, the
parent/guardian will be called to pick up the child. Parents
are advised to not bring a child to the morning program if
the child has an oral temperature of 100 degrees or greater,
contagious disease or suffers with diarrhea or vomiting. Parents are notified to
immediately remove their child from the program in case of illness including the above
mentioned.
In case of accident or illness, the child’s parents or guardians are called immediately. In serious
cases, the child is taken to a local hospital by an emergency vehicle for treatment and the parents
or guardians are called immediately. Parents of every child enrolled are notified immediately if
one of the following communicable diseases has been introduced into the program: lice,
impetigo, ringworm, hepatitis A, food poisoning salmonella, shigella, measles, mumps, strep
throat, rubella, pertussis, polio, haemophilus influenza type B, meningococcal meningitis, strep
or any other communicable disease. Proof of treatment or approval by physician may be required
for a child diagnosed with a communicable illness.
Accidents Reports
AlphaBEST considers safety for all children the first priority. Should an accident occur, the
parent/guardian should expect to receive a written accident report from the program. In addition,
the accident will be reported to the state childcare licensing agency or appropriate government
agency as required by law.
Medication Policy
AlphaBEST Education, Inc. would prefer that any medication a child needs is dispensed by the
school nurse or other appropriate school personnel. Only in emergencies or specific situations
requiring a late afternoon medication dose will AlphaBEST Education, Inc. dispense medication.
AlphaBEST Education, Inc. will follow the procedures regarding dispensing of medication
already in place at the school site and in accordance with state child care regulations.
If a child has a known medical condition (asthma, diabetes, seizure disorders, etc.), please be
sure that the AlphaBEST staff is aware and properly educated should a problem occur. Please
also make sure that any required medication is provided to the program and the medication
release forms have been completed. The medication must be provided in the original container
accompanied by a doctor’s directions. Only medication for treatment of a chronic condition will
be allowed and no more than a one-month supply should remain with the AlphaBEST staff at
any time. No medication may be administered without completion of the required forms.
Page 15 Insurance
AlphaBEST Education, Inc. provides liability insurance coverage required by state licensing
regulations.
Legal Issues of Custody or Care
Legal documentation, in the form of a certified copy, must be provided to AlphaBEST regarding
any custodial evidence or authority limitations of either parent or guardian. Without legal
documentation to the program attended by the child, either parent will be allowed full access to
the child at all times of program operation. It shall be the parent or legal guardian’s responsibility
to provide AlphaBEST with the certified copy of the order. In the event that the certified copy of
the order expressly states that either a natural or adoptive parent or legal guardian shall not have
any contact with the child or children, AlphaBEST Education, Inc. personnel shall first notify the
local police department, and only then attempt to notify the custodial parent or legal guardian.
Neither administrators nor staff of AlphaBEST Education, Inc. shall be permitted, during
working hours, to take time from their regular duties to provide testimony, affidavits or
otherwise act as a witness on behalf of a natural or adoptive parent or legal guardian involving
matters such as custody, care support, visitation or control of the enrolled child or children
without service of a subpoena.
Child Protection
Federal and state laws require that AlphaBEST Education, Inc. employees report suspected cases
of child abuse or neglect by contacting the appropriate state agency or the National Child Abuse
Hotline at 1-800-4ACHILD. This information is to be held confidential between the employee
and the contact at the agency. This includes the reporting of parents and guardians who appear to
be impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Licensing Regulations Requirements
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AlphaBEST Education, Inc. operates programs in various states. Licensing requirements in
each state will supersede any and all information not listed in the family handbook.
Additional information, other than the Enrollment Form, is required by your state in order to
enroll your child(ren) and attend the program. Ensure that each of the forms included in your
registration packet have been submitted to AlphaBEST during enrollment and prior to
attendance.
AlphaBEST does not check staff vaccination records to verify vaccination against vaccinepreventable diseases.
Page 16 Communication
Communication Protocols
AlphaBEST Education recognizes the importance of creating and
maintaining effective channels of communication. To provide
important information to our families in a timely manner, we utilize
the following communications tools:

AlphaBEST Website: www.alphabest.org/my-alphabest.cfm

[email protected] for questions via email

Parent Newsletters

Communication Board at Sign-Out

Tuition Express:
https://www.tuitionexpress.com/default.aspx

Phone Tree

Email letters to Parents through Constant Contact and
Procare, our online student management system

Daily INZONE Programming Schedule (updated each week)
The Site Manager is the first contact regarding...

Student safety, emergencies and/or other student issues

Conference requests

Questions about student behavior

Questions about specific activities related to the program

Notice of withdrawal

Change in programming/contract

Absences

Late Pick Up
The Area Manager will be contacted for information and assistance regarding...

Programs, policies and procedures

Unresolved issues after site manager contact

Security or safety related to school, program or student

Feedback and/or suggestions about program-wide issues
The Regional Office should be contacted for information regarding...

Unresolved issues after Area manager contact

Unresolved security or safety related to school, program or student

Feedback and/or suggestions about program-wide issues

Concerns with overall billing and registration
Page 17 The Corporate Office Support Center should be contacted for information and assistance
regarding...

Unresolved site issues
The AlphaBEST Management Team utilizes the following Notification Protocol…
The School Principal/Building Administrator is notified when:

A Child Abuse and Neglect Report is Filed

Severe Behavior Incident, Accident or Parent Concern

Facility Concerns that involve Licensing
The District Liaison is notified when:
• There is a recommended change in policies
• There is a change in Management staff
• There is an unresolved issue at a school site
Page 18 Discipline and Guidance
AlphaBEST seeks to provide an environment conducive to positive child growth and
development. Parents will be notified in writing of any major infraction on a Behavior
Report. Three such incidents (Documented Behavior Reports) may result in removal from the
extended day program. Should AlphaBEST deem any behavior harmful to any child or adult,
immediate notification will be given to the parent/guardian for temporary suspension and or
permanent expulsion based on the severity of the behavior.
Behavior Management
We reinforce school policies and procedures during AlphaBEST. Our S.T.A.R.S. Positive
Behavior Supports Program (PBS) is a company-wide system of support that includes proactive
strategies for defining, teaching and supporting appropriate student behaviors. The goal of
S.T.A.R.S. (PBS) is to establish a positive culture in each site between the staff and students. Our
S.T.A.R.S. system is a proactive model that not only teaches the behaviors but also reinforces
and recognizes those who demonstrate these behaviors on a continuous basis. Each site has
specific structures in place to support students who have a difficult time or may present more
challenging behaviors.
The S.T.A.R.S. expectations continuum addresses all areas and across all settings in which the
program is operated, including the hallway, homework time, arrival/ dismissal, restrooms, snack
area/cafeteria, playground and other learning environments in which our programming occurs.
Every staff person who works in the program is trained in PBS, is aware of the S.T.A.R.S.
behavioral expectations and works to ensure students are consistently getting the same message,
regardless of the setting they are in or the staff person they come in contact with.
AlphaBEST Education launched a company-wide national implementation of PBS in 2011. We
are very proud of our progress and keep working to improve our success. In order to accomplish
this task, several of the following components are currently in place at each program:
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Behavioral Expectations are Defined: A small number of clearly defined behavioral
expectations are simply stated in positive terms. Each site has the option to utilize the school day
PBS continuum or implement the S.T.A.R.S. Behavioral Expectations.
Expectations are Taught: Behavioral expectations are clearly identified for various settings in
the program. The S.T.A.R.S. acronym stands for S- Stay Safe, T-Take Ownership, A-Act
Responsibly, R-Respect Self and Others and S-Support Each Other.
Appropriate Behaviors are Acknowledged: Once appropriate behaviors have been defined and
taught, they are acknowledged in various ways on a regular basis. Examples of reinforcements
used in S.T.A.R.S. are as follows: Starbursts Slips (daily on-the-spot individualized recognition),
Starbucks (weekly group recognition) and the Star Gram (monthly program wide recognition).
Data Collection: Program discipline data is collected in each region. The PBS regional
committee brainstorms ways to proactively address the problems and to re-teach and reinforce
positive behaviors.
Page 19 
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Individual Support is Provided for Children not Responding to the Program-Wide System:
AlphaBEST Education has a system for developing accommodation plans for individual students
who may have a difficult time and are in need of more support to be successful. Parents are active
partners in this process. If warranted, the site manager will complete an individualized behavior
management plan and hold discussions with the child and his/her parents. If the behavior persists,
the child may be suspended from the program or the senior leadership may decide on expulsion
from the program.
Active Support by All Stakeholders: Many departments in our organization, including
professional development, are actively involved to ensure the success of this company-wide
system. Monthly lessons, best practices and PBS tips are shared with the company.
Benefits of our S.T.A.R.S. PBS Survey are as follows:

Children report of a more positive and calm environment.

Staff reports of a more positive and calm environment.

Reduction in the proportion of children who engage in behavioral disruptions.

Reduction in the number of behavioral disruptions.

Reduction in the number of children suspended and or removed from the program due to
severe behavior concerns.
Page 20 Parent/Guardian Expectations
Parent/Guardian/Authorized Pick-up Expectations
AlphaBEST holds high expectations for our staff and students. The expectation is for everyone
to act in a professional manner and treat everyone with respect. Like staff and students,
parents/guardians must meet the same standards. Parents’ actions may result in expulsion from
the program.
Dress Policy
Children should wear appropriate clothing that complies with
the school’s dress code. Weather permitting, a minimum of
30 minutes of daily outside activity is required by state
regulations for all children. Please send seasonally
appropriate outerwear (hats and mittens are necessities in the
winter) labeled with your child’s first and last name. If your
child is not allowed to go outside due to medical reasons,
please send a doctor's note and arrangements will be made
for him/her to remain inside. Since part of our program does
involve physical fitness, we prefer for children to have
closed-toe or athletic shoes.
Personal Belongings
AlphaBEST provides all materials and curriculum during the program and requests that all other
personal property of children not be brought into the program. We are not responsible for the
loss or destruction of any personal property brought into the program by your child. All cell
phones, electronic game devices and toys should be left at home or in your child’s backpack
during AlphaBEST. We are not responsible or liable for the theft, loss or breakage of any item
of this type.
Children’s personal property (e.g., coats, clothing, school bags, etc.) must be removed from the
AlphaBEST Education, Inc. room after each session of the program. Any personal property that
remains after the AlphaBEST Education, Inc. program ends will be taken to the school’s
designated location for lost and found items.
Page 21 Tuition and Fees
Enrollment
A child is considered enrolled and may attend an AlphaBEST program upon the following:
 Online registration is completed in full.
 A registration fee is received in full.
 The enrollment form is received by both the AlphaBEST local office and the program
where the child(ren) will attend each day of attendance.
 All required child care licensing regulations have been satisfied through completion and
receipt of forms, immunizations or other requirement in accordance with the state of
enrollment/attendance.
 The Enrollment Form is signed under the Family Handbook Acknowledgement and the
parent/guardian agrees to abide with the program policies and procedures.
Registration
A non-refundable registration fee is due at the beginning of each school year your child is
enrolled in the program. If you dis-enroll for any reason during the program, you will be charged
a re-registration charge to enroll in the program again.
Collection of Funds/Fees
AlphaBEST utilizes Procare, the nation’s number
one child care software to manage student billing and
payments.
Billing
 Tuition is due on Monday or the first day
school is in session for the week.
 Tuition remains due regardless of student
attendance.
 Late fees will be applied 48 hours after billing.
Payments

All payments are made online via Procare’s Tuition Express (www.alphabest.org).

Payments can be made weekly or monthly by credit/debit card or bank draft

AlphaBEST offers the convenience of tuition auto-draft for families.

Late payment procedures include the following:
- Reminder letter is sent the following day after billing.
- Service will not be rendered without tuition and fees paid in full after the 48 hours.
- Notice of intent to terminate services will be sent at the end of the school week.
- All non-payments and fees will be sent to collection.
Page 22 Security

Like the security of each child, we proactively take steps to protect our families’ financial
information as well.

Procare’s Tuition Express is a PCI Level I compliant processor, which is the highest level
of merchant services security available. Account information is safely encrypted and
payments are paid on time.
Withdrawals

Parents who want to withdraw their child from the program are required to provide a
statement in writing at least two weeks prior to discontinuation of service. Parents will be
assessed payment when they withdraw without proper notice.
AlphaBEST Education does provide itemized statements for IRS tax purposes. Parents can fill
out a tax statement request on the AlphaBEST Education website (www.alphabest.org).
Insufficient Funds (NSF)
A $25 fee will be charged for any payment that is returned unpaid by your bank or credit/debit
card company for any reason. This fee will be the maximum allowable fee in accordance with
the state of enrollment and attendance. This fee will be added to the balance due.
Late Pick-up Fee
We will work with all families in order to facilitate their needs and understand that, on occasion,
families may arrive to the program late due to unforeseen delays. We understand and appreciate
your call before closing to let us know. In this case, a late pickup fee of $1.00 per minute will be
charged at any time that a parent/guardian or other authorized person does not sign a child out of
the program by the close of the extended day program.
Contract Change Fee
Per the Family Contract, a 2 (two) week written notice must be given for any and all changes to
your child(ren)’s schedule. You are able to do this twice without charge, but on the third time a
change is made, a $25.00 Change Fee will be assessed.
Page 23 TuitionExpress.com
What is Tuition Express?
Tuition Express™ is the premier payment processing service in the childcare industry. As one of the
many benefits offered by Tuition Express, parents have the ability to receive their payment receipts via
email. TuitionExpress.com keeps parents in-touch with their childcare center and their personal finances.
Here are some of the features of TuitionExpress.com:
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Receive all your Payment Receipts via email.
Email notification of all Non-Sufficient Fund (NSF) items or Declined Credit Card transactions.
View and print Transaction History reports.
Re-generate past email payment notifications.
All receipts are Flexible Spending Account qualified (provided center has submitted required data).
Easy access to change email addresses notifications are sent to.
All services are free to parents and guardians.
Bank and Credit Card Authorization



If you elect for automatic payments from your bank account or credit card, you must complete an
authorization form.
If you elect for automatic payments, you will receive 50% off your registration fee.
If you are making online payments only (not automatically collecting payments), no authorization
form is needed.
Page 24 Bank Account Authorization
Page 25 Credit Card Payment Authorization
Page 26 ID Number, Bank Account or Registration Number
You will need two numbers to register for the first time at
TuitionExpress.com:
1. The first number is your unique Tuition Express ID number; this will be given to you by
AlphaBEST.
2. The second number is your registration code, which will also be provided to you by
AlphaBEST.
How to Register at TuitionExpress.com
You will register once to establish the user name and password you’ll use each time to log in to
TuitionExpress.com.
1. Go to TuitionExpress.com (via www.alphabest.org).
2. If you have not yet registered, click the Register Here link (left side) to set up your account:
a. Then, enter the Tuition Express ID number given to you by AlphaBEST.
b. Enter your Registration Code given to you by AlphaBEST.
c. Select a Username and Password. Then Confirm the Password and click Register.
Hint: Forgot your username or password? Just re-register.
d. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Page 27 Making Online Payments
Make a payment now or schedule one for the future.
1. Log in to TuitionExpress.com and click Make a Payment (left side).
2. Click either Use Credit Card or Use Bank Account. You may have one or both options
depending on how you are set up.
3. For Credit Cards:
Click the Select a Card drop down list to choose an existing card or Enter a New Card.
For a new card, enter the information and click Save Card. If no cards have been set up,
you will automatically begin at the "new card" screen. We only accept Visa, MC and
Discover.
a.
b. Once the card has been selected, enter a Payment Amount, choose a Requested
Processing Date (lower right) and click Next.
c. Confirm the amount, card being used and processing date. Then, click Submit Payment
(or Back to make changes).
Page 28 4. For Bank Accounts:
a. Enter a Payment Amount, choose a Requested Processing Date (lower
right) and click Next.
b. Confirm the amount, account type and processing date. Then, click
Submit Payment (or Back to make changes).
Facts about Automatic Payments

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
Automatic Payments have been around for more than 30 years and uses the same
network as Automatic Deposits. More than 2 billion transactions a year are made via
Automatic Payment.
Each Automatic Payment is deducted from your account on the due date of each
payment cycle so it is easy to track.
Automatic Payments are confidential transactions. Just one or two people see them.
In contrast, checks pass through three to nine hands as they are processed. PLUS,
they have all the information available for a criminal to steal your identity.
Automatic Payments help you maintain a good credit rating because bills are paid on
time, every time.
Record keeping is easy. Each bill paid automatically from your checking account or
credit card is listed on your monthly statement.
Consumers who use Automatic Payment are protected by the Electronic Funds
Transfer Act of 1978, known as Federal Regulation E.
www.bankersonline.com/regs/205/205.html
Automatic Payments save you money. It costs consumers close to $100 a year in time
and automatic costs, such as postage, to pay bills by check instead of using
Automatic Payment.
Automatic Payments is great for travelers — since bills are paid automatically, you
do not have to worry about them when you are out of town.
Online Payment History
To check the status of online payments and view a history of recent payments, click Online
Payment History (left side).
Page 29 Email Notifications (you must set-up your profile)
Choose to receive email notifications from AlphaBEST if/when payments are automatically
collected from your bank account or credit card.
1. Click My Profile (left side).
2. Enter or change your Email Address.
3. Check the box to Receive Notifications and click Update.
Reports
To print a report, like a Payment Summary or Transaction Receipt, click Reports (left side) and
select a report from the drop down list.
Account History
To see which credit cards and/or bank accounts have been set up for automatic payments (does
not include parent initiated online payments) click Account History (left side).
Page 30 Summer Program
**Please check with local management to determine if a Summer Program is available in your
area**
Tuition
Tuition payments are handled the same as the regular school year. All payments must be paid by
the first day.
Activity Fee
At the beginning of our Summer Program, there is a nominal activity charge for each child.
Field Trips
In order to cover the cost of the field trips that your child will take during the Summer Program,
there is the possibility for an additional Field Trip charge. All fees must be paid at the time of
enrollment in the Summer Program.
Transportation
If transportation is required for a field trip, parents will be notified and AlphaBEST will contract
to a licensed and insured bussing company. When being transported, only children and staff are
allowed on the bus. In addition, children must ride to and from on the bus.
Page 31 Site Specific Operation Information
Site Name
Site Manager
Site Phone Number
Site Address
Days of Operation
Hours of Operation
Area Manager
TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 20-2042559
AlphaBEST Education Inc.
1310 Lewisville-Clemmons Road
Lewisville, NC 27023
http://www.alphabest.org
(866) 300 - 7750
Page 32