Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academy
Handbook 2024 - 2025
Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academy, LLC is a child-care home licensed by the State of Tennessee, our program is the Demonstration Site of East Tennessee by TN CCR&R and is National Accredited from the NAFCC
About Us
Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academy, LLC is a high-quality group childcare home licensed by the State of Tennessee with a maximum capacity of 15 children per day.
Hola KBA is The Demonstration Site of the East of Tennessee-by- Tennessee Child Care Resource and Referral (TN CCR&R.)
TN CCR&R selected Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academy for being a high-quality, licensed, accredited facility to serve as a model training program for teaching best practices on child care, programs administration, organizing learning environments, and high quality standards.
Hola KBA is National Accredited by the National Association for Family Child Care. NAFCC recognizes Hola KBA program that has met high quality child care standards. These standards were developed specifically for family child care providers and cover Relationships, The Environment, Development Learning Activities, Safety and Health, and Professional and Business Practices. These standards are higher and more specific than state child care licensing rules.
We offer a rich, stimulating program combining unique exposure to Spanish and English language and cultural experiences. Our mixed-age (2-5 years old), family-like environment provides an excellent opportunity for children of different ages and language levels to develop skills to work with others, play cooperatively, help others, develop empathy, and be part of a team.
Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academy was established on the belief that every child should learn a second language. We provide a safe, loving, play-based learning environment that supports optimal language learning by integrating language learning into the day-to-day activities across our curriculum. Children naturally acquire a broad vocabulary in Spanish and English while developing social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills.
Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academy uses the Tennessee State recommended preschool/pre-K curriculum, and consistently adapts it to meet the needs of children at different levels.
Mission
Our first and foremost mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, loving, and educational environment that inspires creativity and instills a passion for learning. Our second most important mission is to foster the acquisition and development of both English and Spanish as natural languages. We celebrate the window of time when brain development and the ability to learn a second language are at their peak.
Philosophy
Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academy provides a quality program that provides a safe, nurturing environment and a developmentally appropriate curriculum that stimulates social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academy is an attractive option for families in part because the care setting is essentially a home away from home. We seek to tap into each child’s potential, preparedness, curiosity, and interest in all areas of learning. We understand that children learn primarily through play, and that play is the foundation of academic learning, self-esteem, self-awareness, and communication skills building. Children are also allowed to have time to develop their individual interest, and to be themselves, to express who they are, and to be accepted as individuals. At Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academy we understand the importance of this, and we are flexible with our schedules. All children are different and develop at their own pace, so individual attention will be given to each child’s developmental needs.
Spanish is an integral part of our program. It is introduced into all aspects of our routine and will open your child’s mind up to learning other languages later in life. We encourage our families to extend our curriculum in the home and join their children learning Spanish.
Curriculum
The Creative Curriculum for Family Child Care
The curriculum we use at Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academy is based on The Creative Curriculum for Family Child Care, a curriculum approved by the Tennessee Department of Education and U.S Department of Health and Human Services. The Creative Curriculum for Family Child Care provides a nurturing, educational, and developmentally appropriate framework for our in-home child care and gives us an opportunity to provide exceptional bilingual preschool preparation.
The philosophy of The Creative Curriculum for Family Child Care is that children should be allowed to grow at their own pace and to learn in ways that help them become confident in themselves as learners. The curriculum has two goals:
· To help children learn about themselves and the world around them.
· To encourage children to feel good about themselves and capable as learners.
The Creative Curriculum for Family Child Care is an excellent way to help children succeed and to teach them to be creative and confident thinkers. That means offering them opportunities for hands-on exploring and discovery that build lifelong critical thinking skills and foster confidence.
The Statement of Policies and procedures of Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academy
Dear Parents:
Welcome to “Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academy” Our program is a Group Child Care Home that is designed to provide a safe and loving environment where our children grow physically, intellectually, socially and emotionally. Our program dual language bilingual works well for children of all linguistic backgrounds. Dual language programs give all children the opportunity to engage in curricula and maintain and develop oral and emergent literacy skills in their home language or both languages they are simultaneously acquiring. The statement of policies and procedures will help to acquaint you with the Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academy policies and practices. Please read it carefully to ensure an easy and smooth transition for you and your child into our program.
Licensed
We are licensed by the State of Tennessee, Department of Human Services and Education. Our licensing guidelines include strict safety measures including specific teacher/ratio and the number children allowed in the classroom and on the playground, background checks for staff and adults living in the house, on-going training, and the confidentiality of your child’s records. We have scheduled visits with a licensed official along with unannounced visits yearly.
A full document outlining the “Summary Licensing Requirements for Child Care Agency.”
Spanish:
Licensing Notebook
The parent or guardian can request the teacher or director The Rule of Tennessee Department of Human Services Community and Social Services Division Chapter 1240-04-01 Licensure Rules for Child Care Agencies.
Admission
Hola KBA admits students of any race, creed, color, religion, national, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to students at the preschool, and does not discriminate on any basis in the administration of its policies and other school administered.
Arrival/Departure, Late Pickup Fees, and Hours of Operation
Our operation hours are from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. During summer, June and July hours are 8 am to 4:30 pm. Children should not be allowed to come into the building alone from the outside door or parking lot. Please sign them into class upon arrival using the class roster (MyKidzDay)
We have two drop-off times:
7:00-8:20 AM– During this time, children will be served morning snacks
9:00AM – During this time, children WILL NOT be served morning snacks. Please ensure that your child has eaten before dropping off 9:00 AM.
All children must be dropped off no later than 9:00AM unless the parent has contacted the director about extenuating circumstances, including doctor’s appointments and therapy sessions.
During the day, children may be picked up from school at 12:15PM and 2:30PM. This is to ensure that their naptime is not disturbed. If you need to pick up your child at an alternative time, please discuss this with the director prior to picking it up.
Children who remain at school for the full day must be picked up no later than 4:30PM.
Please plan accordingly to arrive earlier if you need extra time on departure or need to discuss any questions or concerns.
A fee of $1.00 per minute after the 5-minute grace period will be charged for late pickups.
Spanish Class
The Spanish class is one hour per week. Calendar and schedule are provided it.
Registration Enrollment (Non-refundable) and Payments
Parents and children must have a pre-enrollment visit to meet the teacher and view the classroom. A non-refundable registration fee per child is due at enrollment time and once a year thereafter. All enrollment forms must be completed with signature, all fees paid, and all immunizations up to date in accordance with Knox County Health Department before beginning the program. Also, certified custody papers (if applicable), any contradiction to the order must include a notarized letter signed by both parents.
All fees are due regardless of attendance; there are no credits for any day, week, or month that your child does not attend, or if the school is closed for holidays, Spring, Fall, Winter break, two weeks in summer, illness or inclement weather.
The registration fee reserves a place in class from the initial enrollment time prior to the first day through that session.
For new families the registration fee for the preschool program is $ 200 and ¼ towards of the first month tuition.
For children that are currently in the program the registration is $ 200. The registration is in the last week of January. If the registration is not paid during this week Hola KBA assumes that the child will not attend the next school year.
Summer Camp registration for children that are going to kindergarten or are currently in kindergarten. The registration is in the last week of January. Registration fee is $40 and ¼ towards of the first month tuition.
Registration fee and material for the Spanish Class is $120 (August to May.)
Full-Time, Half-Day Program, Summer Camp, and Spanish classes fees are due on the first day of each month.
A fee a $ 1.00 per minute after 5 minutes grace period for late pickups.
There is a $ 35.00 fee on all returned checks and recurrent returned checks will result in cash collection. Students may not attend Hola KBA unless the account has a zero balance.
We require four weeks’ written notice prior to withdrawal of a child from the program. This excludes spring, fall, winter breaks and summer. Four weeks in advance will be charged if parents withdraw a child without notice.
The Preschool, Spanish Class, and Summer Camp Program calendar and tuition fee are provided
Payments are made by check (Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academy) or Stripe ePay (KidKare)
Release of Children Policy
Under no circumstances will Hola KBA release a child to an unauthorized individual. All special pickup visitors will need to have identification upon their entrance to Hola KBA, which will be checked by the operator or the teacher before the release of any child to the visitor. Written permission is required for a child to ride or leave with anyone other than their parents (or legal guardians). You may give permission on the enrollment form.
One of our main goals is the safety and security of your child, we reserve the right to withhold your child from any person who appears to be “under the influence” or in any way impaired to drive. At the time other contact person will be called to pick up the child that the impaired party. If the impaired party insists on taking the child, the authorities will be called promptly.
The Department of Human Services do not allow parents to leave children (minors) unattended in the car when the parent is picking the other child up at school.
Hola KBA shall immediately call 911 or other local emergency services number if anyone whose behavior may place a child at imminent risk attempts to pick up a child.
Absentee
The operational costs at Hola KBC are based on the total enrollment and no cost can be eliminated or reduced when a child is temporarily absent. Therefore, we regret that we are unable to give absent credit.
Holidays
Hola KBA follows Knox County Schools and closed Spring, Fall, and Winter break, and two weeks during summer break, and some holidays. The calendar is provided.
Inclement Weather and Illness
For weather, safety, or illness closings or late openings will be communicated by email, MykidzDay app, WhatsApp, or a phone text message.
Divorce Situation
In a divorce situation, please provide us with a copy of the necessary legal documents if permission to pick up a child is different from joint custody where “either Mom or Dad may pick up.” For your child’s safety, we can make no exceptions to these policies no matter who registered the child or who is paying tuition. It is our obligation to follow Parenting Plan guidelines that the family has established or other official legal documents regarding access/denial to children.
Immunizations and Records
Proof of immunizations must be documented on the proper medical form prior to the first day of the preschool program.
Sickness
If a child becomes ill, we will contact the parents to pick up the child. This includes children who develop fevers of 100.5 degree or greater, diarrhea, vomiting, or rashes. State Health requirements specify that any child showing or developing symptoms of communicable diseases must be excluded from other groups of children.
Once a family is notified of their child’s illness, the child must be picked up within 45 minutes.
If children have been absent due to a contagious disease, a signed statement from a physician that states the child is no longer contagious is required before children can return to school.
Children who are absent due to fever or diarrhea must be fever or diarrhea free for 24 hours before returning to Hola KBC. These measures are being taken to provide the best possible care for all children. Please help us help you and everyone else by adhering to these important policies concerning sickness.
Medications
Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academic provides emergency medication only or if the medication must be provided three times per day to the child. Medication will only be administered with written authorization and must be in the original prescription bottle/box with the enrolled child name on it (this includes epi-pens).
Written prescription directions are always followed. The provider obtains written permission of the parent and administers medications as prescribed by the child’s heath care professional. Non-prescription remedies may be administered with both written directions and permission from a parent or guardian. The first dose of any medication, including prescribed medications, topical ointment, and other nonprescription remedies, is first administered outside of the school.
Sunscreen, Repellent, and Diaper Cream
As necessary, we recommend that you please apply sunscreen/repellent before your child comes to class. If you would like to bring a lotion of sunscreen and repellent for reapplication later in the day, please fill out a sunscreen and repellent form, available from your child’s teacher or director. Also, please put your child’s name on the bottles and give it directly to the teacher to lock up. All diaper cream ointments should be given directly to the teacher to lock up. We recommend lotion instead of spray. Please label items.
Emergencies (Injuries and accidents)
It is extremely important to have at least three emergency names/phone numbers of available individuals on your child’s application. Every consideration will be taken to ensure the safety of your child while in our care. Should an injury occur, a Minor Indent Report would be completed and signed by the teacher or the Director. A copy of this report will be sent home. A parent or guardian will be notified regarding any injury that occurs while your child is in our care.
In the event of a Major Medical emergency or accident, Hola KBA teacher or Director will call 911 first. The child will be transported to the hospital noted in the Child Information Record (or the closest hospital). The parent/guardian will be called immediately.
Hola KBC provides personnel trained in CPR.
Please list the name and telephone number of your child’s pediatrician in the application form.
Emergency Preparedness Policy
Hola KBA have in place an Emergency Preparedness Plan covering many instances that could happen during the day such as, but not limit to, fire, tornado, intruders, earthquake, chemical spills, floods, etc. We conduct drills to help the children prepare for such instances. We strive to provide the safest possible care for your child.
In case of an evacuation plan we will go to Cokesbury Church (North Campus) 9919 Kingston Pike, Knoxville TN 37922
Phone number 865-693-0353. Parent can contact Diana Peon 865-310-8829
Privacy
As a small childcare agency, confidentiality and the privacy of all families is important to us. To maintain confidentiality, we ask that families speak directly to their child’s teacher or the director if they have questions about the program or children. We understand that concerns arise, and we want to address those collaboratively with families. It is imperative that families reach out to the director or teacher to discuss their concerns.
Per our licensing regulations, the staff may not discuss children or their behaviors with other families. We ask that all families respect this policy as well and refrain from discussing children’s school behaviors with other families.
If you are concerned about another child’s behavior, please speak with the director or teacher in private.
Clothing and Extra Clothes
Children will be active both indoors and outdoors. While playing, children may get dirty. When this happens, we help children change their clothing. It is very important that your child’s clothing be comfortable and easy for him/her to manage. Please send your child to school in clean, comfortable clothing every day.
Additionally, safety is important to us. Therefore, all children must wear well supported closed toe shoes such as tennis/leather shoes for outside. We request an extra pair of shoes for outside to leave in the school and rain boots for your child to wear during muddy or wet play outdoors. (It is a better option to leave them in the school if not taking them home every Friday.) In cold weather, please send mittens, hats, and coats.
We will provide smocks for painting or water play activities (This is optional for children to use – Hola KBA will not force children to wear smocks)
One extra complete set of seasonal clothes should always be available for each child in the classroom. Please make sure all the items are labeled in a Ziploc bag.
Extra clothes (Leave in his/her basket) Please, 2 or 3 extra outfits. During summertime bathing suit on Wednesdays.
Birthdays and Special Occasions
During special occasions, parents provide cupcakes, cookies, fruits, vegetables, and treats for children. These events may include birthdays, Christmas parties, cultural celebrations, and cooking classes provided by Hola KBA. Families have the option to send alternative food items for their child on these days if they do not want their child to eat the foods that are provided.
Specialized Services
Specialized services may be provided to children with special needs by individuals having extensive training or expertise in a particular field such as speech/language therapy, physical therapy, play therapy, mental health counseling, or health care treatments, etc. Any information exchanged regarding specialized services that is shared with or received from third parties shall be documented in each child's record. Written parental permission shall be obtained and kept in the child's file for participation in services or activities provided by any third-party organization.
Observations, visits, and Inspections
Parental permission for observation of children by non-childcare agency staff, for instance, The Department of Human Services (DHS), Childcare TN, Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR), Tennessee Family Childcare Network (TFCCN), Department of Children’s Services (DCS), Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA), Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS). Other institutions visit us to do an inspection of the agency, for example, Fire Department, Health Department, DHS, and Our Daily Bread (The food program) etc.
Potty Training
Children two years and a half enrolled in Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academy must be potty trained before attending preschool. Children must be wearing underwear with very few accidents. A child having accidents daily would not be considered potty trained. Please note that wearing pull ups is not considered potty training. Children must be potty trained at two years and a half because there are strict standards for changing and disposing of wet or soiled diapers. When an adult is busy changing a child’s diaper or soiled clothing, it is taking away learning time for all students, and it removes an adult from the direct supervision of and interaction with the rest of the class. Toilet learning is from two-to-two years and a half in cooperation between parents and school. After that period parents are responsible for the potty training during the school years breaks, for instance, fall break, spring break, summer, and winter holidays.
Diaper and Toilet Training
For children under two years and a half who are not potty-trained, parents will provide diapers and wipes. It is essential that the parent and teacher communicate about the needs of the child and work together to make this developmental milestone positive and successful. We recommend that when in training, your child be dressed in “user-friendly” clothing. Overalls, zippers, and snaps are difficult for small children to manage, especially in a hurry. While toilet training, parents are to provide lots of thick training underwear, plastic pants, socks, and outer clothing.
Resting Mats
Resting mats are provided for your child. Parents provide the sheet and cover. The sheet and the cover (blanket)are taken home each Friday to be washed and returned the following Monday. A small pillow or small stuffed animal is permissible.
Toys
Children can bring their stuff animal for nap time. We encourage parents to keep personal belongings and toys at home unless the teacher has a schedule a “show and tell” day or if the child needs it to feel secure. Toys that convey violence such as guns and swords will not be allowed. Please understand that the teacher will not be able to take responsibility for materials brought from home. It is advisable to label items.
Allergies
Please be sure to list any allergies your child may have on the Health History form and be sure that your child’s teacher is aware of them. For a child with life-threatening allergies parents need to bring a threating allergies statement from the doctor and a written Allergy Action Plan of action endorsed by the child’s pediatrician or licensed medical provider.
Meals and Drink Police
Hola KBA will be provided Am and Pm snack and families must provide lunch.
Schedule
AM Snack 8:30 AM to 9 AM
Lunch 11:30 AM to 12:00 Pm
PM Snack 2:45 PM to 3:15 PM
PM Snack is provided for children that attend the Spanish Class
During meals time children cannot be dropped on or picked up
Children that are enrolled in the program must be able to feed themselves. The teacher is there to encourage children to be independent. Children are not allowed to drink milk from bottles or the use of pacifiers.
Water
Each child needs to bring a sippy cup or bottle water that is labeled with his/her name to keep at school. This cup/ bottle will be cleaned and sanitized at school. The water bottle is available to the children throughout the day.
Lunch
Lunch should reflect a healthy diet and provide children with the energy that they need for the school day. We recommend following the USDA “My Plate” meal guidelines when planning meals. Please be aware of the sugar content of your child’s lunch items. Large servings of sugar can create a variety of conditions for the child in the time after lunch and it may be difficult for them to function at their best. Items such as candy, pudding, or cake should not be sent with the child for lunch.
Hot foods should be sent in a container intended to keep the food warm. We do not heat food items for the children. You may include an ice pack if you wish for items to remain cold until eaten. We encourage you to include your child in the planning and packing of their lunch. Their involvement builds their sense of independence and increases the likelihood of them enjoying their food. Please make sure that your child’s bag is labeled with their name. Parents are asked to send utensils and napkins each day.
All food items must be cut appropriately for your child’s age to reduce the likelihood of choking on foods. For example, grapes should be cut in half, and carrots, apples, and cucumbers need to be cut into small pieces.
Damage of Materials and Property
As children are learning how to interact with one another and how to interact with classroom materials in a school environment, we understand that some minor damage to materials and property may occur. This includes small rips and tears to books, chipped or broken toys, etc. Accidents happen as children are learning to care for materials.
However, parents are responsible for significant damage to property or materials, such as broken furniture, broken windows, holes in walls, or destroyed books and toys.
Personal Health and Safety Curriculum
Part of our curriculum throughout the year includes discussions of personal health and safety. For example, during February we discuss National Children’s Dental Health month and the importance of taking care of our teeth.
We encourage families to continue these discussions with their children. This includes talking with them about the importance of bathing, brushing their teeth regularly, being aware of when they get hurt, and talking to you when they have questions about health, hygiene, and safety.
During the school year we incorporate the Keep Kids Safe Curriculum that is provide The Department of Human Service.
Transition Plans
When children come into childcare, they experience many different transitions. This is most successful when families and teachers work together. We strive to partner with families to make these transitions smooth and easy for children.
Transitioning into Childcare
Once a child is enrolled in the program and the enrollment process is complete, we work with the family to create a supportive and positive environment for the child. This includes learning about the child and family, discussing routines, curriculum, naptime, meals, behaviors, etc. Hola KBA will work four to six weeks transition time with the family with consistency.
Transitioning out of Childcare
If you decide to disenroll your child from care and enroll them in care elsewhere, we ask that you please communicate this with teachers and staff as soon as possible so that we can help you and your child prepare for this transition.
We understand that finding a childcare agency that meets individual children and families’ needs is important; and we want to support children and families if they decide to enroll their child in another care option.
Hola KBA will provide a list of childcare agencies in the area. Parents and the director will schedule the disenrollment day, so that they can work together for the benefit of the child.
Transitioning to Kindergarten
Kindergarten is an exciting transition for children and families. It is important to help children with this transition so that they are successful in their new school. When teachers and families work together during the transition to kindergarten, family involvement during the kindergarten year increases. We support families and children in transitioning to kindergarten by reading books about kindergarten, talking about new schools, exploring videos of kindergarten classrooms, etc.
Behavior Management Techniques (Discipline)
Hola KBA uses Conscious Discipline curriculum https://consciousdiscipline.com.
Conscious Discipline is a trauma-informed, brain-based self-regulation program combining discipline, social-emotional learning, and school climate into one integrated process. Conscious Discipline helps adults and educators understand how internal emotional state dictate behavior, empowers adults to see discipline encounters as an opportunity to teach new skills. Builds connections and creates a positive school climate by eliminating reward and punishment in favor of the safety, connection and problem-solving of a School Family.
Conscious Discipline is not….
· Punishment/reward-based
· Power/fear-based
· Praise-focused (Notice rather than judge.)
· About fixing “bad” kids
The Best connections include:
· Eye Contact
· Touch
· Presence
· Playfulness
Conscious Discipline has been specifically designed to make changes in the lives of adults first. The adults, in turn, change the lives of children.
For difficult behavior we will make every effort to work with the parent or guardian to ensure a cooperative approach for children having difficulties with behaviors. We are here to serve and protect all our children. In extreme cases, we will contact parent’s assistance. The director may request that the parent or guardian meet for a conference. The best solution toward solving the problem will be agreed upon by the director and parent or guardian. If the initial plan for helping the child fails, the parent will again meet the director. Another attempt will be made to identify the problem, and establish a new, or revised, approach for solving the problem. When the previous has been followed and no progress has been made toward solving the problem, the child may be disenrolled from the program at the discretion of the director.
Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academy will be considered other options prior to expulsion, such as but not limited to reducing the number of days or amount of time the child may attend, or if applicable, referrals to the center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL), Early Intervention System, or Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). We develop to allow for a planned transition of a child to another program if expulsion must occur.
Note: Corporal punishment will not be allowed. This is defined as the use of negative physical touching (spanking, slapping, pinching, etc.). No exclusion from large motor or outdoor activities, or exclusion from any learning activity. No unusual punishment will be allowed such as humiliation, ridicule, threat, or coercion.
Expulsion/Termination
Incidents that may be a cause of dismissal/termination may include but not limited to the following.
· A child who is excessively disruptive or exhibits behavior (biting, hitting, kicking, etc.) and/or persistent bullying, threatening the safety and well-being of self and/or others in the class. Staff members will partner with the family to facilitate a behavior improvement plan to correct any unsafe behavior prior to a dismissal decision. During this modification process, you may be required to pick up your child early, take a temporary leave of absence, or obtain a “coach” to provide one-on-one supervision until improvement of unsafe actions.
· A child requiring constant one-on-one attention from the teacher, taking away attention from the other children in class.
· A two-week unexplained absence from the class when the teacher and director were unable to reach the family and tuition is past-due.
· Child has special needs that we cannot adequately meet with our current staffing patterns.
· Physical and/or verbal abuse of staff or children by parent or child.
· Expired or non-immunizations.
Communication Police
We often communicate with our families via email, MyKidzDay, WhatsApp, or text. For instance, weekly emails, monthly calendars, daily communication sheets, reports, parent conferences, monthly newsletters, Newsletter from CCRR, weekly lesson plan, daily pictures of activities, general updates, and information about Hola HBA, etc. Please check your inbox as well as sometimes emails can be flagged as spam, so please check your spam box, too. Please, let us know if we need to update your email address.
Parents are welcome to use WhatsApp to communicate with other families, for instance, Birthday invitation, special event in the community for children, etc.
We also communicate using minor incident reports, behavior reports, and diapering/toileting reports. These forms are simply a way of documenting what is happening throughout the day, and we use them to partner with families should a problem ever arise.
Parent Involvement
Parents receive every month a lesson plan with activities, videos and songs that will develop skills in learning a second language and help to grow the children physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally.
Hola KBA provides every month a newsletter with important information about the program.
Every day the teacher sends pictures and videos of the children’s activities using MyKidzDay app or WhatsApp. Parents are encouraged to show the pictures and videos to the children and have conversations about the day at school.
Parents sign in and sign out using the app MyKidzDay. Parents can enter the school during drop off and pick up, but only in the area where the baskets are.
Parents are welcome to visit the preschool, but not during the drop off, pick up, and meals time because this brings a lot of distractions and stress to the children. Parents are welcome to the classroom to do any activity, to be a volunteer, or to observe the classroom during large group activity at 9:00 AM, parents can request another time. There will be only one parent or caregiver during each visit, siblings or other parents or spouse are not invited. We have exceptions during special events.
On September Hola KBA offers a family activity where parents and their own children are welcome to participate. We celebrate the anniversary of the program, Hispanic Heritage Month, and welcome to the new families to the school.
We celebrate special occasions just as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Veteran’s Day, and preschool graduation where parents are invited.
We schedule coffee time where parents come in the morning to drink coffee and interact with his/her child.
Hola KBA has a Family Advisory Board to work with the director and educator to meet the needs of all children and parents. Families participate in decision making and goal setting for their child. Families are encouraged to volunteer their time helping in the classroom.
Families are encouraged to share information regarding the child’s family and culture. Hola KBA incorporates this into the classroom and curriculum.
Withdrawal Process
If it became necessary to withdrawal your child from Hola KBA for any reason, you must provide at least four weeks written notice prior to your departure date. Excluding any holiday breaks fall, spring, two weeks on winter and two weeks on summer. This is easily done by filling out a withdrawal form. If you approach us on your last day (or a few days prior) you will owe four weeks tuition from the day of notification.
Photographs and Publicity
Please be advised that during the school year your child may be photographed, video, and interviewed. With your consent, the photograph, video, or interview may be reproduced and released for use in MyKizDay app, WhatsApp, the media, newspapers, brochures, videos, television, the internet, Hola KBA website and social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, etc. Your child’s photo will also be displayed in his/her classroom. Your permission for photographs of your child to be used without compensation is part of the
agreement.
Non-Smoking Policy
Smoking, vaping, or use of marijuana is not allowed within 50 feet of this facility
Parking
Please be mindful of the neighbors when parking your car.
Security
Security cameras that monitor all traffic entering and exiting the house control our front access. This measure is being taken to protect the children and secure the building.
Suspected Child Abuse
We are required by law to report all observations of child abuse or neglect cases to the appropriate state authorities if we have reasonable cause to believe or suspect a child is suffering from abuse or neglect or is in danger of abuse or neglect, no matter where the abuse might have occurred.
The child protective service agency will determine appropriate action and may investigate. It then becomes the role of the agency to determine if the report is substantiated and to work with the family to ensure the child’s needs are met. Our center will cooperate fully with any investigation and will maintain confidentiality concerning any report of child abuse or neglect.
After Hours Contact
In case of Emergency parents or guardians can call 24/7 to the phone number 865-310-8829
Website
For general information about our programs or more parent resource information, please visit our website at
Prohibited
Smoking, vaping, illegal drugs, and firearms are not permitted anywhere on the premises.
2024-2025 Hola Knoxville Bilingual Academy Calendar
2024
June 10 First day School Year Program 2024-2025 and 2024 Summer Camp
July 4-5 Independence Day (Thursday-Friday)
August
August 6 First Day Spanish Class (Tuesday)
August 7 Last Day Summer Camp (Wednesday)
September
September 2 Labor Day (Monday)
October
October 7-11 Fall Break (Monday-Friday)
November
November 27-29 Thanksgiving Holidays (Wednesday-Friday)
December
December 20 Last day 2024 (Friday)
December 23- January 3 Winter Holidays
2025
January 6 First Day after Winter Holidays (Monday)
January 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Monday)
March
March 17-21 Springs Break (Monday-Friday)
April
April 18 Holiday (Friday)
April 21 Holiday (Monday)
May
May 20 Last Day Spanish Class (Tuesday)
May 23 Last Day of the school year program 2024-2025 (Friday)
May 26- June 6 Summer Break (2 weeks)
June
June 9 First day of the school year 2025-2026 and 2025 Summer Cam