Terms of Service

Effective Date: January 1, 2025  |  Last Updated: March 2026

1. Introduction and Agreement

These Terms of Service ("Terms," "Agreement") constitute a legally binding contract between Teddy Bear Preschool & Pre-K ("we," "us," "our," "the Center," or "the Facility") and the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) ("you," "your," "Parent," or "Guardian") of the child or children enrolled in our childcare and early education programs.

Teddy Bear Preschool & Pre-K is a licensed childcare facility operating under the authority of the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department. We provide comprehensive early childhood education and care services for children 6 weeks to 5 years old in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

By enrolling your child in our program, completing enrollment paperwork, paying enrollment fees, or utilizing our services in any capacity, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service, along with our Privacy Policy and any additional policies and procedures that may be implemented from time to time.

2. Enrollment and Admission

2.1 Enrollment Process and Requirements

Enrollment at Teddy Bear Preschool & Pre-K is contingent upon completion of all required documentation and compliance with our admission requirements. The enrollment process includes:

• Submission of a completed enrollment application
• Current immunization records as required by New Mexico state law
• Emergency contact information
• Medical history and special needs documentation
• Signed acknowledgment of policies and procedures
• Payment of all required fees and deposits

2.2 Enrollment Capacity and Waiting Lists

Due to our commitment to maintaining appropriate teacher-to-child ratios and providing quality care, enrollment spots are limited. We maintain waiting lists when enrollment capacity is reached, and families are contacted in the order they were placed on the waiting list as spaces become available. Placement on a waiting list does not guarantee enrollment.

2.3 Non-Discrimination Policy

Teddy Bear Preschool & Pre-K does not discriminate in enrollment, care, or educational services on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

2.4 Trial Period and Adjustment

We recognize that starting childcare can be a significant transition for both children and families. We offer a reasonable trial period during which both parties can assess whether our program is a good fit for the child's needs.

3. Services and Programs

3.1 Core Childcare Services

Our comprehensive childcare services are designed to provide a safe, nurturing, and educationally enriching environment. Core services include supervised care during operating hours, age-appropriate educational activities, nutritious meals and snacks, rest time and quiet activities, indoor and outdoor play opportunities, and regular communication with families.

3.2 Educational Programs by Age Group

Baby Room (6 weeks to 1 year old): Our infant program focuses on building trust through responsive caregiving, providing one-on-one attention to foster social-emotional growth, and maintaining safe sleep practices and hygiene protocols.

Toddler Room (1 to 2 years old): Our toddler program emphasizes imaginative, hands-on learning experiences, storytelling and dramatic play activities, and support for emotional regulation and self-control development.

Preschool Room (3 to 5 years old): Our preschool program encourages creativity through open-ended arts and crafts, storytelling and exploratory play, structured routines, and preparation for future educational experiences.

3.3 Bilingual Program

Teddy Bear Preschool & Pre-K offers a bilingual English/Spanish program. We support language development through everyday interactions, songs, stories, and classroom activities, helping children build communication skills and confidence in both languages.

4. Operating Hours and Schedule

4.1 Regular Operating Hours

Teddy Bear Preschool & Pre-K operates during established business hours designed to accommodate working families. Our operating schedule provides consistent, reliable care that families can depend upon.

4.2 Holiday and Closure Schedule

We observe major holidays and may close for staff training, facility maintenance, or other operational needs. Families will receive at least two weeks' advance notice of planned closures whenever possible. Tuition rates remain the same regardless of closures for holidays or other scheduled facility closures.

4.3 Late Pickup Policy

Children must be picked up by our established closing time. Parents who arrive after closing time will be charged a late pickup fee as specified in our fee schedule. Repeated late pickups may result in termination of enrollment. In cases of emergency or unexpected delays, parents should contact the facility immediately.

5. Tuition and Fees

5.1 Tuition Rates

Current tuition rates are provided in our enrollment packet and fee schedule. Tuition rates are subject to change with appropriate advance notice to enrolled families. Rate changes will be communicated in writing at least 30 days before they take effect.

5.2 Payment Schedule

Tuition is due as specified in your enrollment agreement. Late payments may be subject to late fees as outlined in our fee schedule. Consistent failure to pay tuition on time may result in termination of enrollment.

5.3 Childcare Assistance Programs

We accept various forms of childcare assistance, including New Mexico's Universal Child Care program. Families are responsible for maintaining eligibility for assistance programs and promptly notifying us of any changes in assistance status. For more information, visit nmececd.org/universal.

6. Health and Safety Policies

6.1 Immunization Requirements

All children must have current immunizations as required by New Mexico state law. Documentation of immunizations must be provided at enrollment and updated as required. We reserve the right to exclude children who do not meet immunization requirements.

6.2 Illness Policy

Children who are ill must be kept home to protect the health of other children and staff. Children may not attend if they have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other contagious conditions. Children must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning to care.

6.3 Medication Administration

We will administer prescribed medications only with written authorization from parents and, when required, a physician. All medications must be in original containers with the child's name, dosage instructions, and prescribing physician's information.

7. Behavioral Guidance and Discipline

We use positive guidance techniques to support children's social-emotional development. Our approach focuses on teaching appropriate behavior, setting clear expectations, and providing consistent, nurturing responses. We do not use physical punishment, isolation, or any form of emotional abuse. Serious or persistent behavioral concerns will be addressed collaboratively with families.

8. Termination of Enrollment

8.1 Voluntary Withdrawal

Families wishing to withdraw their child from our program must provide written notice as specified in their enrollment agreement. Tuition obligations continue through the notice period.

8.2 Involuntary Termination

We reserve the right to terminate enrollment for reasons including non-payment of tuition, failure to comply with our policies, behavioral issues that cannot be safely managed, or other circumstances that compromise the safety or well-being of children or staff.

9. Limitation of Liability

While we take every precaution to ensure the safety and well-being of children in our care, Teddy Bear Preschool & Pre-K's liability is limited to the extent permitted by applicable law. We are not responsible for injuries resulting from normal childhood activities, accidents that occur despite reasonable supervision, or circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

10. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. We will notify families of significant changes through written communication. Continued enrollment following notification of changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

• Teddy Bear Preschool & Pre-K
• 1509 San Pedro Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110
• Phone: (505) 345-6164
• Email: [email protected]
• Administrator: Elizabeth Villalva