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FAQs



Q:

How do I sign up for ECHO?

A:

Once registration is open, you must download, print, complete, and return your registration packet along with your non-refundable $100 family registration fee. Then class registrations are done by priority levels: first teachers and leadership families, then returning non-ALE families, then new non-ALE families, then ALE participating families. Returning families will receive an email with a link to download their registration packet ahead of our 'open registration date'. On our open registration date, an email will be sent to families that have signed up on our mailing list, and they will have the opportunity to download and complete the registration packet. We will NOT be doing online registrations at this point.

Q:

Can I enroll in ECHO if I’m enrolled in an ALE program?

A:

Yes. Please understand that ECHO’s mission is to access resources and events not usually obtainable as individual families. Families that are participating in ALE programs (public school programs such as CVA, MCP, Three Rivers Home-Link, K12, etc.) have more resources and events available to them, especially with the funding they provide. Because of this, ECHO gives priority first to returning and new families NOT participating in these programs. This is the group for whom ECHO was originally created to serve.

Q:

How much does it cost?

A:

Each family pays a yearly Non-Refundable Registration fee of $100 at the time of registration. This fee helps cover our insurance, website, and other administrative costs. Tuition rates vary based on enrollment, number of class offerings, and overhead. For the 2023-2024 year, tuition is $175 per student. This cost covers all three class periods. Preschool is the same rate as full tuition. In addition, classes have an added materials fee. This varies between classes depending on the costs incurred in materials and supplies for that class. All of our classes have materials fees, ranging from $5 to $30 at this time. The materials fee will be listed in the class description. Materials fees are due by parent night in mid-September. Tuition costs can be broken into three monthly payments due in Oct, Nov, and Dec. 

Q:

What classes are available?

A:

See our current class descriptions.

Q:

Do you offer a discount for more than one child?

A:

We do not offer a discount for multiple children.

Q:

When does ECHO start and end?

A:

ECHO usually starts the 1st Friday in October and ends toward the end of March (see current calendar).

Q:

Do we have to agree with ECHO’s Statement of Faith?

A:

Yes. We ask families to sign a Statement of Faith Acknowledgment, stating that they agree with ECHO’s Statement of Faith and understand that these standards will be upheld and taught at ECHO. The ECHO board reserves the right to deny enrollment to any family whose beliefs vary from the statement of faith.

Q:

Can I switch classes after enrollment?

A:

Class changes are made at the discretion of the Leadership Board. The last day to switch classes without a fee is Parent Night in September. After this date, plans are set in motion for students to be present in enrolled classes – rosters and name tags printed, and teachers are given rosters to plan for their students. Because of this, a class switch after this date will be assessed a $45 class switch fee, materials fee from original class will not be refunded, and the materials fee for the new class will be due. 

Q:

Do I have to attend the Parent Meeting in September?

A:

Yes. At least one parent (preferably the one who will be aiding in classes) must attend the meeting or enrollment may be forfeited. 

Q:

I have some place I need to be Friday mornings. Can I drop my child off early?

A:

No. Please remember that ECHO is not a drop-off for your children. ECHO is a cooperative organization and is a ministry for both students and parents. Currently, aides are expected to assist every ECHO Friday to provide at least one aide per class. This is essential for classes to run smoothly. It is also essential for the success of ECHO that parents and children attend morning prayer and announcements in the sanctuary with us at 9:20 AM. On days with assemblies, please note that you will need to be at ECHO earlier than usual. Most assemblies begin at 9 AM.

Q:

What ages of children can participate in ECHO?

A:

Please see class description for our current age groups.

Q:

I want to enroll my child in preschool. What are the requirements?

A:

Preschool/Kindergarten is open to 3-5 year olds. For a child to enroll in preschool he/she must be at least 3 years old by October 1st AND fully potty trained. Preschool/Kindergarten spans the ECHO day with no class changes from 9:30 AM to 11:55 AM. Snacks are served during class. Your preschooler should attend morning prayer and announcements with you, then be checked in to the preschool room. We are not currently accepting applications for preschoolers who do NOT have an older sibling registered in other ECHO classes. 

Q:

Is there a nursery available for my younger children on my aiding days?

A:

Yes. We offer a nursery for your own children 3 and under on days when you are scheduled to aide at ECHO. Remember, this is only for the days you aid. It is not available for dropping your child off and leaving. Space may be limited. No day-care children, please.

Q:

I have a child 3 years old or older not enrolled in ECHO, can they come to ECHO on my work days?

A:

No. You must arrange for childcare elsewhere for your children, 3 and older, that are not enrolled in ECHO.

Q:

Can I bring a visitor to ECHO?

A:

No. However, a board exception may be authorized in specific cases where the adult visitor is substantially contributing to the class. Prior board approval and background check must be in place before this is allowed.

Q:

Do you have ECHO in inclement weather?

A:

On extreme weather days, we generally follow the Richland School District at this time for closings. If Richland Schools are closed or on a 2 or more hour weather delay, ECHO will be canceled. As we have families that also travel from much greater distances, we may still cancel even if Richland does not. We always try to keep the safety of our families in mind when making these decisions.   We also email our families in these situations as soon as possible. 

Q:

Do you offer school pictures?

A:

Yes. A local photographer will be taking our fall pictures. They are standard school photos taken in October and will be available for purchase.

Q:

Do you offer a yearbook?

A:

Yes.