Frequently Asked Questions
Staff and school leadership have assembled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide you with some basic information. You can also find information at the MNPS Early Learning site or reach out to us directly.
Your Questions Answered
What are school hours?
A full school day is 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Our doors open at 7:45 a.m. for arrival (7:00–7:30 a.m. drop off is ONLY for four-year-old Before Care registered students). Staff assisted arrival concludes at 8:00 a.m. Arrival after 8:00 a.m. is considered tardy. Arrival after 8:00 a.m. requires parents to park and walk their students to the front door. The doors open for dismissal at 2:00 p.m. Arrival should conclude by 2:15 p.m. On half days of school, students are dismissed at 11:00 a.m.
Is bus service provided for Casa Azafran ELC students?
Bus service is only provided for students if they receive Exceptional Education Services through MNPS and it is designated as part of their Individualized Education Plan.
How much do Pre-K Programs cost?
Some Pre-K seats require a fee, which is based on a sliding scale (see the sliding scale attached to this packet). Depending on a family’s household income and the number of family members in the household, that fee could be anywhere from $0–$144 per child every week. The fee does not include Extended Learning (before or after care).
Do you have a before care and/or after care program?
Extended Learning is provided through our MNPS Student Services. Before and After Care is available for 4-year-old students Monday through Friday from 7:00–7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on full days that school is in session. For more information on this program, contact Meta McLemore. Before and after care is not available for 3-year-old students.
How late is the front office open?
Office hours are 7:45 a.m.–3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. Our front office secretary, Mrs. Karem Ramos Moreno will be available to assist you daily via email. Please allow 24 hours to receive a response after 3:15 p.m. each day or over the weekend. Individual classroom daily schedules will be provided for you by the classroom teacher. The front office is covered by Extended Learning staff until 5:30 p.m. on full school days.
Is after-care provided on half-days?
No. All students dismiss at 11:00 a.m. on half-days.
If I have a question, where should I start?
If you have a question about your child, always start with your child’s teacher and they can direct you from there. At Casa, we use the Remind app for Parent – Teacher communication. Download this application, accept the teacher invitation, and check it daily for school-wide and classroom posts. This app allows for private message exchange with the teacher and group chats with classroom parents. Instructions are included in this packet.
What is the school calendar?
Casa Azafrán Early Learning Center will follow the MNPS school calendar. The 2025–2026 district calendar is included in this packet and can be accessed via the MNPS website.
What is the dress code?
Casa Azafrán Early Learning Center will follow the MNPS standard school attire code, which requires children to wear any solid color collared shirt, close-toed shoes, and pants/skirts/shorts that are blue, black, or khaki color. Students should not wear jeans. Students will have opportunities to dress outside of standard school attire on field trips, field day, spirit week, picture day etc. You will be notified via parent-teacher communication tools.
What is the policy if my child is absent, tardy or dismissed early?
At Casa Azafrán, we value every instructional moment of the school day. When your child is absent, tardy, or leaves early, they miss instructional activities with their class. If your child is absent, please call the school the day of the absence or send a note via the child’s red communication folder or email to Ms. Karem upon the student’s return to school to ensure the absence is excused. If they were at a doctor’s appointment, the doctor’s excuse note will be accepted. Arrival after 8:00 a.m. is considered tardy. Early dismissals will not be allowed after 1:30 p.m. This is to ensure safety of the students during the dismissal process. Please communicate with the principal if there is an emergency.
What if my child is sick?
If your child presents sick at home, he/she should be fever free for 24 hours (without medication) before returning to school. If your child is vomiting or has diarrhea, please keep them at home until the symptoms subside. If your child presents sick at school, you will be contacted by the front office to pick them up. If a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea were observed, your child will need to remain home for 24 hours before returning to school. If a child has a severe bathroom accident, you will be asked to pick up the student. We will do our very best to assist, but we do not have a bathing facility.
How will outdoor play be implemented?
A connection with nature and the outdoors has been proven to support young children’s development. In addition to our outdoor garden/classroom area, Casa Azafrán Learning Center has an indoor gym for gross motor play. Classrooms also visit the local community Casa Azafrán Park. Children will be provided an opportunity for outdoor play when the temperature range is between 32 degrees and 95 degrees Fahrenheit and not raining. Heat index will be considered. The time we spend outdoors will be well-planned, intentional, and used to actively support children’s development and learning.
What meals will be served?
Casa Azafrán Early Learning Center offers breakfast and lunch every day, which will be served in our classrooms, family style. This approach will help children develop positive attitudes toward nutrition as well as support their social skills and independence. We will provide families with a monthly menu via Parent-Teacher communication tools. Students are always welcome to bring their own food, but staff members are unable to heat food during the school day. Please utilize thermos containers if sending a hot lunch for your child. Please avoid sending glass containers. Please remember to send your child to school each day with a water bottle labeled with their name.
Can I celebrate my child’s birthday at school?
We know how important your child’s special day is to him or her! Our teachers will make every effort to make your child feel special on their birthday. However, birthday parties are not allowed during school hours. If you would like to bring an item to celebrate, we ask that you bring it at lunchtime. Please be sure to check with the teacher for any student allergies. Our goal is to celebrate your child and make him/her feel special and keep everyone safe!
What supplies are needed?
We want to remove every barrier possible for each of our students. To support this goal, we are minimizing materials and supplies we ask families to provide. School supplies are posted for your convenience.