For Families

Your one-stop resource hub for everything you need as a BeAbove Worldwide Institute family \u2014 from handbooks and calendars to meal menus and support services.

Parent Handbook

Everything you need to know about our policies and procedures.

Comprehensive Guide for Families

Our Parent Handbook contains detailed information about every aspect of your child's experience at BeAbove Worldwide Institute. We encourage all families to review it at the start of each school year.

Attendance policies and reporting absences
Health and safety protocols
Pickup and drop-off procedures
Behavioral guidance and discipline philosophy
Parent involvement and volunteer opportunities

Updated annually to reflect the latest NYC Department of Education and Administration for Children's Services guidelines.

Download Parent Handbook (PDF)

School Year Calendar 2025–2026

Key dates for the upcoming school year. Please plan ahead for closures and breaks.

Date	Event
September 8, 2025	First Day of School
November 27–28, 2025	Thanksgiving Break (Closed)
December 23, 2025 – January 2, 2026	Winter Break (Closed)
January 19, 2026	MLK Jr. Day (Closed)
February 16–20, 2026	Mid-Winter Recess (Closed)
April 6–10, 2026	Spring Recess (Closed)
June 26, 2026	Last Day of School

Note: EarlyLearn sites may follow a slightly different calendar. Please confirm with your center director.

Weekly Meal Menus

We serve nutritious, freshly prepared meals daily at every BeAbove location \u2014 breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack.

Sample Weekly Menu

Day	Breakfast	Lunch
Monday	Scrambled eggs, whole wheat toast, fresh berries	Baked chicken breast, brown rice, steamed broccoli
Tuesday	Oatmeal with bananas and cinnamon	Turkey meatballs, whole wheat pasta, marinara sauce
Wednesday	Whole grain pancakes with fresh fruit	Baked salmon, sweet potato, green beans
Thursday	Greek yogurt with granola and mixed berries	Beef taco bowls with black beans, corn, and bell peppers
Friday	Whole grain waffles with applesauce	Cheese and vegetable quesadilla, pinto beans, salsa

An afternoon snack (such as fresh fruit, cheese and crackers, or yogurt) is served daily between 2:30 and 3:00 PM.

Family Support Services

We support the whole family \u2014 not just the child. Our team connects families to vital resources and services.

Benefits Enrollment

Assistance with SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, child tax credits, and other government benefits programs. Our staff helps you navigate the application process from start to finish.

Housing Assistance

Referrals to affordable housing programs, emergency shelter resources, and rental assistance. We partner with local organizations to help families find stable housing.

Immigration Legal Aid

Confidential connections to immigration attorneys and legal aid organizations. We help families understand their rights and access pro bono legal representation.

Job Training & GED

Free GED preparation classes, job readiness workshops, resume building, and connections to workforce development programs for parents and caregivers.

Mental Health Support

On-site licensed social workers provide counseling, crisis intervention, and referrals to community mental health providers for children and family members.

Parent Workshops

Monthly workshops on topics like positive discipline, child development milestones, nutrition, digital safety, and navigating the public school system.

To connect with our family services team, speak with your center director or call us at (212) 555-0100.

Parent Portal – Brightwheel

Stay connected to your child's day with real-time updates, photos, and direct communication with teachers.

Real-Time Communication & Daily Reports

Brightwheel is our official parent communication platform, used across all 12 BeAbove locations. Through the app, you can stay informed about your child's activities, meals, naps, and developmental milestones every single day.

Daily activity reports with photos and learning updates
Real-time notifications for check-in and check-out
Direct messaging with your child's teacher
Incident and accident report notifications
Monthly developmental progress reports

Login credentials are provided during enrollment. If you need help accessing your account, please contact your center's front office.

Access Brightwheel Parent Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions from families. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us anytime.

What if my child gets sick at school?

If your child becomes ill during the school day, our staff will contact you or your designated emergency contact immediately. Children with a fever of 100.4°F or higher, vomiting, or other contagious symptoms will need to be picked up within one hour. Your child may return to school after being symptom-free for 24 hours without medication. We follow NYC Department of Health guidelines for all communicable illnesses.

How do I update my emergency contacts?

You can update your emergency contacts at any time through the Brightwheel Parent Portal. Simply log in to your account, navigate to your child’s profile, and select “Emergency Contacts.” You may also visit your center’s front office to update this information in person. We require at least two emergency contacts on file at all times.

Can I visit the classroom during the day?

We welcome and encourage family involvement! Classroom visits can be arranged by coordinating with your child’s teacher or the center director. For security purposes, all visitors must sign in at the front desk and wear a visitor badge. We also host regular family events, open houses, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

What should I pack in my child’s bag?

Please send your child with a complete change of weather-appropriate clothing (labeled with their name), any necessary diapers or pull-ups, a comfort item for nap time (small blanket or stuffed animal), and any required medications in their original packaging with written instructions. All meals and snacks are provided by the center — no outside food is necessary unless your child has specific dietary needs discussed with staff.

How do I apply for a different BeAbove location?

If you’d like to transfer your child to a different BeAbove Worldwide Institute location, please speak with your current center director. They will help you complete a transfer request form and coordinate with the receiving location based on availability. Priority is given to currently enrolled families, and most transfers can be processed within 2–4 weeks.