FURRY TAILS

 

 

Pet Grooming School

         

 

                

 

 

 409 Rt. 206, Unit B 1

                                       Hillsborough, NJ  08844

 

 

                                               908-359-7387

 

Approved by the New Jersey Department of Education

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

 

The school is owned and operated by Beth Recchia.   Beth is a graduate of a board certified dog grooming school and is a certified instructor. She has been grooming dogs and cats for over eight years.  She began grooming while in high school, and

then went on to dog grooming school.  Upon graduation, she worked for a dog grooming salon. She was then recruited to teach dog grooming.  After teaching for a few years, she opened Furry Tails Dog Grooming Salon in 2006.  Furry Tails School of Dog Grooming is a state-of-the art facility.  All the grooming stations are open, which is especially pleasing to our customers.  Beth and her staff share a love of animals. That love and compassion for animals makes her salon the success it is.

 

 

 

 

 

Open floor plan with state of the art  grooming stations 

 

 

A few of our "clients" !

 

FURRY TAILS  - COURSE SCHEDULES                                           

 

 

 

Furry Tails is approved by the New Jersey State Department of Education.

 

We have an open enrollment plan based on availability of space in the classroom.  

 

Entrance requirements: At least sixteen years of age and physically able to groom a dog.  A high school diploma is not required.

 

We offer two course schedules:

 

Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

(twelve weeks = 420 hours)

Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

(approximately one year = 420 hours)

 

Alternative schedules can be arranged.

 

 

 

 

HOLIDAYS

 

The following holidays will be observed by the school and classes will not be held.  Holidays are not counted as part of the contracted time schedule.  Additional holidays may be added on a "per year" basis.

 

Observed Holidays

 

New Years Day                                              

Memorial Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Thanksgiving

Christmas Day

                                               

                                               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRICULUM

 

The grooming course is 420 hours of hands-on training.   It is an intensive course designed to teach all aspects of dog and cat grooming, from basics such as bathing and nails to designer cuts.

 

The School is also a grooming salon, therefore, courses are taught in a highly individualized hands-on environment by certified instructors.  Students will groom dogs and cats everyday and will work and learn at their own pace.

 

Approximately 2 -3 hours of the course focuses on various business aspects necessary to be successful in a grooming career.

 

Topics covered include:

 

• Dog breeds

 

• Animal first aid

 

• Grooming associations

 

• Setting up a Shop
• Shop Location
• Record keeping
• Customer Relations
• Equipment
• Advertising
• Retail merchandising
• Mobile grooming
• Expenses

 

 

Grooming is the perfect opportunity for individuals    looking for an alternative to college.  Combine the love of animals with a great career!

 

At the completion of the 420 hour course, you will receive a diploma from Furry Tails School of Dog Grooming.  You will be a professional pet groomer and will be prepared to start your career.  Your options will include opening your own grooming salon, operating a mobile grooming van, working for a veterinarian, kennel, or another grooming salon.

 

We offer placement and guidance counseling to our students.  We are approved by the New Jersey State Department of Education and regularly receive calls from veterinarians, kennel owners and grooming salons expressing interest in hiring our graduates.  Although the school cannot guarantee placement, virtually every graduate finds work immediately upon completion of the course.

If you would like to make an appointment to visit the school or have any questions regarding enrollment, please feel free to call Beth Recchia, owner and director.  She will be happy to speak with you about a career in pet grooming and answer any questions you may have.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave of Absence Policy

 

Students will be granted a leave of absence upon request.  The following guidelines must be adhered to:

1. The request for a leave of absence must be submitted to the attendance officer in writing.
2. The request must have the date that the student will begin the leave and the expected date of return to classes.
3. Leaves of absence will be honored within the student’s Enrollment Agreement contract and will not extend beyond the contract. Should a leave request take the student beyond the contracted completion date, the student may be subject to re-entry under a new contract or an amended contract.  If the student does not re-enter within the contracted schedule and does not arrange for a contract amendment then the student’s contract will be terminated. When appropriate the student may be entitled to a refund in accordance with the school’s refund policy.

 

Note:  Each individual situation will be handled privately.  The school will make every effort to help students meet their educational goals.  It will be necessary to meet with the attendance officer before returning to class. Leave of absences that extend beyond the original contract may be subject to additional tuition costs.

 

 

Code of Conduct

The following conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated:

1. All forms of bias including race, ethnicity, gender, disability, national origin, and creed as demonstrated through verbal and/or written communication and/or physical acts.
2. Sexual harassment including creating a hostile environment and coercing an individual to perform sexual favors in return for something.
3. All types of proven dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, knowingly furnishing false information to the institution, forgery and alteration or use of institution documents of identification with intent to defraud.
4. Intentional disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, public meetings and programs, or other school activities.
5. Physical or mental abuse of any person on school premises or at functions sponsored or supervised by the school.
6. Theft or damage to the school premises or damage to the property of a member of the school community on the school premises.
7. Failure to comply with directions of institutional officials acting in the performance of their duties.
8. Violation of the law on school premises in a way that affects the school community’s pursuit of its proper educational objectives.  This includes, but is not limited to, the use of alcoholic beverages and/or controlled dangerous substances on school premises.

Conditions for Dismissal

Students may be dismissed from the school for the following reasons:

1. Not adhering to the school’s rules, regulations, policies and code of conduct
2. Missing more than 20 percent of instruction time
3. Not maintaining the minimum grade point average
4. Not meeting financial responsibilities to the school

The school director will notify the student in writing should it become necessary to dismiss the student.  The dismissal letter will contain the date and the reason for dismissal. It is the responsibilities of the dismissed student to notify the appropriate institution should the student have a student loan or is receiving financial aid. Prepaid tuition will be refunded according to the school’s refund policy.

 

Re-entry Policy

Students that have been dismissed from the school and are requesting re-entry must put the request in writing to the school director. Depending on the reason for dismissal the student may be able to reapply to the school for readmission. In cases where the student was dismissed for excessive absences (greater than 20 percent) or financial concerns it may be possible to re-enter within the same school term.  In cases where the student was dismissed due to failure to maintain the minimum grade point average, it may be possible for the student to receive private tutoring and then reenter the school.  In cases where the student was dismissed due to unacceptable conduct the student may have to meet with a review panel before re-entering the school.  The decision of the review panel is final and the student will receive a letter within five business days from the school director stating the decision of the panel.

Student Complaint/Appeal Process Resolution Policy

Students who have a complaint or who would like to appeal a dismissal must make an appointment for an interview with the school director.  The written request should include the following information:

1.      Student’s full name, social security number, and current address

2.      A statement of the concern including dates, times, instructors, and if applicable, other students involved

3.      Date of complaint letter and signature of the student

4.      Three dates in which the student would be available for a meeting with the school director and/or appeal panel. These dates should be within 10 business days of the complaint.

The school director will notify the student in writing of the appointment date in which the concerns or appeal will be addressed.  Every effort will be made to bring an amicable closure to the concern.  Should it be necessary, a panel of instructors will hear the concerns and will be asked to assist in bringing a resolution to concerns and/or appeals.  The student will be notified in writing within five business days of the outcome of the meetings.  The decision of the director and/or appeal panel is final.  Should the contract be cancelled by either the student or the school the date on the complaint letter will be used as the date to calculate any refund in accordance with the school’s refund policy. 

 

Grading System

A Certificate is issued to those students attaining a minimum satisfactory grade of "G".  If a student does not perform above a grade "F' for three consecutive marking periods, he or she will be asked to leave.  To gain re-entry, a student must indicate a more serious approach to the curriculum.  After each five school days, an entry will be made in the school log indicating the student's progress.  A report card will be given mid-way and upon completion of the course.  Student's records and progress reports are kept on file.

 

GRADE LEVELS:       A - excellent - Student works with minimal correction and is able to perform all phases covered by the curriculum.

                                    B- very good - Student generally performs in an above average manner and has total grasp of the basics.

                                    C - good -  Student performs at an average level.

                                    P - poor - Student performs below average, but has basic skills.

                                    F - failing - Student performs below average and lacks basis skills.

                                   

           

A student’s Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) is based on the sum of all grades received through testing and divided by the total number of tests.                                                           

Incomplete Grades

Incomplete grades are given when a student is unable to complete a course because of illness or other serious problems.  An incomplete grade may also be given when through negligence or procrastination students fail to turn in work or take examinations.  A student who misses a final examination must contact the instructor within twenty-four hours of the examination to arrange for a make-up examination.  If the student does not make arrangement to take missed examinations then a failure grade will be given.  Students who withdraw and are passing the program will be given a WP (withdrew passing).  Students who withdraw and are not meeting the minimum grade point average will be given a WU (withdrew unsatisfactory grades).

Withdrawing from School

Students must fill out a withdrawal notification and submit it to the school director.  This document must contain the student’s name, student ID number, and date of withdrawal.  All financial obligations on the part of the school and the student will be calculated on the withdrawal date. It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw officially from the school.  Failure to withdraw formally may result in failing grades, breech of contract, dismissal and additional financial obligations.

 

Student Records

Student records will be maintained by the school until the school closes. At that time, records will be forwarded to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Upon graduation, students will be given a copy of their records.  These records should be maintained indefinitely by the student. The records that the school will maintain are as follows:

1. Attendance records
2. Academic progress and grades
3. Financial records
4. Placement data
5. The Enrollment Agreement
6. The Ability to Benefit (where applicable)
7. Record of credit given for previous training
8. Records of meetings, appeals, disciplinary actions and dismissals
9. A copy of the graduation certificate(s) from this school
10. Medical Records (where applicable)

Student records are maintained by the school secretary and are available for review by the student at any time.  Students are encouraged to submit updates to their records, such as address changes and/or changes in financial aid.  All records are private and are handled with confidentiality.

                                                              

                                         

The administrative fee is non refundable.  Additional costs are due the first day of class.  Parking can be paid on a weekly basis and private tutoring on an hourly basis. Students who withdraw from the program may be able to sell the textbook back to the school if it is in excellent condition.  The student workbook is not returnable.  The fees for supplies and materials are non-refundable. 

Students who carelessly damage school property or equipment may be required to pay the repair or replacement costs.  Students will need to meet all financial responsibilities before a Certificate of Completion will be issued.

 

Refund Policy

Should the student’s enrollment be terminated or should the student withdraw for any reason, all refunds will be made according to the following refund schedule.

1.      Students who wish to cancel their enrollment in a program or at the school must do so in writing.  The request must include the date of withdrawal and must be dated and signed by the student. This letter must be received within one week of the withdrawal (5 business days) to receive tuition reimbursement for that week.  Tuition reimbursement will begin the week the notification is received.  It is best to hand deliver the withdrawal letter and have a copy signed by the admissions officer or mail the letter by Certified Mail.

2.      All monies will be refunded if the applicant is not accepted by the school or if the student cancels within three (3) business days after the enrollment agreement is signed by both parties, even if instruction has begun.

3.      Cancellation after the third (3^rd) business day, but before the first class, will result in a refund of all monies paid, with the exception of the application and registration fees.

4.      Withdraw after attendance has begun is based on the following refund policy for all programs of 300 instructional hours or more.  The programs at Blue Chip Learning Center are 60 days each.  Each day is 6.5 instructional hours in length.  There are 420 hours for each course.  An instructional hour is defined as 60 consecutive minutes of which a minimum of 60 minutes is dedicated to instruction.

 

Reimbursement Scale

If withdrawal or cancellation occurs:                              The School Will Retain

During the first week                                                     10% of the tuition

During the second or third week                                    20% of the tuition

After the third week but prior to completion of  45% of the tuition

                25 percent of the course

            After 25 percent but not more than 50 percent           75% of the tuition

           of the course has been attended

      After completion of more than 50 percent                   100% of the tuition

                  of the course

A student who has a student loan and withdrawals from the program is responsible for notifying the loan institution of withdrawal from the school. This notification should be done in writing.  It should include the date of withdrawal, the student’s social security number and signature. Students should maintain a copy of this letter for their files.  Blue Chip encourages the development of good business practices in their students.  It is to this extent that we remind the withdrawing student that the date of withdrawal on the letter to the director must be the same date as on the letter to the loan institution.

Grants, Student Loans and Scholarships

Furry Tails does not award grants or scholarships at this time.  We do honor grants and scholarships that our students have been awarded from outside organizations. We do assist our students with obtaining student loans. 

Note:  Students who have obtained a school assisted loan and withdraw from the school or have had their enrollment terminated must notify the loan institution of their withdrawal. Furry Tails will reimburse the loan institution for balances due in accordance with the school’s refund policy.  The student will be responsible for any balances due on the student loan. Students are responsible for repaying their loan for received instruction.

It should be noted that student loans with the bank must be satisfied regardless of the success or lack of success at Furry Tails.  When a student is given a loan he or she signs a promissory note with the bank.  This loan is the same as any other loan and the student has full responsibility for managing the loan and its repayment.