A methodical and objective process is followed in selecting students for admission to Christel House:
A. Notification from Affiliates:
Affiliate partners (shelters and N.G.O.’s) are requested each February to furnish a list of children under their care for whom they seek enrollment. Although their needs are so great, Christel House also desires to admit a significant number of children from slum communities and so, only a limited number of students recommended by affiliate partners can be enrolled.
B. Registration:
Children seeking enrollment are registered by the Christel House Social Service Department so that appropriate due diligence can be done.
C. First Short Listing of Applicants:
After registration, applicants are short-listed to eliminate those who do not meet the qualifying prerequisites based on age, grade level, geographic location or economic threshold.
D. Home visit by Social Service Department:
A member of the Social Service team visits the home or shelter of short-listed applicants to verify their socio-economic background and record their family profile.
E. Preference Factors:
Preferences are given to applicants on the following order of priority:
F. Priority Ranking:
A second list is prepared, placing the applicants according to the above preference factors, after which they are requested to come to the learning center for a developmental screening test.
G. Screening Test:
The BRIGANCE Screening for developmental readiness is administered to each child to establish both social and cognitive school readiness. Parents are also interviewed to collect basic health information and family history.
H. Selection Committee:
The Principal, Social Service Department Administrator and School Psychologist form the Enrollment Selection Committee, who determines admissions after evaluating the information collected for every candidate.
I. Orientation to the Parents:
Parents of all selected children are expected to attend an orientation program to acquaint themselves with the policies and culture of Christel House India. Parents are expected to support the educational process.
J. Commitment Letter From Parents:
Parents of all Christel House students sign a letter committing to keep the child in school for the entire period of his or her education. This is critical in an environment where child labor is pervasive. Parents also give written permission allowing Christel House to transport their child from home to school and back and to administer medical care and treatment should the need arise.
