Central Bark Academy Policies

All applicants are first interviewed by our Director. Applicants must be at least 17 (seventeen) years of age. If the applicant is under 18 (eighteen) years old, a parent or guardian must approve the application. The Academy does not discriminate based on race, sex, religion, ethnic origin or disability.

The applicant must be able to read and understand course material. Applicants must also be in sound physical and mental condition to operate grooming equipment, and have patience to cope with a variety of canine and feline dispositions.

The applicant must present evidence of a recent tetanus inoculation or make plans to get one before commencement of class.

Full & Part-Time Students

Our normal full time student program is an in depth 4 month program. In addition, we also accept part-time students. Our part-time program scales to as little as 1 day per week, with the length of the course adjusting to cover the same curriculum. The cost of the part-time course is the same as the regular full-time one. See the Course Expenses section for more information.

Enrollment Requirements & Deposit

After the initial interview the student will be admitted subject to the acceptance of his or her Student Registration and Enrollment Contract. The contract must be filled out completely and returned to the Director with a $200.00 registration fee. If the applicant is under 18 (eighteen) years old the contract must also be signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Course Expenses

Additional Expenses

Attendance at grooming industry shows and expos is optional and at student expense.

The academy agrees to provide and furnish all other necessary manuals and specialized equipment and instruments which are necessary for the course.

Facilities, Equipment and Services

The academy provides pets for lab training. Each day’s grooming assignments MUST be completed by the student before he/she leaves for the day. Each student is assigned a work station and is given a training manual developed by the school.

The manual is the academy’s property. All specialized equipment and instruments such as tables, stand dryers, cage dryers, holding kennels, bathing facilities, towels, shampoo, coat conditioners, flea dip and other products essential for the course of training are provided.

The work stations simulate actual working conditions in the field. Students will be able to observe real-life customer relations. Each student will receive individual instruction.

Class Schedule

Starting dates are determined at the time of registration. Classes are held on a continuous basis, and are filled on a first come, first served basis.

When an unexpected closure occurs due to extraordinary conditions such as inclement weather, students will be notified as soon as possible by phone and/or radio/television stations who provide closure information as a public service.

Dress Code

A neat and clean appearance is essential to the student’s professionalism. We recommend you dress casually, but be neat and clean in appearance. Jeans, tee shirts and close toe rubber soled shoes. No leather-soled shoes or boots.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to arrive on time for all scheduled class periods. Tardiness and unexcused absences are ground for possible dismissal.

A student is required to make a report to the instructor about each tardiness. If a student is tardy more than 3 (three) times in any calendar month, he/she will be warned and may be put on probation for one month. EXCESSIVE TARDINESS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. If the student continues to be tardy while on probation, the student may be dismissed.

If a student is going to miss a day of class, they are expected to notify the Director at least four hours prior to commencement of the day’s session. A student is required to make a report to their instructor about each unexcused absence. More than two unexcused absences in any calendar month may result in the student being put on probation for one month. If the student has only two unexcused absences while on probation, then the probation will be lifted after the probation period. If the student continues to have in excess of two unexcused absences for each two calendar months in a row, the student may be held back or dismissed.

Leave of absence may be approved for emergencies such as: death in the family, military service, prolonged illness or unforeseeable situations. All leaves of absence must be submitted in writing at least 24 hours in advance, when possible, and approved by the director. The request should indicate beginning date, ending date, and reasons. Failure to do so may be considered as an unexcused absence. Upon return, the student may be permitted to re-enter a phase of training that is identical to the one he/she left. If determined by the instructor or student, an earlier phase of training may be repeated at no additional charge to the student. Students who do not return to the academy as agreed to by the instructor, will be dismissed.

Make-Up Class Policy

If a student misses (for either excused or unexcused reasons) sufficient class time to impact their skill development, that student's graduation date will be extended to allow make-up classes to cover the missed material.

Conduct Policy

The Central Bark Academy of Pet Grooming reserves the right to dismiss any student for the following reasons:

Any student who violates any of the academy’s conduct policies will be suspended for 3 school days or be placed on probation. Any student violating an academy policy while on probation will be expelled at that point. Any student who requires a suspension a second time will be expelled from training at that time.

Expulsion

Any student may be dismissed for violation of academy conduct policies, as set forth above. A student also may be withdrawn from classes if he or she does not prepare sufficiently, neglects assignments, or makes unsatisfactory progress. The director, after consultation with all parties involved makes the final decision.

Any student who is temporarily suspended for any of the above policies will be allowed back in school. After appropriate counseling, students who demonstrate a genuine desire to learn and conform to academy standards of conduct, may be allowed to resume attendance upon repayment of $50.00 re-entry fee. The director will review each case and decide upon re-admittance.

Refund Policy

Students who cancel their enrollment in writing prior to the commencement of classes are entitled to a full refund of any paid tuition and student handbook fee. The registration fee and the cost of tools and textbooks is non-refundable.

Students who withdraw from a course in writing, or are expelled, after the commencement of classes will be entitled to a partial refund of paid tuition and the student handbook fee. The portion of the refund is determined by the date of written notification of withdrawal as follows:

Course Completed as of Withdrawal/Expulsion	Refund
Less than 10% of the class	90% of tuition & student handbook fee
10% to 24% of the class	75% of tuition & student handbook fee
25% to 49% of the class	50% of tuition & student handbook fee
50% to 75% of the class	25% of tuition & student handbook fee
75% or more of the class	no refund

Students will receive a full refund of tuition and fees paid if the school discontinues a course/program within a period of time a student could have reasonably completed it, except that this provision shall not apply in the event the school ceases operation.

Graduation Requirements

Each student who passes all exams, demonstrates proficiency and meets the set requirements in handling of pets, scissoring, use of electric clippers and basic knowledge of breed patterns will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement. THE MAIN CRITERIA for graduation is the ability to groom each of the basic breed cuts: Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, Schnauzer and Mixed Breed without any assistance from the instructor. If a student displays an exceptional aptitude, early graduation is possible prior to the 440 hours of course time, as long as he/she meets the above-mentioned criteria for graduation.

Previous Credits

Credits from another institution will not be accepted unless there is a written agreement with another institution. We do not guarantee transferability of our credits to another institution without written agreement between Central Bark Academy of Dog Grooming and that institution.

Grading System and Academic Requirements

Each student is evaluated on everything he/she does. The instructor will advise the student of his/her progress grades based on the following grading system:

Each student will be given three written tests (including a comprehensive final exam) and a combined oral and hands-on grooming test for each breed group. Any student scoring below the proficient level on any test will be required to retake that test at a time arranged with the instructor. If the student does not score at least a proficient level on the retest, their continuation in the course will be subject to a review by the director.

Student Records

As a student of our Academy, your records come under the Privacy Act and you have the right to access your cumulative records. Parents also have this right regarding minor children. Student information will be sealed on signature or, in a minor’s case, on a parent’s signature.

Employment

The Academy does not maintain a placement service to assist students finding work when they are graduated. However, the school has a network system with local pet grooming businesses and maintains a list of pet grooming businesses and opportunities that are in need of graduated pet groomers. Thus, graduating students are provided employment opportunities if they wish to take advantage of the network. The academy does not control local employment conditions of the economy. This in no way constitutes a promise or guarantee of employment.

There is a great demand for good groomers in Denver and the Front Range. Salaries range from $12,000 to $50,000 per year.

Student Complaints

Student Complaints should be brought to the attention of the director in order to be resolved. Complaints, which cannot be resolved by direct negotiation between the student and the school may be filed with the Division of Private Occupational Schools of the Colorado Department of Higher Education at 303-894-2960. There is a two year limitation on the Division taking action on student complaints.

Contacting Us

We are glad to answer any additional questions and individual circumstances which you would like to discuss.