WHITE OAK SCHOOL

 

White Oak School and Day Care Center is licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and complies with all of the standards put forth by that Department. White Oak School and Day Care Center is privately owned and operated.

White Oak School and Day Care Center advertises in the public media in order to make openings known to all. Children are admitted regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, or religion. Handicapped children will be accepted if the director feels the child's needs can be adequately met.

• Children must be two years of age to enroll at White Oak School.
• A child must be 2 years old by September 1 to be admitted into the 2 year old class.
• A child must be 3 years old by September 1 to be admitted into the 3 year old class.
• A child must be 4 years old by September 1 to be admitted into the 4 year old class.
• Classes are filled on a first-come/first serve basis.
• If classes are filled, the child's name will be put on a waiting list. Vacancies will be filled as they occur.

Children's records are open only to the staff members of White Oak School, an authorized employee of the licensing agency, or the child's parent or legal guardian.

This handbook has been supplied in an effort to answer many of your questions. Please contact the Director or Assistant Director if you have questions at any time AT (847) 439-0202.

• The school opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. Half-day sessions are 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you choose the afternoon hours your child will not benefit from our preschool learning program.
• There will be a late charge of $2.00 for the first 5 minutes and $1.00 per minute thereafter past the closing time of 6:00 p.m. Consistent lateness will be cause to ask you to withdraw your child from school.

• Please refer to the tuition information page of this site for current rates.
• Full-time tuition fees are due every Monday morning or the first day of the week your child attends. NO REFUNDS will be given for non-attendance. Parents will be given one week vacation (tuition free) after one year of continuous enrollment. Your child may not attend school that week.
• NO TUITION CREDIT is given for scheduled school holidays.
• We are licensed to care for a certain number of children per day. Therefore, we cannot automatically grant opportunities to make up days lost as a result of absences. Make-ups MUST be completed within 4 weeks of absence. Part-time children may switch days if there is availability.

** There will be a $5.00 late charge for any tuition not paid by Friday of the week due.

** There will be a $12.00 fee for all returned checks.

• All children should arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. to fully participate in our preschool programs.
• Your child will be given a morning snack of crackers and juice and an afternoon snack of cookies and milk. A nutritious hot lunch will be prepared for them on our premises.
• Each week a menu is posted on the bulletin board by the front door which meets with the guidelines established by the Department of Children and Family Services.
• Show and Tell is on Mondays. Children are encouraged to bring something to show the other children and to talk about their weekend. Children are NEVER allowed to bring guns to school.

Weather permitting, healthy outdoor activity is a part of our program. All children should dress accordingly. Think of your child's comfort and safety--and provide simple clothing that is free of complicated fastenings.

 

Think of the messy art materials and other messy activities--and provide clothing that is sturdy and washable. Think of the changeable weather and dress your child accordingly. Provide sweaters and jackets even on the first sunny fall days. It is much easier to remove an unneeded item than to put on something you don't have. Also, provide your child with a hat when needed.

 

Finally, think of our collection of unlabeled, unclaimed clothing--and put labels on all outer garments, including hats and boots.

 

Sandals MUST be worn with socks. Clogs or thongs are NEVER allowed. We HIGHLY recommend your child wear gym shoes to school. They are the safest for climbing and running.

 

EVERY child is to have a complete change of clothing in their locker.

• DO NOT DROP YOUR CHILD OFF !!!!!!!!!!
• Before your departure, walk your child inside the building and place them in the guardianship of a teacher. You must sign your child in and out everyday. Sheets will be on a clipboard on top of the locker at the front door.
• When arriving and departing, please exert caution as children may be crossing the drive, and PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR IGNITION AND REMOVE YOUR KEYS FROM THE CAR when you enter the building.
• Children will not be released to anyone unless authorized by either parent or guardian. All persons must be listed on the pick-up sheet. If they are not listed, a note must be sent to school. A phone call is not sufficient. If during the day a need should arise for an authorized person to pick up your child, please call the school.
• NO CHILD WILL BE RELEASED TO THE CUSTODY OF ANYONE UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY PARENT OR GUARDIAN !!!!!!!!!! 

It is a state requirement that every child have a complete physical examination by his physician.  It must be dated less than six months prior to their enrollment. If a child transfers from another center, the medial may be used is it is less than 1 year old. Medical forms must be updated every two years. 

 

So that colds and other infections can be kept to a minimum, please observe your child each morning. Children with fevers MUST stay home. If your child has developed a cold or any contagious disease, PLEASE KEEP HIM HOME !!!!!!!!!!

 

If your child has been exposed to a contagious disease, please notify the Director.

 

If your child is going to be absent, please notify the school by 8:45 a.m.

 

NO REFUND WILL BE MADE FOR NON-ATTENDANCE!!!!!!!!!!

 

Medication, clearly marked with your child's name may be sent to school for your child; however, a medicine slip, dated and signed by the parent MUST accompany the medication with specific directions for administering.  We MUST have a permission slip for ALL medications including insect spray, suntan lotion, and diaper rash medications. Medication MUST be in its original container. 

 

PLEASE omit handkerchiefs. Tissues are furnished by the school. 

 

In case of accidental injury or illness we will call 911 or the nearest hospital immediately. Then we will contact the parent or guardian. Until the arrival of a parent, physician, or paramedic a White Oak staff member trained in CPR/First Aid will make all decisions concerning the care of the child. You will be expected to assume responsibility for any resultant expenses not covered by our insurance. The school will maintain a parent's signed consent form agreeing to this provision. It is to your child's benefit that you keep the school up-to-date on phone numbers, emergency numbers, and other pertinent information.

• Except for toys that are needed in the very opening days of school to help ease your child's transition from home to school, we ask that you leave your child's toys at home or in your car.  If an item is brought to school, we cannot be responsible for it. Books may be brought to be shared at storytime.
• A blanket or favorite stuffed animal may be brought for use during naptime only. 

White Oak School is closed on: 

          New Years Day              Thanksgiving and Friday after

          Memorial Day                 Christmas Day

          Fourth of July                Christmas Eve or the day after

          Labor Day                     Christmas 

From time to time, special trips will be arranged to give the children the opportunity for additional experiences. You will be notified in advance of these field trips and asked to sign special permission slips.

• Birthday and Special Holiday parties are planned as the occasion develops.
• One early evening in October you will be invited to a special Open House.

• Our teachers are qualified, and meet all standards established by the state. All employees are fingerprinted and background checks are done. 
• Our indoor facilities provide ample area, constructed to meet the standards of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Our outdoor facilities are one of the most ideal for young children in the area. Our yard provides more than adequate running space for your child. Our facilities are on a half-acre of country-like atmosphere and landscape. 
• For your child's protection, our school is equipped with a modern fire alarm system, smoke detectors, and heat sensors which are connected to the Mt.Prospect Fire Department Board. Fire drills are performed throughout the year.

Acceptable behavior is encouraged by giving positive verbal rewards. This reinforces a child's good feeling about his/her behavior and serves as an example to the other children to act in such a way as to receive this praise. Asking a child to stop and think about his/her unpleasant behavior enables that child to work at self-control.

 

For a child not cooperating in a group listening situation, the child is seated by a teacher and reminded of acceptable behavior.

    

Removal from the group for a period of time-out is the next method used for a child who continually demonstrates unacceptable behavior. The time-out shall not last longer than 1 minute per age of the child. This time-out is not a punishment, but rather a time when the child may calm down, remember what behavior the teacher is asking for, and decide when he/she is ready to rejoin the group with appropriate behavior.

    

If behavior problems persist, the parent is asked to a conference to discuss what may be helpful in motivating the child to behave in an acceptable way.

    

It may be suggested that the child be tested by their local school district to become involved in a Special Education Program which might include a behavior modification plan. If a specific plan is developed to meet a child's needs, the records may include:

 

1. Any assessments by center staff or resource personnel.

2. Goals for the child.

3. Specific ways to handle different behaviors or situations.

4. A written plan for carrying out recommendations.

5. Evaluations to determine if goals and plans are being met.

 

Parents will always be consulted before any special procedures, testing, or observations from any outside source be used.  All records will be kept private and are only open to White Oak staff, or the child's parent or legal guardian.  If problems still persist and after attempts have been made to meet the child's needs, and the child still demonstrates an inability to benefit from the care given by White Oak School, or whose presence is detrimental to the group, shall be discharged from the facility.

    

If White Oak School decides that it is in the best interest of the child to terminate enrollment, the parents will be given a two week notice in which to attempt to make alternate day care arrangements. At the time of notice every attempt will be made to assist the parent in finding alternate day care by giving the parent names of other facilities, day care homes, or babysitters in the area.

The children are under direct adult supervision at all times.  Teachers are trained to anticipate possible hazards and take the necessary precautionary and preventative measures to avoid accidents and injuries.  Outdoor and indoor rules are explained to children in an easy and understanding manner.  By offering guidelines children will learn principles of self-protection.  Rules are not meant to inhibit a child's natural tendencies but to make a safe environment in which they may play and grow.

 

Children should be dressed in play clothes and be wearing socks and preferably gym shoes. Long skirts, dress-up play clothes, clogs, and jelly shoes are not allowed.  Sandals may only be worn with socks, but highly discouraged.

    

The building is located in a residential area with a fenced in backyard with a gate that locks.  The playground is inspected by the director or director designate each day before the children go out.  Equipment is checked for loose bolts, screws, etc. No child is allowed out in the yard without a teacher. The inside of the building is two levels, with a basement and an upstairs area. The children are only allowed in the basement in an emergency situation.  All shelving and lockers are securely fastened to the walls.  All electrical outlets are capped.  Flammable objects are stored in the garage which is not attached to the building.  Stairways and exits are kept clear at all times.  In case of power failure flashlights are kept in an accessible place.  There is also an emergency light system which automatically activates when the electricity goes out.  The furnace, water heater, and fuse box are located in the basement.  Teachers know how to turn these off in case of emergency.  The water temperature is kept at less then 115 degrees.

    

All poisonous substances are stored in the basement or garage.  Cleaning supplies are stored in the basement and a kitchen cabinet not accessible to the children.  Medications are stored in the refrigerator or cabinet in the kitchen.  They are kept in separate containers marked Medicine.  Children are not allowed in the kitchen and in the basement only in an emergency. A staff member will be present at all times who is trained in CPR and emergency first aid.

    

All sharp objects are stored out of the reach of children.  Such objects as scissors are used only under the direct supervision of a teacher.  The classroom equipment is observed on a continuous basis for stability, smoothness of wooden objects, and safe corners.  All broken equipment will either be thrown away or removed until repaired.  No toys or equipment with easily removable small parts will be allowed (eyes, wheels, etc.).  Toys will be cleaned on a weekly basis.  A toy will be immediately removed and cleaned if observed in a child's mouth.

    

The kitchen is cleaned and sanitized daily after lunch.  Dishes, silverware, glasses, and pots and pans are washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use. In addition the kitchen is thoroughly cleaned weekly including stove and refrigerator. Our kitchen is inspected 3-4 times per year by the Mt. Prospect health department.

    

The tables are sprayed with a bleach solution after each use.  Our bathrooms are cleaned and sanitized daily.  Floors and rugs are vacuumed daily as well.  Floors are immediately wiped of all spills and washed daily if needed.  The premises are cleaned and sanitized on a weekly basis by a professional cleaning service.  

    

The grass is cut on a weekly basis during the summer months.  Bushes, trees, and flowers are kept trim and neat looking.  The driveway is plowed and shoveled regularly when two inches of snow falls.  Salt is spread at all entrances to avoid falls.

    

White Oak School conforms to all fire regulations and is inspected yearly by the State Fire Marshall and semi-yearly by the Mt. Prospect Fire Dept.  An evacuation plan is posted at each exit. In addition our fire alarm system is directly connected to the fire department board which automatically responds to any emergency. Monthly fire drills are held.  The fire alarm system, emergency lights, and fire extinguishers are checked yearly.  In the event of a fire, the building shall be immediately evacuated.  Tornado drills are held twice yearly.  The fire department notifies us by phone of any tornado or severe storm warnings. In the event of a tornado or severe storm warning the children will be evacuated to the basement and remain there until the threat is passed.

    

In the event of a blizzard when parents are not able to pick up their children, the staff will house the children at the facility until the parents can pick them up.  The children will be fed dinner by the staff.