1.How many children do you serve?
The center is licensed by the state of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for 142 children.
2.When did the center open?
The center opened its doors on June 14, 1982.
3.Which ages may enroll?
Child ages six weeks through 12 years may enroll.
4. Which ages may attend?
Children ages six weeks through twelve years may attend. Children who have enrolled before their 12th birthday may stay through the end of their 12th year.
5.When are registrations accepted?
Registrations are accepted year round.
6.Is there a registration fee?
Unlike many other centers we have a one-time only registration fee. This registration fee is non-refundable.
7.Are the children divided by age?
Yes, there are separate groups for (I) infants, (T) infants-toddlers, (B) two through young three year olds, (D) older two through three year olds, (E) three and four years olds, (F) four and five year olds, (G) school age one and (H) school age two.
8.Is there a Summer Camp program?
Yes, Summer Camp is designed for children who have completed Kindergarten. All summer campers must pay a Summer Camp Activity fee and MUST participate in our summer camp activity schedule which includes daily trips out of the building and frequent swimming opportunities. There is no other care available for children of this age.
9.Is there care provided for School age children on school days off?
Yes, although we do follow the District 300 calendar. There are scheduled activities for school days off and there will be extra charges and activity fees for these days.
10.Is care available for part-time children as well as full-time children?
Yes. Children ages six weeks through twelve years may enroll part-time but priority is given to those who wish to enroll on a full-time basis.
11. What are your hours and days?
The center operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 am through 6:00 pm with the exception of infant and toddler rooms which open at 7:00 am. Office hours are from 9:00am - 5:00pm
12.What is the cost per child?
Tuition fees are different for each age group and are determined in a variety of manners, such as hours in attendance, part-time (there is a premium rate for part-time enrollment), full time, etc.
13.Is there a discount for more than one child in a family?
Yes. While the youngest child pays full cost, there is a small discount for additional children in the same family.
14.Does the center care for sick children?
No. According to licensing standards, when children exhibit symptoms that indicate that they may be contagious, parent/guardians should be called and asked to pick up their children. Symptoms that call for exclusion include, but are not limited to, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and undiagnosed rashes: etc.
15.Can you give medicine to children?
Yes, as long as it is prescribed by a physician and proper permission slip releases have been signed. Prescription medications must be in their original container, with the child's full name and a current date on them. Children may stay as long as physician has diagnosed that they are not contagious. Non-prescription, over-the-counter, Medications may also be given under the same stipulations and according to package directions. At no time will our staff provide non-prescription, over-the-counter, medications on a daily basis that we deem too long of a time frame.
16.Is there an extra fee if I pick my children up late?
Yes, a fee is charged for late pickups.
17.Do children enroll by the month or year?
Parents are not asked to sign contracts that bind them to any period of time. However, the center does charge a one-week security deposit, which is forfeited in case of withdrawal without a two week written notice.
18.May I switch my child's day in any given week?
Days may not be switched. However, days maybe added. See number 17 above.
19.If your program is full for my child's age, will there be a waiting list?
Yes, however you are encouraged to "reserve" a place for your child by paying the registration fee and last week security deposit.
20.How does your waiting list work?
When a space becomes available, children will be placed according to their inquiry date. The parent will have the opportunity to place their child within two weeks of being contacted. If they choose not to start at that time, the next parent on the list will be contacted.
21.When do you feed my child?
Lunch and two snacks are provided daily from the center's kitchen. An optional breakfast is available for a slight charge. Breakfast is only available from 6:45am until 7:45am. All meals are served family style and are planned according to nutrition guidelines from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Illinois State Board of Education. Infant parents will also have formula and stage-two baby food provided by the center as well, although if your infant requires special formula, you must provide it.
22.May parents visit the center?
Parents are always encouraged to visit anytime. No notice is needed when choosing to join your child for lunch. However, please notify us by 10:00am so that we may add you to our lunch count. Parents may also choose to take their child out for lunch. Parents are encouraged to participate in their child's room in any way they feel comfortable.
23.What kind of educational program is available?
The center provides a developmentally appropriate curriculum
24.What about your infant program?
We use the primary care model to assure continuity of care and the healthy development of loving and trusting relationships between infants and their caregivers.
25.Do children go on field trips?
Preschool children take a limited number of field trips coordinated by their teachers. These will be announced in advance and parents will need to sign specific permission slips.
26.Are there additional programs available?
We have various outside companies who provide extracurricular activities for our children. Outside services are not associated with The Early Education Station, but are provided as an in-house service for our parents.
27.What is your staff to child ratios?
Infants - 1 adult to 4 children
Infant/Toddlers - 1 to 4
Toddlers - 1 to 5
2 years - 1 to 8 or 2 to 14
3 years - 1 to 10 or 2 to 18
4 - 5 years - 1 to 10 or 2 to 19
K- 5th grade -1 to 20
28.What credentials do your teachers have?
We look for teachers with Early Childhood degrees. Bachelor degrees are preferred followed by those with Associate degrees. It is also important to us that we find teachers with experience who show the ability to nurture young children. As a minimum, teachers must have one year of college classes with six in early childhood and 1560 teaching hours in a licensed child care facility.
Based on the latest statistics for the early childhood field, the Early Education Station has a remarkably high employee retention rate with a turnover rated of less than 15%.
29.How do you check out possible employees?
All personnel are required to supply three written references, which are followed up by telephone conversations. In addition, employees must undergo a physical examination providing proof of fitness for the position, drug testing, as well as background and fingerprinting checks through the Central Registrar of the State of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
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