What aged children can enroll at the Day Nursery? The Day Nursery accepts children aged 2 1/2 through 5 years old. What are your hours of operation? We are open from 7 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. What days are you closed? We are closed to students one week in August, during which our staff cleans and prepares for the new school year. Other than that we are only closed for 11 major holidays during the year. Typically, these are: July 4th, Labor Day, two days at Thanksgiving, Winter Holiday (two days at Christmas), two days at New Years, Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Spring Holiday (April 22nd), and Memorial Day. Are you affiliated with any church or religious group? No, the Day Nursery is an inclusive, secular institution that welcomes people of all faiths, ethnicities and income levels. I know you offer a sliding fee scale, and are a United Way Agency. Does this mean you serve mainly low-income families? We serve families of ALL income levels and feel that diversity in this area makes our school a stronger place. What is your staff to student ratio? The Day Nursery averages 7 students to 1 adult. How can I be sure the Day Nursery is a high-quality program? The Day Nursery has been providing safe, nurturing childcare in a homelike setting since 1912. Teacher quality and training is important to us. Two of our teachers have Bachelors Degrees in Early Childhood Education and one has a Masters Degree in that field. Two of our teachers have Type O4 Early Childhood Certification through the State of Illinois. The rest of the teachers and assistant teachers have at least 12 hours of Early Childhood coursework (several exceed this minimum by having earned Associate or Bachelors Degrees) and at least 2 years of experience working with young children. In addition, each teacher and teacher assistant must earn 20 hours in-service credit annually of additional training at relevant workshops, conferences or classes. We are accredited by NAEYC (the National Association for the Education of Young Children) (http://www.naeyc.org/) and we are highly rated by the Illinois Quality Counts program (http://www.inccrra.org/early-childhood-professionals/quality-rating-system). What will my children learn at the Day Nursery? In addition to receiving quality childcare, students aged 3 and up receive a high-quality preschool education. We use the Creative Curriculum, a play-based curriculum that builds a foundation for early literacy. Do the children at the Day Nursery have time for exercise and outdoor play? Children have outdoor or indoor large motor play both morning and afternoons. We have our own very large fenced and walled playground next to our building, and an indoor large motor room for inclement weather days. What will my child eat at the Day Nursery? Children will eat a nutritious breakfast, a hot lunch and a snack, prepared on-site by a staff chef in our state-of-the-art kitchen. Day Nursery teachers and children eat together family-style, which promotes positive social interaction. We owe thanks to the Village of Oak Park for making possible the remodeling of our kitchen and dining room in 2008. Watch a video about that Community Block Grant here: (youtube link) What happens if my child gets sick at school? If your child vomits, has diarrhea, or runs a fever we will call you to come pick up your child. Your child needs to be 24 hours symptom free to return to school. What are some ways parents can be involved at your school? We welcome parent visits at any time. Parents may join their child for lunch; just please call to give us notice so that our cook can include you in meal planning. Parents are invited to share special skills with their child’s classroom. We also have monthly Parent Meetings and group called P.A.C. (Parent Advisory Committee) on which parents may serve, and offer input on Day Nursery events and our Program Evaluation. How can I find out more about the Day Nursery? Call and schedule a tour: 708–383-8211, and we would be happy to show you our facility and answer any questions you still may have. We look forward to hearing from you.