FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Where exactly are you located?
We are conveniently located inside the Reed-Custer Intermediate School at 162 S. School Street in Braidwood. We have a black awning that says Discovery Schoolhouse directly above our secure entrance into the building (North Entrance #6).
2. Do I have to make an appointment to see the center?
We do ask that you schedule a 'Guided Tour' appointment with the Director. You will receive a registration packet during your tour.
3. How do I enroll my child and how soon can she start?
In order for your child to attend Discovery Schoolhouse, the following items must be completed and turned in to us:
1. Registration Form
2. Signed Parent Handbook & Enrollment Agreement
3. Birth Certificate
4. Current Physical & Immunization Record (No more than 6 months old)
5. Tuition Agreement
6. Transportation Agreement, if applicable
7. Custody Agreement, if applicable
8. Summary of Licensing Standards Verification Receipt
9. $50 Annual, Non-refundable Enrollment Fee
10. First Week's Tuition Payment
Once you've turned in ALL of the above listed items at your scheduled orientation time (takes about 30 minutes), she may attend.
4. I live in Wilmington, can my child still attend your preschool?
Yes, we welcome children from Braidwood as well as the surrounding communities.
5. How old must my child be to attend preschool?
Your child must be at least 3 years of age to attend our preschool program.
6. Does my preschooler need to be potty trained?
Yes, all preschoolers that attend our center must be completely toilet trained - no diapers or pull-ups are allowed.
7. What will my child eat for lunch?
A nutritious lunch is provided by the Reed-Custer Intermediate School's cafeteria. We post the monthly lunch menu in our classroom. Lunch menus can also be viewed at the Reed-Custer Intermediate School's web site (www.rc255.will.k12.il.us).
8. My child goes to school at the Reed-Custer Primary School, how will he get to Discovery Schoolhouse once school is over?
Busing is provided by the school district to and from the Primary School. An exemption
form has to be filled out at the Administration Center. After the form has been completed, it takes about a week before busing for your child will begin.
9. How many children are in each classroom?
Our preschool room is licensed for 20 children and our Discovery Kids' room (School-agers) is licensed for 17 children. We maintain student/staff ratios as required by state licensing standards.
10. Are you open on days when the Reed-Custer school are closed?
We precisely follow the Reed-Custer School District's yearly calendar. When R-C schools are closed for holidays, breaks (Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring), parent/teacher conferences and institute days, we are closed as well. We are open on all early dismissal days.
11. When and how often do I pay my tuition? Do you charge late fees?
Tuition is due on a weekly basis - the last day of each week that your child attends for the upcoming week; therefore, you are paying in advance.
We do charge a $5 per day late fee. If payment is not made within three business days after it is considered late, then services will be suspended until your account is current.
12. Do I have to pay for days that my child is absent?
There are no refunds or credits for missed days for any reason. Our teachers are scheduled to work based on the number of children that are scheduled to attend each day. This is standard at most child care centers.
13. If the school closes due to the weather or other problem, will I get a refund or credit for that day?
We do not offer refunds or credits for snow or other emergency days. If the Reed-Custer Schools close for any reason, then Discovery Schoolhouse is required to close as well.
14. How many days do I have to sign my child up for a week?
We require that each child is registered for a minimum of 2 days per week as this allows a child to take part in continuing classroom activities and adjust better to routines.
15. Why don't you have separate preschool classes based on age?
Our mixed-age preschool classroom offers a rich learning environment with diverse experiences. We believe, based on research, that multi-age grouping offers children many benefits such as:
* Older children develop and strengthen leadership skills.
* Older children learn naturally to be encouraging and helpful role models.
* Older children are provided with frequent opportunities to reinforce learned skills as they demonstrate them to younger peers.
* Younger children develop good listening and communication skills.
* Younger children learn to cooperate and become good teammates.
* Younger children are able to learn higher level cognitive concepts and social skills by observing and imitating their older classmates.
