FAQ
Click below to read the answers to these Frequently Asked Questions.
How does drop-off and pick-up work
What kind of experience do your teachers have?
What are the child/teacher ratios?
Classroom ratios exceed NAEYC and DCFS guidelines. All classrooms have two teachers and a teaching assistant in order to meet the unique needs of all children.
| Teacher to child ratio: | 4:1 | 2 year old classes |
| 5:1 | 3 year old classes | |
| 7:1 | PreK classes |
How do you handle separation difficulties?
Each case is handled individually. Prior to the start of school, you and your child come to visit your new classroom and meet the teachers. In the two and three-year-old classes this is followed by a partial day, during which time half the class comes to school for one hour.
Once school begins, some children may benefit from having a special item from home that may be a source of comfort. Others may need a parent or caregiver to stay with them initially and then transition out of the classroom. In all of our drop-off programs, the goal is to help the child make a successful transition from parent or caregiver to independence at school.
At what age does my child need to be potty trained?
Being potty trained is not a requirement for SLC programs. If your child is not yet potty trained, we ask that you include a supply of diapers and wipes in his/her school bag. All children should plan on bringing an extra set of clothes to school in case of an accident or messy activity.
My child has severe food allergies. What steps can you take to ensure that my child has a safe experience at snack time and lunch?
Families with children who have severe or life-threatening allergies must complete an allergy plan signed by a physician. All teachers are CPR certified, have training on how to administer an Epi Pen and are familiar with the Allergy Plans. The school selects and provides snacks that are safe for all of the children in each classroom, and we require parents to prepare a peanut and tree nut-free lunch for their children enrolled in lunch program.
My child may require additional assistance in the classroom. What kind of support can you offer?
School for Little Children has a long-standing inclusion program and many of our teachers have experience working with children who have special needs. We are committed to providing the necessary means and widest array of support available to ensure that children of all abilities are successful in our classrooms. Additionally, we have an ongoing relationship with local therapists and the public school district who are available to provide support and assistance to our children.
What is the school’s relationship with the church?
Since 1934, School for Little Children and the First Presbyterian Church of Evanston have had a mutually supportive relationship. We share resources and classroom space. The church’s support of SLC evolves out of a mission to help provide high quality early education to all community members. SLC is an independent, 501(c)(3) organization that embraces all religions and cultural backgrounds and we do not include any religious instruction or doctrine in our classrooms.
How can parents get involved?
Parents may volunteer to help lead an activity, read a book or share their talents and interests in their child’s classroom. Parents also have the opportunity to help govern the school as a member of SLC’s Parent Committee and Governing Board of Directors. The Parent Committee oversees fundraising, special events and community building while the Governing Board focuses on setting the school’s budget and policies. There are a number of ways to help out even if you work full-time and are not physically present in the school during the day!