Enrollment
Once you are ready to enroll your child with us, please set up an appointment so we can best assist you. We will be glad to take the time to inform you about everything you need to know, including the relevant paperwork. You can make an appointment over the phone at:
- Calumet City: (708) 868-5343
- South Holland: (708) 333-1355
- Burnham: (708) 868-6400
or by filling out our Contact Form. We always appreciate your visit!
Illness
Children are screened daily for any obvious signs of illness. If symptoms of illness are present, the staff will determine whether the child will be able to stay at the Academy.
If an illness prevents a child from participating comfortably in activities or creates a greater need for care than the staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children or if a child’s condition is suspected to be contagious and requires exclusion as determined by public health authorities, then the child is made comfortable in a location where she or he is supervised by a familiar caregiver as the parent will be notified to pick up the child. Little children often get sick. You should keep your child at home throughout the duration of the illness so as to expedite the healing process and avoid getting the other children sick. When your child is ready to return to day care, we would appreciate a note from their doctor indicating that they are free from contagions. Click Here for information from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Dietary Concerns
Our lunch and snack menus are posted in the entrance area. Two meals and one snack are served daily at regularly scheduled times. Our menu follows the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture nutritional standards. We provide one third – two thirds of your child’s daily nutritional needs. Meals and snacks are at least two hours apart but not more than three hours apart. A copy will be made for parents if desired.
In accordance with the Cook County Board of Health, all children must be served a complete balanced meal each day. If any food must be substituted or withheld for dietary reasons or religious reasons, a doctor’s note or religious leader’s note must be on file at school stating the restriction and reason for such.
Mandated Reporter
All employees at NDLA are mandated reporters. It should be noted that the protection of children is the responsibility of the community and that the law provides that anyone may make a report to the hotline. As professionals who work with children, mandated reporters are assumed to be in the best position to recognize and report child abuse and neglect as soon as possible. Mandated reporters are the state’s “early warning system” to identify probable abuse early enough to avoid serious and long-term damage to a child.
Building Security and Access
Video surveillance is used to monitor the entrance area, all classrooms, and parking lot area on the side and back of the building. Video is reviewed daily to ensure health and safety of children, staff and families.
Our first set of doors open at 6:00am but staff personnel have to let parents into the second set of doors. The first set of doors is generally locked by 7:00pm. Any parent utilizing evening services must ring the bell which alerts staff to open the door.
Physical/Immunization
The State of Illinois requires that each child have a complete physical exam, including a TB skin test, performed within six months of their start date at the Academy. The medical form included in the enrollment packet must be on file prior to your child’s attendance. Click Here to obtain a copy.
Dental
All kindergarten students are required to submit a dental form upon enrollment. Click Here to obtain a copy.