What do you do to keep the children safe?
Security and safety are extremely important to our Child Care program. Some specific security measures include:
• Completing Background and Criminal History checks on all employees and volunteers.
• Permitting only authorized persons to enter the building and/or pick up children.
• Keeping all outside doors locked at all times.
• Routinely fingerprinting and photographing the children, in conjunction with the City of Chicago and Lifetouch Portraits, for official records.
• Having our staff trained in CPR and First Aid procedures.
• Posting all the names of children with allergies and asthma in each classroom, so all staff is aware.
• Having a fire alarm system which rings automatically at the Fire Department and conducting fire drills on a regular basis. Smoke/heat detectors have been installed in every room. Fire extinguishers are readily available for use throughout the center. Fire drills are completed monthly.
• Having a fully enclosed playground, with direct supervision of the children at all times.
What do the children eat while at the center?
All our programs include hot lunch and two snacks (morning and afternoon). Lunch is provided by Gourmet Gorilla Inc., which specializes in local and organic food for kids. The center also provides infant formula as needed. Snacks are available through the Swedish Covenant Hospital Food Services Department. Food menus are available to parents so they are aware of what the children are eating.
What if my child has a special food restriction or allergy?
The names of all children, along with their known allergies or food restrictions, are posted in each classroom. The center follows a strict no-nut policy. Vegetarian entrees are available. Parents can provide soy products for any dairy restrictions, if needed.
Do the children get to play outside?
Absolutely! The children play outside one to two times a day (weather permitting). We have a completely enclosed 32’ x 60’ playground on the west side of the building. The children also routinely play on the pedestrian parkway in the front of the center and take walks to River Park (west of Francisco Ave.).
How do you handle discipline issues?
We believe in positive guidance and discipline techniques, focused on developing a child’s strengths, rather than punishment. Forms of discipline may include having the child “take a break” and sit quietly for a few minutes, discussing the problem and solution with the child and diverting the child’s attention to another activity. Parents and classroom staff will be made aware of any patterns of disciplinary issues and will cooperate in carrying out the specific plan developed for that child’s behavior. Children will not be excluded from outdoor playtime as a form of discipline.
Does the center provide diapers and wipes?
Parents are responsible for supplying diapers and wipes.
What about toilet training? Do the children need to be potty-trained?
Children in the preschool rooms must be toilet trained. Children in the toddler rooms are in the process of being potty trained. The staff works with the families to accomplish this.
Do the children go on field trips?
Given the young age and large number of children, we do not transport the children on any field trips. Occasionally, we will bring special programming to the center (e.g. musical performances, petting zoo, etc.)
What forms of payment do you accept?
Payment for Child Care Services is accepted by credit card. SCH employees also have the option to pay by payroll deduction.
How frequently do we pay for services?
Credit card charges or payroll deduction occur bi-weekly, coinciding with the Swedish Covenant Hospital pay day, and will be done two weeks in advance of services.
Do you charge a late pick-up fee?
Families who pick up their child(ren) within fifteen minutes after the center’s closing will be charged $15 per child. After 15 minutes, an additional dollar per minute per child will be added to the fee.
Do you allow for breastfeeding and/or storage of breast milk?
Yes, we have an “open-door” policy on breastfeeding and nursing mothers are welcomed to nurse their children while they are at the center. In addition, our infant classroom has a refrigerator/freezer designated for the storage of breast milk.
