Enrollment Form

To ensure clear and effective communication, please indicate which parent/guardian should receive school communications, updates, and notifications.

To ensure the safety of your child, please list individuals who are authorized to pick up your child and/or serve as emergency contacts.Only the individuals listed below will be permitted to pick up your child unless written authorization is provided by the parent or guardian.

I authorize Smart Beginnings Academy to release my child only to the individuals listed in the Authorized Pick-Up section of this enrollment form unless written permission is provided by a parent or legal guardian.

In the event that a parent or guardian cannot be reached during an emergency, I authorize Smart Beginnings Academy to contact the individuals listed under Emergency Contacts  and, if necessary, allow them to pick up my child.

I understand that Smart Beginnings Academy may request a valid photo identification before releasing my child to any authorized individual.I agree to notify Smart Beginnings Academy in writing if there are any changes to authorized pick-up persons or emergency contact information.

In the event of an emergency where a parent or guardian cannot be reached, I authorize Smart Beginnings Academy and its staff to seek and obtain emergency medical care for my child if deemed necessary.

This authorization includes permission to transport my child to the nearest hospital or medical facility and to obtain medical treatment, including examination, diagnostic testing, anesthesia, and medical or surgical treatment as recommended by licensed healthcare professionals.

I understand that Smart Beginnings Academy will make reasonable efforts to contact the parent(s) or guardian(s) listed on this enrollment form prior to obtaining medical treatment whenever possible.I acknowledge that I am responsible for any medical expenses incurred as a result of emergency treatment.

Smart Beginnings Academy may take photographs or videos of enrolled children for documentation,family communication, and marketing purposes. Please indicate your consent preferences below.

For the safety and protection of all children enrolled at Smart Beginnings Academy, only individuals listed on the child’s Authorized Pick-Up List within the enrollment packet will be permitted to pick up a child from the center.

Parents or legal guardians may not authorize an alternate pick-up person verbally or by telephone. All authorized individuals must be submitted in writing and included on the child’s official enrollment records, along with their contact information.

If a parent or legal guardian wishes to authorize an additional individual not previously listed, a Daily Release Authorization Form must be completed and submitted to the center in advance. This form grants permission for the specified individual to pick up the child only on the designated date(s) indicated on the form.

For security purposes, any individual authorized to pick up a child who is not personally recognized by center staff will be required to present a valid government-issued photo identification. The identification will be verified, a copy may be retained for center records, and the individual will be required to sign the child out, including the date and time of pick-up.

Smart Beginnings Academy reserves the right to deny release of a child to any individual who is not properly authorized or who fails to provide acceptable identification, in accordance with our safety policies and licensing regulations.

Our pest control company is a licensed, profession firm.  The company matches pesticide products and their application procedures to our school environment.  All are approved for school use and are an important part of the buildings and grounds maintenance.  Typically, this application will not present a health concern to students or staff.  However, it is the intent of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to allow those with special sensitivities to take appropriate precautions in the case of children, as determined by a parent or guardian. The pest control team will enter the center the 1st of each month of maintenance when the children are not present.

Smart Beginnings encourages positive reinforcement rather than negative reinforcement, and trains children to employ self-discipline.  Clear limitations are set, especially regarding classroom behavior.  Also, clear, and consistent limitations and instructions are provided to the children, which allows them the ability to employ self-control.  Our staff uses encouragement and good behavior and does not dwell on unacceptable or inappropriate behavior.  Our staff uses clear and positive statements and reminds children of consequences and impact of their actions rather than employ negative reinforcement.  The following types of punishment are not permitted; punishments associated with food, nap time, or toilet-training; punishment in the form of withholding food or toilet time; subjecting a child to abusive, hard, or profane language; pinching, shaking; choking; humiliating; ridiculing or rejecting a child or their family.

Parents/guardians will be verbally notified if a pattern of unacceptable behavior is noticed.  If needed, the teacher will discuss the child’s behavior, or a behavior report might be completed by the teacher if unacceptable behavior, or behavior uncharacteristic of the child is noted.  If the unacceptable behavior continues, the Director may request a formal conference with the parent/guardian of the child, with the child’s teacher present.  If deemed absolutely necessary, the parent/guardian may be asked to pick up the child, and/or remove the child for the next business day.  Children will be made aware of the classroom guidelines, and will be reminded of the guidelines, as well as be involved in upholding them.  Both preschool and school age children will be given the opportunity to resolve their own conflicts.

If a child has had multiple behavior issues that are not being resolved, a behavior support plan will be put in place.  This support plan will be individualized based off the child’s needs.  There will be set goals for the child to meet and there will be a date that they must be met by.  If the child is showing improvement by that date, the behavior plan may be extended or a new one may be written.  The behavior plan will be written and discussed by the teacher(s), parents, and director.  Our goal is to do what Is best for the child.

For children that the facility decides that it is in the best interest of the child to transition to a different program, the child’s parents’ needs shall be considered by planning with the parents to find a new program.  The facility will work with the parents to ensure continuity of services to meet the needs until they can fully transition.  There will be a written transition policy and plan to help the child transition to a new program.  If the parents choose to withdraw the child before the transition, a written request will be submitted by the parents and kept in the child’s file.  This request will be signed by the parents and the owner or director.

Providers shall maintain documentation regarding steps taken to ensure that the child can participate safely in the program, in accordance with the behavior support plan and program transition policy.  If a child receives early intervention services, this will be documented in the behavior support plan.

Children become very upset when parents are late picking them up.  Additionally, when you are late, Smart Beginnings faces staffing and licensing issues, as we must provide two staff members to stay with the child.  As a result, we charge $1.00/minute for every child left after the center has closed.

Our opening hours are 6:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  After operating hours, we will attempt to contact parents/guardians as well as emergency contacts.  The center will make at least three phone calls to the parents/guardians and each person on the emergency pick up list.  These calls will be made for the first hour after the center is closed.  It is of the utmost importance that we always have up-to-date emergency contact information on file, please stop by the office to update any changes.

Smart Beginnings assumes responsibility for the child’s protection and wellbeing until the parent or outside authorities arrive. Furthermore, staff shall not be held responsible for the situation and the discussion of the issues will only be with the parent/guardian and never with the child.

Furthermore, licensing allows Smart Beginnings to operate only within certain hours.  If Smart Beginnings has been unable to contact any authorized pick-up person, the law requires that we contact social services who will pick up your child(ren) for safekeeping.  We also reserve the right to terminate services to anyone that violates the late pick-up policy consistently.

THESE CONSENTS ARE NON-DCFS WARDS ONLY AND MAY ONLY BE USED FOR CHILD CARE SERVICES.

Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) placing the child may sign any or all the following consents:

This authorizes Smart Beginnings to secure emergency medical care for my/our child when I/we cannot be immediately reached at the time of emergency.  I/we will be responsible or the emergency medical charges upon receipt of statement.

I/we authorize Smart Beginnings to administer prescribed medicine to my/our child as specified in the prescription’s directions and administrations.

I/we authorize Smart Beginnings to administer non-prescription (over the counter) medicine to my/our child as specified in written instructions.

Smart Beginnings Academy is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all children. Parents and guardians are required to review and comply with the center’s policies regarding medication administration and illness.

All medications must be submitted directly to the Director or Director on Duty. Classroom teachers and staff members are not permitted to accept medication from parents or guardians.

Smart Beginnings Academy will administer physician-prescribed medications only. Over-the-counter medications, including but not limited to acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen, or other non-prescription medications, may only be administered when accompanied by written authorization from a licensed physician.

For the health and safety of all children, if a child develops a fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, the parent or legal guardian will be notified and required to pick up the child immediately.

Children who are sent home due to fever or illness may not return to the center until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

At Smart Beginnings of Oswego, we prioritize the health, safety, and comfort of every child. With your permission, our staff may apply parent-provided sunscreen and/or diaper cream/ointment to your child as needed throughout the day.

All sunscreen and diaper cream/Ointment MUST BE provided by the parent/Guardian. Products must be labeled with your child's full name.

We cannot apply any product that is not provided and authorized by the parent / Guardian.

We are excited to offer water play activities at Smart Beginnings Academy, providing a fun and educational experience for the children. These activities will include age-appropriate water games, sprinkler play, small splash pools, and other supervised water-based activities within our daycare facility.

I understand that these activities will be supervised by staff and appropriate safety procedures will be followed. I acknowledge that participation in water play activities may involve inherent risks such as minor slips, falls, or exposure to water, and I agree that Smart Beginnings of Oswego Inc., its staff, and affiliates shall not be held liable for minor injuries or illness that may occur despite reasonable supervision and safety precautions.I agree to inform the center of any medical conditions, allergies, skin sensitivities, or other concerns that may affect my child’s participation.I understand that this authorization remains in effect for the duration of my child’s enrollment unless revoked by me in writing or through written communication via the Procare parent communication system.Parents/guardians are responsible for providing appropriate items on scheduled water play days, including swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothing.

Smart Beginnings Academy provides occasional off-site educational activities and field trips as part of our program. These activities are intended to enrich children’s learning experiences.

I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the Smart Beginnings Academy Parent Handbook. I understand that the handbook outlines important policies, procedures, and expectations related to my child’s enrollment and participation in the program.

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understand, and agree to comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Parent Handbook, including any updates or revisions that may be issued by Smart Beginnings Academy.

I understand that it is my responsibility to review the handbook carefully and seek clarification from the center administration if I have questions regarding any policy or procedure.

I further understand that this acknowledgment does not constitute a contract for childcare services, and that enrollment at Smart Beginnings Academy is subject to compliance with all center policies, procedures, and applicable licensing regulations.

I acknowledge that failure to follow the policies and procedures contained in the Parent Handbook may result in disciplinary action or termination of enrollment, at the discretion of Smart Beginnings Academy.

Smart Beginnings Academy reserves the right to modify or update policies and procedures as necessary to comply with licensing regulations or operational needs. Parents/guardians will be notified of significant policy changes.

You know your child better than anyone else in the world! You have observed your child on a day-to-day basis and are uniquely qualified to share your insight about your child’s development with us.  Please take a moment to complete this profile, as the information will help us know your child better and to meet his or her individual needs.

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

https://dcfs.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dcfs/documents/about-us/policy-rules-and-forms/documents/cfs-1000/cfs-1050-52-summary-for-dcc.pdf

hereby certify that I/we have received a copy of a summary of licensing standards printed by the Illinois Department of children and Family Services.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.