What is a home visit?
A home visit is an opportunity for the teacher and one other program related staff member,
such as the parent coordinator or classroom aide, to visit the child in the home environment.
Making a home-school connection is very important to the success of our program. The opportunity
to observe a child in a setting where they are comfortable will help ease the transition to the
classroom environment. No information gathered from home visits is used for any purpose other than
to provide the best educational experiences for the child.
How do I know if my child is eligible?
The screening procedure is the only accurate measure of whether or not
your child is eligible. A screening is highly recommended and there is no cost to the family.
The results are very helpful to parents. Some of the factors looked at are developmental skills
(language, cognitive, fine motor, and gross motor), social skills, family income, parent education,
history of family special educational needs, complications at birth or early months, and other
family issues that may pose a concern.
Does my child need to be 3 by September 1st?
No. S.M.I.L.E.S will screen children when they turn 3 regardless of date.
If my child qualifies are they automatically placed in the program?
No. Placement in the program is dependent on classroom openings.
A screening and eligibility determination does not guarantee placement in the classroom.
If there are no openings a waiting list will be created. Screening results are very helpful
and parents should still participate in the screening even if there are no openings.
How do I set up a screening for my child?
You contact the program office at 708-258-6955
to establish an appointment. Screenings will not be completed prior to a
child’s 3rd birthday. You may call up to one month in advance of your child’s
birthday to schedule a screening for after their birthday. Spring and fall screenings
are also conducted. Notice of these are placed in the local newspapers and schools.
What does Gross Motor mean?
Gross motor refers to the movement of large muscles (hopping,
skipping, jumping, running, throwing, catching, etc.) Gross motor skills are assessed to
determine if there are developmental delays per the benchmarks provided in this handbook.
What does Fine Motor mean?
Fine motor refers to the muscles in your upper body that are used
to manipulate small items properly such as pencils, scissors, and crayons. Fine motor skills
are assesses to determine if there are developmental delays per the benchmarks provided in this handbook.
What does the cognitive part of the screening test?
Colors, numbers, shapes, memory, and problem solving.
What does the language part of the screening test?
Vocabulary, listening, following directions, and rhyming. Rhyming is a
very important skill for young children. It is essential for early reading success.
Do I need to provide a snack for my child?
No. All snacks will be provided at no cost to the families. A variety of
snacks are offered throughout the year. Milk or juice is also provided. The child does not need to
take the snack or drink offered. If available, an alternative will be given. If you would like to
learn more about the snacks offered please contact the program director. If your child has any food
allergies please alert the program coordinator and teacher.
Can I visit the classroom while my child is there?
Yes. We encourage parents to visit our classroom as much as they want to.
The staff of S.M.I.L.E.S feels that children benefit when the parent/guardian is involved in the
learning process. We ask you to respect the need for your child to have time to adjust to school.
It may not be in your child’s best interest to visit during the first couple of weeks. Please discuss
your need to visit with the program director during this time.
What holidays are celebrated?
Halloween, Christmas, President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and St.
Patrick’s Day. Parties are held for Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day only. All other school
holidays, such Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, ML King’s Birthday, Pulaski Day, and Memorial
Day are discussed. If your family celebrates a special day please let the program director and
classroom teacher know. They may be able to incorporate it into the day’s activities.
How should I dress my child for school?
We get messy at school. Please do not send your child in their best clothes.
All materials we use should be washable on most fabrics. Please remember that some juices tend to stain.
Your child should be dressed appropriately for the weather conditions. Hats, coats, gloves, scarves, snow
pants, and boots should be labeled with your child’s name. If it is a cold day and you send your child in
boots please send a pair of shoes they can wear in the classroom. You may also consider leaving a pair of
shoes at school during the winter months.
When do the children go outside to play?
Fresh air is very important to the growth and well-being of a child, as is exercise.
The children will go outside if weather conditions permit it. We do not take the children outside if the
temperature falls below 32 degrees or if it is raining. Please send your child with appropriate outdoor
clothes for all other temperatures. Hats are recommended on sunny days to protect little heads and delicate skin.
If your child is especially sensitive to the sun please alert the classroom teacher and send your child
with sunscreen on when they come to school.
Updated 11/29/08
Questions or comments