TERMS & CONDITIONS

Little Shepherd Preschool

Effective Date: July 2026 Last Updated: July 2026

1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By enrolling your child at Little Shepherd Preschool ("Preschool," "we," "us," or "our") and/or using our website (littleshepherdps.com), childcare management software, or services, you ("Parent," "Guardian," or "you") agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree with any of these terms, please do not enroll your child or use our services.

The Preschool reserves the right to modify these Terms & Conditions at any time. Continued enrollment or use of our services constitutes acceptance of any modifications.

2. ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS & POLICIES

2.1 Age Requirements

Children must be between 2 years 6 months and 5 years old as of September 1st of the enrollment year.

2.2 Enrollment Process

To enroll your child, you must:

Complete the enrollment application form
Sign all required consent and authorization documents
Provide proof of immunizations (per Illinois IDEC requirements and Public Act 99-0642)
Provide a current health examination by a licensed physician
Provide emergency contact information
Provide a copy of birth certificate
Provide custody/guardianship documentation if applicable
Pay the required enrollment fee (non-refundable)
Sign and acknowledge the Privacy Policy and these Terms & Conditions

Enrollment is not finalized until all requirements are met and payment is received.

2.3 Immunization Requirements

All children must have current immunizations as required by Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and IDEC. Acceptable proof includes:

Current immunization records from a licensed healthcare provider
Documentation of medical or religious exemptions (allowed under Illinois law)

Children without required immunizations will not be permitted to attend. Current immunity status must be verified annually.

2.4 Health Examination

A physical examination within 12 months prior to enrollment is required, documenting:

Current health status
Any chronic health conditions or allergies
Required medications
Developmental assessment
Physician's signature and date

3. TUITION & PAYMENT TERMS

3.1 Tuition Rates & Schedule

Tuition rates are set annually and communicated to families prior to the school year. Current rates are available upon request.

Tuition is due according to the payment schedule provided during enrollment:

Monthly invoicing (most common)
Quarterly or annual payment options (available upon request)

3.2 Payment Methods

We accept payment through:

Online portal (credit card, ACH transfer)
Check or money order
Automatic recurring payments (ACH)

All online payments are processed through secure, PCI-compliant payment processors.

3.3 Late Payment Policy

Payments are due by the date specified on the invoice
A late fee of $25 will be charged for payments received more than 5 days late
If payment is not received within 30 days of the due date, enrollment may be suspended
Continued non-payment may result in termination of enrollment and referral to collections

3.4 Subsidy & Voucher Payments

For families receiving subsidy payments from Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) or other government agencies:

We accept state subsidies and will bill the agency directly
Families are responsible for any co-payment amounts due
If subsidy payments are delayed, the parent remains responsible for full tuition
Families must maintain subsidy eligibility and provide proof as requested
Changes in subsidy status must be reported immediately

3.5 Refunds & Credits

Tuition deposits and fees are non-refundable
If a child attends fewer days than billed in a month, no refund is issued
If payment is made in advance, refunds are issued only upon termination of enrollment (see Section 8.1)
No refunds for absences due to illness, vacation, or holidays
Credits may be applied for extended closures due to weather or facility issues

3.6 Returned Checks & Failed Payments

A $35 fee will be charged for any returned checks or failed ACH transactions
Repeat failures may result in payment by cashier's check or money order only
Continued payment failures may result in enrollment suspension or termination

4. ATTENDANCE & SCHEDULING

4.1 Class Schedule

Little Shepherd Preschool operates during the school year (typically September through May), with extended care available during summer months. Specific class schedules are provided during enrollment.

4.2 Arrival & Departure Times

Children must be dropped off by the time specified on the enrollment form
Late arrivals may result in late fees ($1 per minute after 5-minute grace period)
Children must be picked up by the scheduled departure time
Late pickups will result in a late fee of $1 per minute
If no pickup occurs 30 minutes after scheduled departure time, emergency contacts will be called
Repeated late pickups may result in enrollment termination

4.3 Absences

Parents must notify the Preschool of any absences as soon as possible. Advance notice should be provided when possible. Tuition is due regardless of absences.

4.4 Holidays & Closures

The Preschool is closed on:

Weekends and public holidays
Teacher workdays
Scheduled break periods (Thanksgiving, winter, spring)
Emergency closures due to weather or facility issues

Families will be notified of closures in advance. Tuition is not reduced for scheduled closures.

5. PICKUP AUTHORIZATION & RELEASE OF CHILD

5.1 Authorized Pickup

Only individuals designated on the "Authorized Pickup" form may pick up your child. Staff will verify identification before releasing the child.

5.2 Adding/Removing Authorized Pickups

To add or remove authorized pickups, parents must:

Provide written notice to the Preschool Director
Complete an updated pickup authorization form
Provide identification for new pickup persons

Changes take effect immediately upon receipt of written notice.

5.3 Custody & Guardianship

If there are custody or guardianship restrictions:

Provide a copy of the custody order or guardianship documentation
Clearly identify individuals who may and may not pick up the child
Update documentation immediately if custody changes

The Preschool will follow court orders and will not release children to individuals prohibited by law.

5.4 Unauthorized Pickup Attempts

If an unauthorized individual attempts to pick up a child, staff will:

Not release the child
Inform the individual that a pickup authorization is required
Notify parents immediately
Contact law enforcement if the individual becomes threatening or refuses to leave

6. PARENT COMMUNICATION & EXPECTATIONS

6.1 Communication Channels

The Preschool communicates with families through:

Website: littleshepherdps.com
Email: littleshepherdps@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 630-554-3269
Text Messages (SMS): With consent (see Section 9)
Childcare Management Software: Daily updates, photos, messages
Parent-Teacher Conferences: Scheduled quarterly or as needed
In-Person: During drop-off/pickup times

6.2 Response Times

We aim to respond to parent inquiries within 24 business hours. For urgent matters, please call the Preschool directly.

6.3 Parent Involvement

Parents are encouraged to:

Participate in classroom events and field trips
Attend parent-teacher conferences
Volunteer for classroom activities (subject to background check requirements)
Review daily reports and updates about their child
Communicate concerns or questions with staff

7. HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLNESS

7.1 Illness Policy

A child should not attend preschool if they have:

Fever of 100.4°F or higher (must be fever-free without medication for 24 hours before returning)
Undiagnosed rash
Persistent cough or congestion
Diarrhea or vomiting
Evidence of lice or other contagious parasites
Other contagious conditions (cold sores, chickenpox, conjunctivitis, etc.)

7.2 Medication Administration

The Preschool may administer prescription and over-the-counter medications with written parental authorization
All medications must be in original containers with prescription labels
Parents must complete a medication authorization form for each medication
Staff will not administer medications without proper authorization

7.3 Allergies & Dietary Restrictions

Parents must disclose all known allergies and dietary restrictions during enrollment
Dietary accommodation is provided according to parental request and medical documentation
In case of food allergies, an allergy action plan must be provided
EpiPens and other emergency medications must be on-site and current

7.4 Emergency Medical Care

By enrolling, parents authorize the Preschool to:

Contact emergency medical services in case of serious injury or illness
Transport the child to the nearest hospital for emergency care
Authorize emergency medical treatment if parents cannot be reached
Contact emergency contacts listed on the enrollment form

7.5 Accident & Incident Reports

The Preschool will document all accidents and incidents involving your child and provide reports to parents. Reports will be provided on the same day when possible, or the next business day.

8. ENROLLMENT TERMINATION & WITHDRAWAL

8.1 Withdrawal by Parent

Parents may withdraw their child from enrollment at any time. To withdraw:

Provide written notice to the Preschool Director
Specify the final date of attendance
Pay any outstanding tuition through the final date
Return all Preschool materials and equipment

Notice Requirements:

30 days' notice is requested for voluntary withdrawal
Less notice may result in loss of security deposit
No refunds are issued for unused tuition

8.2 Termination by Preschool

The Preschool reserves the right to terminate enrollment immediately or with notice for:

Immediate Termination (no notice required):

Failure to maintain required immunizations
Physical violence or severe behavioral issues endangering other children
Parent failure to comply with legal custody orders
Non-payment of tuition for 30+ days
Violation of the Preschool's abuse and neglect reporting requirements

Termination with 30 Days' Notice:

Persistent behavioral issues despite intervention and parent conferences
Parental conduct that is abusive, threatening, or violent toward staff or other families
Failure to comply with enrollment requirements or policies
Attendance below minimum enrollment thresholds
Inability of staff to meet the child's developmental or behavioral needs

8.3 Refund Upon Termination

Upon termination or withdrawal:

Refunds are calculated on a prorated monthly basis
Any unpaid tuition must be paid in full
Late fees and other charges are due immediately
Refunds (if applicable) will be issued within 30 days

9. TEXT MESSAGE (SMS) COMMUNICATIONS & A2P 10DLC TERMS

9.1 SMS Program Description

Little Shepherd Preschool operates an SMS ("text message") communication program to keep families informed about:

Class schedules and closures
Event announcements and reminders
Billing notifications
Daily classroom updates
Emergency alerts

9.2 Opt-In & Consent to Text Messages

Text messages are optional and separate from enrollment.

To receive text messages:

Provide your mobile phone number on the enrollment or consent form
Check the SMS opt-in checkbox (not pre-selected)
Review and accept these Terms & Conditions and the Privacy Policy
Understand the message frequency and types

By checking the opt-in box, you give us permission to send SMS messages to the mobile number you provide.

9.3 Message Frequency & Content

Expected Message Frequency: 2-5 text messages per week during the school year

Message Types:

Class schedule changes and holiday closures
Billing and payment reminders
Event announcements and reminders
Classroom activity updates and photos
Emergency alerts or safety notifications

9.4 Message & Data Rates

Standard message and data rates apply. Charges depend on your mobile service plan. We recommend checking with your mobile carrier about text message rates. Little Shepherd Preschool is not responsible for any message or data charges.

9.5 Message Delivery

We do not guarantee immediate delivery of text messages
Delays may occur due to mobile carrier networks
Messages are sent using 10-digit long codes (local phone numbers)
Important information should not be sent exclusively via SMS; families will also receive email or phone call

9.6 Not Responsible for Non-Delivery

Little Shepherd Preschool is not responsible for:

Delays in message delivery
Failure of message delivery due to carrier issues, network problems, or phone issues
Charges or fees imposed by your mobile carrier
Loss of messages due to phone problems or service interruption
Any consequences of not receiving a message

9.7 How to Opt-Out of Text Messages

You can opt out at any time without penalty.

To stop receiving text messages:

Reply STOP to any message you receive
- Simply text the word "STOP" to the number that sent you the message
Contact us directly:
- Phone: 630-554-3269
- Email: littleshepherdps@sbcglobal.net
- In-person: Visit the Preschool office

You will receive one final message confirming your opt-out. After opt-out, you will no longer receive text messages, but you can still receive updates via email or phone call.

If you opt out, you can still enroll your child – you will simply receive updates through other methods.

9.8 STOP & HELP Commands

All text messages include instructions:

Reply STOP to opt out of text messages
Reply HELP to get help or more information

If you reply HELP, you will receive information about how to contact us or get additional assistance.

9.9 SMS Compliance

Text messages sent by Little Shepherd Preschool comply with all federal and state regulations:

Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) – All messages include opt-out instructions
Application-to-Person 10DLC Standards – Messages are sent from registered business numbers
FTC Guidelines – All messages are truthful and non-deceptive

Every text message includes:

Clear identification that the message is from Little Shepherd Preschool
Instructions on how to reply STOP to opt out
A reference to this Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

9.10 Message Content Standards

Little Shepherd Preschool will not send SMS messages containing:

Deceptive, fraudulent, or misleading content
Phishing or attempts to trick you into sharing personal information
Abusive, threatening, or harassing messages
Content unrelated to the Preschool or your child's enrollment
Links to harmful websites or malware

10. PRIVACY & DATA SECURITY

10.1 Privacy Policy

Your use of SMS communications and all other Preschool services is governed by our Privacy Policy. Please review the Privacy Policy for complete information about how we collect, use, and protect your information.

10.2 Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information, including:

Encrypted communication channels
Password-protected access to sensitive information
Limited staff access to personal information
Regular security updates

However, no security measure is 100% guaranteed. The Preschool is not responsible for unauthorized access due to circumstances beyond our control.

10.3 Third-Party Service Providers

Text messages are sent through third-party SMS service providers (such as Twilio or similar platforms). These providers have access to your phone number and message content. They are contractually obligated to use your information only for sending messages and must comply with all privacy and security laws.

11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

11.1 Disclaimer of Warranties

The Preschool provides services "as is" and makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding:

Quality of care or educational services
Specific developmental or educational outcomes
Availability of website or software features
Accuracy of online or printed information
Timely delivery of SMS messages or other communications

11.2 Text Message Service Limitations

Little Shepherd Preschool is not responsible for:

Delays or failures in SMS message delivery
Non-delivery of messages due to carrier issues, network problems, or phone malfunctions
Any charges, fees, or overage costs imposed by your mobile carrier
Loss, corruption, or delay of messages
Your mobile phone's software, hardware, or service plan issues
Consequences of not receiving a particular message
Messages that are delivered to an incorrect number due to user error
Inability to opt out if you do not have the ability to reply to text messages

11.3 Liability Limitations

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Little Shepherd Preschool is not liable for:

Indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
Loss of profits, revenue, data, or use of services
Damages arising from your use or inability to use SMS services or other services
Damages from third-party service providers or mobile carriers
Any issues arising from your failure to follow instructions or comply with policies

12. GOVERNING LAW & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

12.1 Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois and the regulations of Kendall County, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

12.2 Jurisdiction

Both parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Kendall County, Illinois.

12.3 Dispute Resolution

If a dispute arises:

Informal Resolution: Parents should first contact the Preschool Director to attempt to resolve the issue
Written Complaint: If unresolved, parents may submit a written complaint to the Preschool Director
Review: The Preschool will respond in writing within 10 business days
Escalation: If still unresolved, parents may request a meeting with the church administrator
Legal Action: If necessary, disputes may be resolved in the courts of Kendall County, Illinois

12.4 Waiver of Class Action

Both parties agree that disputes will be resolved on an individual basis and waive the right to participate in any class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.

13. ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMMODATIONS

13.1 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Preschool is committed to providing equal access to individuals with disabilities. We comply with the ADA and provide reasonable accommodations for children with disabilities.

To request accommodations or for accessibility questions, contact:

Preschool Director
Phone: 630-554-3269
Email: littleshepherdps@sbcglobal.net

13.2 Religious Accommodations

As a ministry of the Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, the Preschool incorporates Christian values and teachings. If you have concerns about religious content or practices, please discuss with the Director.

14. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Little Shepherd Preschool does not discriminate in enrollment, services, or treatment based on:

Race, color, or national origin
Disability
Religion (except as noted above regarding the Preschool's religious affiliation)
Gender identity or sexual orientation
Family structure or marital status of parents/guardians
Ability to pay (scholarships available upon application)

Any concerns about discrimination should be reported to the Preschool Director or the church administrator.

15. BACKGROUND CHECKS & STAFF QUALIFICATIONS

The Preschool maintains:

Current background checks for all staff and volunteers (required by Illinois law)
Documentation of teacher qualifications and certifications
Child abuse and neglect clearance certificates for all staff

Parents may request proof of staff qualifications and background clearance upon request.

16. PHOTOGRAPHY & CONSENT

16.1 Photography Consent

Parents will be asked to sign a Photography & Media Consent Form upon enrollment, indicating whether you authorize:

Photography and video recording of your child
Use of images in classroom portfolios and daily reports
Use of images in promotional materials (optional)
Display of images on the website or social media (optional)

16.2 Management of Consent

You may update or withdraw photography consent at any time by providing written notice to the Director.

17. FIELD TRIPS & OFF-SITE ACTIVITIES

17.1 Field Trip Authorization

Parents must sign a Field Trip Authorization Form for field trips, indicating:

Permission for child to participate in off-site activities
Permission to transport the child
Emergency medical authorization
Permission for staff to take photographs/videos during the trip

17.2 Transportation

The Preschool will use:

School-approved vehicles with proper child safety seats
Trained, background-checked drivers
Appropriate supervision ratios during transport

18. AMENDMENTS & UPDATES

18.1 Right to Modify Terms

The Preschool reserves the right to modify these Terms & Conditions at any time. Changes will be:

Posted on our website
Communicated via email or notice
Made effective upon notification to families

Continued enrollment after notification of changes constitutes acceptance.

18.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect.

19. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These Terms & Conditions, along with the Privacy Policy and all enrollment documents, constitute the entire agreement between parents and the Preschool. These terms supersede all prior agreements, understandings, and negotiations.

20. CONTACT & QUESTIONS

For questions or concerns regarding these Terms & Conditions:

Little Shepherd Preschool 5 West Washington Street Oswego, Illinois 60543

Phone: 630-554-3269 Email: littleshepherdps@sbcglobal.net Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Central Time)

We will respond to inquiries within 10 business days.

21. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Parents are required to sign and acknowledge receipt of these Terms & Conditions during the enrollment process. This acknowledgment will be kept in the child's enrollment file.

Last Updated: July 2026 Effective Date: July 2026

Little Shepherd Preschool A ministry of Church of the Good Shepherd, United Methodist Church 5 West Washington Street, Oswego, Illinois 60543 Phone: 630-554-3269 Email: littleshepherdps@sbcglobal.net Website: littleshepherdps.com

Little Shepherd Preschool is a ministry of Church of the Good Shepherd Oswego a United Methodist Church. Located at 5W. Washington St. Oswego, Illinois. | 630-528-0838 | hello@littleshepherdps.com

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