SACC Family Handbook

Aisha Clark 
SACC Coordinator of Extended Learning 
847-859-8078 
clarka@district65.net 

Steven Frost 
SACC Coordinator of Extended Learning 
847-859-8118 
frosts@district65.net 

Jennifer Roland 
SACC Fees Person/Financial Services Collections and Claims Lead
847-859-8015 
fees@district65.net 

Kate Mason-Schultz 
Nutrition Services Coordinator 
847-859-8131 
masonschultzk@district65.net 

Dr. Deborah Osher 
Director of Programs & Partnerships 
847-859-8034 
osherd@district65.net 

For over 45 years, the Evanston/Skokie District 65 School Age Child Care (SACC) program has continued to provide safe, fun, and quality Child Care. Each center is licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and monitored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Every staff member is certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED. All Site Coordinators have food sanitation licenses from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Additionally, all SACC staff complete required annual professional development to further enhance their skills. Our program’s on-site focus is to keep students safe, engaged, and continuing to develop age-appropriate life skills through a variety of recreational and S.T.E.A.M.-oriented activities. (See our Daily Schedule example (last page) for an overview of a typically planned day/week in care).

The SACC program supervises children enrolled in the ten (K-5th) District 65 schools, with the exception of Washington Elementary. Child Care services are provided at all DCFS licensed elementary and magnet schools during the school year. Before Care (AM only) begins at 7 a.m. and ends when school begins. After Care (PM only) begins at the closing of school and ends at 6:00 p.m. Child Care is closed on all District 65 Holidays.

View Site Coordinator names and phone numbers

Our program is open to all District 65 students in grades Kindergarten through Fifth. District 65, including its childcare program, is closed on all District 65-approved holidays. 

Nutritious meals are provided to all students (see sample menu). A doctor’s note is required stating any allergies and/or dietary restrictions to Kate Mason-Schultz, masonschultzk@district65.net, Coordinator of Nutrition Services. 

Enrollment in our program does not restrict children from participating in any of the other enrichment activities offered in the school. Please see the site staff for the required release form.  A child absent from school, for any reason, cannot attend Child Care that day. Any child suspended from school is also suspended from Child Care for the duration of the suspension. The fee for that time is non-refundable, as childcare fees are based on enrollment, not attendance.

**A late fee will be applied to parents who arrive after 6:01 PM.

Release Policy: Per DCFS standards, students may be released only to individuals 18 years of age or older on the pick-up list, and those individuals must present a valid government-issued ID. Note: Students are NEVER released to walk home alone.

Special Circumstances: Exceptions to the age requirement for pickup may be granted. Please contact Aisha Clark and/or Steven Frost in advance to discuss the approval process.

Please note that child care fees are based on enrollment and not attendance. 

Canceling care is permitted during each school year. All requests are required in writing (email) to the fees@district65.net and saccregistration@district65.net emails in accordance with the cancellation date listed on the current SACC payment schedule. 

Each case will be individually reviewed, and a determination of reinstatement will be made. Due to limited licensed space at each site, Child Care registration and re-enrollment during the school year is conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is for students enrolled in Kindergarten through Fifth grade whose parent(s) have elected to enroll them in SACC. 

The following information must be completed to be admitted into the program: 

• Completed annually, the District 65 School Age Child Care Program student registration Google Form (submitted by parent/caregiver).
• A medical exam for any child(ren) new to or returning to the SACC program after two consecutive years’ absence) a copy of a physical exam with complete immunizations and TB test results or waiver (dated no more than a year from start date in care). 
• Copy of birth certificate if not already entered in the District 65 registration system 
• All sections completed (with signature), annual USDA/CACFP food enrollment form. 
• A minimum of two emergency contacts (Must be 18 years or older) listed in the annual SACC packet who would be able to pick up your child in an emergency situation. Each confirmed emergency contact should be prepared to provide a government-issued ID to pick up your child(ren).
• Fees are paid in advance of care according to the D65 SACC payment schedule. 
• Once a student is enrolled, payments can also be made through the RevTrak system by going to Student Fees

School Age Child Care Pricing for 2026-2027 School Year

All fees will be charged monthly. Once you have selected the program model and the days your child will attend, changes cannot be made unless Financial Services is notified in writing. Please refer to the contract change deadlines listed on the payment schedule. Please note that fees are based on enrollment, not attendance. Enrollment is done on a first-come, first-served basis. All payments and forms must be completed in order for an enrollment to be considered complete.

NOTE: A $50 non-refundable registration fee is added for the 1st child and $25 for each additional child. Subsidies do not cover registration fees. 

For your child to start on the first day of school, all SACC registration fees, documents & the first month's payment must be received in our SACC JEH office (1500 McDaniel Ave) by Wednesday, August 5, 2026. If payments are received after this date, we will make every effort to enroll your child before the first day of school, but there may be a delay due to the number of students enrolling and the number of spots available.

Please note that ALL outstanding D65 student fees must be paid in full prior to enrollment in the SACC Program.

Payment Overview
Our fee structure is a “flat fee,” meaning monthly SACC payments are based on enrollment, not attendance, and are not prorated for holidays or days off (i.e., Fall Break, Winter Break, and observed holidays). 

CCAP/DHS Subsidy - All accounts that are paid through a CCAP/DHS subsidy must have a current approval letter on file indicating the school where your child is receiving SACC services. If your subsidy expires or we receive a cancellation notice, your child(ren) may still participate in the SACC program, but you will be charged the “full fee” rate instead of the subsidy amount. Please also note that DHS/CCAP subsidies only cover one session (AM or PM).

If you choose to have your child(ren) participate in both sessions, the subsidy will be applied to the higher amount, and you will be responsible for the cost of the “add-on” session at the normal rate. Once the subsidy has been approved, please contact fees@district65.net to determine the refund status and eligibility. 

• $168 per month for 5 days of AM care
• $118 per month for 3 days of AM care

Payment Deadlines: To avoid service cancellation, please ensure payments are made by the scheduled due date.

Payment Methods: All payments made via electronic funds transfer with a credit or debit card will be charged a 4.38% processing fee.

Online
District 65 families may pay childcare fees online via the RevTrak payment portal after the initial registration is complete. Access the online system. To set up a new account, please view instructions for first-time account setup.

Phone Payments
To pay by phone with a credit or debit card, please call 847-859-8015. *Processing fees will apply to this method.

Money Orders: Make payable to: District 65 Child Care. Include your child’s first and last name in the memo line. These payments can also be mailed or placed in our dropbox at the JEH building, 1500 McDaniel.

Check Payments
Important note: We no longer accept physical personal checks.

We accept checks mailed directly from your bank via their electronic bill-pay service. When setting up the electronic payment through your bank, please include your child's name and the word “SACC”  in the memo line. Payments should be mailed to:

District 65
ATTN: Financial Services Department-SACC
1500 McDaniel Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201

To ensure your payments arrive on time and avoid late fees, please align them with the SACC payment schedule.

Late Payment Fees: A $15.00 late payment fee per account will be charged for payments received after the due date. For any questions regarding fees, please contact Jennifer Roland at 847-859-8015.

Families receiving CCAP/DHS subsidy assistance must register in person at our office with our SACC Coordinators: Steven Frost and/or Aisha Clark. Updated CCAP/DHS approval certificates should be on file with our Fees Person in late July/early August to ensure a smoother start in August. Appointments can be scheduled by emailing saccregistration@district65.net.

Your child(ren) may not attend the program if fees are not paid in advance of service according to the District 65 SACC payment schedule. If you have outstanding fees from any District 65 Child Care Program, such debts must be paid before your child can receive service. All outstanding costs due to District 65 must be paid before enrollment. If not paid, children will not be accepted.

The safety and security of your child(ren) is our primary concern. Should any of the following changes occur, please notify your Child Care team as soon as possible:

• Absences, for any reason. Particularly for the PM session 
• Late arrival. 
• Early dismissal or change in dismissal. 
• Change in pick-up arrangements.

The following are acceptable: 

• An email from the address on file (at least 15 minutes or more before dismissal) or 
• A signed and dated note from the parent or 
• Parent notifies the school office/teacher via email

The official childcare time is the clock at each site. 

The program closes promptly at 6:00 p.m. every day, during the regular school year. Late fees are per child (not family) and will be applied and accrued until the child is picked up.

The late fee amount will be billed directly to your account and appear on your monthly statement. You will also be asked to sign a late fee form. Late fee amounts will be adjusted and charged according to the LATE PICK-UP FEE scale provided (refer to the current payment schedule). Disputes regarding fines/fees should be directed to the SACC Fees Person, Ms. Jennifer Roland, at fees@district65.net or 847-859-8015. Site staff are not authorized to accept any late fees/monies..

THE LATE PICK-UP FEES SCALE PER MINUTE 

• 1-15 minutes: $25.00 
• 16-30 minutes: $50.00 
• 31-45 minutes: $75.00 
• 46-60 minutes: $100.00

After the second late pick-up, the Program Coordinators must be consulted before your child may return to Child Care.

Discipline shall be developmentally and appropriately related to the child’s age and behavior. Unfortunately, if inappropriate behavior continues, suspension or cancellation of services may be necessary. However, site staff, in collaboration with parents, appropriate school staff, and the Program Coordinators, will be diligent in ensuring the student achieves the most successful outcome. They will educate and encourage each child to practice positive social behavior in accordance with the district's policy and guidelines (see also D65 Student Handbook). Utilizing the Behavior Continuum will provide a guide during this process to seek the most equitable solution possible.

On rare occasions, it may be necessary to close District 65 schools and centers due to extreme temperatures, inclement weather, or other emergency situations. The decision to close schools is always difficult, yet it is made with the safety of students and staff in mind. 

As an alternative to canceling school, the District may implement an E-Learning Day. This means that teaching and learning will take place virtually, and school buildings will remain closed. E-Learning Days count as a day of student attendance and do not need to be made up at the end of the school year. As part of the district's state-approved E-Learning Plan, up to (5) E-Learning Days can be used per school year.

In the event of a school closure or change to the regular schedule, the district will communicate with staff and families as follows: 

• Automated phone call, email, and text message via Blackboard mass notification system 
• Announcement on District 65 website (www.district65.net) 
• Emergency Closing Center (www.emergencyclosings.com) 
• District 65 Facebook and Instagram social media accounts 
• Local newspapers, TV, and radio stations 

Please ensure that the most current contact information is on file with the district. Any changes can be made via the Powerschool Parent Portal, by email to registrationinfo@district65.net, or by calling 847-859-8065. 

Note: Emergency closings are non-refundable.

District and Site Newsletters and Notices: Newsletters provide information on curriculum and family activities. Parents/guardians are encouraged to visit and observe. Notices regarding payments and other important information are sent (or provided to families) associated with each child care site. Please check with your Site Coordinator for new information. 

Parent/Guardian and Family Involvement: Family volunteers are always welcome. If you have a special interest or talent that may enhance our program, please let us know. All regulations regarding volunteers will be enforced. All volunteers must be fingerprinted and background checked per current District 65 policy.

Name on Belongings: Put your child’s name on the inside of all belongings. 

Clothing: Children must always be dressed comfortably for active indoor and outdoor play. All children play outdoors every day, weather permitting. Children are encouraged to wear clothing they can manage themselves.  

Children should always be dressed comfortably for active indoor and outdoor play. Outdoor play is part of the daily routine, weather permitting. We encourage children to wear clothing that they can manage independently to support their self-help skills. We kindly ask that you send your students in appropriate clothing for unpredictable weather.

Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Items: District 65 schools and District 65 Child Care will not be responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items. District 65 schools and the District 65 Child Care program are not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items. Please keep any valuable items (such as toys, electronics, and jewelry) at home.

To ensure the best possible care for your child, the childcare program collaborates with the school health office. Please be sure to update any medical information as needed. A doctor's note regarding allergies will be needed, and, if available, the recommended care plan. We can also create a plan, in collaboration with the school's health office, and you, if none is provided.

It is critical that you keep your information up to date. Please update your home, work, cell, and emergency phone numbers regularly. 

Should a student become ill during childcare: 

• Access the student's medical condition 
• Provide the necessary care 
• Call 911 if needed (notify program administrators) 
• Make the student as comfortable as possible 
• If needed, remove the student from the group to ensure their privacy, as well as not infect others 
• Notify parent. If unable to reach parent(s), then contact emergency designees 

If a student becomes ill during childcare, SACC staff will:

• Assess the student’s medical condition
• Provide appropriate care based on the situation
• Call 911 if necessary and notify program administrators immediately
• Make the student as comfortable as possible
• If needed, remove the student from the group to ensure privacy and help prevent the spread of illness
• Notify the parent/guardian
  • If unable to reach the parent(s), contact the listed emergency designees
• Provide all required medical documentation to the parent/guardian upon pickup, including:
  • Fever form
  • Accident/incident form

Any child who is ill during school will follow the same return-to-school guidelines as for child care. The child care program follows the policies of District 65's Health Department. (refer to Health & Wellness - Evanston-Skokie School District 65). District policy states: Students with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher cannot return to school until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication. 

Medications: Per District 65 policy, all medications must be prescribed by a physician. The original prescription bottle or package must bear the child's name, the physician's name, the date, and directions for administering the medication. A release form must be signed by the parent, authorizing staff to administer the medication. A written record of the last dosage given to the child is also required. Release forms can be requested from the site staff. 

It is the parents’ responsibility to personally deliver all medications directly to the Child Care staff.