Montessori of Woodridge Parent Handbook
Supporting Parents with Clear Communication & Guidelines
Supporting Parents with Clear Communication & Guidelines
The Montessori of Woodridge Parent Handbook outlines essential school operations, policies, and expectations to ensure a smooth and consistent experience for families. From what to bring each day to illness protocols, tuition requirements, and classroom expectations — this handbook is a reflection of our partnership with you.
Our goal is to keep families informed, aligned, and confident in how we care for and educate your child. We invite all parents to review our guidelines thoroughly and reach out with questions at any time.
What’s Inside the Parent Handbook
The handbook includes vital school details, including hours, safety procedures, classroom operations, and general Montessori principles.
Key Topics Include:
Introduction & Philosophy
Overview of Montessori principles, our educational approach, school hours, tuition structure, and administration contacts.
Required Daily Supplies
What your child needs each day — such as extra clothes, indoor shoes, rest supplies, and weather-appropriate outerwear. Guidelines for labeling all personal items.
Enrollment & Payment Info
Includes tuition rates, deposit details, due dates, and accepted payment methods (cash/check).
Daily Schedule Overview
Breakdown of class start and end times, full-day and half-day options, and how our classroom rhythm supports learning and self-regulation.
Classroom Expectations
Behavior expectations, discipline approach, birthday policies, and how we celebrate milestones. Practical tips on preparing your child for school routines.
Home and School Partnership
Encouraging Montessori at home, teacher-parent conferences, message center communication, and the importance of parent involvement.
Extended Day & Enrichment
Information about our extended programming, including drama, creative movement, music integration, and cultural projects.
School Closures & Calendar
A detailed schedule of holidays, staff development days, and partial-day closures. For example:
- September 4: Labor Day (Closed)
- November 10: Conferences (School Closed)
- Nov 23–24: Thanksgiving (Closed)
- Dec 22–26 & Jan 1: Winter Holiday Break
- May 27: Memorial Day (Closed)
Health & Illness Policies
Instructions for when to keep your child home, administering medication at school, and procedures for illness or injury.
Accidents & Emergency Procedures
What happens in the event of an accident or medical concern, including our reporting process and who to contact.
Licensing & Inspections
Assurance that our school complies with DCFS regulations and undergoes regular inspections for safety, health, and hygiene. This includes:
- Monthly nurse visits to infant/toddler rooms
- Monthly DHS kitchen checks
- City water testing 6x per year
- Fire/sprinkler inspections
What Your Child Needs Each Day
We ask all families to prepare their child for success by sending the following:
- Full change of clothes labeled with child’s name
- Indoor shoes
- Diapers, wipes, and creams (if applicable)
- Labeled pack-and-play sheets (changed twice weekly for infants)
- Seasonal gear for outdoor play
- Labeled water bottle or milk bottle
- Bibs for young children
Having all items ready ensures a smooth start to the school day and builds independence as children learn to care for their belongings.
Montessori at Home: Extending the Learning
Our classrooms emphasize order, independence, and respect — values that can also be nurtured at home. We encourage parents to:
- Allow extra time for your child to dress or prepare their bag
- Create accessible storage for your child’s clothing and belongings
- Encourage your child to pour their own drink or help with simple tasks
- Practice conflict resolution through calm conversation and redirection
You’ll find more examples in the handbook, along with our suggested Montessori reading list for parents.
Home–School Communication
Strong communication helps us support your child together. Our message center shares important school notices, and we welcome phone or email contact anytime.
We also host:
- Parent–Teacher Conferences for individualized updates
- Seasonal events and presentations
- Field trip volunteer opportunities
- Family newsletters and policy reminders
Enrollment & Financial Policies
Montessori of Woodridge outlines all tuition, deposit, and attendance guidelines clearly within the handbook.
- Tuition: Based on age group and schedule (full-time, part-time, half-day)
- Deposit: Required to reserve enrollment
- Payment Methods: Cash and check accepted
- Late Pickups: Fees may apply for pickups past scheduled time
- Refunds/Absences: Absence does not reduce tuition
The school office is available to answer any financial questions before enrollment.
Pat Whyte also leads the administrative team, overseeing all aspects of program coordination, staffing, and curriculum implementation. Her decades of Montessori training span age groups from 3–12, and her influence is present in every beautifully prepared classroom at our school.
Jim Whyte assists with daily operations, building maintenance, purchasing, meal prep, and office support. His presence ensures smooth logistics and a safe, well-maintained school environment.
Administrative Leadership
The Montessori of Woodridge Handbook is available upon enrollment. You may request a printed copy in person or receive a digital PDF version by contacting our office.
We ask all families to read and review the handbook before your child’s first day and to reach out if clarification is needed.
Download or Request a Copy
Contact Us with Questions
Have a question about our school policies or your child’s classroom experience? We're here to help.
6953 Woodridge Drive, Woodridge, IL 60517
Tours & appointments by request
