In order to enroll in Afternoons at A.L.M.A. your child must:

• be aged 3-6 as of their first day of attendance*
• be independent in toileting and handwashing 
• be examined by their doctor 6 months or less prior to enrollment*
• be tested for TB within 6 months of enrollment, screened for lead, and vaccinated for chickenpox*

*A.L.M.A. is a DCFS-licensed facility. These are DCFS requirements for all children.

Yes. In order to attend A.L.M.A. classes, children must be able to use the bathroom independently. In this case, independence means that children:

• have the physical awareness to use the bathroom without reminders 
• are able to undress and dress themselves 
• have the ability to wipe/clean themselves 
• can wash their hands thoroughly 

There are scheduled bathroom breaks during transition times. Children are also free to visit the bathroom whenever they have the need. 

We understand that when children enter a new environment there can be a period of adjustment and “accidents” may happen. These occurrences are handled supportively and non-punitively. However, if your child has frequent accidents, we will reevaluate your child’s readiness for our program.

No, every class is a little different! We follow a similar daily rhythm in terms of snack and activities, but classes can vary in content and format. We use a dynamic curriculum that allows us to incorporate the children’s interests and take inspiration from many different aspects of life. Every day at A.L.M.A. is a new adventure!

No. Your child will make things along the way in Afternoons at A.L.M.A., but they won’t necessarily take something home every day. Our best-practices instruction focuses on process and often involves activities that don’t have a take-home product. Rest assured that your child is internalizing key concepts and skills every day at A.L.M.A., and they do take these home with them!

Yes. We provide a nutritious daily snack which may include fruit, vegetables, grains, and plant-based protein. Periodically, we will serve dairy (cheese/ yogurt) and eggs. A.L.M.A. is a nut-free campus.

We send weekly photos of our afternoon activities so you can get a peek inside your child’s learning! We also send emails with reminders about any upcoming program needs or changes. If time-sensitive issues arise (such as if your child becomes ill while at A.L.M.A.), we will call parents/guardians.

Children showing signs of communicable illness may not attend class until they have been symptom- and fever-free for 24 hours. If your child begins showing signs of illness while at A.L.M.A., we will notify you promptly. Please arrange for them to be picked up within the hour. If we cannot reach a parent, we will call your listed emergency contacts.

We teach problem-solving utilizing Non-Violent Communication and use natural consequences as our primary approach to discipline. Disciplinary measures are always designed and carried out in a way that helps children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own actions. Corporal punishment is never applied. You can read our full Discipline Policy here.