HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinances - ORD-07-1384 - 07/30/2007 - AMEND CUP FOR ST PAULS EPISCOPAL CHURCHORDINANCE NO. ORD-07-1384
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR
ST.PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH TO ALLOW EXPANDED
PRESCHOOL ACTIVITIES AT 3706 ST. PAUL'S AVENUE
IN THE CITY OF MCHENRY, MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of McHenry previously approved an ordinance granting a
conditional use permit to allow a religious institution at 3706 St. Paul's Avenue in the City of McHenry, legally
described on "Exhibit A", attached hereto and incorporated herein, (the "SUBJECT PROPERTY"); and
WHEREAS, Reverend James E. Swarthout (the "APPLICANT") has submitted a letter to the City
requesting approval to operate the Little Cherubs Preschool on the SUBJECT PROPERTY; and
WHEREAS, the Zoning Ordinance of the City of McHenry states that the City Council has the ability to
approve an expansion, alteration or amendment to a conditional use, or may send the item back to the Planning and
Zoning Commission for a public hearing; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the evidence presented and finds that the approval of the
request is consistent with the objectives of the City of McHenry Zoning Ordinance to protect the public health,
safety, morals and general welfare of its residents, and should be approved without sending the matter back to the
Planning and Zoning Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MCHENRY,
MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: That ORD. 0-96-784, granting a Conditional Use Permit to allow a religious institution on
the SUBJECT PROPERTY, is hereby amended to allow the Little Cherubs Preschool in accordance with the
documents attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit `B".
SECTION 2: In granting said amendment to the Conditional Use Permit, the City Council finds that the
requirements of Table 31 of the Zoning Ordinance have been met in that:
1. Any adverse impact of types or volumes of traffic flow not otherwise typical in the zoning district has
been minimized.
2. Any adverse effects of noise, glare, odor, dust, waste disposal, blockage of light or air, or other adverse
environmental effects of a type or degree not characteristic of permitted uses in the zoning district,
have been appropriately controlled;
3. The proposed use will fit harmoniously with the existing natural or man-made character of its
surroundings, and with permitted uses in the zoning district. The use will not have undue deleterious
effect on the environmental quality, property values, or neighborhood character already existing in the
area or normally associated with permitted uses in the district.
4. The proposed use will not require existing community facilities or services to a degree disproportionate
to that normally expected of permitted uses in the district, nor generate disproportionate demand for
new services or facilities, in such a way as to place undue burdens upon existing development in the
area;
5. The proposed use will not be detrimental to the safety or health of the employees, patrons, or visitors
associated with the use nor of the general public in the vicinity; and
6. The proposed use is in harmony with all other elements of compatibility pertinent to the Conditional
Use and its particular location.
SECTION 3: All Ordinances or parts thereof in conflict with the terms and provisions hereof are hereby
repealed to the extent of such conflict.
SECTION 4: This Ordinance shall be published in pamphlet form by and under the authority of the
corporate authorities of the City of McHenry, McHenry County, Illinois.
SECTION 5: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval, and
publication in pamphlet form as provided by law.
PASSED THIS
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAINED:
ABSENT:
NOT VOTING:
30T DJ U LY
AY OF 2007
SANTI, GLAB, SCHAEFER, MURGATROYD, WI LAMER, PETERSON
NONE
NONE
CONDON
NONE
APPROVED THIS 30 T H
ATTEST:
DAY OF J U LY
2007
0
Exhibit "A"
Legal Description of the SUBJECT PROPERTY
Lot 1 (Except any part thereof falling in St. Paul's Subdivision as recorded in document no. 680084) in
Edgebrook Heights Annex. A subdivision of part of the Southwest Quarter of Section 35, Township 45
North, Range 8 East of the Third Principal Meridian. According to the plat thereof recorded February 14,
1957 as Document No. 319418, in Book 13 of Plats, Page 9 in McHenry County, Illinois.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
page 3
2. MISSION STATEMENT
page 3
3. GOVERNANCE r1
page 3
4. STANDARDS
page 3
5. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
page 4
6. THE CHRISTIAN DIMENSION
page 4
7. PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS AND SCHEDULES
Watch and Learn Program
page 5
Kindergarten Enrichment Program
page 6
Music/Chapel Time
page 6
S. LIBRARY
page 7
9. ADMISSIONS
page 7
10. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PROCEDURES
page 7
11. ABSENCES
page 8
12. THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR
Transition Objects
page 8
Change of Clothing
page 8
13. DRESS CODE
page 8
14. BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
page 9
15. HEALTH MANAGEMENT
Policies in case of Illness
page 10
Policies in case of Accident
page 10
Medications
page 10
16. THE PARENT AND PRESCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
Visits to the Classroom
page 11
Conferences
page 11
Mutual Communication
page I
Parent -Preschool Partnership Evenings
page 11
Room Parents and Preschool Hospitality
page 12
17. COMMUNICATIONS
Bulletin Boards page 12
Newsletters page 12
18. PRESCHOOL PASTORAL SUPPORT page 12
19. THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH page 13
19. IN CASE OF WEATHER OR NATIONAL EMERGENCY page 13
20. CALENDAR page 14
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Dear St. Paul Episcopal Preschool Parents:
As we anxiously wait for the start of our new ministry within the community, the
entire staff of teachers and members of our parish joins me in extending our
gratitude for the gift you have given us in the sharing of your children. We will never
take for granted the trust you have placed in us to nurture your children in our
newly- founded preschool environment. We pledge to honor that trust by providing
the most positive experience possible for your child.
As you read through our Parent Handbook, we hope you will find it informative and
useful. Our entire staff is ready to answer any questions or help in any other way to
make your experience at St. Paul Episcopal Preschool enjoyable and fulfilling.
MISSION STATEMENT
St. Paul's Episcopal Preschool is a child -centered ministry to provide a.nurturing
play -based curriculum for preschoolers in a Christian environment. We believe that
celebrating and acknowledging our Faith in the child's home, church, and school,
helps to build each child's trust in God, in people, and in the world. We also want to
help build our children's faith in themselves, by recognizing and responding to their
different levels of development and ability, intellectually, socially, and spiritually.
GOVERNANCE
Our Preschool is a ministry of St. Paul's Episcopal Church through the governing
body of its Rector, Wardens, and Vestry. The Preschool's day-to-day operations are
managed by the Director who is hired by the Rector and approved by the Vestry in
accordance with the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, of the Diocese
of Chicago, and of the Parish.
Our most important commitment is the safety of the children committed to our care.
All of our clergy, employees, and volunteers agree to participate in background
checks, and are trained in sexual abuse and misconduct prevention.
STANDARDS
We exceed the Standards of conduct set by Illinois Department of Children and
Family Services - We also meet all fire, health, and environmental requirements.
Our rector, the Rev. James E. Swarthout, is a licensed school social worker who has
extensive education credentials and experience with early childhood educators. All of
our teachers have a minimum of six hours of child development coursework and will
receive additional training throughout each year. Teacher ratios meet or exceed state
regulation standards.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
Our program provides for the developmentally appropriate cognitive, emotional,
social, spiritual, and physical needs of young children, and for the support of their
families. By teaching The Creative Curriculum® program, which is used by many
school districts, we can offer your children a seamless transition into Kindergarten.
This curriculum fosters a safe, nurturing, and structured environment for building
your children's self-esteem through successful experiences of one-to-one and group
social interactions and independent exploration.
Recognizing the importance of play to young children, each age group spends an
appropriate amount of time in supervised free play. Gross and fine motor skills are
integrated with play both indoors and out.
THE CHRISTIAN DIMENSION
Your children will also enjoy the life -affirming and creative dimension of our faith
through music, story, and the use of Christian symbols. Your children will have the
opportunity to:
• Say prayers of thanksgiving and support for their families and friends, and for
their community.
• Offer grace as a group before snacks.
• Enjoy the experience, of being part of a preschool community of children,
teachers, families, and church people who seek together to love God and to
love their neighbors as themselves.
• Discover the art and symbols of the faith through visits to the church.
Learn about God through nature, friends, stories, and songs.
• Celebrate the Christian Year, including the Seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent,
and Easter.
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Watch and Learn Programs
When you observe children you are watching to learn. Observing provides the family
members information that helps build relationships with children and enables them
to be successful learners. Together we learn from each other by carefully watching
and listening. Watching, listening, and playing with children helps understand what
they are feeling, learning, and thinking.
Ty
yical Watch and Learn Program, 12:30-2:00y.m.
12:30 - 12:45 - Socialization and small group activities
12:45 - 1:00 - Circle Time and Story Reading
1:00 - 1:15 -Music and Movement
1:15 - 1:30 -Outdoor or Indoor Large Group Play/Snack time
1: 30 - 1:45 -Art and Creative Expression
1:45 - 2:00 - Circle Time, Story Reading, and Free Play
This program is a beginning preschool class. Children registering for class should
demonstrate their readiness to participate with a small group in a structured setting
in the following ways:
■ the child speaks and is understood;
■ the child separates from the mother/caregiver or is beginning to attempt;
■ the child has enjoyed other limited group activities;
■ the child listens to adults and can be redirected if necessary;
■ the child is beginning to learn the give-and-take, (sharing) of group play.
The activities planned for this program are age appropriate with opportunities to
develop in all four areas of child development: social, emotional, cognitive, and
physical.
Special emphasis is given to social growth. The curriculum provides experiences in
music and literature as well as imaginative play with blocks, housekeeping, water,
sand, and play dough.
The classroom will allow for exploration and discovery. The children will generate
ideas as to what is studied and explored within the classroom.
Opportunities for creative expression in art, music, and dramatic play will enhance
the school program. Preparing four- and five-year olds for success in kindergarten is
a goal of this class. All aspects of the day connect to provide a balance of quiet and
busy activity, individual time, and group interactions.
E
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Kindergarten Enrichment Program
The goal of our program is to promote the enjoyment of literature and math through the
reinforcement of critical thinking and analytical skills through playful interaction.
The program provides the Creative Curriculum program of developmental
measurements used by many school districts, to provide a seamless transition into and
within Kindergarten.
Typical Kindergarten Enrichment Program. 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
12:30 - 12:45 - Socialization and small group activities; Fine Motor Skills
12:45 - 1:00 - Circle Time and Story Reading
1:00 - 1:30 - Outdoor or Indoor Large Group Play; Social Skills
1:30 - 1:45 - Snack time/Art/Creative Expression; Imagination and Creativity
1:45 - 2:15 - Language and Pleading; The Creative Curriculum°
2:15 - 2:30- Circle Time, Small Group activities
2:30 Parent Pick -Up
Themes give relevance to the activities in which the 3 and 4 year olds are involved.
Activities are planned to be hands-on and age -appropriate with opportunities to
develop in all four areas of child development: social, emotional, cognitive, and
physical.
The curriculum provides a multitude of experiences in music, literature,
math, and science, as well as imaginative play with blocks and housekeeping
equipment,' water, sand, and play dough.
Positive socialization is emphasized. Outdoor and Indoor play is planned and
encouraged, weather and safety permitting.
Music and Chapel Time:
St. Paul has the unique privilege to have as our Organist: Mrs. Charlene Conklin who
is a retired music teacher from Elementary School District 15. Together with our
classroom teachers Mrs. Conklin and Fr. Jim our rector, will be given to opportunity to
go into the chapel - sing and share in faith based stories. Program Develops:
o verbal skills - musical skills
o academic skills - socialization skills
o artistic appreciation - emotional well-being
o physical coordination, awareness and balance
o relationship skills such as sharing and taking turns
o listening skills
As well as feeling comfortable within a church setting.
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LIBRARY
The St. Paul parish library has children's books and videos, and resources for families,
as well as a good collection of religious books, reference materials, and periodicals.
As our Preschool grows, so will our Preschool resources.
You are welcome to use our library,'and the Director or Preschool or Parish Staff will
be happy to help you make use of it or borrow from it.
ADMISSIONS
St. Paul's Episcopal. Preschool program gives first priority to parishioners, second
priority to other children who are currently enrolled, and then to children from the
community at large.
A waiting list will be established when a program's enrollment is full.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services requires the following forms
and information for each child before he or she may attend classes:
1. An annual Medical form, including health history and inoculation records,
signed by a pediatrician.
2. A Medical Emergency Information form, including the names of all persons
authorized to pick up your child in case of emergencies.
Please notify the Director if your emergency contact information
changes.
3. A Registration and Enrollment Form
4. Personal Information Profile
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PROCEDURES
Parents who drive their preschoolers will enter by the front entrance of the parking
lot.
Please do not drop off your child earlier than 12:25 pm in the afternoon, and do not
pick up your child later than 3:05 pm in the afternoon. Classrooms will not open until
the beginning of the class hour to give the Staff time for preparation and prayer.
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ABSENCES
Parents must notify the school when a child will be absent from class. Please call the
Preschool Office at 815-385-0390.
If possible, please call before 12:00 p.m. for the afternoon program.
Please specify if the child is absent due to illness. This is critical because some
diagnoses require us to inform the parents of the other children of possible contagion.
THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR
Our school year begins after other schools because preschoolers with older brothers
and sisters benefit from seeing their siblings go bravely off to their schools, and
because the preschoolers' parents can then give them their undivided attention. This
sequence helps preschool children make their first transitions from home to school.
Transition Objects
Sometimes preschool children may need to bring transition objects such as blankets,
dolls, keys, etc. We will make every effort to prevent these objects from being lost,
but children should be told that their transition items would be less likely to be lost if
they were kept in the car or at home.
Children may not bring weapon toys, bottles, food, or pacifiers because these items
may be unsafe or hazardous to the health of other children in the classroom.
Change of Clothing
Please bring a change of clothes for your preschooler, including underwear and socks,
and label each article of clothing with your child's name.
DRESS CODE
Please dress your children in comfortable clothing that may get dirty during play.
Closed —toe tennis shoes are the most appropriate footwear; flip-flops, clogs, and
sandals may be unsafe while navigating stairs or running on the playground.
In winter, children who wear boots to school should bring another pair of shoes with
them or leave other footwear at the Preschool.
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BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
Positive reinforcement usually provides sufficient incentives for appropriate behavior.
We follow a regular routine and set sensitive, firm, fair, and consistent limits to
provide safety and security. Through considered discipline children develop self-
control, assume responsibility for their actions, and learn to respect the rights of
others. Children receive support and direction as they develop their autonomy in a
safe, secure setting with clear boundaries.
Our classroom and play spaces have been carefully designed with the developmental
needs of our children in mind. The program encourages positive behavior through an
environment that provides safety, structure, and privacy. Early childhood educators
agree on the benefits of following three basic rules: Be kind; be safe; be neat.
When needed we will implement strategies such as Love and Logic and 1,2,3 Magic
for behavior problems. These re -direction strategies will be introduced to parents and
families to enable consistency between the classroom and the home.
We will encourage and help children to resolve their conflicts through words and.
negotiation. Our professional early childhood educators are instructed to guide and
support children through non-violent processes in order to transform disagreements
into teaching opportunities.
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Policies in case of Illness
Children may not attend if:
1. They have a fever. After an illness, the temperature must remain normal for
24 hours before children return to the preschool.
2. They experience vomiting or severe diarrhea during the previous day.
3. They complain of a sore throat or an upset stomach.
4. They demonstrate uncharacteristic listlessness or irritability.
S. They cough excessively, have congested chests, or significant nasal discharge.
6. They have been exposed within the past 3 to 7 days to measles, mumps,
strep throat, or chicken pox.
Parents are expected to inform the preschool staff about their children's illnesses.
We are required to inform the other parents when there is exposure to contagious
diseases. When children return to school after suffering a contagious disease we need
a note from their doctors or the health departments.
If children become ill during class, we will call their parent or guardian and keep them
under observation in a quiet corner away from the other children.
Policies in case of an Accident
All accidents are recorded on a form which includes a description of the accident and
any action taken by staff. If the accident is not serious, parents will be informed when
they pick up their children, and they will then sign the accident report to close the
record. If the accident is serious, parents will be contacted immediately. In a medical
emergency, we will call 911. Lead teachers have First Aid and Cardio-Pulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR) training. Classroom first aid boxes contain Band—Aids, gauze, and
a thermometer. Only soap and water will be administered to cuts.
Medications
Please also inform the Preschool Director of any special circumstances so we may
provide for your children's optimal care. We discourage the administration of
medications during class, except in emergencies for treating bee stings, other
allergies, or asthmatic conditions. In these cases we require a signed and dated form
giving specific instructions for the teachers. Please apply insect repellents and
sunscreens before class at home.
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THE PARENT AND PRESCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
To maximize the benefits of attending St. Paul's Episcopal Preschool, we believe it
is important for the children and their families to experience a partnership with the
Preschool staff. Because we seek common goals for our children— a positive and
empowering experience that builds trust and autonomy, channels initiative, develops
self-esteem, and celebrates the love of God— we also seek your involvement and
support. Together, we will make St. Paul's Episcopal Preschool a successful and
highly -regarded program.
Visits to the classroom
Parents are always welcome to visit their children in class, but it will help the teacher
if you schedule your visit in advance. Please bear in mind that there will be little or no
time to talk with the teacher or Director during your visit.
Conferences
Parents may schedule a conference with the Director or their children's teacher at any
time, but regular Preschool Conferences are held in the Fall and Spring.
Sometimes a phone conversation is sufficient to answer your questions, discuss your
child's development, or address any of your concerns; you may call the Director or a
teacher at any time, and leave a message if he or she is not available at the moment.
Mutual Communication
Please let us know of any circumstances in your family life that may contribute to
changes in your child's behavior. These may include such happy events as travel or a
new baby in the family, stressful changes like remodeling or moving, or difficult times
of illness and death. We would like to offer you and your child appropriate support.
We in turn will report any observations about significant behavioral changes in school
in order to work collaboratively with you for your child's benefit.
Parent -Preschool Partnership Evenings
Our first Partnership Evening takes place before classes begin each year in order to
welcome you and explain our program, and our philosophy of guidance and discipline.
Throughout the school year we will offer other Partnership Evenings with educational
programs about childhood development, family dynamics, and other relevant topics.
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Room Parents and Preschool Hosuitali
We would like to have 2 Room Parents in every class to help our teachers with special
projects, needs, and birthday and holiday parties. They may also organize social
events for parents.
Room Parents will also organize our Birthday Book Program, by which parents may
celebrate their child's birthday by donating a book to the classroom with their child's
name placed inside the front cover. Room Parents will also keep a list of the books
the teacher would like purchased, and a list of the books already given.
Room Parents may also ask other parents with special talents or skills to contribute to
the class, perhaps for art or music projects, or to repair classroom furnishings, or to
tell stories.
COMMUNICATIONS
In addition to messages sent home with your children from time to time, we will also
keep you informed in other ways:
Bulletin Boards
We will post pertinent information on the bulletin boards outside our classrooms.
Please take a few moments to check for new information or samples of your
preschooler's work.
Newsletters
We will publish a monthly Newsletter with class activities, pictures, upcoming events,
and articles about education, parenting skills, and family integration.
PRESCHOOL PASTORAL SUPPORT
You now belong to a special community— St. Paul's Episcopal Preschool. And like all
communities, we will from time to time find occasions to "rejoice with those who
rejoice" and to "weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15). Please let our Director
or any of our staff know about your joys and concerns. When a baby is born, when a
job is lost or found, when there is illness or death, or at any other time of need, we
would like to send a card, or call, or otherwise respond as your Preschool community.
And regardless of your formal religious affiliation, St. Paul's Episcopal Church also
stands ready to lend its support. We will add a name to our prayer list, or a cause for
celebration, to our list of thanksgivings. Our parish clergy will meet with you at the
Church or in your home.
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The Episcopal Church
In addition to our Partnership Evenings, parents of first-time preschoolers will attend
an evening meeting early in the school year so we may give you an introduction to
the Episcopal Church. The purpose of this meeting is not to proselytize or pressure
you into becoming Episcopalians, although we would be happy to welcome you into
our parish family! Rather, the purpose is to give you a context for the Christian
education component of our Preschool program, and for the songs, Bible stories, and
prayers your children will be learning.
IN CASE OF WEATHER OR NATIONAL EMERGENCY
Emergency numbers to the Police and Fire Departments are kept in every classroom
and in the Preschool and Parish Offices.
Every child's Emergency Contact List is kept in every classroom and in the Preschool
and Parish Offices.
Emergency Drills
Children in all classes participate in regular fire and tornado drills.
NOTES
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