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Early Learning Center

Empowering all students to succeed in a changing world

Reminder: ELC Parking Lot Guidelines

Posted Date: 04/23/26 (11:56 AM)
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ELC Arrival, Dismissal, and Parking Lot Guidelines

Dear Preschool Families,

As we navigate another busy season of school activities, I want to take a moment to address a vital topic: the safety of our children in the parking lot.

Over the last couple of months, several families have shared concerns about the speed of vehicles during drop-off and pick-up. While we all understand the hustle of a busy morning or the rush to get home after a long day, the safety of our students must always be our absolute priority.

To ensure every child arrives and leaves school safely, we kindly ask all drivers to:
  • Follow Established Guidelines: Adhere strictly to the school’s traffic flow patterns and designated parking areas.
  • Proceed with Caution: Maintain a slow, walking-pace speed at all times within school grounds.
  • Stay Alert: Please put away mobile devices and keep a watchful eye for small children who may dart between cars or cross unexpectedly.
  • Practice Patience: Expect minor delays during peak hours and treat fellow families and staff with the kindness our community is known for.
Our parking lot guidelines aren't just rules; they are the safeguards that protect our most precious community members. Thank you for your cooperation, your vigilance, and for doing your part to keep our school a safe environment for every student.

Warmly,
Barb Golik
Principal
 
Hours

**Students who arrive after school begins will need to be signed in.**

 
arrival and dismissal

Parking Lot Guidelines

Following the school's traffic patterns in the school zone provides for a safe environment. There are designated pick-up and drop-off zones for students that do not interfere with bus traffic. Your cooperation will help to ensure the safety of all of our school children. Please click here for the map.
A few safety reminders:
  • For drop off and pick up, enter the parking lot from the drive located off of Harrison Street. Cars will proceed down the drive alongside the Early Learning Center (Watch the video in this newsletter).
  • Enter the parking lot of the Early Learning Center. Park your car and proceed to the arrival and dismissal door that your child’s class is assigned to.
  • Please only use the designated handicapped parking space if you are authorized to do so.
  • To exit the parking lot, please proceed to the exit that is located off of Dee Rd.
  • School zones are also cell phone-free zones. This means that any cell phone use, even hands-free, is prohibited.
 
Late Arrival

Late Arrival Procedures

If your child arrives after the start of the school day (8:40 am for the morning session or 12:15 pm for the afternoon session), you must check them in using the iPad Kiosk in the front foyer.
Visitor Aware

ID Needed for Pick Up

All parents and approved pick-up persons must show a valid state-issued ID to sign a student out early. 

No ID, no release. 

Visitor Aware provides an additional layer of security for your child by validating the identities of anyone entering the premises or seeking to pick up a student. 

What kind of identification is required?
A valid, non-expired state-issued identification plastic card with a photo of you. Photos of ID and/or screenshots of state IDs will not be accepted. 

Alternative options – accepted, but not recommended - require staff-assisted check-in:
  • Green Cards
  • Passport
  • Mexican Consular ID Card
  • Military Identification Card
 

Transportation & Pickup Changes

To ensure student safety and clear communication, all transportation changes must be sent directly to the front office. 
Action Required: Email all changes to firststeps@emsd63.org.
  • Important Note: Teachers will not respond to ParentSquare messages or emails regarding transportation changes, early pickups, late pickups, or alternate pickup persons.
  • The front office will ensure classroom teachers receive all necessary updates.
 
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