Registration Resources

Kindergarten Registration Night Questions and Answers

View the Presentation: Kindergarten Registration Presentation

Question: 

Do you think there is a high likelihood of the referendum passing?  Does there seem to be a lot of opposition in the area?  (I can't see a downside, personally!) 

Answer: 

There is no guarantee the referendum will pass and there are some community members who have expressed opposition. 

Question: 

If I register only for half day kindergarten and the voters approve the referendum for full day, how does the switch work? 

Answer: 

If the referendum is successful and you would like your child to attend the full-day program, you will have the opportunity to switch. 

Question: 

How does the child qualify for a full day program? 

Answer: 

Parents who would like their child to attend the full day, tuition-based program, will need to make a $500 deposit by the last day of school, June 5, and sign up to make monthly payments of $275. Total tuition for the year is $3,250. Pending voter approval of the March 19 referendum, all students will qualify for free full day kindergarten. 

Question: 

My daughter will attend tindergarten. Can she go with her sister (who will be in the second grade next year) on the same school bus because I have to be at work at 9? 

Answer: 

Unfortunately, kindergarten students may only ride the dedicated kindergarten bus routes and cannot ride with an older sibling. Kindergarten parents also have the option of before and after school care through Ivy League. Please call 815-464-1265 for further details. 

Question: 

There was a message sent indicating that the full day kindergarten may be free this upcoming school year. Can you clarify? 

Answer: 

On March 19th, voters in Palos School District 118 are being asked to approve a referendum to allow the school district to shift approximately $4.35 million in future property taxes from its debt service fund to its operating fund.  At its February meeting, the Board of Education adopted a conditional resolution for free full day kindergarten to start next school year if voters approve the referendum.  You can read the school district’s press release here.  https://patch.com/illinois/palos/palos-118-board-approves-resolution-free-full-day-kindergarten 

Question: 

If you have Medicaid or receive some kind of government assistance, can tuition be reduced for full day kindergarten? 

For more information on tuition assistance please contact mcorrea@palos118.org  

Question: 

Are there before and after school care options? 

Answer: 

Parents in need of before and after school care at their child’s school can contact Ivy League at 815-464-1265. 

Question: 

What special education options are available for kindergarten? 

Answer: 

District 118 provides a continuum of special education services based on a student’s needs. Questions regarding your child and special education service can be directed to Student Services at 708 761 5807. 

Question: 

Would the resolution cover the cost of the upcoming 2024-25 school year? 

Answer: 

On March 19th, voters in Palos School District 118 are being asked to approve a referendum to allow the school district to shift approximately $4.35 million in future property taxes from its debt service fund to its operating fund.  At its February meeting, the Board of Education adopted a conditional resolution for free full day kindergarten to start next school year if voters approve the referendum.  You can read the school district’s press release here.  https://patch.com/illinois/palos/palos-118-board-approves-resolution-free-full-day-kindergarten 

Question: 

Can you choose a.m. or p.m. hours to attend? 

Answer: 

There are many variables that impact morning and afternoon assignments so we cannot guarantee one or the other. Parents who are enrolling their child in a half-day program can list their preference, but there are no guarantees.  

Question: 

If our child might need an IEP, how do we figure that out? 

Answer: 

If parents have a concern that their child is in need of an IEP, they submit a request to the school to determine if a special education is warranted. The team would review concerns and current performance with parents to determine if a special education evaluation is needed. 

Question: 

How can do we do English as a second language assessment? 

Answer: 

Parents fill out a Home Language Survey during registration and if a “Yes” is answered to either one of the two questions, students will be screened for EL services. For Kindergarten students, screenings will take place at the end of the school year, summer and at the beginning of 2024-25 school year. 

Student Insurance

Parents can purchase additional accident insurance for the upcoming school year. More information is available here. Download and complete the application form to purchase.

School Lunch

Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced price meals. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, use the Household Eligibility Application, which can be printed and turned into your child's school or the Palos 118 Central Office. More information can be found here.