Before the Bell

2025-2026 School Year Information

For students in AM Kindergarten & 1st-5th Graders

When mom and dad have to hit the road for work before their children have to get to school, here’s a safe, supervised yet entertaining option for early morning care offered in cooperation with Community Unit School District 303 and held at various schools. Children will ease into their day with pre-packaged breakfast foods and quiet activities, such as crafts, reading and board games.

Before the Bell begins at 7am. To drop off your child(ren), parents will need to call the site phone and a staff member will walk outside to sign in your child(ren).

If District 303 schools are closed, Baker Station will NOT be held. Please plan to make alternate arrangements.

Before the Bell Sites

• Bell Graham (includes Wasco)
• Davis (includes Richmond & Wild Rose)
• Ferson Creek (includes Anderson)
• Munhall (includes Fox Ridge)

CUSD303 is providing transportation for the participants not attending Before the Bell at their home school.

Corron and Norton Creek schools will continue to be served onsite by South Elgin Recreation and West Chicago Park District. Private schools will not be able to participate.

Registration Info

Online registration is not available. Use the registration form link below. A non-refundable program deposit is required.

2025-2026 Before the Bell Registration Form

Before the Bell 2025-2026 Handbook (link coming soon)

Emergency Info

After registering, you will receive an eMail from ePACT, the District’s secure emergency network, to create an account and complete medical & emergency contact information. As part of the District’s Emergency Response Plan, it is critical that all participant information is accurate and updated on an annual basis.

Fees

5-day • $2,870/year | $287/month**
3-day • $2,100/year*** | $210/month**

** Based on ten (10) months, Aug 1-May 1. If beginning the program after the start date, monthly fees may be different than posted.
***Must register for same days each week.

Payment Options

1. Pay the $50 non-refundable program deposit, if applicable, and full activity registration fee at the time of registration.
   • Non-refundable deposit waived if registered before July 15
2. Pay the $50 non-refundable program deposit, if applicable, and have the program balance split between monthly payments, automatically withdrawn from your bank account. Monthly payment information is required at the time of registration. Payments will occur on the 1st of each month beginning August through May.

• Electronic Check Payment (ECP) Monthly payments will be automatically debited from your checking or savings account.
• Credit Card Authorization (CCA) Monthly payments will be automatically charged to your credit card: Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express

Refund Policy

1. Full refunds will be granted if a valid physician’s written excuse or proof of relocation out of the area are submitted. Refunds may be pro-rated based upon the remaining number of classes in the session.
2. The Park District reserves the right to review and make the final decision on all refunds.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• The St. Charles Park District reserves the right to consolidate site locations based on enrollment minimums and other program needs.
• Information, including but not limited to disciplinary, injury, late-pickup notices, etc., will be shared with the person signing your child in/out.
• To ensure the safety of your child, update your child’s ePACT account with any contact, medical, or authorized pick-up information on an on-going basis.
• The Baker Station and Before the Bell programs are a license exempt child-care program and is not licensed through the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
• These programs operate within St. Charles Park District General Use Regulations Ordinance; per Chapter 3 Section 6 – Weapons and Harmful Substance: prohibits at any time have in his possession or on or about his person, concealed or otherwise, any firearm, paintball gun, club, any device capable of discharging a projectile by air, spirit, liquid or gaseous substance or dangerous knives or other dangerous weapons; nor throw or cast any stones or other missiles.