Policies and Procedures

Registration

All programs must be paid in full at the time of registration. Registration deadline is one week prior to the start date of the program. Age/grade requirements will be strictly enforced for all programs. It is at the discretion of the museum to split Day Camps into age-appropriate groups when enrollment numbers exceed a comfortable class size. There will be no special accommodations for these class splits.  

Cancellation

Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours in advance of the program/class start date to receive a full refund or credit. Cancellations made less than 72 hours in advance will not receive a refund. The Children’s Discovery Museum reserves the right to cancel any program/class one week prior to the start date due to low registration numbers. In this case, participants will receive a full refund or credit.  

Drop-Off and Pick-Up

An adult must accompany your child to and from the classroom and sign the child in and out on our rosters. Programs do not start until the publicized time. Do not drop off children prior to this start time.    

Only those listed on the Pick-Up Authorization section of the form will be allowed to pick up your child from program. Please have a photo identification handy. Anyone not recognized by the instructor will be asked for identification. This procedure is for the security and safety of your child.

Handwashing

All children and staff will need to immediately wash their hands when entering the classroom. Handwashing breaks will be taken throughout the program, and hand sanitizer will be available.

Museum Play

For Day Camps, students will be given limited opportunities during the day to play in the museum exhibits. Children will wash hands prior to and promptly after playing on exhibits.

Lunch and Snack

All Day Campers should bring their own lunch and water bottle. The museum will provide a snack near the end of each day. Please let staff know of any food allergies or special diets. Your child may bring their own snack if diet or allergies are a concern.

Cleaning

Classroom tables and chairs will be wiped down periodically throughout the day as we transition from different activities.

Late Pick-Up

The Children’s Discovery Museum reserves the right to assess a late pick-up fee of $1.00 per minute beyond the program hours at the discretion of the program instructors. This will be strictly enforced. Please plan for plenty of time to find parking and make your way to the classroom by the end of the program. A courtesy phone call to let us know you are running late is appreciated. Late fees will be added to your household balance and must be paid prior to registration for future programs.  

Child Information Forms

The Children’s Discovery Museum requires a completed Child Information Form on each child enrolled for any drop-off program. Please include all medical and food allergies. Museum staff will keep these forms on file. Please let museum staff know of any changes or updates.

Illnesses

Children may not come to a program until they are 24 hours free of a fever and/or vomiting. A credit will be issued if you need to cancel a program due to an illness if a courtesy call or email is made at least one hour before the start of the program.  

Severe Weather Cancellation

The Children’s Discovery Museum reserves the right to cancel a program due to severe weather. You can find weather cancellation updates on WJBC, WBNQ, Normal Parks & Recreation and the Children’s Discovery Museum websites.  

Parking

Some street parking is available around the Uptown Normal area. The Uptown Station Parking Deck is located off of Beaufort Street; College Avenue Parking Deck is located off of College Avenue. Both are a short walk to the museum. The Parking Deck will be free for those who park an hour or less. Please allow plenty of time for parking and walking to the museum in order to pick up and drop off your child on time.