School Age Program Handbook - Town of Amherst

14 Pages·2016·0.15 MB·English

Licensed School Age Programs

Amherst Youth and Recreation Department
1615 Amherst Manor Drive
Phone: [phone]
Web: www.amherstyouthandrec.org

Revised 08/2017
SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM HANDBOOK
Table of Contents
Parent Welcome Letter…………..……………………...Page 3
Mission Statement and Philosophy………….…………..Page 4
Description of School Age Programs……………..…….Page 4
Parent/Family Orientation…………….………………...Page 6
Expectations………………..………………………...Pages 6-7
Activity Options……………………………………...Pages 7-8
Children’s Needs…………………………………....Pages 8-10
 Clothing, Lunches, Backpacks
 Groups
 Supervision of Program Participants
 Drop Off, Pick Up, Sign In, Sign Out
 Required Paperwork
Parent Information………………………......…….Pages 11-12
 Daily Communication
 Parent Involvement
 Administration/Staffing
 Attendance
Program Policies……………………………..……Pages 13-21
 Discipline Policy
 Health Policy
 General Recommendations
 Doctor’s Visits and Antibiotics
 Administration of Medication and Special
Circumstances
 Children with Disabilities
 Pick Up Policy
 Enrollment Options, Schedule Changes
 Inclement Weather Closing Policy
 Evacuation Plan
 Emergency Procedures, Serious Injury, Minor
Injury
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 Sick Children, Communicable Diseases/Symptoms
Financial Information………………………………Page 21-24
 Parent Fees
 Registration Fee
 Billing
 After School program credit policy
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Dear Parent(s),

Welcome to the Amherst Youth and Recreation Department’s Licensed
Child Care Program! Whether your family is new to the program or a
long-time participant, we look forward to working with you and your
child(ren) in the coming year. Our relationship with you and your
child(ren) is important to us, and we encourage you to participate in all
that we have to offer, including our quarterly family dinners and other
special events.

We know that you have a choice in selecting quality care for your
child(ren) and we appreciate your trust and confidence in us. Our staff is
committed to working together to ensure that your family has a safe and
enjoyable experience in our programs. Please do not hesitate to
communicate with your site director, their supervisors, or the main office if
you have any concerns or there are additional ways in which we can
support you. We are always looking to improve both our programs and our
operations, and we welcome your input and suggestions.

The information in this guide provides all you need to know to ensure a
successful experience for you and your child(ren). Please keep it handy
and refer to it as necessary. Also make sure to check the sign-out table at
program weekly for updates, calendars, and information on our outreach
and recreation programs.

Again, thank you for choosing the Amherst Youth & Recreation
Department. I look forward to seeing you and your child(ren) at program!

Sincerely,

Mary-Diana Pouli
Executive Director
Amherst Youth and Recreation Mission
Statement

The mission of the Amherst Youth and Recreation Department
is to serve youth and families through youth development,
advocacy, prevention and intervention programs that
strengthen families and communities.

Amherst Youth and Recreation Vision
Statement

The Amherst Youth and Recreation Department envisions a
caring community in a dynamic partnership with children and
families who are healthy, safe and nurtured and where
diversity is treasured and all are supported in fulfilling their
potential.

Description of School Age Programs
Pre registration is required for all programs
Selection for after school program will be based according to
the following priorities:
 Children of single or dual working parent families.
 All other applicants (Town residents will receive
priority over non-residents).
Selection for recess and summer camp: spaces fill as families
register or first come, first served.

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Recess and Summer Camp
Our programs offer fun-filled educational activities, field trips,
guest speakers, along with arts and crafts. Activities are
designed to enhance each child’s social, emotional and
physical growth and development.
Children are encouraged to develop new skills in a safe
atmosphere of fun and fair play.

Recess camps operate 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. when Town
of Amherst elementary Public Schools are not in
session.

Summer Camp Program operates Monday through
Friday, June through August, 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Parents are responsible for transportation to and from
camp and a lunch and drink (insulated lunch bag with
ice pack recommended).

After School Programs*
Homework, special weekly activities including cooking,
educational games, exercise and structured group activities are
a part of the regular program. A nutritious, healthy snack will
be provided for all participants each day.

The after school program operates Monday-Friday,
2:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. when elementary public school is
in session. Children are bused according to their school
district. Arrival time is dependant upon school
dismissal time.
*All after school programs are accredited through Network for Youth
Success
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The Directors of our programs are experienced and
qualified. They are assisted by counselors who have been
selected for their skills, personality and experience in
working with children.

Parent/Family Orientation
Before you make a decision about child care we strongly
encourage parents and their children to visit the program site
during normal operating hours. Staff will explain how the
program works as well as provide a tour of the facility (non-
registered parents will be required to sign the visitor log).
Once registered, all parents will receive a welcome letter that
will include all the information needed for your and your child
to have a positive experience at our programs.

Expectations
Parent Expectations:
1. To communicate regularly with program staff and check
for messages on the sign out board daily
2. To keep your child home when he/she is sick to allow
him/her to recover comfortably
3. To pay child care fees promptly, in accordance with stated
deadlines.

Staff Expectations:
1. To provide emotional support, understanding and
assistance.
2. To provide clear rules and safety guidelines.
3. To provide positive adult role models.
4. To provide varied and enriching programs.
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5. To provide open communication between home, school
and our programs.

Children Expectations:
1. To treat others as you would like to be treated.
2. To respect and listen to program staff and peers.
3. To save very active play and loud voices for the gym or
outside.
4. To use toys appropriately, not as weapons or for
aggressive behavior.
Please leave your toys at home.
5. To use words rather than physical actions to communicate
and solve problems.
6. If you cannot solve a problem by yourself, ask a program
staff or volunteer for help.

Activity options for all school age programs

Gym or outdoor play including/not limited to
Active games emphasizing cooperative play.
Soccer, kickball, touch football, basketball, hockey,
wiffleball/baseball, and four square

Indoor activities including/not limited to
Board games, table games, homework, social skills building
activities, books, arts and crafts, drawing, music, time,
discussion groups and guest speakers

Field trips, special projects, and special visitors
Parents will be notified through the program calendar of special
activities and events.
 Transportation will be supplied through local bus companies
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 Director or Assistant Director will be present on all field trips.
Two way walkie talkies or cell phones will be used for
communication.
 Students will be assigned a buddy who they will stay with for
the duration of the trip.
 Prior to leaving the program site, each counselor will be
assigned a group of 4-6 students. Staff will be responsible for
the supervision of their assigned group of students while on the
trip.
 Attendance will be taken three times 1) prior to leaving site, 2)
at designated location, 3) upon return
 A first aid kit will be brought on all field trips. All medical
policies and procedures in the parent handbook and staff manual
will remain in effect during all field trips.

Children’s Needs

Clothing
Appropriate clothing and shoes (outdoor and gym) is a must
for all school age programs. Outdoor play is a regular option
throughout the year. During the winter season, children will
need snow pants, boots, gloves, hats, scarves. PLEASE
LABEL ALL CLOTHING.

Lunches
During recess and summer camp, children are required to
bring their own bag lunch, including beverage. A nutritional
lunch is encouraged, with no soda or candy please. Please do
not send lunches that need to be heated or refrigerated. An ice
pack in the lunch box is recommended.

Labeled Backpacks, Water Bottles and Sunscreen
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These items should accompany your child each day to recess
and summer camp.

Groups
All of our school age programs incorporate a multi-age
philosophy. Activities are designed to meet the needs and
developmental levels of the differing ages of the children in
each group. Age, grade, maturity and developmental levels
are considered at the beginning of each program. Group
placement is at the discretion of the lead staff.

Supervision of Program Participants
When the school age child care program is in operation, an
adequate number of qualified staff will be on duty to protect
the health and safety of the children in care. The minimum
ratio of staff to children is as follows:

Age of Children Number of required staff per
Number of children

Through 9 years 1:10

10-12 years 1:15

Pool and Waterfront only

5 years 1:6
6-7 years 1:8
8-14 years 1:10

Children will never be left without competent direct
supervision at all times. Children will be supervised when
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