BRIGHT FUTURES AHEAD

YMCA Afterschool Program 2013-2014 Parent Handbook

YMCA of Western North Carolina www.ymcawnc.org 828 210 2273

YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

Child Care Services Afterschool Program Handbook 2013-2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome Letter. Registration. Fee............................................................................................................. Payment Policies Financial Assistance Site Locations. Program Operating Hours & Dates... Schools Out Program / Early Release... Early Release Inclement Weather /Snow Days Age Range of Children Served...... Staff Ratios ....... Program Goals.... Daily Activities......... Core Curriculum Components. Sample Daily Schedule................ Character Development................................... 40 Developmental Assets....... Homework Assistance/Tutoring... Family Table........ Family Night Activities..................... Program Advisory Committee......................... Items to be provided by Parent/Guardian.... Parent/Guardian Involvement................... Services Provided by the Y. Daily Snack......... Food From Home....................................... Sack Lunches...... Children With Special Needs.............................................. Behavior Management Policy.... Behavior Management Techniques.... Behavior Mangagement Action Steps..... Policy on Outdoor Policy.......................................................... Custody Issues................................................. Intoxicated Adult Policy Late Pick Up Policy.. Removal of Child From Program..... Staff Relationships with Children Outside of Program..... Attendance, Drop-Off and Pick-Up Policies. Personal Belongings Policy on Returning to the Classroom. Policy on Children as Teachers Helpers.... Making Changes to Registration Documents...... Health & Safety.. Medication Policy.. Insulin/Inhalers/EpiPens Sunscreen.. Sick or Ill Children. Contagious Illnesses/Conditions.. Head Lice.... Emergency Procedures... Childrens Records. Reporting Child Abuse. How To Report a Problem. Star Rated Licenses.. Schedule of Daily, Weekly and Monthly Cleaning... 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 13 13 13 13 13 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 15 15 15

YMCA of Western North Carolina www.ymcawnc.org 828 210 2273

Dear Parents/Guardians, At the Y, afterschool isnt just a safe place to ha ng out when school lets out. Y-Afterschool is a comprehensive and FUN program. We take pride in our work and we always look for ways to evolve to meet the needs of all children and families. We appreciate and respect the choice you have made for the Y to be the provider of care for your children. We recognize the incredible responsibility you have placed upon us and we will work tirelessly to meet your expectations. This handbook has been designed to answer your questions, promote communication between our staff and your family, and to assist you in understanding our policies and procedures. By selecting the Y Afterschool Program, you are giving your children the opportunity to benefit from a quality program founded upon YMCA tradition which provides fun, experiential learning activities that build on developing new skills and helping children feel successful. Sincerely, Paul Vest President & CEO YMCA of Western North Carolina James Spearin Executive Youth Development Director Child Care Services YMCA

Child Care Services YMCA 53 Asheland Ave, Suite 102-A Asheville, NC 28801
James Spearin, jspearin@ymcawnc.org Executive Youth Development Director Katherine Allen, kallen@ymcawnc.org Account Services Director Rhonda Webb, rwebb@ymcawnc.org Administrative Assistant Martha Rutherford, mrutherford@ymcawnc.org Community Youth Development Director Cory Jackson, cjackson@ymcawnc.org Youth Development Director Program Innovation G. Will Long, wlong@ymcawnc.org Youth Development Director Program Operations Drew Morton, dmorton@ymcawnc.org Youth Development Coordinator- Wellness Kim Cole, Account Specialist Julia Holladay, Account Specialist Christa Pellegrom Office Assistant kcole@ymcawnc.org

jholloday@ymcawnc.org cpellegrom@ymcawnc.org

YMCA of Western North Carolina www.ymcawnc.org 828 210 2273

Registration Process
Please note, early registration is recommended to ensure your child has a spot in our program. There is a one week waiting period from the date the completed registration materials are received at the Child Care Services Office until the date the child is able to start the program.

Fees
All payments/fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Registration Fee $50 per child or $75 per family Payment Plans All payment plans are to be utilized and paid on a consistent weekly basis- there is not an additional cost for using Snow Day or Schools Out programs. The Y does not offer drop in care and/or intermittent care - therefore, participants that enroll in our programs must select and remain on a consistent payment plan. All payments are due the Friday prior to attending or a late fee will be assessed on Monday. Late Fee A $20 late fee will be applied to all past due accounts. Any account is considered past due if payment is not received at the Child Care Services office by end of business day Monday Afterschool Payment Plan: $75 per week 5 days $65 per week 3 days (limited availability) *You must choose the 3 days your child will attend each week. *Bank Draft: This option is now available for both City and County programs. *

Afterschool Program Admission Requirements (Original Documents Only)

Registration Checklist Youth Information Form Mobile Alerts Form Afterschool Policy Signature Form Individualized Care Plan Form Current Copy of Immunization Record Current Color Photo of Child Child Care Subsidy Vouchers, SEEK Card , and Y Financial Assistance application if applicable 9. Registration Fee & First Weeks Payment ** Bank Draft Form If that option is chosen** 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Voucher participation- Families are responsible for paying the parent fee and any amount not covered by the voucher by the weekly payment deadline. Parents must bring three original vouchers to CCS office. Participants are required to notify the Y of any changes in subsidy voucher status and to abide by the rules set forth by the issuing agency. Our Beaverdam location does not accept vouchers. SEEK (Voucher Recipients) Its the responsibility of all parents to record their childs attendance daily. Any missed swipe must be corrected the following business day. Any missed swipes left uncorrected will be considered an absence and will count towards your childs monthly absences. In addition, failure to correct swipes can result in termination from program.

Late Pick-Up Refer to pg. 11

Beaverdam Location: Our Beaverdam location offers Schools Out and Snow Day program for City Schools ONLY. Buncombe County participants are NOT able to attend Beaverdam for these programs. Please note parents/guardians at all Afterschool locations will be asked by their Site Director if they plan to use the programs so that we can staff accordingly.

YMCA of Western North Carolina www.ymcawnc.org 828 210 2273

Payment and Attendance Policies

Payment Options Check Credit Card ((Mastercard/Visa/Discover/ AMEX) There is a $10 minimum payment for

Financial Assistance
The Ys Financial Assistance Program provides funds for those in need within our available resources. Assistance is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are available on our website. Applicants must first apply for the subsidy/voucher program through the Buncombe County Child Care Services Subsidy Unit if applicable .Recipients are responsible for any program fees not covered by the Ys Financial Assistance allocation. Contact the Southwestern Child Development Commission 250.5500 for more information on subsidy/vouchers.

credit cards, otherwise a $5 convenience fee will be applied.

Money Order Auto Bank Draft Option Online Pay (ymcawnc.org) Cash (at CCS Office Only)

Payment in full is due regardless of absenteeism, holidays or weather related closings. * Delinquent Accounts and/or Insufficient FundsIf checks or bank drafts are not honored the account must still be paid, plus a $30 service charge applied by Federal Automated Recovery System. All accounts with a balance due will also be charged a $20 late payment fee. *Children will be unable to attend the program until

Site Locations
Asheville City: Elementary schools are served at the YMCA Youth Services Center Beaverdam on Beaverdam Rd. in North Asheville. Buncombe County: Programs are located in elementary schools. Schools served are: Averys Creek Barnardsville (served at N. Buncombe) Bell Black Mountain Elementary* (served at Black Mountain Primary) Black Mountain Primary Candler Eblen* (served at W. Buncombe) Emma Estes Fairview Glen Arden Haw Creek Hominy Valley Johnston* (served at Emma) Koontz* (served at Estes) N. Buncombe N. Windy Ridge* (served at Weaverville & N Buncombe) Oakley Pisgah Sand Hill Venable W. Buncombe WD Williams Woodfin (served at Beaverdam) Weaverville Elementary Weaverville Primary* (served at Weaverville Elementary)

account is paid in full.*

Program Withdrawal - A two week notice is required prior to withdrawing your child from the program. Schedule Changetwo week written notice is required. School Suspension Please note that should your child be suspended from school, your child is also not permitted to attend the afterschool program during that same time. This is in cooperation with the Asheville City & Buncombe County Schools.

YMCA of Western North Carolina www.ymcawnc.org 828 210 2273

Program Operating Hours/Dates

Afterschool Program Close of School6:00PM Schools Out Program 7:00AM6:00PM**except Snow Dayshours
will be posted on WLOS.

Age Range of Children Served

Our program is designed to meet the developmental needs of children in Rising Kindergarten through 12 years old. Please contact us if you have a rising sixth grader who has been in our Y program and is in need of care. Transportation arrangements must be made by the parent prior to childs start date. **Please note, if making transportation arrangements, all children must be dropped off in a location visible to Y staff.

Program Start/End Date - BCS/ACS Calendar Program Closed - Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day, Memorial Day. We reserve the right to notify parents if program will be closed on additional days pending school availability and emergencies (ex. power outages).

Schools Out Program

Schools Out and Snow Day Programs
Buncombe County Afterschool Program Locations: There is not an additional registration or fee required for children enrolled in the afterschool program to participate in these programs. The Y provides a program location in your Buncombe County School District, but not a program at each Afterschool Site. All children are required to attend in your own district. Parents are responsible for sending child with sack lunch. On Field Trip days, your child must arrive at 8:30am and will not return back to site until 4:30pm. A schedule of events will be posted at each site two weeks prior to the Schools Out date. For non-program participants, it costs $40 per day plus the registration fee to attend the Schools Out Program.

Staff Ratios
We strive to maintain a 1:15 staff to child ratio as per the Y-USA School Age Program Guidelines and the North Carolina Enhanced Licensing Standards.

Program Goals
The YMCA Afterschool Program is designed to help children:
Grow Personally Develop and Strengthen Values Appreciate Diversity Become Better Leaders and Supporters Build Skills Build Developmental Assets Lead Healthy Lives Improve Interpersonal Relationships Have FUN!

Early Release Days

We will provide the Afterschool Program at each site on Early Release days. The program does not operate early if only Kindergarten is released.

Inclement Weather / Snow days/ Snow Daysther l

If school is closed due to inclement weather, the Y will notify via Text Alerts and through WLOS, IF the afterschool Program will operate. If the afterschool program operates during an early release snow day, it will operate at each afterschool location. If the program operates during Snow Days, then it will operate at the Schools Out locations ONLY.

YMCA of Western North Carolina www.ymcawnc.org 828 210 2273

Daily Activities
The Afterschool Program provides children with developmentally appropriate activities that will enhance your childs confidence, enrich his or her social and physical development and encourage self expression. A healthy combination of individual and group activities are planned based on a weekly theme. Children are encouraged to give their input on what activities they would like to do. A suggestion box is located on each Family Table at your childs site, so please encourage your child to share their ideas and feedback. A weekly lesson plan and schedule of activities is posted at each site. Arts and Crafts, Go Green Activities, Games, Homework Time, Snack, Wellness Components, Nutrition and Outside Time are some of the daily activities that your child will have the opportunity to participate in at their site.

Sample Daily Schedule

This is a sample of a daily schedule. Each site has their daily schedule posted. 2:30-3:00 Sign In and Group Time 3:00-3:30 Snack and Activity Stations 3:30-4:00 Outside Time 4:00-4:30 Homework/Quiet Activity Time 4:30-5:15 Activity Stations/Enrichment Clubs 5:15-6:00 Group Games/Activities

Character Development
The YMCA of the USAs Character Development Initiative incorporates the everyday values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility into our programs.

40 Developmental Assets

Core Curriculum Components

The YMCA of the USA School-Age Care Curriculum Framework was developed in partnership with YMCA of the USA, the YMCA of Greater Providence and the National Institute on Out-of-School Time. These are the curriculum areas that our Y Afterschool Program staff will use as the framework for planning daily, weekly and monthly activities :
Arts and Humanities Character Development Health, Wellness and Fitness Homework Support LiteracyKidzLit Science and Technology Service Learning Social Competence and Conflict Resolution Cultural Diversity

The YMCA of Western North Carolina is committed to helping children and teens develop into healthy, caring and responsible adults. As a result, we have adopted the Search Institutes 40 Developmental Asset Model. The framework of this initiative is integrated into daily programming.

Homework Assistance & Tutoring

Children are provided with daily opportunities for Homework Time. Every family has different expectations of their child/ren in regards to homework. Therefore, we use a Homework Agreement form when needed. We ask that parents/guardians go over their expectations with their child/ren and then sign the form. This ensures the child is clear on what you expect. Homework Agreement forms are available from the Site Director. We have also added small group tutoring to Afterschool. In addition to homework support that is offered daily, we will also provide tutoring sessions. Private tutoring is available upon request and for an additional fee.

YMCA of Western North Carolina www.ymcawnc.org 828 210 2273

Family Table
There is a Family Table at each site that contains resources for families, the weekly lesson plan and schedule, information on Schools Out Program, snack calendar, a suggestion box, and a monthly site newsletter.

Parent/Guardian Involvement
We recognize that the support and involvement of parents and guardians is critical to the success of our Afterschool Programs. Our staff works closely with you to make sure they understand your childs needs and what we can do together to provide an enriching environment for them. We encourage and welcome all interested parents and guardians to be an active participant in our program and visit

Family Night Activities

Every Afterschool Program site will have a minimum of two Family Night Events each year. Site Directors will inform families of upcoming events. We will also hold Family Nights at our YMCA Centers.

anytime.
Parents/Guardians can be involved by: Volunteer in the program. Share a talent with the children. Become a resource for supplies (e.g. egg cartons, shoe boxes, cotton balls, markers, baby food jars, books, crayons, etc.). Maintain a positive relationship and open communication lines with all child care staff. Read the monthly site newsletter and notes on the Family Table to stay updated on childs activities. Volunteer to be a member of the Program Advisory Committee. Participate in the Healthier Communities Campaign. Attend Family Night Events.

Program Advisory Committee

It is our goal to have a Program Advisory Committee that consists of parents/guardians and several of the site staff. The committee assists with the planning of Family Night Events, provides suggestions and feedback to enhance the quality of the program and provides assistance with planning fundraising events/activities for the annual Healthier Communities Campaign. Contact your Site Director if you are interested.

Items to be Provided by Parent/Guardian

Services Provided by the Y

Site Director will inform you if it is necessary for you to supply anything for your child during Afterschool Program.

The Y provides a healthy afternoon snack during normal program hours and a morning and an afternoon snack during Schools Out Programs. We provide the supplies/materials for the daily activities.

YMCA of Western North Carolina www.ymcawnc.org 828 210 2273

Daily Snack
Per licensing regulations, we are required to comply with a daily Meal Plan that is nutritious and consists of at least two of the following components: milk, juice or fruit, bread or cereal, fresh fruits and vegetables, meat or meat alternative. Non-nutritional food can be served only for special occasions and in addition to the daily nutritious snack. All snacks we offer are planned in advance. A weekly snack calendar is available on the Family Table at each site. If your child has any allergies or requires a special diet, we ask that you please note it on your registration form and make sure that your Site Director is aware of it. We are required by licensing to post childrens food allergies in the area where children are fed.

Children with Special Needs

The YMCA of Western North Carolina operates within the provisions of all applicable laws, including those which provide protection to individuals with disabilities as well as to providers who care for such individuals. Y Programs welcome all children to the extent that it is reasonably able to do so. A child who requires measures that constitute a fundamental alteration to the program or other undue hardship, or a child that poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others, will not be able to participate in the program. Prior to a childs admittance to the program, it is imperative that a Youth Development Director make an individualized assessment to whether the program meets the particular needs of the child within the noted guidelines. Upon receiving the childs registration form, our staff will be in contact with the parents/guardians for a preliminary In-Take Interview to gather all necessary and pertinent information to serve the participant to the best of our abilities and within the parameters of our programs design. If Y staff and/or the parents or guardians feel it necessary, a meeting will be scheduled as an opportunity for the Y staff and the parents/guardians to meet and discuss the situation. Upon your childs enrollment to the program, the Youth Development Director will review the Individualized Care Plan (ICP) within two business days and schedule a Parent Consultation if needed, so that the staff understands the best ways to provide care for your child. The ICP will also note any special Family accommodations that are necessary to ensure the childs success in the program. This information will be shared with site staff, and follow-up calls and/or meetings with Program Coordinators will be arranged on an as needed basis. The Y enjoys a partnership with the ARC of NC which allows us to provide truly inclusive programming for children with significant emotional and intellectual special needs. For more information on the Every Child program, please contact Christin Harvey at charvey@arcnc.org.

Food from Home

Food from home may only be served to your child. Home-made baked goods, etc. are not permitted to be served to the rest of the children.

Sack Lunches
You will be required to provide your child with a sack lunch for the Schools Out Program. Licensing Sack Lunch Requirements Must label with childs name and date. Lunch must consist of at least four of the following components: milk, 2 or more fruits or vegetables, meat or meat alternative, bread or bread alternative. We are required to supplement your childs lunch if it does not comply and there may be a charge assessed to you to cover this cost.

YMCA of Western North Carolina www.ymcawnc.org 828 210 2273

Behavior Management Policy

Y staff will use positive behavior management techniques that are developmentally appropriate and adhere to the Ys Four Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. The use of corporal punishment is strictly prohibited.

Behavior Management Action Steps

1. Personal Time removal of child from a situation for up to 5 minutes so they can regain control of their behavior. 2. Verbal or written communication to parent/guardian regarding a childs behavior. 3. Behavior Write-Up A childs behavior may result in the child being given a behavior write-up. Three behavior write-ups in any school year will result in the suspension of the child. The parent/guardian is responsible for contacting the Site Director to set-up an appointment to discuss the childs behavior. If the child is reinstated and then receives a fourth behavior write-up, the Site Director will suspend the child immediately and termination may result. 4. Behavior Action Plan/Improvement Plan. 5. Suspension Serious behavior problems will result in immediate suspension, and you will be responsible for picking up your child immediately. 6. TerminationOur program cannot serve children who display chronically disruptive behavior. Chronically disruptive behavior is defined as verbal or physical activity which may include, but is not limited to, the following: -behavior that requires constant attention from the staff -behavior that inflicts physical or emotional harm on other children or self -behavior that abuses the staff and/or ignores or disobeys the rules. ______________________________________________________ If a If a child cannot adjust to the program setting and behave appropriately, the child may not be able to return to the program. Reasonable efforts will be made to assist children chil in adjusting to the program setting.

Behavior Management Techniques

Y staff will:
1. Involve the children in the development of the house rules. 2. Maintain consistent behavior expectations and reinforce the Ys Four Core Values. 3. Guide children by setting clear, consistent, fair limits for program behavior. 4. Use natural and logical consequences. 5. Redirect children to a more acceptable behavior or activity. 6. Use positive reinforcement, including a positive behavior recognition program. 7. Make eye contact and listen when children talk about their feelings and frustrations. 8. Guide children to resolve their own conflicts through the use of conflict resolution skills. 9. Use effective praise that is immediate, sincere and specific. 10. Modify and structure the environment to attempt to prevent problems before they occur.

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YMCA of Western North Carolina www.ymcawnc.org 828 210 2273

Policy on Outdoor Play

Article 7, Chapter 110 of the North Carolina General Statutes requires that outdoor play is a part of each childs daily activities, except in cases where there is severe weather conditions. Please note, if a child is not well enough to go outside, the child should not be in attendance at the Y Afterschool Program.

Late Pick-Up Policy

A $20 late fee will be assessed at 6:05-6:15pm. A $40 late fee will be assessed from 6:16pm-7:00 pm. Chronic lateness could result in termination from the program. For consistency, the program will use the clock at site for time reference. It is critical to always contact the Site Director if you are going to be late. If a child has not been picked up by 7:00 p.m. and no authorized person has been reached, the local police will be notified. This may result in termination from the program.

Custody Issues
In the unfortunate event of a difficult/dangerous custody situation where a court order is in place, please contact the Child Care Services Office to set up guidelines regarding the release of your child. You must have a copy of any court documents regarding the restriction of release of children in our care. Parents/guardians are responsible for resolving any issues that may arise from their childs participation in our programs. The Y will not get involved in disputes. A child may be removed from the program until the parents/guardians are able to resolve the differences.

Removal of Child from Program

There are times when it is necessary to remove a child from the program. Reasons for removing a child from the program: Non-payment of fees or failure to follow SEEK policies and procedures. Child is unable or unwilling to conform to program, rules and program guidelines and/or all reasonable alternatives for behavior management have been exhausted. Immediate withdrawal for blatant disregard to rules or extreme disruptive behavior by child or parent/guardian. Custody situations that involve parents that are unable to resolve differences as it relates to the Y program. School Suspension Please note that should your child be suspended from school, your child is also not permitted to attend the afterschool program during that same time. This is in cooperation with the Asheville City & Buncombe County Schools.

Intoxicated Adult Policy

Y staff will encourage any adult who appears intoxicated to call an emergency contact or a taxi to transport the adult and child home. If an adult chooses to leave, the Y staff will document the license plate number and call the police.

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YMCA of Western North Carolina www.ymcawnc.org 828 210 2273

Staff Relationships with Children Outside of YMCA Programs

Staff are not to be alone with children they meet at the Y. This includes all forms of communication (phone calls, e-mails, instant messages, text messages, etc.). Baby-sitting, sleepovers and inviting staff members to a childs home are prohibited unless one of the following conditions exists: Staff and childs family have a relationship that predates the staff members employment or volunteering with the Y. Staff and the childs family have a relationship that predates the childs enrollment in the Y program. Staff and the child or childs family are related. If you have an existing relationship with a Y staff, you must contact Martha Rutherford 828 210 2273 so that appropriate disclosures and documentation can be completed. The Y does recognize that there may be occasions when children ask a staff member to attend their sporting event, dance recital, etc. This is permitted as long as it is a public event and the child and staff member are never alone. Staff are NEVER to transport children in their personal vehicles.

Attendance, Drop-off & Pick-up Policies

Upon drop-off or pick-up of your child, you must enter the site and sign the attendance sheet indicating your childs arrival/departure time. For the safety of your child, the staff cannot accept or release any child before he/she has been signed in or out properly by an adult (18 years old or older) that is on the childs application form. Please list everyone possible, including coaches, scout leaders, etc. ID is required by everyone until faces become familiar to staff. Please see your Site Director to add an adult to the registration form to prevent any pick-up problems. Additions to the list MUST be made in person. Remember that only the parent/guardian that signed the registration documents can alter the forms. We expect your full cooperation with this policy. All children receiving subsidy vouchers will participate in the SEEK (Subsidized Early Education for Kids) Program, which will require a different sign out procedure. Our Afterschool Program begins immediately upon the end of the school day. All the children are expected to go directly to the Y program upon dismissal. If s/he is involved in another activity (scouts, assisting the teacher, choir, etc.) they will report to Afterschool as soon as the activity dismisses. Please inform your childs teacher in writing that your s/he will be attending the Y Afterschool program.

Personal Belongings
Please be sure your child does NOT bring items of value to the Y program (ex. electronic equipment, jewelry, etc.). The Y is not responsible for items lost, broken, or stolen during program hours. Articles that are left behind at the end of the day will be placed in the Afterschool Lost and Found.

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YMCA of Western North Carolina www.ymcawnc.org 828 210 2273

Policy on Returning to the Classroom

Please instruct your child to make sure they have all of their belongings before they leave their classroom at the end of the school day, as they are not permitted to return to their classroom.

Medication Policy
The Y does not administer over-the-counter medications to children. The Y staff will administer prescription medications that are in their original container with the childs name accompanied by a Medication Release Authorization form that has been completed and signed by a parent/guardian including the following information: Childs name Type of medication Physicians name Instructions on amount of dosage (Must match instructions on the container.) Time to be given (Cannot write as needed) Number of days to be administered (up to 6 months for on-going medications) Possible side effects Please note that the Y staff are NOT allowed to give the first dosage of any medication. If a child refuses medication, then the incident will be documented and discussed with the childs parent/guardian. All medication on-site is to be checked in with the Site Director on duty, so that it can be properly locked for the safety of the children. Should your child require an inhaler or an EpiPen, Y staff will keep that medication on their person at all times. The same medication authorization release will be required. Should a child need his/her EpiPen, the child will insert the EpiPen and Y staff will contact 911 immediately.

Policy on Children as Teachers Helpers

A permission form is required if your child will be assisting a teacher after school. It is important that message is communicated to the Site Director so s/he is aware of all childrens whereabouts during Afterschool hours.

Making Changes to the Registration Documents

The parent/guardian that completes and signs the registration documents is the only one authorized to make any changes/deletions/additions, etc. to the information.

Health and Safety

The health and safety of the children in our care is our top priority. Even so, young children are often testing their physical limits making injuries inevitable. Y staff will verbally inform parents/guardians of any injuries that occurring during program hours. In the event of a medical emergency or accident requiring a doctors treatment, we will contact the parent/guardian immediately, and emergency personnel if necessary. Emergency medical personnel will take the child to the emergency room via ambulance if the situation warrants immediate measures.

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YMCA of Western North Carolina www.ymcawnc.org 828 210 2273

Insulin/Inhalers/EpiPens
Children are not allowed to keep insulin, inhalers or epi-pens in their backpacks or with them while attending the program. Such medications are to be given directly to the Site Director. We recognize the need for immediate access and therefore do not keep these medications locked as we do with all other forms of medication.

Head Lice
If head lice are detected while your child is attending program, the child will need to be picked up immediately. A child with head lice is allowed to return to the program after treatment. Evidence of treatment includes no lice or nits, clean hair and scalp, and a note from the parent or physician stating the treatment used.

Sunscreen Emergency Procedures

If you choose to send sunscreen, it must be noted on your childs registration form & be sure it is labeled appropriately in a zip lock bag with childs name & date. All sunscreen is kept away from the reach of children. The Y provides No AD-spf 45 to children who do not bring their own. Sunscreen is applied multiple times throughout the day. Y staff are trained and prepared to activate emergency procedures in the event of severe weather, fire and/or other emergency conditions that require building evacuation or other immediate safety measures. In the event of such a situation, parents/guardians will be contacted for early release.

Sick or Ill Children

To ensure the well-being of all children, please be considerate. If your child is too sick to go outside, he/she is too sick to be at Afterschool. Any child showing or developing symptoms such as fever, rash, diarrhea or vomiting will be excluded from the group and provided with an area to rest. Y staff will contact parents/guardians for arrangements to be made for pick-up.

Childrens Records
Request for copies of childrens records (attendance/payment history, etc.) can only be given to the parent/guardian that registered the child for the program. All other circumstances require a court order.

Reporting Child Abuse

North Carolina law requires any person who suspects child abuse or neglect to report the case to the county Department of Social Services. In addition, any person can call the Division of Child Development and Early Education at 919-662-4499 or 800-859-0829 and make a report of suspected child abuse or neglect in a child care operation. Reports can be made anonymously. A person cannot be held liable for a report made in good faith. Y staff will report all suspicions of child abuse or neglect.

Contagious Illnesses/Conditions
If a child has a confirmed case of a contagious illness/condition, s/he must be kept at home & the condition reported to the Site Director. At the discretion of the Site Director, parents/guardians may be asked to submit a doctors statement prior to a child returning to the site. The following conditions are examples: -Strep Throat -Chicken Pox -Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease - Impetigo - Lice

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YMCA of Western North Carolina www.ymcawnc.org 828 210 2273

How to Report a Problem

Open communication is vital. We are here to address and work through your problems and concerns. We encourage you to please report all problems or concerns to your childs Site Director. Problems and concerns can also be directed to Martha Rutherford, Community Youth Development Director at 828 768 1740 or mrutherford@ymcawnc.org North Carolina law requires staff from the Division of Child Development to investigate a licensed child care center when there has been a complaint made to the Division. If you believe that a child care provider fails to meet the requirements outlined in the summary of North Carolina Child Care Law and Rules, or if you have questions, please call the Division of Child Development at 919662-4499 or 800-859-0829.

Schedule of Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Cleaning

Enhanced licensing regulations require that we inform you of our cleaning schedule. Sample Cleaning Schedule Daily-sweep, disinfect/clean tables and chairs, inspect playground for harmful objects, and ensure that all areas used are left in proper/clean condition. Weekly-disinfect toys, inspect toys/games for broken parts/pieces and maintain overall good cleanliness and organization. Monthly-clean/organize storage cabinets, wipe down cabinets, and dust surfaces.

Star Rated Licenses

Centers that are meeting the minimum licensing requirements will receive a one star license. Programs that choose to voluntarily meet higher standards can apply for a two through five star license. The number of stars a program earns is based upon the education levels of the staff, the history of their compliance with licensing requirements, and the program standards. It is our goal to work to obtain the highest possible star rating at each of our sites.

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YMCA of Western North Carolina www.ymcawnc.org 828 210 2273