Program Statement for Ultimate School-Agers Before and After School
Philosophy
Ultimate School-Agers (U.S.) understands how short childhood is, and for this reason we strive to make an environment that is carefree and fun for children. Ultimate School-Agers affords them the opportunity to do just that, thus giving parents the peace of mind they so deserve.
Each child is an individual and we recognize this so our staff will take the time to get to know your child and treat them with the respect they deserve.
The staff of U.S. knows the importance of positive role modeling for the children. We know that positive words are essential for a growing self-esteem and will make sure that each child receives reinforcement for the positive choices they make. There are incidents that occur that may require some direction with regards to your child. At these times we will redirect them to another activity or choose to use constructive words to make them analyze their choices.
What we do not tolerate here is degradation of anyone being child, staff or parent and should we hear of any verbal abuse the parents will be spoken to and action taken immediately to ensure it does not occur again. We have the same commitment to every parent, child and staff member to maintain a harassment free environment.
Program Hours: Ultimate School-Agers is open from 6:30 to 9 a.m. and 2:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. On days where full day care is required due to school closures, i.e. P.A. Days, the hours of operation will be 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Our 6 p.m. closing time needs to be respected and should your child be at Ultimate School-Agers past the 6 p.m. closing you will be charged $5 for the first minute and $1 per minute after that. Failure to respect closing time may result in the removal of your child from the program.
Ages: Ultimate School-Agers is licensed for ages 6-12 years of age, with special permission to have children ages 4 & 5 years.
Full Day Care: On P.A. Days, Christmas Break, March Break and Summer Holidays Ultimate School-Agers will provide full day care for school-aged children.
Toilet Training: We do not have the facilities to support children who are not toilet trained. Your child needs to be toilet trained to be in our program.
Transportation: We do not provide vehicular transportation to and from school. We walk to the schools and bus stops to drop off and pick up the children.
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Programs: We offer a program that includes an active area, a special interest area, dramatic play, toys, quiet centre, snack, virtual interactive floor, and a building centre. These areas will change each week according to the theme of the week. The special interest area will offer the following: Monday: Writing/Math Centre, Tuesday: Sensory, Wednesday: Artistic Centre, Thursday: Table Games, Friday: Science.
Fees: Before School Care is $12 and includes snack (if child arrives before 8:00); After School Care is $12 and includes a snack; Before and After School Care is $16 and includes two snacks; Full Day Care is $29 and includes morning snack (if child arrives before 8:00), two snacks and lunch. Your fees are due every other Friday. You will pre-pay for two weeks. You have the option of paying cash or cheque. Should there be an insufficient funds charge you will cover the cost of the charge plus $10 for administration. It is very important that your fees are paid promptly or your child will be denied care.
Communication: Our primary goal is to provide a wonderful atmosphere for your child but our secondary and equally as important goal is to have an open communication with you the parent. All of the staff will be open to communicating with you regarding any comments, questions or concerns you may have and we ask that you provide the same openness to us if we need to talk to you. Please remember that we may not be able to talk to you when you drop off or pick up your child because we are in program but let us know that you would like to talk and we can come up with a mutual agreement for the time of communication.
Immunization: The Durham Region Health Department requires all schools to keep a record or immunizations. Because we are a school-aged program we do not require a copy of the immunization records.
Sickness: As we want to ensure the healthy environment for all, we ask that your child not attend if they are feverish, short of breath, vomiting or have diarrehea. If your child comes to the program with those symptoms we will notify you immediately and you must make arrangements to have your child picked up. Your child must remain free of fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea for 24 hours or more before they will be allowed to return to our program.
Medication: U.S. will only administer prescription medication. All medication needs to be clearly marked with the child’s name, the Dr’s name, the medicine’s name, dosage, date of issue and expiry date. We will not accept medication that is in a container other than the initial prescription container. We also will not administer non prescription medicines such as Tylenol or Advil. If we feel your child requires these medicines we will inform you and ask you to take your child home.
Teacher’s Strike: In the event of a Teacher’s Strike U.S. will be equipped to offer full day care to school-aged children.
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Allergies: We are a nut free program. Please ensure your child does not bring anything containing nut products. If your child does handle any food with nuts before coming to U.S. please have them wash their face and hands thoroughly. We thank you for your understanding regarding allergies.
Head Lice: We have a strict no-nit policy. Should we find any nits or lice on your child they will be sent home immediately and not allowed to return until a staff member inspects their hair to ensure there is no trace of any lice and/or nits. After a case of head lice has been reported we will examine each child for lice and/or nits and inform the parents. If you do find lice and/or nits on your child please inform us immediately.
Incident Reports: Even though the children are under constant supervision incidents can happen.
All Serious Occurrences are reported to the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.
Late Pick-up Fees: The staff of U.S. understands there are times when you may be delayed. We ask you to respect that the staff have lives outside of U.S., therefore if your pick your child up after 6:00 p.m. you will be charged a late fee. The late fee will be $5 for the first minute and $1 a minute from then on.
Emergency Evacuation Shelter: Courtice Community Complex is the Emergency Evacuation Shelter for U.S. If a situation arises forcing us to leave U.S. we will evacuate to Courtice Community Complex. Once we have safely arrived there and know the children are in a safe location we will notify you to pick your child up immediately.
Holidays: U.S. will be closed for the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Boxing Day. You will still be required to pay fees for these holidays if they fall on your regularly scheduled day.
Photographs: There may be occasions when U.S. or a news photographer may take pictures of the children. U.S. puts your safety first and we will not allow the photograph to be taken of your child unless we have your permission.
Summer Care: During the summer we will offer full time care that will encompass various activities. U.S. also plans on taking numerous field trips. There will be more information sent home regarding the programs closer to the summer holidays.
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Trips: During full days we may take a field trip somewhere. You will be advised of the trip in advance and informed of all of the details. We may require some parent volunteers as well. We will reach our destination either through walking or taking a bus. Please advise us of any concerns you may have. Since we do not have our own playground we will be walking to playgrounds on a frequent basis. Each time we leave our destination will be posted with a map outlining our route.
Sunscreen: Because our summer program will feature a lot of outside time it is essential your child wear sunscreen. We ask that you provide sunscreen for your child. We will label it with your child’s name. Please provide a water proof sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher that offers protection from UVA and UVB rays. We also ask that you provide a wide brim hat to protect your child.
Smoking: U.S. is a smoke free facility and no person is allowed to smoke or hold a lit cigarette in our premises.
Spare Clothing: U.S. recognizes that there are times when children may need a change of clothes. For this reason we ask that you provide your child with a complete change of weather appropriate clothes.
Custody: U.S. needs to be informed upon enrolment if any custody arrangements have been made regarding your child. If after enrolment the child’s situation changes resulting in a custody change we need to be informed immediately. U.S. needs to have a copy of the Court Orders of Custody Arrangements. U.S. wants to ensure the safety of your children so if the non-custodial parent will be picking the child up we need a written form signed by all parties involved prior to pick up. Any contravention to the Court order will require Police assistance.
Parent Involvement: U.S. wants you to feel involved in the care your child receives. Please feel free to talk to any staff and offer suggestions or concerns. Maybe you have a special skill or interest you would like to share with us. And we would love for you to join us on one of our field trips.
Criminal Reference Checks: If you would like to come and volunteer with us we ask that you have a Criminal Reference Check that has been processed within the last six months.
Absenteeism: Should your child be away from our program you must call us directly. Do not expect the school to inform us. It is your responsibility to inform us.
Tax Receipts: Tax receipts will be given on an annual basis. These receipts will be issued by the end of February.
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Indoor Shoes: Ultimate School-Agers encourages indoor shoes for all children. We feel indoor shoes would be an added safety precaution.
Courtice Clubhouse: Courtice Clubhouse is the facility that sub-leases to Ultimate School-Agers. Courtice Clubhouse itself is not a licensed child care centre. Therefore, parents cannot leave their child unattended at Courtice Clubhouse’s Stay and Play programs.
Withdrawal from program: Should you need to withdraw your child from the program you are required to give two weeks notice or pay the equivalent of two weeks of fees.
Ultimate School-Agers thanks you for choosing us to provide care for your most precious resource, your child.
Child’s Name _______________________ Parent’s Name ________________________
While every effort is made to ensure that your child will receive the best possible care there are times that unfortunate situations may arise. As a result you hereby waive, release, discharge and hold harmless Ultimate School-Agers, Courtice Clubhouse and all persons associated with them from any and all responsibilities or liabilities in injuries and damages resulting from your child’s participation in any activities or use of equipment and facilities.
Signed: _________________________________ Dated: ________________________
I allow my child to take occasional walks with Supervision, around the neighbourhood and visit local playgrounds.
Signed: ________________________________ Dated: ________________________
In the event that my child will be away from the U.S. program and do NOT require a scheduled pick up I will call U.S. and inform them of my child’s absence.
Signed: __________________________________ Dated: _______________________
I allow my child’s picture to be taken and posted for display purposes or in media.
Signed: ___________________________________ Dated: _______________________
I am aware that it is not required of me to provide a health card number for my child.
Signed: ____________________________________ Dated: ______________________
I will allow Ultimate School-Agers to apply sunscreen to my child if deemed necessary.
Signed: ____________________________________ Dated: ______________________