Kids' Company Family Handbook Site Locations • Edgewood • Five ...

Kids’ Company

Family Handbook

Site Locations

Edgewood

Five Hawks

Glendale

Grainwood

Jeffers Pond

Redtail Ridge

WestWood

Kids’ Company Office

Site Phone Numbers

952-220-5146

952-217-1258

952-217-1260

952-217-1263

952-217-1257

952-217-1259

952-217-1262

952-226-0090

2

We are glad that you have chosen Kids’ Company for your child

care needs. Kids’ Company is a place where each child is a cher-

ished and unique member of the team. Children will be nur-

tured, kept safe and encouraged to pursue their own interests.

Children will develop friendships, independence and confidence

as they explore, play and learn. They will be offered choices

that promote their social, emotional, physical and cognitive de-

velopment. As a district program, we work closely with each

school to support your child’s whole development. We are also

committed to the district’s mission, goals and initiatives.

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools is a National Green Ribbon Dis-

trict, with an emphasis on E-STEM, environmental education,

science, technology, engineering and math.

The mission for Prior Lake - Savage Area Schools is to educate

all learners to reach their full potential as contributing and pro-

ductive members of an ever-changing community. We are inno-

vative, environmentally focused and wise stewards of our re-

sources.

3

Site Contact Information 4

General Information 5-7

Non-School Days 8

Expectations for Parents/Students 9

Student Conduct Expectations 10 -11

Accommodations 12

Illness & Medication Policy 13

Late Pick Up Procedures 14

Tuition 15

Helpful Reminders 16

“For the record, we love Kids’ Company, my child does not want to come home. He is always bringing home amazing projects and talking about all the fun he has had. You guys are an amazing resource for working parents. Thank you for all you guys do. It is greatly appreciated.” Cassie “Awesome! Thanks so much for your flexibility. I should proba-bly be accustomed to how great everyone at Kids’ Company is by now, but with every request you continue to impress our family. Thank you so much.” Charles

4

Edgewood Site Leader: Sam Dehnke-Turpin Email: [email protected] Phone: 952-220-5146 Five Hawks Grades K-5th Site Leader: Ashley Kruse Email: [email protected] Phone: 952-217-1258 Glendale Grades K-5th Site Leader: Arif Khan Email: [email protected] Phone: 952-217-1260 Grainwood Grades K-5th Site Leader: Patti Rein Email: [email protected] Phone: 952-217-1263 Jeffers Pond Grades K-5th Site Leader: Sara Pasek Email: [email protected] Phone: 952-217-1257 Redtail Ridge Grades K-5th Site Leader: Kris Ziskovsky Email: [email protected] Phone: 952-217-1259

WestWood Grades K-5th Site Leader: Renee Hogen Email: [email protected] Phone: 952-217-1262 Kids’ Company Office District Services Center 4540 Tower St. SE Prior Lake, MN 55372 Phone: 952-226-0090 Coordinator: Kelly Vossen Email: [email protected] Phone: 952-226-0092 Assistant Coordinator: Kristi Gaudette Email: [email protected] Phone: 952-226-0093 Secretary: Danielle Kleist Email: [email protected] Phone: 952-226-0091 Secretary: Lisa Kraft Email: [email protected] Phone: 952-226-0084

5

Hours and Days of Operation Kids’ Company is open Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. until the start of the school day and from the end of the school day until 6:00 p.m. Registration Registrations are completed online using FeePay, available on our district website under the Community Education tab. An ACH account, MasterCard, Visa or Discover card are required to pay the $50 non-refundable family registration fee ($40 for Summer) and a $100 deposit. This deposit will go toward your tuition and is refundable if you cancel care by the specified cancellation date. Registrations must be received by the Kids’ Company office at least 1 week in advance of the start date. Snacks Breakfast and afternoon snack, including a beverage, will be available daily. Apparel/Personal property Children must be adequately dressed for outdoor play (coats, boots, hats, gloves, snow pants, socks) since we try to go out-side daily-weather permitting (based on district-wide recess policies). All items brought to Kids’ Company should be la-

beled. We encourage students NOT to bring their own toys to Kids’ Com-pany unless notified to do so for special activities. The program is not responsible for lost or damaged per-sonal belongings.

6

iPad Sign In/Out Kids’ Company utilizes iPads for families to sign students in and out. After locating your student’s name on the list, a pull down of Authorized Pickups will appear. You must choose which per-son you are and sign with your finger. In an effort to expedite this process, please keep your Authorized Pick-up list up to date. Afternoon transportation Kids’ Company and the Transportation department discourage students being placed on a bus on days they are scheduled to be at Kids’ Company. Parents that request that their child ride the bus on a scheduled Kids’ Company day are asked to notify the classroom teacher, the school office, the transportation of-fice and Kids’ Company site. Families will still be charged for the afternoon. School Closings For information on emergency school closings or delayed starts, please reference any of the local TV stations. Emails, phone calls, the district website and social media are also used to keep families informed. If Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools are closed due to snow, Kids’ Company will also be closed. If schools close for other reasons such as extreme cold, information about Kids’ Company will be provided to families. Kids’ Company will follow the same late start as the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. For example, if school starts two hours late then Kids’ Company will open at 8:30 a. m. instead of 6:30 a.m. In the event school is closed early, Kids’ Company will make every effort to remain open until 4:00 p.m.

7

If early dismissal occurs on a day when your child is not sched-uled to attend Kids’ Company, they will be sent home according to the instructions you have given the school. Due to staffing and space considerations, we are not able to ac-commodate extra children at Kids’ Company. Please have other arrangements in place in the event of an early closing and inform the school of these arrangements. If you choose to pick up your child early due to bad weather con-ditions, please notify your Kids’ Company site as well as the school office. Communication Based on school district policy, communication between parents and other visitors to the school with school personnel is expected to be appropriate and respectful. The Kids’ Company office plans to use your email addresses as our main form of communication. We hope to use this form of communication for field trip info, invoices and any emergency no-tifications that may arise. Please keep your FeePay profile and email address up to date by visiting www.priorlake-savage.ce.feepay.com. Concerns or questions that are not related to billing or account status can be addressed to the Site Leader. If not satisfied, call the Kids’ Company Coordinator at 952-226-0092. Unresolved con-cerns can be brought to the Director of Community Education. Submit all concerns in writing as well as verbally. Report your Child’s Absence Call or email the Kids’ Company Site and leave a message to indi-cate your child will be absent afterschool.

8

Sites will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Non-school days as long as each site has the minimum of students en-rolled for the day to remain self-supporting. Kids’ Company may combine sites for a non-school day or emergency purpos-es. Disposable bag lunches and beverages will also be neces-sary on non-school days unless otherwise stated. Registration for non-school days is available online at [email protected]. Please note, there is at least a 15 day deadline before each set of non-school days. The cost is $36 per child, per day. Early Release days are $16 per after-noon, in place of your regular charges. Field Trip Expectations Our goal is to provide a fun, safe field trip which everyone will enjoy. Staff to child ratio will vary according to the trip. Please support us by reinforcing the following field trip expectations. Students must wear the Kids’ Company shirt. Students will follow all bus rules. Students will be respectful and kind to other children and

staff. Please do not send money with your child unless otherwise

specified prior to trip. A disposable bag lunch is required on all trips unless other-

wise specified prior to the trip.

9

As a Family in the Program I … understand that the philosophy and procedures of the

program many not be the same as our family philosophy and procedures. I recognize this and realize that while my child is in the program, we must abide by the philoso-phy, rules and procedures of the program.

will read and be responsive for the information the pro-gram sends out, including the information in the hand-book.

will return requested information by the date it is re-quested.

will ask questions for clarification when I don’t under-stand.

will share information that helps staff understand and support my child’s needs.

will talk with the Site Leader or Program Coordinators if I have a question or I am unhappy with any aspect of the program or staff.

As a Student in the Program I… have a can-do and will-do attitude. am kind to others. will help staff and other children. follow the rules of the school and the program. respect other people’s feelings and property. listen to staff and follow directions. am honest. keep my hands, feet and objects to myself. ask questions to understand when I am unclear of what it

expected.

10

All children are entitled to a pleasant, harmonious and safe envi-ronment. It is our goal to promote a positive approach to all chil-dren and the management of behavior issues. If a child demonstrates behavior which has a negative impact on the child or others, the staff will utilize one or more of the following strategies: Prevention: Every effort will be made to make reasonable

adjustments to the program to accommodate the unique needs of each child. Adjustments may be made in these four areas:

Environment Grouping of children Activities Staffing

Positive Redirection: Staff will help the child identify ac-ceptable alternatives to unacceptable behavior and help the child understand the impact of his/her behavior on self and others.

Modeling: Staff and peers provide positive modeling of ap-propriate behavior. Children learn to take responsibility for their actions.

Setting Limits: Simple behavioral expectations are estab-lished for the site. Staff will:

Tell children what is expected of them in a positive, yet firm manner.

Make sure children understand what the expectations mean.

Apply expectations consistently and appropriately. Use natural and logical consequences (loss of privileg-

es, apologies etc.)

11

Behavior considered harmful/inappropriate: Behavior which directly or indirectly threatens a per-

son’s right to be safe Any form of aggression. Verbal threats, disrespectful language or harassing be-

havior. Inappropriate touching of a person’s body or belong-

ings. Inappropriate gestures. Bullying or bullying-like behavior.

Behavior which keeps staff from fulfilling their ability to be available for all children

Removing self from group or program area without staff approval.

Demonstrating lack of self - control with anger. Blatant disrespect or absolute refusal of staff person in

charge. Behavior which intentionally causes destruction of

property Behavior which demonstrates child’s lack of readiness In the case of harmful/inappropriate behavior, we will: Inform parent of extreme or continuous inappropriate behavior. Temporarily remove the child from the program. Work with guardian/parent and school staff to create a behav-

ior plan. If the behavior persists, or guardian/parent is unwilling to work

with staff towards behavioral improvement, we may indefinitely remove the child from the program.

Harmful/Inappropriate Behavior on Field Trips: If a child displays harmful/inappropriate behavior on a field trip, the child’s parent or guardian will be called immediately to pick up the child at the field trip or school site and arrange alternative care.

12

Children with Special Needs: Staff will make reasonable changes in programming in order to accommodate the physical and behavioral needs of chil-dren. There may be times when it is not reasonable to accom-modate the needs of a child. Accommodations

Kids’ Company is not designed to provide long term and/or intensive1:1 assistance for students.

If a child receives student support in a classroom, has an identified special need or has a behavior plan developed, it is the parents’ responsibility to identify their child’s needs on the appropriate forms.

An individual conference may be necessary before enrollment is processed. If your child has a special need, his/her start date will be determined by the program’s ability to accommodate the needs of your child.

Failure to identify your child’s special needs may re-sult in temporary removal from the program while we assess and put in place appropriate accommoda-tions.

Children whose limitations create a safety issue of unreasonable risk, harm to themselves, others or property may not be accommodated.

13

The program follows all policies and procedures of ISD 719. If your child appears to be ill, you will be contacted and asked to pick them up. The child will rest in a quiet area until you arrive. Kids’ Company will follow the school district policies listed below: If a child has had a fever of 100° F within the last 24

hours. If a child has vomited or had diarrhea within the past 24

hours. If a child has a rash that may be disease-related or the

cause is unknown. Communicable disease

The ISD 719 Administration of Medication form needs to be completed and on file before staff may administer any medica-tion, both prescription and nonprescription. Kids’ Company must have written authorization from the parents as well as a licensed physician before dispensing any medications. The medications must be brought in by a parent, in the original container, and given directly to the Site Leader.

Inform the Site Leader of any Special Health/Behavioral Concerns such as asthma, serious allergies, dia-betes, heart problems, seizures, medications needed, etc. Please provide staff any information that would help to ensure the child’s safety at Kids’ Company.

In case of medical emergencies Kids’ Company staff are certified to administer CPR and basic first-aid immediately. In the event of a life threatening emergency, the staff will call “911”. The child will be transported to the nearest hospital. Parents will be notified as soon as possible and will be respon-sible for all medical charges.

14

Kids’ Company hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Fees are assessed based on the number of minutes your child/ren is in our care after 6:00 p.m. and will be deter-mined by the Site Leader and/or Coordinator. The fees are per family and are as follows:

6:01 p.m. - 6:10 p.m. $20 6:11 p.m. - 6:20 p.m. $40 6:21 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. $60

Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to have a local person designated to drop off/pick up your child/ren in the event you are unable to arrive within our hours of opera-tion. List this person with their phone number under your emergency contacts in your FeePay account. We will contin-ue to use the clock on site as the official time. A phone call from a parent/guardian notifying the site of a late arrival is greatly appreciated. If late pick ups become chronic (more than 3 incidences), continued enrollment in the program will be at the discre-tion of the Coordinator. If it is determined the program is not a good fit for the needs of the family, a two week no-tice of termination from Kids’ Company will be given.

15

Tuition Fees are charged on the basis of enrollment, not at-tendance. Payments are due in advance of attendance.

School Year Flexible Schedule Options include:

Consistent Schedule for student attending the SAME 2 or more Sessions each week. Permanent schedule changes can be made to this schedule 5 business days in advance.

Kindergarten - Grade 3 $10.50 per session

Grades 4-5 $9.50 per session

Pick-Your-Day Schedule for students attending different days or less than 2 sessions each week. Changes can be made to this schedule if done at least 5 business days in advance. Days added to the schedule with less than 5 days notice are charged an addition $2 per session.

Kindergarten - Grade 3 $11.50 per session

Grades 4-5 $10.50 per session

Summer Flexible Schedules are all Pick-Your-Days. Chang-es can be made to your summer schedule if done at least 15 business days in advance. Summer is $36 per day. Automatic payment using credit cards or ACH accounts is pre-ferred. Payments are not accepted at the sites. All families with a balance of $300 or more will be contacted either by phone, email or in writing to notify them of their bal-ance and date by which it must be paid. Failure to make pay-ment by the specific date may result in a cancellation or sus-pension of childcare services. Accounts may be turned over to a collection agency.

16

Read the Parent Handbook and know the agreement terms and program policies. Failure to follow program policies may result in termination of childcare services.

Sign your child in and out daily. The child must be signed

in and out by an authorized individual over the age of 16. Notify program staff if your child will be absent, picked up

early, or by someone else. Call your site using the phone numbers listed on the key fob and cover of this handbook.

Provide written notice of changes in agreement information

or withdrawal from the program at least 5 business days before the effective date.

Please model respectful behavior when interacting with

staff and students. Pay all costs incurred for your contracted days whether

your child attends or not, unless you have created a sched-ule change at least 5 business days in advance.