Children will be grouped by ages/grade level (ie. K-2, 3-5) with a child to staff ratio that allows for some individualized attention. Procedures are in place that allow for flexibility in groupings of children due to personality conflicts, developmental stages or special needs.

Programming opportunities will provide for personal choices and allow for personal creativity through active and quiet play, indoor and outdoor play, group and individual activities, structured and open ended activities and snack time. Areas of programming will include playground, gym activities, out-trips, science, drama, cooking, self-development activities, arts & crafts, board games, puzzles, music, homework assistance, computers, video games, movies and special events.

 

The After-school program operates throughout the school year, Monday to Friday from 1:45pm to 6:00pm. We also have an early morning program that begins at 7:30AM. Children are provided with a light breakfast and are then transported to their school. The service is also provided from 8:00am to 6:00pm on school closure days (for example: professional development days). Unfortunately, this only applies to schools in District 8. Every attempt will be made to offer the After-school services on storm days when schools in District 8 are closed. In the event of severe weather and the Club is forced to close, the cancellation announcement will be aired over the radio stations no later than 6:45am.

The Club will be closed on the following statutory holidays:

- New Year’s Day - Canada Day - Remembrance Day

- Good Friday - New Brunswick Day - Christmas Eve (close at 1pm)

- Easter Monday - Labour Day - Christmas Day

- Victoria Day - Thanksgiving Day - Boxing Day

**Please Note**

The listed holidays are set closure days for the Boys & Girls Club. Children who are registered full time or part time and regularly attend on such days are expected to pay for these holidays. Should the Club decide to close for additional days during the Christmas Break, parents will not be charged for these closures. Also, as a courtesy to our clients, parents need only pay for the actual days attended during the Christmas Break and March Break weeks.

 

**Please be advised about our new payment policy that will be placed into effect as of April 2, 2012**

 

Due upon registration to confirm your spot!

Please Note: Fees are based on registration, not attendance

$70.00 per child per week

$125.00 for two children per week

$145.00 for three or more children per week

Full Days (School closure days)

Open 8:00am – 5:30pm

1 child $25.00

2 children $41.00  

**This fee must be paid in addition to the regular fees**

PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE EVERY TWO WEEKS. Those who miss payments will be asked to leave the program. Refunds will not be issued for parts of weeks unattended.

 

The program finishes at 6:00pm. Parents who are late picking up their children will be charged a late pick up fee of $5.00 for every 10 minutes after 6:00pm. This fee is payable at the time of pick up. Program staff do understand that delays are at times, unavoidable, if this happens, please call the Club to let us know you are running late, otherwise, we would appreciate children being picked up on time.  

The After-school program is open to all school aged children. Registration is based on the first come, first served rule. Registration may be denied due to some restrictions including bus/van pick up capacity, number of program participants (max. licensing is 120) and/or payment history. Participation in the program may begin only upon proper completion of all required forms and payment of registration fee.

 

Two weeks paid notice is required should your child’s enrollment need to be cancelled. The Club reserves the right to cancel a part time placement in lieu of a full time registration. The Club reserves the right to cancel a child’s placement if deemed necessary. Two weeks notice will be given where possible.

 

School pick up service is provided by the Club’s mini bus and vans. Pick up service depends on school dismissal times, order of registrations, vehicle capacity and time restraints. Every attempt will be made to accommodate those in need of this service; however, parents may be able to discuss arrangements with the school board to have their child dropped off near the club on a school bus. Please note: in case of severe weather or unforeseen circumstances, staff vehicles may be used as a method of transportation. Any staff vehicles that will be used will have proper insurance coverage, booster seats and seatbelts. Parents must notify the office no later than 1:00pm if their child is not attending that day. Failing to notify the Club causes delays in pickups and inconveniences all children and schools who are waiting. Those who fail to notify the Club run the risk of losing transportation services or their spot in the program.

The Club does not support the use of taxis or other transportation companies as a transportation method for children to or home from the Club. The transportation waiver in this package must be completed stating that the parent is assuming all responsibility for the use of this method of transportation should parents decide to utilize this method of transportation.  

The law now states that every child under the age of 9 or under 80 pounds or under 4ft 9inches tall requires a booster seat for any transportation. The Club has a number of these in each vehicle. Any parent who may have an extra booster seat and is willing to lend it or donate it to the Club, it would be greatly appreciated.

Parental Involvement

The Boys & Girls Club recognizes that families have the right and the responsibility to make child care choices for their children. Parents are an essential source of expertise with respect to their own children and are strongly encouraged to be actively involved in planning for the inclusion and development of their children within the after-school program. Parents/Guardians and other caregivers are invited to visit the program at any time during operating hours when their child is present. Parents and children are also encouraged to visit the Club at least once prior to enrolment in the program. To find out more, talk to the After-school supervisor. The Club maintains an “open door policy” with regards to parental involvement, however, we do reserve the right to limit parental involvement should the situation warrant. Should a situation arise where it is felt that a parent/guardian is harassing a staff member, corrective action will be taken to sort out the situation. Harassment, cursing at staff or other derogatory behaviors will not be tolerated.

Parents should feel free to discuss any situation with their child’s counsellor(s), staff are more than willing to assist with any concerns that may arise. In the case of a disagreement or unresolved concern, please discuss the matter with the After-school Program Supervisor. If an agreeable solution cannot be reached, please talk to the Manager of Operations. Serious complaints or grievances should be put in writing and addressed to the Manager of Operations.

 

After-school Program Supervisor –  Sandra Voutour

After-school Program Coordinator – Nancy Robichaud

Executive Director – Debbie Cooper

 

The after-school program provides a large number of out-trip opportunities for participants. A schedule of out-trips will be posted on the information board and notices will be sent home. Parents will be requested to sign an off site consent form to allow children to participate in off site activities. Activities such as daily walks or neighbourhood playgrounds are considered part of the regular program.

Transportation to and from out-trips may include walking, use of the Club bus or van, a rental vehicle or staff vehicles. All vehicles will have proper insurance coverage and drivers will hold appropriate licenses.

Please label any and all items brought to the after-school program with the child’s name. Sweaters with drawstrings or very loose clothing are not recommended due to the risk of playground choking hazards. Participants are not allowed to bring toys or valuables such as game boys, trading cards, N64 games, etc. due to the risk of loss or theft. If these items are brought, they will be locked up until the child is picked up. Money and other valuables should be given to the child’s counsellor upon arrival for safe keeping. For younger children, a change of clothes can be left at the Club in case of “accidents”.

All children should come prepared for daily outdoor play regardless of the weather in the morning. Daily outdoor play will only be cancelled due to very wet or very cold conditions.

 

The Boys & Girls Club’s After-school program is peanut free. Some participants have severe allergies to peanut butter and other nut products. These items are not allowed to be brought to the Club. A snack break will be scheduled daily for all age groups. Please send enough snacks for your child each day as the Club does not provide snacks for after-school participants. The Club policy for this program is that only healthy choices will be sold in the canteen and parents are strongly encouraged to send healthy snacks. Also, although it is appreciated, we are not allowed to accept homemade baked goods such as cakes or muffins, etc. Any such items must come from an approved kitchen. Please talk to the After-school Director for more information.  

For full days, when schools are closed, participants must bring a lunch and enough snacks for the day. Kitchen services are not available and we do not provide lunch on these days. A microwave, fridge and stove are available for lunches brought form home.

Children will only be released to parents/guardians or anyone who is listed as an alternate on the child’s form. Parents are expected to notify the staff if any changes occur in this list. Identification will be requested from anyone who is unfamiliar to the staff. Parents are asked to notify the child’s counsellor if they are being picked up early or by someone other than those listed on the child’s form (children will not be released without notification from a parent)! Every time a child is picked up, the adult is expected to ensure that the child’s counsellor is notified before leaving the facility.

In the case of a child’s absenteeism, parents must notify the office by 1:00pm at 634-2011 with the reason for not attending, whether or not the absence is illness related. Providing reasons for absenteeism is a mandatory practice as stated in the New Brunswick Child Day Care Operator Standards. This practice is to help ensure the effective management of illnesses within the program. We may also need to ensure the completion of a “Return After Exclusion Form”. We do not intend to invade your privacy, but the safety and well-being of all participants is important. Your full co-operation is appreciated in this area.  

After-school program rules and regulations will be decided upon with input from the youth and will be clearly explained to all participants. All rules will be logical and comprehensive and will be administered in a consistent manner. Staff will follow positive discipline techniques and guidance at all times and will do their best to eliminate potential problems. Positive reinforcement and encouragement will be used as well as redirection of negative energy. Children will be provided with the opportunity to discuss incidents with staff and parental involvement will be encouraged. Time outs may be used as a means of calming a child to allow for an opportunity to discuss an incident.

If any unacceptable behaviour is ongoing, after several attempts at resolution, parents may be asked to make alternate arrangements for their child. Every attempt will be made to resolve the situation with parental involvement. As a last resort, parents may be asked to remove the child within an acceptable time frame.

All after-school staff are educated as to the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect. Staff are trained in dealing with disclosures and are knowledgeable in the mandatory reporting requirements as set in the Child Victims of Abuse Protocols of the Province of New Brunswick.

It is the legal responsibility of all Club personnel to document and immediately report any suspected case of abuse or neglect. Failure to report suspicion of abuse or neglect is a criminal offense under the Family Services Act. Every attempt will be made, where appropriate, to gather information from parents about suspicious marks on a child or suspicious circumstances.

 

* All staff are certified with Standard First Aid and CPR and trained in emergency procedures.

*Parents are required to sign a consent form for emergency medical attention and transportation.

*Fire drills are practiced once a month.

*In the case of building evacuation, children will be escorted to the nearest exit and gathered into their groups once outside the building.

*In the event of the need for an alternate location, children will be walked to Prince Charles School. In the case of a neighbourhood emergency, children will be taken by foot, Club bus or van or staff vehicles to the South End Community Centre, 210 Wentworth Street, 633-5115.

 

Public Health research has proven that hand-washing significantly reduces the transmission of infections. It is important for staff and children to wash their hands as often as necessary but always in these situations: upon arrival at the Club, before snack, after using the washroom, after outside play, after cleaning up after a sick child, after handling items soiled with blood or other body fluids and before and after giving or taking medication.

In the case of child illness, parents will be contacted. The child will be placed in a supervised, designated area separate from other children. The child must be picked up within one hour of notification of illness. A POTENTIAL ILLNESS REPORT FORM will be completed and must be signed by the staff and parent each time a child leaves early due to illness.

Parents will be contacted to pick up their child from the program if:

(a) The illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in activities.

(b) The illness results in a greater care need than the staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of the other children.

(c) The child has a temperature of 38.5 Celsius (101 F) or greater, along with other signs of illness including diarrhea, vomiting or blood in the stool

(d) The child has other signs and symptoms as outlined in the “Management of Illness in Chldren and Staff in New Brunswick Child Day Cares” (Flow Chart is posted on the bulletin board & See appendix)

Exclusion periods will be enforced as laid out in the “Management of Illness in Children and Staff in New Brunswick Child Care Facilities”. Reports will be made to Public Health where required. Exclusion periods are mandatory for diarrhea, hepatitis A, vomiting, pinkeye (until treated), scarlet fever and strept throat (until treated), head lice (until treated and no evidence of live lice), drooling with herpes simplex (non genital), impetigo (until treated for one day), scabies (until treated for 24 hours), measles (4 days), bacterial meningitis (24-48 hours after starting antibiotics), mumps (9 days), German Measles (7 days), chickenpox (depends on severity), other illnesses as warranted. In the case of diarrhea, if a child has 2 or more episodes or one episode with fever, vomiting or blood in the stool, the child will not be allowed to remain in the program and medical attention is required. A report to Public Health is also required in this case.

Parents must complete the form “Return After Exclusion” before a child can re-enter the program to verify that all exclusion requirements have been met. A sample of this form is included in this package (appendix 1). Please refer to appendix 2 for Parent’s role in managing illness and appendix 3 for the exclusion guide.

Parents will be notified of any communicable diseases, illnesses, infections or infestations in the after-school program. Public Health will be notified as required.

Parents must provide an up to date immunization record for their children at the time of registration. Children will not be allowed to attend the program until the immunization information is received. Parents are responsible to provide notification of any changes in immunization as soon as possible. Should a parent decide not to provide this information or decide not to immunize their child, the waiver on page 15 must be completed and followed as necessary.

***PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED DOCUMENTS FOR MANAGING ILLNESS INFORMATION. THE FOLLOWING BOOKLETS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST*** “Management of Illness in Children and Staff in New Brunswick Child Day Care Facilities”  and “Guide for Managing Potential Illness in Child Day Care Facilities in New Brunswick”. Also, please refer to the posted “potential illness” flow charts for information.  

 

                

 

DtaP-P/Hib – Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilus Influenzae type b vaccineDtaP-P – Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio vaccine

Hep. B – Hepatitus B vaccine

MMR – Measles, mumps, rubella vaccine

Td – Tetanus, diptheria vaccine

****If a parent decides not to immunize their child or submit a copy of the child’s immunization record, they must complete and sign the immunization waiver which includes agreeing to exclude their child from the program when a communicable disease is in the facility.

Only medication brought to the facility by the parent, whether over the counter or prescribed, will be given to the child. A consent form for administration of medication when required must be completed at the time of registration. Any time that a child is in need of medication, the administration of medication record must be completed by the parent and signed by the staff member who administers the medication. All medication that is brought to the after-school program must be in the original container with the original label, have child protective caps and be identified with the dosage and the name of the child. Prescribed medications must have the name of the physician, dosage instructions and the time period of use.

At the time of registration, a consent form must be completed for the possible administration of acetaminophen when required. Under conditions, where it may be necessary to administer acetaminophen (provided by the parent), the following procedures will be followed:

1. Staff recognize symptoms that the parent has previously identified

2. Take the child’s temperature and record

3. Contact the parent to discuss and receive verbal consent

4. Administer the medication

5. Parents must sign the consent form upon arrival at the Club

 

For those children who register in the After-school program and require special medical care or precautions, written instructions are required from the parent to assist us in caring for your child.

Examples of these conditions or care include asthma puffers or chambers, diabetic blood level testing/ insulin pumps, severe migraine headaches, allergies and the use of epipens, etc. Written instructions should include preventative measures, signs and symptoms to be aware of, what to do in case of certain scenarios and emergency contact numbers.

Reportable Incidents in the After-school program include:

(a) unexpected illness or injury where the child requires immediate transfer to the hospital

(b) motor vehicles accidents or injuries caused while being transported

(c) missing child

In the case of any of the above, the parent will be notified immediately. An incident report form will be completed and forwarded to the Regional Co-ordinator, Department of Family & Community Services. A copy will be given to the parent if requested.

Non reportable incidents are those that do not require emergency medical attention ie. Cuts, bruises and bumps. The child may need some minor first aid by a staff member.

Daily logs are kept by after-school staff for the children in their care. Any notable incidents of injury, behaviour, health or other situations will be noted in the log and the parents will be requested to sign the log upon notification of the incident.

Pets and other animals are not allowed in areas occupied by the children during the after-school program.