BUEHLER YMCA Before and Afterschool Parent Manual 2021 -2022 School Year

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Before and Afterschool
       Parent Manual
  2021 -2022 School Year

               BUEHLER YMCA
         1400 w. Northwest Highway
             Palatine, IL 60067
               847.359.2400
            www.buehlerymca.org
*Policies in our Parent Manual are subject to change based on the
COVID – 19 guidelines at the time of programming. Red type are
policies in place with COVID-19 restrictions. Communication will be
sent by Program Manager before program begins.
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Quick Q & A for COVID-19 Procedures Before/After School Programming
What are the times and procedures for drop off and pick up?
Drop off (BEFORE CARE):

      Drop off can begin at 6:30am. Sign in will be done by drop off at the Youth Development Wing
       entrance. Parents will walk their child up to our check in table. We will ask that all children
       have their temperatures checked before they can be admitted into programs. Their
       temperature MUST be below 100.4 in order to be allowed to stay for the day. Children will be
       escorted by a teacher into their designated learning spaces. Parents will then be allowed to
       sign in their child in for the day.
      Parents will NOT be admitted into the building for the safety of our staff and the other children.
       Should you have any questions or concerns and would like to speak to a director or staff
       member, we will do our best to meet with you. If there is not a director available immediately,
       they will contact you as soon as possible.

Pick up (AFTER CARE):
     Parents must walk up to the Youth Development Entrance. All children must be picked up
        before 6pm. Late charges will be applied if continuous pickup is past 6pm.
     A staff member will radio for your child to be brought from their group. Parents will need to
        sign out their child at the checkout table.

We ask that you please ALLOW PLENTY of time for drop off & pick. We will do our best to make it as
efficient as possible.

Bussing: (IF bussing is provided)
      The number of students on our buses will be reduced half the capacity. (6 students per bus)
      Every child will have their own seat and be asked to sit near the window.
      Siblings will be paired together.
      Regular cleaning and sanitation will be done before and after each bus route.

What will my child’s group look like?
Groups and Ratios:
    Following the guidelines of Illinois Department of Health & Restore Illinois Plan, our group
       numbers will remain small ranging from 10 -15 kids per group depending on school.
    There will be assigned teachers to each group, to remain consistent throughout each week.
    Extra spacing and designated areas are mapped out to help ensure safety of all students.
    Our goal is to keep children from the same schools together and number of different schools to
       a minimum.

What do some of the safety procedures for Before/After School Programs?
Facemasks will be required for all staff and children
     Temperature checks will be taken every day before your child may enter our program.
     Increased handwashing procedures will be taught and regularly monitored
     Enhanced cleaning protocols, including the frequent use of Virex on high touch objects, surfaces
      and toys.
     Overnight deep cleaning of our facilities.

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LOCATION & HOURS OF OPERATION
Afterschool at Buehler YMCA—Licensed
1400 W. Northwest Highway
Palatine, IL 60067
Tel: 847.359.2400

Hours of Operation:
Before Care
6:30 am-8:30 am
After Care
2:30 pm-6:00 pm

School Age Manager:
Stephanie Block: 847.410.5233
sablock@ymcachicago.org

Early Learning Manager:
Jenn Stricker: 847.410. 5230
jstricker@ymcachicago.org

Youth Services Director
Lindsey Montgomery: 847.410.5217
lmontgomery@ymcachicago.org

Buehler YMCA’s school age child care program operates from the time school is out until 6:00 p.m. every
regular school attendance day. The program will be closed if District 15 is closed due to snow days and
no refunds will be given. An “Emergency School’s Day Out” program may be offered instead. Other
days the Afterschool Program and the School’s Day Out Program will not be available include:
     Labor Day
     Thanksgiving Day & Fri. following
     Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
     New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
     Good Friday
     Memorial Day
The afterschool program begins the first full day of school and ends the last full day of school (in
accordance with District 15 schedules). The program operates only on days when school is in session for
the full day. Half Days or No school Days the program does not operate.

SDO
“Schools’ Day Out” (SDO) programs are available on non-school days except for above listed dates. SDO
programs operate from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Children must pre-register for SDO programming at the
Buehler YMCA front desk or online. Program information is available to current participants prior to
being available to non-participants. However, enrollment is limited, and it is the parent’s responsibility
to secure alternate care if necessary on those days. School Day Out before camp programming or the
beginning of the next school year may not be available due to staff trainings.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING
Applies to the YMCA Afterschool Program: In the case of a late/delayed start, the after school portion
would run as usual. If a school were to close during the school day, the after school program would
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close as well. In rare occasions Metro YMCA of Chicago may deem is necessary to close the afterschool
program for weather or emergency situations, even if District 15 does not call off school. For weather
related school closings, the YMCA may provide an emergency schools’ day out. Parent communication
will be emailed as soon as possible in case of a weather related school closing.

OUR MISSION
We are a powerful association of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to
nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility.

We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to
invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is our
cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors throughout Chicagoland to make sure that
everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

The mission of the YMCA of Metro Chicago is to develop strong children, families and communities
across Metropolitan Chicago through academic readiness, character development, violence prevention,
fitness and healthy living.

GOALS:
The goals of the Buehler YMCA Afterschool Program include:
· Protect and promote the children’s health
· Promote the social and emotional development through encouraging self-confidence, self-expression,
   self-discipline, and curiosity.
· Provide children with wide and more varied experiences which will broaden their horizons, increase
   their ease of conversation in which they live.
· Provide the children with frequent chances to succeed.
· Develop a climate of confidence that will make a child want to learn.
· Develop in the children and families a responsible attitude toward society and foster feelings of
   belonging to a community.

STAFF:
Our staff meets or exceeds the requirements set by the State of Illinois and Department of Children and
Family Services. The staff has also received the following trainings: First Aid/CPR/AED, Child Abuse and
Prevention, Praesidium, DCFS Mandated Reporter, Orientation, and OSHA. Staff attend scheduled staff
meetings, and are involved in a minimum of 15 hours of school age related seminars, trainings yearly.
We maintain a 1:15 staff/child ratio and a group of students is always with at least 2 staff.

CHAIN OF COMMAND:
Executive Director:                                      Ed Heiser
Youth Services Director:                                 Lindsey Montgomery
School Age Manager:                                      Stephanie Block
Early Learning Manager:                                  Jenn Stricker

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographs and movies, which may include the children, are sometimes taken for use within the
YMCA. Occasionally, these or other photos may be used for newspaper stories about the center or for
marketing purposes. Whenever possible, this use will be cleared with parents, but this is sometimes
difficult or impossible is cases where photos contain large groups of children or are used several years
after they are taken. Please advise us of any concerns.

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ADMISSION
All children from our participant schools, aged 5-12 are welcome in the program. The Buehler YMCA will
not discriminate by race, color, sex, national origin, or creed. If modification is needed to successfully
participate in our program due to a child’s special need, the inclusion department of Metro YMCA will
be contacted and the inclusion manager will work with the family and the staff to provide possible
modification. Each case is looked on an individual basis, but one-on-one services may not be available.
The YMCA provides a multi-age, large group setting with a staff to child ratio of 1:15. We send our 14
and 29 passenger minibuses to most schools to pick up children. Each bus has one driver and one bus
aide riding the bus at all times. Paddock and Sanborn students are transported directly to the YMCA via
district 15 buses.

COVID – 19 Restrictions:
Buses will have a limited number of children on each bus. Children will be seated every other seat
and siblings can be sat together. A driver and bus aide will be on every YMCA bus route to ensure
safety during transportation to and from the YMCA. Thorough cleanings will be done between each
route before a different group is picked up for their school.

REGISTRATION
Registration request forms need to completed and returned with a $50 registration fee. Confirmation of
admission into the program will begin once we have received the registration page and have paid the
registration fee. Required paperwork will be sent from the program manager. All paperwork is
required before the start date of the program. Information on file must be current. Please let us know
in writing of any changes in the phone numbers, addresses or people who may pick up your child. This
information must be updated at the Buehler YMCA.

COVID - 19 Restrictions:
Enrollment will be limited if there are restrictions in place as the school year begins. School Age
Manager will be in communication with parents in regards to their child’s spot for programming.

FEES AND PAYMENT PROCEDURES
In order for your child(ren) to attend the afterschool program, an initial $50 non-refundable registration
fee must be paid. We ask that you set up automatic draft payments for the monthly fees. The monthly
fee is drafted on the 1st of each month of service. There are 9 monthly drafts beginning Sept. 1st and
ending with the last draft on May 1st. If for some reason you are unable to draft monthly, billing will be
handled in the following manner:
1. You will be billed for subsequent months on the 15th of the month preceding. Payment is due by the
    1st.
2. If payment is not received by the 1st, a late charge of $10 may be assessed.
3. If your payment is not received within 7 days after the 1st of the month your child will not be able to
    attend until fees are paid in full.
4. Credits will be issued for extended (two weeks or more) medical reasons only. These need to be
    documented by a physician.
5. There is a $25.00 fee due for all NSF checks and that payment must be made with cash, credit or a
    money order. Payment must be made within 24 hours. After two NSF checks, personal checks will
    no longer be accepted for payments.
6. Child care staff cannot take payments. You must pay at the front desk.

Monthly fees are based on how many days per week your child is registered to attend the program.
Changes in confirmed schedule will depend on space available. You are billed on a 9 month schedule.
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The monthly fees for after care are:
                   Three Days/week                 $265/Member $365/Nonmember
                   Five Days/week                  $365/Member $465/Nonmember
                  The monthly fees for before care are:
                   Five Days/week                  $215/Member $315/Nonmember

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Financial assistance may be available through Illinois Action for Children. Applications for assistance
through Action for Children may be picked up at the Member Services Desk with instructions for
completing. You may also contact them directly at 312.823.1100 or by visiting www.daycareaction.org.
If you do not qualify for AFC, you may still qualify for a financial assistance through the YMCA. Financial
assistance forms can be found on our website or are available at the front desk. For questions or
concerns, you may contact Lindsey Montgomery or Stephanie Block.

REQUESTING TAX OR DEPENDANT CARE RECEIPTS
Any requests for receipts needed for dependent care or tax purposes should be directed to our billing
coordinator, Cheryl Gruchot at 847-410-5218 or cgruchot@ymcachicago.org . We do not automatically
issue tax statements. They must be requested.

POLICY ON THE RELEASE OF PERSON INFORMATION/CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY
It is the policy of the YMCA not to release any information about our children or their families without a
signed release form. All medical and personal forms and information of the children is the property of
the YMCA and remain on file after the child leaves the program.

REPORTING ABSENCES
If your child(ren) is/are absent, or is not otherwise to be picked up, you must notify the Buehler YMCA
at 847.410.5233 by 11:00 am or email or sablock@ymcachicago.org. No refunds or credits will be
given for absenteeism unless it is for a documented long-term medical reason. A physician must
provide documentation. Please provide us with absent student’s name, school, and grade.

PICK UP
Parents will be given an authorized card that allows you to enter the building to pick up your child from
their designated classrooms. You may enter through the Youth Development Lobby to your child’s
room. Only authorized persons may sign your child out of the program. This policy is designed to
protect your child. The list is on your child’s enrollment form and is kept on file in the Director’s office
and within the classroom for pick up. All authorized persons must be at least 18 years of age. Your child
will not be released to any individual not listed as authorized to pick him or her up. We will ask to see a
driver’s license to confirm identification. For your family’s protection, there are no exceptions to this
policy! Children cannot be picked up without being signed out. In addition, children may not walk
home from the center, or sign themselves out. Childcare staff has the right to refuse to release a child if
we feel the pick-up person is incapable of transporting the child safely due to intoxication or other
altered state conditions.

LATE PICK UP
Our late pick-up window is from 6:00 pm until 6:15 pm. Due to our licensure and because our staff has
family responsibilities after work, a $1 charge for every minute after 6:15pm takes place. The YMCA
clock will determine the time of your arrival for documentation. The 6-6:15 window is a grace period
for emergency purposes only. Any abuse of it will result in the extra fees and fines or if continued
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dismissal from programming.

VERY LATE PICK-UP
In the event a parent is exceptionally late, the following procedure will be followed: If a child has not
been picked up and the time has reached 15 minutes past the stated end time, the teacher or other
alternate will attempt to reach the parent using their provided telephone numbers. Messages will be
left. If it has reached 30 minutes past, the teacher or other alternate will attempt to reach the
emergency contacts provided by the parents. If the time has reached one hour, the Palatine Police
Department will be called to assist in locating a person to pick the child up or bring the child to a youth
services agency. The child will be held blameless for the parent’s absence, and all efforts will be given to
ease the child’s discomfort and provide for any necessities.
COVID – 19: Pick up (AFTER CARE):
    Parents must walk up to the Youth Development Entrance. All children must be picked up
       before 6pm. Late charges will be applied if continuous pickup is past 6pm.
    A staff member will radio for your child to be brought from their group. Parents will need to
       sign out their child at the checkout table.

We ask that you please ALLOW PLENTY of time for drop off & pick. We will do our best to make it as
efficient as possible.

ILLNESS OR INJURY
If your child becomes ill or seriously injured at the after school program, a parent will be contacted and
asked to take him/her home. Your child will be separated from the other children, within sight and
hearing distance of an adult until the parent arrives. If the parent cannot be reached, the staff will call
the emergency contacts listed on your child’s enrollment form until a pick-up is arranged. Your child will
need to be picked up 30 minutes after contact has been made as there is no nurse on site.

Injury Specifics: The Buehler YMCA will always try to provide a safe environment for your child(ren), but
occasionally, children are hurt or injured. In the event of such an occurrence, the staff will follow this
procedure:
· Paramedics will be called to handle any serious accidents.
· Parent will be called. If a parent cannot be reached, emergency numbers will be called until someone
  can be reached, or the list is exhausted.
Illness Specifics:
The YMCA is not licensed to provide care for sick children. Therefore, parents or emergency contacts
must come as soon as possible, preferably within one-half hour after being contacted by the staff.
Examples of illness follow, but are not limited to fever, vomiting, diarrhea, pink eye, lice, ticks, sleeping.
On a regular school day, if your child was not in attendance because of illness, your child may not attend
the after school program. This policy is not only for the protection of your child(ren), but extends to the
other children in our care. Any child absent from the program due to serious or contagious illness must
notify the YMCA and have a doctor’s note to return. Your child needs to be symptom free for 24 hours
before returning to school and program.

COVID – 19 What is the Illness Policy at Buehler YMCA?

       A child with a temperature of 100.4 or higher and exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness
        such as: fever, cough or shortness of breath, will be prevented from entering the child care
        center or will be asked to leave if such symptoms surface during the day.

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   In addition, other symptoms may include fatigue or extreme fussiness, myalgia (body aches),
        sore throat, runny nose, nausea, vomiting diarrhea, abdominal pain or loss of taste and or
        smell.
       Any child exhibiting the above symptoms will be excluded from the program.
       If a child is excluded from programming because of the temperature and health checks
        described above, a doctor’s clearance statement with signature will be required before the child
        can return to the program or symptom free for 72 hours.
       Any child while in program who exhibits symptoms of respiratory illness such as fever, cough, or
        shortness of breath will be immediately isolated in a designated space and you will be contacted
        for immediate pick up.
       A designated staff will monitor the child until a guardian can pick up.
       After the child is picked up the staff will sanitize the area. The staff and children in the class willl
        be relocated and the classroom will be sanitized.

If a child or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19, he or she may not return to the program until
ALL THREE OF THE FOLLOWING ARE MET:
      Individual is free from fever without use of fever-reducing medications for at least 72 hours
      Individuals symptoms, including cough, have improved
      It has been at least 10 days since the onset of the individual’s illness

If a child or staff member has symptoms of COVID-19 and it is subsequently determined by a medical
provider that the individual likely does not have a COVID-19 infection, the child or staff member can
return to the program if the following is met:
      Symptom free for 72 hours without the use of medication (fever is a temperature greater than
          100.4)
      Negative test for COVID-19 or; a note from a medical provider documenting no clinical suspicion
          of COVID-19 infection.

MEDICATION
If medication needs to be administered, we prefer the school nurse take care of this before the child
arrives in our program. If this is not possible because of dosage times, the parent must fill out a
medication form. This form can be provided by the Manager. Medication must be delivered to us in
the original prescription bottle. We will not let your child take any kind of medication without written
authorizations being of file.

ALLERGIES
If your child has been prescribed an epi-pen we must have the epi-pen on site in the original container
with the doctor’s prescription on the box or pen. If your child(ren) has/have any insect or food allergies,
please notify us in person, so that we can be prepared for any reactions. Completed paperwork is
required as well.

TRANSFERS AND CLASSES
Your child(ren) may take YMCA classes offered between time of arrival through program end time of
6:00pm. Our staff will transfer your child to their class and pick them up if the class ends before 6 p.m.
The parent is responsible for notifying the Youth Development Director of the class/day/time for your
child by filling out a transfer form. This form must be submitted in order for a transfer to take place. If
a form is not completed, we cannot transfer your child to their class. If a parent picks up at the
program we will still need you to sign your child(ren) out of the after school care program.

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PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Children should leave all personal belongings at home or in their backpacks. This includes but is not
limited to toys, video games, video game players, cell phones, iPods, mp3 players, trading cards,
pictures, money, collectibles, and clothing. The YMCA will not be responsible for lost, damaged or
stolen items. No replacement of objects or monetary compensation will be provided for lost or stolen
objects. Children will not be allowed to use iPods, iPads, phones, mp3 players or video game consoles
while in program, unless is it for homework related topics or approved by the School Age Manager.

NUTRITION/SNACKS
Under the guidelines provided by the Department of Children and Family Services, we are required to
serve a nutritious snack each day. Examples of snacks served are fruits, vegetables, whole grain
crackers, cheese, and cereal. Water or milk is served each day.

Children are expected to wash hands before eating in our program. Snacks are served family style
(children serve themselves), contain at least two food groups every day, and are intended as a social
time for children and teachers to enjoy together. Children may be making their own snacks, or take part
in a nutrition education project. Menus can be requested through the Manager and are posted on the
parent information board within the child’s classroom. Children may not bring their left over snack
from lunch or a snack from home. If a special snack is needed due to allergy or religious reasons, please
provide a physician’s note with explanation.

 ACTIVITIES
The YMCA Afterschool Curriculum provides activities for core component areas. These include:
character development, homework support, health, wellness & fitness, arts & humanities, literacy,
science & technology and social competence and conflict resolution.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Each day students are involved in an activity that promotes one or more of the YMCA character values
of honesty, responsibility, caring, and respect. These values are woven into our entire curriculum.

HOMEWORK SUPPORT
Children are provided with a quiet place to do homework as well as staff to give support as needed for
30 minutes per day. Supplies that may be needed; such as calculators, rulers, pencils, dictionaries, etc.
will be available for students’ use and are always welcome for donation.

HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND FITNESS
Children are encouraged on a daily basis through structured games, and free gym time to interact in
large motor activities to enhance physical fitness, encourage sportsmanship and promote cooperative
learning.

ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Two-to-three times a week a teacher has a structured art & crafts project for children to do.
Additionally, art supplies are always available for students who are looking for a creative outlet at any
time of the day. There is also the availability of music and some dance opportunities.

LITERACY
For each grade level there is 30 minutes of homework time at which students may self-read or read with
the staff during group/circle time. We also have many reading materials and games available for the
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children during group and or choice time.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Students have the opportunity to participate at least once a week in a structured science activity. There
are science materials i.e. magnets, microscope, scales, etc. available for use at any time. Also we have
computers and several computer games that students can use.

SOCIAL COMPETENCE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Each day staff takes opportunities through structured and unstructured activities to assist children with
social competencies and conflict resolution.

FREE CHOICE ACTIVITIES
Children are given opportunities and resources for free choice time. There are Legos, Lincoln logs, board
games, books, etc. for free choice/down time. Children are given the opportunity to play outside on the
field or on the playground or play in the Family Adventure Center. We do not allow use of personal
game systems, iPods or cell phones while in our program. Trading cards and personal toys are also
strongly discouraged.

DAILY SCHEDULE
A copy of the daily schedule along with lesson plans is available to parents at all times. There is a copy
posted in each classroom. Our program has highly structured activities, set up with specific boundaries
and experience goals in mind. Children also have the ability to make their own choices on activities with
clear limits to guide them. This enables children to be highly interested and engaged in the activity.
Active parent input helps the children, along with the teachers; make sure that program time is spent in
a fun, yet constructive way.

MOVIE TIME
There will be times that children are given the option to watch a movie in the afternoons. All movies are
rated G or PG unless teachers have requested parent permission in advance. Alternate activities are
offered for children who do not want to watch the movie.

PARENT COMMUNICATION
Once a month, a newsletter is sent home via email highlighting important upcoming information and
activities happening during the month.

GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE
 Key goals of our center are to help children develop positive self-esteem, build trust in the world
 around them, and develop autonomy and pride in their work. To attain these goals, a positive guidance
 approach is used. A supportive, nurturing environment with adults who model a caring demeanor is
 one of the first steps in helping children learn inner control and appropriate behavior. Punitive
 measures such as time-out chairs, withdrawal of privileges or deprivation of food will not be used. All
 actions are taken to help a child learn positive social conduct and develop self-discipline. In general,
 teachers work to help children see alternatives to 'acting out' and helping them solve conflicts;
 reinforcing problem solving techniques. Child's age and developmental level is considered in complexity
 of teaching such skills.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
Discipline is carried out in a way that helps children develop self-control and assume responsibility for
their own behavior. It is kind and gentle, yet firm. It is based on three overall rules:
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   A child may not disturb or hurt others; verbally or physically.
       A child may not damage equipment.
       A child may not place him/herself in dangerous situations.

Choices or redirection is the first step given to the child who is having difficulty with appropriate
behavior. If this method does not work, we will remove a child from the situation i.e. fighting, hitting,
etc. and talk to him/her. Removal gives the child time to calm down and also gives the staff time to
discuss with the child what has happened. If the child's disruptive behavior pattern continues, the
parents/guardians will be brought in to discuss possible solutions with the school age manager. If
needed the inclusion coordinator may be a part of these conferences to lend their support to develop a
positive behavior plan. If these steps do not bring about a change and the disruptive behavior continues
the next steps may be suspension from the program. There will be no reimbursement of fees paid due
to a suspension. If more than one suspension occurs, dismissal from the program can occur. The
circumstance and seriousness of the disruptive conduct may merit a different approach.

Examples of Reasons for Conference &/or Dismissal:
    Aggressive behavior or disrespect toward staff or children
    Destruction of property
    Use of obscene language
    Inappropriate behavior on our van or bus
    Refusal to follow rules
    Non-Payment of fee

Discharge Policy: Please notify the School Age Manager and Billing Office two (2) weeks prior
to your child’s last day of attendance so that we can arrange to fill the vacancy.
If these terms are not met, you may be required to pay for those two weeks.

PARENT ENROLLMENT PACKET
A confidential informational file is kept on each child in the program. Each document in the folder must
be read and signed by a parent or guardian, as it pertains to the child’s care. Because our program is
licensed, these documents must be on file before your child can attend our program, and we reserve the
right to terminate your child’s services if the parent and or guardian will not comply with the
documentation we need. The following need to be read and returned to us before your child can begin:
     Registration form
     Participant Emergency Packet
     Policies Acknowledgement Form
     Childcare Payment Agreement
     Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
     Medical Exam (copy of what was turned into the District 15 school)
     Draft Payment Form

PLANS FOR EMERGENCY EVACUATION
In case of a fire, or when the fire alarm is sounded, children and teacher will find the nearest exit and
remain in a group away from the building. Fire drills are practiced each month so children and teacher
are familiar with our procedures.

In case of a tornado, or when a tornado announcement is made over our public announcement system,
children and teachers move to the basement per the closest stairwell. Teachers’ help children get into
the appropriate safety position and wait for an ‘all clear’ to be announced. Tornado drills are practiced
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seasonally.
In case of a power outage, teachers gather children and prepare to exit the building if necessary.
Decisions to evacuate facility or terminate programming for the day will be made. Parent will be called
using office cell phones if a ‘terminate’ decision is made. The YMCA does own and use battery operated
lighting, and emergency generators in case of emergencies. We also practice lockdown and lockout drills
as a part of our emergency response plan.

Regulations are subject to change. Parent information letters will be sent to communicate any and all
changes made to the policies and procedures.

AFTERSCHOOL AGE BILL OF RIGHTS
* You have the right to express your thoughts, feelings and desires.
* You have the right to be safe and have your body respected.
* You have the right to have your feelings respected and not be teased, frightened or embarrassed.
* You have the right to be treated fairly—to receive the same privileges and consideration as everyone
  else.
* You have the right to your privacy—to be alone when you want to be alone.
* You have the right to have your work and your possessions respected by others.
* You have the right to be included in any activity or to play with anyone you choose.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers are essential to the YMCA! You are encouraged to become involved in any or all of the
following:
· Program Volunteers: Help in classrooms and assist with special family events throughout the year
· Fundraising Volunteers: Help with Annual Giving Campaign, which funds those unable to afford
     services
· Support Volunteers: Help in the office, classrooms, or at special events
· Parent Committee Volunteers: Establish and maintain formal mechanisms to ensure that parents
     share ideas, exchange information, plan and interact with child care administrators and program
     staff

Volunteering benefits the volunteer as much as the community and the YMCA. It helps individuals grow
personally, professionally or both. It is a chance to make new friends and is fun too! Sign up today! You
can make a difference.

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS & EMAILS
Stephanie Block    School Age Manager            847.410.5233   sablock@ymcachicago.org
Jenn Stricker      Early Learning Manager        847.410.5230   jstricker@ymcachicago.org
Lindsey Montgomery Youth Services Director       847.410.5217   lmontgomery@ymcachicago.org
Cheryl Gruchot     Billing Coordinator           847.410.5218   cgruchot@ymcachicago.org
Fax:                                             847.359.5098
YMCA Main:                                       847.359.2400

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