jam boxcar kids club parent handbook · brightpoint vouchers we accept brightpoint vouchers....

JAM Early Education • 1200 East Houston Street, Garrett, IN 46738 • 260-657-1917

www.myjamcenter.org

JAM Boxcar Kids Club PARENT HANDBOOK

Updated May 2016


www.jamrecreation.org

2

Table Contents

I-Welcome…………………………………………..3

II-Philosophy….……………………………………3 III-Schedules and Tuition……………………….4

IV-Daily Routines……………………………..…..8 V-Arrival and Departure…………………….…..11 VI-Health and Safety………………….……......12 VII-Drills and Evacuations………………..……15 VIII-Special Events………………………….…..15



3

I-Welcome We are pleased that you have chosen JAM Early Education as the provider in out-of-school enrichment for your child. This parent handbook covers our policies and procedures and may be updated at any time. In addition to our policies, we abide by the State Voluntary Certification Program (VCP) Standards. Any questions on our policies can be answered by our Executive Director.

Currently we offer two programs:

FULL TIME EARLY EDUCATION: Daily care and education that includes

developmentally appropriate activities. Full time care is three (3) or more days a week.

BOXCAR KIDS CLUB: Before and after school enrichment that includes homework help, fitness activities, snacks, and a variety of fun opportunities. Full time hours are available during school breaks and summers.

II-Philosophy JAM Early Education believes in providing a before and after school environment for children that is comforting and choice-filled. We feel that children need a calming environment that offers independence, choice, and a variety of activities that meet their interests. Before school children have a quiet environment to prepare their minds for their day of learning at school and the after school environment allows children to unwind from that information filled day. We provide activities in a variety of topics. We believe children need to express their individuality and be provided with opportunities that they are interested in exploring. The JAM Center believes that relationships are the foundation to our work. As a private, non-profit organization we reserve the right to determine if the relationship with our customers is the right fit for our mission and culture prior to, during, and after services are rendered. The JAM Center may deny services at any time. JAM Recreation Center does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of



4

staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients

III-Schedules and Tuition Sessions JAM Early Education currently offers two (2) Boxcar Kids Club sessions; session official start and end dates are pending GKB School Corporation start and dismissal dates.

Summer: June – August School Year: August – May

Registration A non-refundable registration fee of $30.00 is due at the time of registration for each session. These fees must be turned in prior to your child’s start date. Families of children attending year round will be waived the summer session registration fee. All children will be required to re-register each fall during our enrollment period and pay a new registration fee. This registration process ensures that JAM Early Education has up to date information for your child and your family.

Documentation Required For Your Child’s Records *Enrollment Application *Most recent Physical *Current Immunization Records *Parent’s Signed Notice *Receipt of Handbook Policy *Consent of Medical Treatment/Over the Counter Medicine All of these forms are enclosed in the enrollment folder and must be turned in prior to your child’s start date.

Orientation All parents will be required to attend a mandatory parent orientation before the start of each School Year Session. Parent orientation will give Boxcar Kids Club staff a chance to explain our policies and procedures and answer any questions that parents may have about our current practices.

Tuition



5

Weekly Tuition: There are only full-time positions available in all classrooms and through each session. Your child may attend less, but the full time charges will apply.

Before and After School Enrichment (includes delays) $65.00/week

Before School Only - $30.00/week After School Only - $55.00/week School Delays - $5.00 an hour School Cancellations - $25.00 additional fee

o If the school closes consecutive days, JAM will cap weekly payment at $100.00 for the week.

Full Day Summer program: $100.00/week

School Breaks: Spring Break, Fall Break and Winter/Christmas Break – Full day 6:00a-

6:00p $100.00/week (3+ days) or $35.00/day (1-2 days)

JAM Staff will collect a schedule for your child prior to a break, you will be charged for days that you indicate attendance. Your child may only attend on the days that you indicate. If you sign up for the day/week, you will be charged for the day/week whether or not your child attends. If you do not sign up for the da/week, your child may not attend on that day unless authorized by the Director of Early Education & Boxcar. (see “Schedule” section below for more details)

Any past due tuition must be paid in order for a child to attend during scheduled school breaks.

Schedules You must adhere to the schedule that you have provided for your child. We will not take your child if it is not on their scheduled day unless you call the day prior to see if we can accommodate the additional child. In case of an emergency, you may call the Welcome Center, the day of to see if we are within ratio and can accommodate your child. Vacation/Change Forms are located at the Welcome Center when you need to make a change to your child’s schedule (including school breaks). This must be submitted a week prior to the change in schedule. The school, as well as the JAM Center must be notified of a change in your child’s schedule including absences and vacations. All requests must be in

writing on the appropriate form and no verbal requests will be accepted. Fees will be adjusted according to policy. All communication about your child’s attendance should go through the Welcome Center. There may be special circumstances that may allow for special scheduling.



6

Fees/Payments We accept direct withdraw, check, credit card, or cash. Payments made by check should be made out to the JAM Center. You are responsible for paying when your child is absent and on non-closure holidays. When you enroll your child you are reserving the space for your child and the time of our staff. If account exceeds 2 late consecutive weeks without being paid, we will cease providing services. A late fee of $10.00 per week will be assessed if payments are late. Credit card payments, ACH transfers, and personal checks that are declined will receive a $20.00 fee. Unpaid fees will go to small claims court.

Brightpoint Vouchers We accept Brightpoint Vouchers. Parents are responsible to pay the co-pay or any additional fees not covered by Brightpoint Vouchers or in the absence of swiping. Parents will swipe each day for Brightpoint purposes and attend renewal meetings as needed. The Brightpoint machine is located in our Early Education hallway. Families must clock in for a minimum of 25 hours per week (families may use personal days on the machine).

Late Pick-Up Fees All children must be picked up on time. A late fee of $1.00 per child for every minute after the center closes will be charged to your account. We understand that an emergency can occur or some special problem may arise occasionally. If this should happen, late fees may still be assessed, but a courtesy call is appreciated. At 15 minutes past closing, the emergency contact people on the Enrollment Application will be contacted. After one hour, Child Protective Services will be notified.

Vacation Time Policy JAM Early Education charges each week for the School Year Session. The only exception to the weekly payment is GKB School’s Spring Break, Fall Break and winter/ Christmas Break. These breaks are optional for scheduling. Families receive one week of vacation for the school year. Families that register for the

summer session will receive one additional vacation week that can only be used during the summer and over 5 days consecutively. If your child will miss any other weeks throughout this session, you must either pay for the week or take your vacation week. Vacation Forms are located at the Welcome Center and must be completed two weeks in advance. Vacation week cannot be taken until your balance is paid in full.



7

Children must take all vacation days consecutively. There are no rollovers. Vacation time must be taken before December 31st

of each year.

Summer Session Boxcar Kids Club is available Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. throughout the Summer Session. Families will be charged each week the full-time rate. Families that register for the summer session will receive an additional week’s vacation to only be used for the summer session consecutively. If unused, the additional week of vacation does not roll over. There may be special circumstances that will be considered for alternate scheduling and tuition charges.

Hours of Operation/ Holidays JAM Early Education is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. The Center will be closed the following holidays: New Year’s Eve & Day Thanksgiving Day & the day after Memorial Day Independence Day Christmas Eve Christmas Day Labor Day

JAM Early Education will post a sign-up sheet to determine attendance for other various days (Good Friday, ELearning days etc.). If we close on these days you will not be charged for that day. If you sign up for the day, you will be charged for the day whether or not your child attends. If you do not sign up for the day, your child may not attend on that day unless authorized by the Director of Early Education. JAM Early Education will close when a LEVEL 1 Weather Emergency is declared for DeKalb County. If other emergency closings occur you will be notified via the television and radio stations and/or a text or email as determined by the parent.

You will not be charged for a day when JAM closes due to an emergency.

Absences/ Cancellations/ Withdrawal You must notify the JAM Welcome Center if your child will be absent on a scheduled day of attendance. To withdraw your child, submit a written notice of your exit date two weeks prior to the final date of service. Change Forms are



8

located at the Welcome Center. If JAM Early Education is not given a two-week notice, we will continue to bill your account for two weeks.

Termination Policy We reserve the right to terminate services at any time.

IV-Daily Routines

Before School Enrichment Boxcar Kids Club Before School Program provides a calm environment for children to prepare for their school day. We offer a dimly lit room, calming activities such as music or art, and quiet conversation. This allows children to be composed and ready for their day of learning at school. Breakfast is served to

the children at 7:30 a.m., after which they walk with a Boxcar teacher to the school.

After School Enrichment Boxcar Kids Club After School Program offers a place for students to unwind after a long day of learning. A Boxcar teacher picks students up at the designated area within the elementary school. The students walk with the teacher back to the JAM facility where students are offered a variety of activities. Teachers provide choice for the students based on their interests. Our Boxcar teachers provide planned activities, as well as, a variety of centers for students to choose from such as snack, art, building, homework, or reading. Teachers also offer a variety of enrichment activities in the areas of science, mathematics, and language. Boxcar students swim two days per week for a minimum of one hour at the JAM pool.

Full Day Enrichment During the summer months, school breaks, and school closings JAM Early Education provides Full Day programming for school age students. During these days, JAM provides breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack for the students. Boxcar teachers plan activities for the children to choose from in areas such as art, puzzles, games, building, science, physical movement, reading, or sensorial activities, as well as, a variety of educational activities. Students are given choices throughout the entire day and provided an open environment where they can relax and converse freely with their peers and teachers.

Outdoor Play Boxcar Kids Club teachers will take students outside three days a week as long as the temperature/wind chill is above 25 degrees and the temperature/heat



9

index is below 90 degrees. Children and teachers do not go outside if dangerous weather is occurring.

Injuries The staff makes every effort to ensure the safety of your child. Unfortunately, accidents do occur. As a partner in the care of your child, we realize that you want to be aware of your child’s injuries or illnesses. In order to keep you informed we provide Incident Reports. In case of a serious injury, we will contact you immediately. If we cannot reach you, we will call the person you have indicated on the emergency contact list to make medical emergency decisions about your child. Keep all these numbers updated. Emergency assistance will be called if the injury/ illness deem it necessary. If a child goes to the hospital via ambulance, a staff member will stay with the child until a parent arrives at the

hospital.

Nutrition/Food Service During the school year, we provide breakfast and an afternoon snack for the Boxcar children. When children attend full day, JAM provides breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. Students are offered seconds at each meal. The menu follows nutritional guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A current menu is posted in the kitchen and in the Boxcar classroom. All food allergies must have a written doctor’s statement of the allergy. Food allergies and special diets are posted in the kitchen and in the area where the child’s food is served.

Food from Home If any food is brought from home, parents agree to (by signing the handbook agreement form) that he/she will bring the food to the facility in clean, insulated, sanitizable containers, which keeps cold food at 41° F or below and hot food at 135° or above. Containers must be clearly labeled with the child’s name and date of preparations. Upon receiving the food from the parents, the facility shall verify the temperature of the food. When potentially hazardous food temperature is not correct, the facility will not accept the food. Upon accepting the food, the facility shall

maintain correct food temperatures until served. Snacks brought in for the entire class must be pre-packaged and do not require this form. Forms can be obtained from the Welcome Center. Any food brought from home must be healthy and meet our component standards (protein, vegetable, fruit, grain, and milk).



10

Supportive Documentation Families agree to disclose any information that is pertinent in caring for the child while within our care. This may include the authorization to communicate with other educators, counselors and caregivers in the child’s life. This also includes any professional assessments/diagnoses, individual education plans, behavior modification strategies and other items that would help the staff provide the best care.

Transportation of Children To and From Elementary School

The JAM Recreation Center (before and after school-age program) walks children

to school each school day. The staff maintains appropriate supervision including

following state ratios. The before and after school program walks through all

types of weather.

The JAM staff departs from the center at 7:45 and arrives at the front doors of

the school at 7:55am. The staff person walks the children to the front door and

then the children are supervised by staff of the GKB elementary school. After

school, JAM staff meets the after-school children in the lobby of the school.

Attendance is taken by the JAM staff person and the GKB staff person. The after-

school program departs from the school around 3:15 and arrives at the JAM

center at 3:25pm. These times may fluctuate according to Garrett, Keyser Butler

School District breaks, delays and cancellations and other unforeseen

occurrences.

Families are responsible for providing their child(ren) with weather-appropriate

clothing. Children are responsible for transportation of all of their personal

belongings to and from school and while at the JAM Center. The JAM Center is

not responsible for broken or missing items belonging to children enrolled in

before and after.

If a child cannot consistently safely walk to and/or from school, the JAM Center

will not continue services.

Code of Conduct

Children and families are required to review and sign the Code of Conduct

Agreement which describes the expectations for appropriate behavior at the JAM

center. We will not continue services if a child is aggressive verbally or physically

while within our care. We have the same expectations for all family members

while at the JAM Center and during interactions with other JAM employees and

customers. We expect that adults will serve as positive role models and that our



11

relationships remain positive and in the spirit of collaboration. As a private, non-

profit organization we reserve the right to deny services prior to, during and

after services are rendered.

Supportive Action Plan We are dedicated to working with children and parents to create a successful experience and promote the educational, social, and personal development of children. In order to address and correct inappropriate behavior, JAM will use the following progressive Supportive Action Plan as a supplement to the routine and ongoing communications that occurs between parents, teachers, and students: Step 1: We provide an environment that clearly communicates boundaries and appropriate behavior. Teachers are consistent in holding children and families accountable to the Code of Conduct. Children are redirected and given the opportunity to correct their behavior to meet the expectations of a safe and respectful classroom. A suitable consequence is chosen for the action if necessary. Step 2: If a child continues to be a disruption to the classroom in an unsafe and disrespectful way, the child will be removed from the classroom and potentially sent home. A behavior report will be filled out and the consequence for the actions will be determined by the JAM staff. If a child is aggressive verbally or physically, the child will be sent home immediately with a behavior report and the guidelines of the Code Of Conduct will be followed. Step 3: A conference will be arranged if a negative pattern of behaviors occurs. The teachers, director, and the parents will determine the next step. Services can be denied at any time.

Inclusion Policy The JAMEE Center welcomes all children and is committed to providing developmentally appropriate early learning and development experiences that support the full access and participation of each and every child. We believe that each child is unique and work in partnership with families and other professionals involved to meet the needs of each unique child. Strategies and environments

will be planned to meet the needs of all children based on their age, stage and ability. Appropriate training will be provided to teachers. If it is determined that the teachers and program cannot meet the needs of the child, a conference will be arranged to discuss alternatives. Parents are welcome to communicate any questions or concerns with our Lead Boxcar Teacher or with the Director of Early Education.



12

V-Arrival and Departure

Arrival/Departure The center opens at 6:00 a.m. each morning. Families must provide teachers with their child’s schedule. Families must adhere to those schedules unless a Change Form is completed and approved at the Welcome Center. Staff design their work schedules around the schedules of children. If you arrive earlier or later then indicated, we will not be able to provide services. Parents must always accompany their children in and out of their classroom. Upon your child’s arrival and departure, be sure a teacher in your child’s classroom is aware your child is present or leaving. Parents must sign their child in and out using their initials or signature, and note the time of arrival or time of departure. The center closes at 6:00 p.m. Students must be picked up by this time.

Authorized to Pick-Up Policy No child will be released to anyone but those listed on the Enrollment Application authorized to pick up the child. Make sure that any one picking up your child at any time is listed on the form. Unfamiliar persons will be asked for picture identification. Children can be released to either parent unless one parent is restricted from access to a child by a court order. A copy of this order must be kept in the child’s file. Updates to the authorized pick up list must be made in writing.

VI-Health and Safety Safe Conditions Policy

The following steps will be taken to ensure that your child is safe while at Judy A

Morrill (JAM) Recreation Center. Children will be actively supervised with the

required number of qualified adults (adults that have completed a

comprehensive criminal history check, drug screen, negative TB test, first aid and

CPR and training in child development).

JAM Recreation Center will not care for children in areas that are being

remodeled, repaired, or painted. The director is responsible for maintaining all

interior and exterior surfaces, including walls, floors, ceilings, equipment, toys,

furnishings and cribs, in a safe condition, free of sharp points or jagged edges,

splinters, protruding nails or wires, loose parts, rusty parts or materials

containing poisonous substances.

Teachers will provide high-quality and safe outdoor experiences within

appropriate supervision within our enclosed playground area. The outdoor areas



13

will be routinely inspected for safety daily by staff and quarterly by the JAM

maintenance team.

The following steps will be followed.

1. Create a culture that supports children in independently cleaning

themselves with the appropriate adult assistance.

2. Keep the facility in a sanitary condition. Staff will clean and sanitize all

equipment appropriately on a daily and as-needed basis.

3. Monthly fire and tornado drills.

4. Center will follow fire code and be inspected yearly.

5. Playground equipment will be used and installed according to

manufacturer’s instruction.

6. Families are responsible for providing weather-appropriate clothing.

7. First aid kits will be accessible to staff at all times.

8. All injuries will be cared for and documented.

9. Only authorized staff and persons from a child’s pick up list will be allowed

to be with the child.

10 Staff will not provide transportation or care for children outside of

scheduled hours.

No-Smoking Policy This is a non-smoking facility. No smoking is permitted inside the building at any time. Smoking is also prohibited outside of the facility and on the entire JAM campus.

Sick Child Policy Do not send your children if any of the following described conditions are present during the previous 24 hours. Also, if your child exhibits any of the following signs while at JAM, we will isolate the child immediately and you will be contacted to come pick them up.

Guidelines for excluding sick children:

1. Fever over 101 degrees 2. Recurring vomiting 3. Diarrhea (more than 3X) 4. Eye discharge (conjunctivitis is extremely contagious) 5. Excessive cough and/or nasal discharge (green or yellow in color)



14

6. Any unidentified rash 7. Lice infestation

When a child may return to the center:

1. Temperature has been below 101 degrees for 24 hours without medication. 2. The child has been diagnosed as having a bacterial infection and has been

on an antibiotic for 24 hours. 3. 24 hours since the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea without medication. 4. The nasal discharge is not thick, yellow, or green. 5. No eye discharge or treatment with an antibiotic for 24 hours. 6. The rash has subsided or the physician has determined that the rash is not

contagious. Physician’s release must accompany the child. 7. The lice infestation is not present. The child is free of any live lice and nits.

Medication In order to provide treatments and medication for children, the following

procedures are required.

1. Over-the-Counter, Topically-Applied

Example: Sunscreen, bug spray, diaper rash cream

Needed from the Parent: Signed Over the Counter Medication Form,

supply of medication/cream (not expired) with full child’s name in its

original container

2. Over-the-Counter Oral Medication

Example: Tylenol, Benadryl

Needed from Parent & Physician: Completed Release for Dispensing

Medication Form, supply of medication/cream (not expired) with full child’s

name in its original container

3. Prescription Medication

Example: Any prescribed medication

Needed from Parent & Physician: Completed Release for Dispensing

Medication Form, supply of medication/cream (not expired) with full child’s

name in its original container that includes the prescription label, the

prescription on the bottle may serve as form only if it includes the

following:

-full name of the child

-medication name

-dosage and frequency to be administered



15

-reason for the medication

-physician’s name and signature

-date that the prescription was filled and when it expires

All medicine is given according to instructions. Parents are responsible for providing liquid measuring syringes or measuring spoons for administering medication. All consistent prescriptions must be renewed every two years for children enrolled. Each time a prescription is renewed, we must have a copy of it on file. JAM maintains a written record of the time and amount given, who administered the medication, and the child receiving it for all medications. If your child has a medical condition that requires the use of injection medications (epi-pen, insulin shots, seizure medications), families are required to submit an Emergency Action Plan signed by your child’s physician.

Unused and/or outdated medications are discarded.

Child Protection Laws Abuse or neglect of a child is reported by any person on our staff to Child Protection if it is suspected. We are legally required to report any suspected abuse or neglect of a child within 24 hours of the suspected abuse or neglect. We use the following list as a frame work in determining what constitutes a need to report, if:

The child’s parent, guardian or custodian fails to provide the child with basic necessities such as food, clothing, medical care, education or supervision.

The parent, guardian, custodians act/omission seriously endangers the child’s physical or mental health;

The child is a victim of sexual abuse; The parent, guardian, or custodian allows the child to commit a sex act or

obscene performance;

The child endangers his/her own or another’s health.

VII-Drills and Evacuations

Emergency Procedures In case of an actual fire, railroad, tornado, or other emergency which will leave the building or area unsafe for children to return in, the following procedure will be followed:

Teachers will gather children and follow JAM Center Emergency protocol for the specific emergency.



16

If possible, staff notifies parents or guardians of the emergency and how to proceed.

All staff members remain with children until all children are safely returned to parents and guardians.

If a child is injured, the procedure listed under Medical Emergencies will be followed for that child.

VIII-Special Events

Celebrations At the JAM Center, we enjoy celebrations and special events in the lives of our families. Children may bring in something special in recognition of a birthday or other important event. We encourage it to be healthy and meaningful. Instead of celebrating specific holidays, the classroom teachers focus on celebrating the seasons through nature and exploration. We also recognized the vast cultural and religious expressions of holidays. For these reasons, our teachers do not plan celebrations based on their own beliefs or commercial holidays. We encourage families and children to share their experiences and family traditions.

VIIII-Notice to Parents

By signing the Receipt of Handbook Policies, parents are agreeing to follow and abide by all of our current policies and procedures. If JAM Early Education policies and procedures are not being followed, a meeting with the Director of Early Education will be scheduled to discuss further participation in the program. We greatly appreciate your understanding and look forward to working with you and your family.

jam boxcar kids club parent handbook · brightpoint vouchers we accept brightpoint vouchers....

Documents