parent manual 2012-13 · part time care each october sites are assessed as to whether part time...

Parent Manual 2012-13

Torrance-South Bay YMCA

2900 W. Sepulveda Boulevard Torrance, CA 90505

310-325-5885 Ext.7498

Child Care Office 310-530-6882 Preschool

www.ymcala.org/tsb

Parent Manual: YMCA School Age Child Care Programs 2012-2013

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Contents YMCA Philosophy ................................................ 3

Program Objectives ............................................ 3

Program Goals ................................................... 3

Mission Statement .............................................. 3

Program Values ................................................. 3

40 Developmental Assets……………………………………. 4-5

Child Care Policies and Procedures……………….…6

Financial Policy Agreement………………………6-7

Fees / Financial Assistance .................................. 8

Days and Hours of Operation ............................... 8

Changes ........................................................... 8

Holidays ........................................................... 8

Winter and Spring Break Care .............................. 8

Minimum Enrollment ........................................... 9

Sign In and Out ................................................. 9

Notice to Parents ............................................... 9

Authorization to Pick up Child .............................. 9

Late Pick up of Child ........................................... 9

Transportation ................................................. 10

Toileting ......................................................... 10

In Concern for the Children ............................... 10

Non-attendance ............................................... 11

Medication ...................................................... 11

Illness ............................................................ 11

Injury ............................................................. 11

Staff to Child Ratios / Staff Qualifications……..…11-12

Discipline and Parental Expectations……….……12

Safety / Earthquake Preparedness and Kits .......... 13

Emergency Information Sheet ............................ 14

The YMCA Child Care Program ........................... 15

Program Highlights ........................................... 15

Sample Schedule ............................................. 16

Additional Information ...................................... 16

Parent/Member Involvement………..………………….17-18

Who to Contact When ....................................... 19 YMCA Programs for You & Your Family…..….20-21 YMCA Branches - Metropolitan

Los Angeles ....................................................... 22 Appendix – State of California Documents... 23-26 Release and Waiver of Liability &

Indemnity Agreement…………….…………….………27 Acceptance of Policies and Procedures

Form (Please sign and return)……………….…………28


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YMCA Philosophy Areas of Focus FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Nurturing the potential of every child and teen. FOR HEALTHY LIVING Improving the nation’s health and well-being. FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Giving back and providing support to our neighbors. Mission Statement The Torrance-South Bay YMCA puts Judeo-Christian principles into practice, through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Program Objectives The YMCA Before and After School Child Care Program provides safe, affordable, quality child care for youngsters during the hours when there may be no adult supervision in the home. Children will have the opportunity to engage in activities which will benefit them emotionally, physically, and socially. The program will include crafts, physical fitness, field trips, snacks, character development, and homework time. The program is conducted and planned by staff trained to meet the needs of children and to provide positive adult role models. There is enough flexibility to accommodate children from different age groups and at the same time fulfill the special needs of individuals. The YMCA child care program is designed to supplement and support the child’s experiences at home. It is not baby-sitting, but a quality program designed with the working family in mind. Program Goals The YMCA Child Care Program works to meet the following goals:

♦ To provide a safe and nurturing environment that teaches and builds positive character development.

♦ To support and strengthen the family unit.

♦ To support and encourage academic growth.

♦ To create meaningful opportunities for family and community involvement.

♦ To improve the health and fitness of school-age children and their families.

♦ To foster creativity, independent decision-making and personal growth.

Program Values The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles follows the Character Counts curriculum that is implemented in our Child Care Program. The values are called “The Six Pillars” and are listed as follows:

Trustworthiness

Respect Responsibility

Fairness Caring

Citizenship 40 Developmental Assets In addition to Character Development, the YMCA works with the Search Institute which has identified 40 positive experiences and qualities that all of us have the power to bring into the lives of children and youth, which are known as developmental assets. (See next pages)


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Insert 40 Developmental Assets Info – 2 pages


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YMCA Child Care Policies and Procedures

Financial Policy Agreement Registration Fee

A non-refundable registration fee of $25.00 is required at the time of enrollment. This is not required again as long as the child remains enrolled in the program. Payment Schedule ATS drafts can be made once a month on the 2nd of the month or twice a month on the 2nd and the 16th of the month. Cash/check payments are also due following the same schedule. Those paying by cash/check receive only ONE bill per month whether paying once or twice a month. Absence Allowance The Year Round Membership Plan is based on spreading the cost of 49 weeks of program participation over a 12 month period. Therefore, participants may take a 3 week leave, but will not receive credit. There is no refund for the Year Round Plan if you change your plan or type of care or cancel from the program. (Summer care may not be provided at your home site.) The School Year Plan is based on your child attending 39 of the 41 weeks of the school year. Participants may take a two week leave, but will not receive credit. The School Year Plan spreads the 9-1/2 month school year over 10 even monthly payments. Payments do not increase for months with all day care (such as December) or decrease for months with less days of coverage (such as September and June). Refunds or credits will not be given to participants who exceed allowed absences. Members not using the full allotted leave time will not be subject to additional charges. Absence allowance applies to absences due to illnesses, vacations, or any other reasons for absence. Delinquent Payments Late payment penalty of $25 will be assessed for payments received after the 5th and 20th of each month. Monthly fees must be paid in full on the 2nd of each month or twice per month on the 2nd and 16th. Membership privileges may be suspended if payment is not received within one week of the due date. Parent/guardian is still responsible for outstanding balances following suspension for lack of payment. Multiple Payers A registration card must be completed by each party making payments.

Part Time Care Each October sites are assessed as to whether part time care is available. Part time is three or less days per week and 75% of the full fee. It is available only for the “School Day Plan” and does not carry from year to year. Financial Assistance Families experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for assistance. Arrangements for handling these situations must be made prior to the payment due date. Bad Checks or Drafts A $25 fee will be assessed for checks or ATS drafts rejected because of insufficient funds. This is in addition to any late payment penalties. Members are expected to pay immediately the amounts due resulting from rejected drafts or checks plus the assessment. Refunds/Cancellations Refunds for cancellations will be made only when a member withdraws from the program and has a prepaid balance. The balance may be taken as a refund or a credit for future program participation. You must give written notice or fax (310-539-6049) to the YMCA Child Care Main Office 15 working days in advance. A full refund cannot be given without a full 15 days notice. There is a $20 check processing fee for any refunds. Notice given at the child care site is not sufficient. Absences Not Called In Absences need to be reported by calling in at the beginning of day. A $5.00 charge will be assessed for each absence after the third failure to do so. Late Pick Up Charges There is no grace period for pick-ups. A $10.00 late charge will incur for each 15 minute increment or portion thereof for late pickups after 6:00 p.m. Arrangements must be made to ensure your child gets picked up by 6:00 pm. Telephoned Emergencies will be taken into account. If late, you will be required to sign and date the late pick up form. A late charge will be charged to your account unless you pay by check that evening. A possible conference for suspension will be held if parents or guardians are late more than 3 times. (See page 9 for more info) Third Party Funding Parents/Guardians are responsible for any fees not paid by a third party vendor agreement.


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YMCA Child Care Policies and Procedures

Financial Policy Agreement (continued)

Required Security Deposit A deposit is required which will be applied to recover all charges and all other unpaid amounts due to

a) Checks returned for non-sufficient funds or any other reasons b) Rejected ATS drafts c) Late payments d) YMCA late fees and bank charges e) Damages to facility and/or property f) Any unpaid YMCA balances

Check one:

Additional check for one month to be deposited. OR

A credit card or debit card to be charged in case of the above. (If paying by ATS, this must be a different account number than that

used for ATS)

Check one: CREDIT CARD DEBIT CARD

Check one of the following:

VISA Person’s Name on Card

MASTERCARD Card#

DISCOVER Expiration Date

AMERICAN EXPRESS Signature _

I have read the Child Care Financial Policy Agreement and understand that failure to follow the above will result in cancellation from the Child Care Program. Signature of Parent:

Date:

Child’s Name:

YMCA Child Care Site:


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Child Care Policies and Procedures Fees Fees vary depending upon your child’s specific program (see fee schedule). You may be on:

• School Year Plan (see fee schedule) Need to enroll each year. OR

• Continuous Plan (see fee schedule) Summer care may not be available at your home site. Care continues until the YMCA is notified with a 15-day written notice.

Financial Assistance The YMCA offers financial assistance to those who qualify. Please contact the Financial Assistance Coordinator at (310) 325-5885 ext. 7481 for a form and information. These funds are made available through contributions from generous corporations and individuals during the Annual Support Campaign.

Days and Hours of Operation of the Child Care Program 6:30 a.m. until children go to school (approximately 8:45 a.m.), Monday – Friday. (AM Care may be consolidated.). Kindergarten Dismissal until 6 p.m. M – F. We do not serve kindergarteners who have a late kindergarten start time. PM Care – 1st -5th dismissal time until close at 6pm Changes You must file a schedule change form at the YMCA. We must insist that you provide 15 working days written/fax (310-539-6049) notice to the YMCA main office before any planned change. Holidays Our Child Care Program will operate a full day schedule on the following holidays: Lincoln’s Birthday Veterans Day All Teacher Trainings Student Free Days

Extended Hours For: (not covered on A.M. only plan)

Short School Days Early Dismissals The YMCA Child Care Program is closed in observance of the following holidays: Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Friday after Thanksgiving Christmas Eve Dec. 24th Christmas Day- Dec. 25th New Year’s Eve- Dec. 31st New Year’s Day – Jan. 1st Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Presidents Day (Washington’s) Memorial Day Independence Day- -Thurs., July 4, 2013

The YMCA Child Care Program will be closed August 30, 2013, the Friday before the week school starts for Fall program preparation. The program may be closed for other days with 30 days’ notice. No adjustments in fees can be made for these holidays since the cost has been calculated into the fee schedule. Please Note: The YMCA follows the school year calendar for Torrance, and Los Angeles schools. If your child attends private school, extended care or transportation may not be provided for any holidays or vacations that are different than the above school calendars.

Winter and Spring Break Care In addition, we offer an all day program during winter and spring vacations. You are automatically enrolled as part of your School Year or Continuous Plan.


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Child Care Policies and Procedures Minimum Enrollments We do anticipate a full AM and PM care program for grades 1-6 at all sites. Because of related staffing needs, enrollment minimums are necessary before we can operate the kindergarten care (a minimum of 10 children.) It may be necessary to combine two sites in order to operate the kindergarten care option. Advanced notice of at least one week will be given.

Kindergartners will be picked up in designated kindergarten area by a YMCA staff. First grade and older will walk to the YMCA modular on campus.

Enrollment minimums are also necessary for van drop offs or pick ups at schools. A minimum of 5 children is required. If minimums are not met van pick ups or drop offs may be changed or cancelled with a 2 weeks advance notice.

**Middle School students may walk to Child Care location.

Sign-In and Out Whenever you bring or pick-up your child at the child care site, you must enter the site and sign your child in or out on the roll sheet. This is required by the laws regulating governed licensed child care. The staff uses these roll sheets to determine which children are at the site at any given time. We cannot be responsible for your child unless he/she is signed in and out. A full signature is required for each child (no initials or only last names).

Individuals must be a minimum of 13 years of age in order to sign children out from a Child Care site and must be listed on the emergency/pick-up form. Requests for copies of sign in/out sheets must be made in writing. There is a fee for the staff time for copies of any such request. Notices to Parents Each day, upon signing out your child, please observe the parent table and bulletin board for postings of any new information or notices.

Authorization to Pick-up Child Only persons authorized in writing may pick-up your child. Authorization by telephone is not allowed. This is for your child’s protection. The staff will question anyone who is unfamiliar to them and check for authorization to pick up a child. Anyone without proper authorization will be stopped from taking a child. If someone else is picking up your child, you can save them the trouble of being questioned if you notify the site director in writing. If custodial restraints are in effect you will need to provide us with a copy of the court order. Otherwise children will be released to the natural parent. Late Pick Up If a child is left after 6:00 p.m. the staff will attempt to contact the parents or other authorized persons listed to pick up the child. If no one is reached or is able to pick up the child within a short time, as mandated and instructed by the Department of Social Services, the police will be called. Please pick up your child by 6:00 p.m. and keep your emergency contact form up to date. Once parents are late 3 times in picking up their child, a conference will be held and suspension is possible until arrangements can be made to ensure the child is picked up by 6:00 p.m. There is no grace period. (See page 6 for Late Fee charges).

Both parents’ right to pick-up Under the laws of the State of California, both parents may have the right to pick up their child, unless a court document restricts that right. The enrolling parent, who chooses not to include the child’s other parent on the authorized pick-up list, must file an official court document (e.g. current restraining order, sole custody decree, divorce decree stating sole custody). Absent that document, the center may release the child to either parent, provided that parent documents his paternity / her maternity of the child.


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Child Care Policies and Procedures Transportation To and From Schools Children in YMCA Child Care will be provided transportation to and from their schools at regular dismissal times. We cannot wait for children who get out late due to free time, detention, etc. Parents need to make other arrangements. Rest assured that all children will be picked up as soon as possible after school. Proper supervision will be given whenever the waiting period after school will be more than 15 minutes. The pick-up location is the flag pole in front of each school. You will be notified if the pick-up location is different. It is extremely important that your child go directly to the pick-up location after class

Please remember to call in to the site in the morning if your child will not need to be picked up from school. A driver may spend unnecessary time waiting for your child and be late picking up other children.

The following section from Regulations and Laws Relating to Pupil Transportation in California is quoted to point out to you the authority and responsibility of the driver of our vans: “Section 1089 Authority of Driver. Pupils transported in a school bus shall be under the authority of, and responsible directly to, the driver of the bus, and the driver shall be held responsible for the orderly conduct of the pupils while they are on the bus or being escorted across a street, highway or road. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the driver shall be sufficient reason for a pupil to be denied transportation...” Toilet Training Children need to be fully potty trained to participate in YMCA school age Child Care (pull-ups are not allowed). In Concern for the Children Please be aware that state law mandates that we report any suspected child abuse or neglect

to the proper authorities. As stated in the Los Angeles YMCA Association Policy and Procedures for Prevention of Child Abuse in YMCA Programs: Every staff member has an absolute duty to report any suspicion; the child protective agency will determine the accuracy of the report. All YMCA staff working directly with children are required to take a training above their current education in child abuse prevention and positive discipline within the first 3 months of employment.

As part of our policies on the protection of children, staff members are not allowed to relate to members outside of YMCA programs. Please do not put staff in a difficult position by asking them to baby-sit.

Your Child’s File Your child’s file is available for review by the Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing evaluators at all time. Your child may also be interviewed by a Community Care Licensing evaluator without prior parent’s permission as per Title 22. Absent Child The Torrance-South Bay YMCA should be notified regarding the nature of the illness and, also, the day the illness first appeared when your child has a communicable disease. Children in all YMCA Child Care Programs will play outdoors daily, weather permitting. Parents are responsible for sending children in adequate clothing and footwear to maintain good health during outdoor play in all suitable weather conditions, including normal winter temperatures. A child who is too sick to go outside is too sick to be in a social situation with other children. Any time the child will not attend the program, call the site between 6:30 am.-8:30 am. to notify the director of your child’s absence or call the Torrance-South Bay YMCA, (310) 325-5885 ext 7495 by 10 am.


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Child Care Policies and Procedures Non-attendance We need to know where your child is every day for his/her safety and accountability. It is very important that we be notified when your child will be absent. If we are not notified by the third time, there will be a $5.00 charge for each time we are not notified. Child Taking Medication Any medication which needs to be administered should: 1. Be brought directly to the site in its original

container. 2. Have written instructions as per quantity,

time to administer, any other directions and written clearance from a physician giving the YMCA permission to administer medication of any kind.

3. Be signed in on the medication log at the site.

4. Please notify a staff member and they will store the medication.

Child Becomes Ill at the Site If a child becomes ill, he/she will be isolated from the other children. You will be contacted to come and pick up your child as our program is not set up to handle ill children. Please be sure you keep the YMCA office and the site informed of any changes in your work or emergency phone numbers. If you cannot be reached, we will contact someone on your authorization list. Children with obvious symptoms of illness including, but not limited to, fever or vomiting, will not accepted to attend. Child Returning to YMCA Child Care After an Illness: Fever: If your child has a fever, he/she cannot attend Child Care. If your child develops a fever at Child Care, you will be called to pick up your child. Communicable Diseases (i.e. chicken pox, measles): Please let us know if your child contracts a communicable disease so that other parents

may be informed. Your child may come back when cleared by a doctor. In the case of chicken pox, all of the spots must be dry. Lice: Please let us know when your child has/had lice so that other parents may be informed about the incidence of lice. If your child is found to have lice, you will be called to pick up your child since lice are highly transmittable. Before your child comes back his/her hair needs to be free of lice, as well as the eggs. Please thoroughly clean wherever your child puts his/her head - car seats, sofas, towels, pillows, etc. to stop the infestation. We will also take steps to treat the site (rugs, mats, etc.). Child Injured at the Site If the injury is minor, such as a scraped knee, the staff will administer First Aid (i.e., wash injured area and use a Band-Aid), give TLC (tender loving care) and complete a minor accident report to give to you when you pick up your child. If your child receives a more serious injury, the director or acting director will take whatever steps are necessary to obtain emergency medical care if warranted. These steps may include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Attempt to contact a parent or guardian, to

inform you and to give you the opportunity to take your child to a physician.

2. Attempt to contact you through any persons listed on the emergency information card you completed for us.

3. If we cannot contact you, or your child needs immediate attention, we will do any or all of the following: a) call an ambulance b) call a paramedic

Our staff members are not able to take your child to a hospital in their personal vehicles. Please keep your phone numbers up-to-date.

Staff to Child Ratios Each site has a site director and enough program leaders to maintain a ratio of twelve to fourteen children per staff person at each site.


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Child Care Policies and Procedures Staff Qualifications Site directors are selected using the following minimum qualifications: high school graduate, twenty-one year old, twelve units in early childhood education, recreation or related field and three units administration, experience in the child care field; pre-employment physical, TB test and fingerprinting required and meets state licensing requirements.

Program leaders are selected using the following criteria: A minimum of eighteen years old, experience working in the Child Care field or another field with children; college courses in child development or Child Care or willing to enroll; T.B. test and fingerprinting required. All staff members need to be First Aid and CPR with-in the first 3 months of hire.

Discipline and Parental Expectation YMCA Philosophy of Discipline We feel that discipline plays an important role in helping a child develop socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. It also is vital for his or her safety and physical well being. We feel that positive discipline is a form of love and builds self-esteem. Discipline ensures that each participant’s experience at Child Care will be positive. The aim of discipline should provide the child with an atmosphere of warmth and support which includes clearly set guidelines. Minor discipline problems will be handled at the Child Care site. If behavioral problems persist, we will contact the parent to discuss the situation. We hope to be able to work together with parents to solve discipline problems. If a child’s behavior (such as habitual biting, hitting, pinching, or kicking) is unsafe or harmful to him/herself or another, the parent will be notified to pick up his/her child (or have someone else pick up the child) within half an hour of the call. Failure to do this will result in cancellation. Some extreme behaviors

may cause a child to be suspended the first time. Recurrent behavioral problems may result in a temporary or a permanent removal from the program. No refunds are given for temporary suspension or permanent removal from the program. If a child has been removed from the program, an assessment can be made no sooner than one year after to determine whether the child can be returned to the program. The YMCA Child Care Program is designed for children who can function in a Child Care setting at a 1:12-14 ratio. Your help in keeping us informed on significant changes or events in your child’s life that might impact his/her behavior would be appreciated. Please keep your emergency phone numbers and information up to date. Feel free to ask for a conference with the director. We welcome this time for joint learning that can benefit your child, you, and our Child Care program.

1. Please read calendars, newsletters and other important information that is given to you at the Child Care site.

2. Keep us informed about changes going on in your child’s life that might affect his/her behavior.

3. Let us keep you informed of your child’s progress, on both good and bad days.

4. Feel free to make an appointment with your child’s counselor, site director, or both, to discuss any issues

5. Give us suggestions of effective means of controlling your child’s negative behavior.

6. Help us praise your child for a job well done.

7. Don’t feel alone, we’re here to help. If you’re having a difficult time as a parent, please talk to the director or site supervisor.


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Child Care Policies and Procedures Improper Behavior by Parent to YMCA Staff Any abrasive behavior by a parent displayed towards any YMCA staff member may result in suspension or cancellation of care. If something is unsatisfactory, please speak with the site director or program director.

Parents may not discipline children who are not their own at the Child Care site. Safety Around the Site Please drive slowly in and out of all school parking areas. Please be aware when backing up since it is hard to see small children. Do not double park and be courteous to our neighbors. Do not leave children unattended in cars.

Earthquake Preparedness Earthquake Kits As part of our safety and risk management plan, each child in YMCA Child Care is required to have an earthquake kit. As much as we hope an earthquake doesn’t happen, we want to be prepared if it does. YMCA Child Care will store your child’s individual kit and return it to you at the end of the school year. Each September the earthquake kit will need to be replaced by the child’s parent. If you leave before June, please remember to ask for your kit to be returned to you. To maintain freshness of the food supplies, parents of Year Round YMCA Child Care participants should replace contents in kits every August. Earthquake kits are required to have an emergency information sheet as well as the

articles on the following list. These items should be put into a large ziploc bag with your child’s name on it. Every child in our program must have a kit within two weeks of their starting date. We would appreciate your cooperation in returning the kit as soon as possible. Thank you for help and understanding in making YMCA Child Care site a safe place. Include the Emergency Information Sheet, on the facing page, in your child’s Earthquake Kit. Earthquake Kits Purchased through the YMCA

The YMCA can supply your child with a kit at an additional cost if you would prefer. Please let your site director know. If the earthquake kit has not been turned in within 2 weeks of starting the YMCA will provide a kit and charge $30.00 to your monthly bill.

Earthquake Kit Must Contain:

• Emergency Information Card • 2 high fiber bars • 4 small bottles of water • 2 small packages of raisins, nuts or trail mix • 2 small cans of tuna, Vienna sausage or

other protein source • 1 Mylar blanket (available at R.E.I. or most

sporting goods stores) • 1 small First Aid Kit • A picture of the child’s family and/or letter • Medication supply for two days (only if

necessary) • 1 small pack of wet wipes • 1 small toy, book, etc. • A short note of encouragement to your

child. • Change of clothes/sweatshirt


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Child Care Policies and Procedures

For Earthquake Kit

Emergency Information Sheet My Name Is:

Phone: ( )

Address:

City:

Zip Code:

In Case of Emergency Contact: Name:

Phone: ( )

Out of State Name: Relationship:

Out of State Phone: ( )

-------------------------------------Fold Here--------------------------------------

Special Medical Problems:

Known Drug Allergies:

Family Doctor:

Phone: ( )

Please include this form inside your Child’s Kit.


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The YMCA Child Care Program Program Highlights

Nutritious Snacks The YMCA Child Care Program serves a snack during the morning and afternoon program. A monthly snack schedule is posted at your child care site. The snacks served consist of servings from two food groups (either the fruit, bread, vegetable or protein groups). However, at times we may additionally serve special snacks, i.e. cupcakes on birthday party days. Please notify your site director if your child has any dietary needs or restrictions. In these cases, you may arrange with your site director to send a snack from home for your child.

Some kindergarteners need to bring a sack lunch with a drink to eat at the program. On All Day Programs, all children need to bring a lunch (please, no warm-ups) with a drink.

In keeping with our mission to “build strong kids”, we discourage providing any sweets or overly processed foods such as sugar laden cereal, heavily sweetened canned fruits, puddings; store bought cookies, cakes, candy, and chips. Please do not send soda.

Here is a list of recommended foods that will enhance your child’s nutritional intake.

• Fruit Juice or Milk

• Fresh fruit, such as sliced apples, pears, peaches, oranges, pineapple, etc.

• Raw vegetables: carrots, celery, green beans, cucumber, zucchini (a small container of dip for these items).

• Dried fruits and nuts, such as raisins, prunes, dates, figs or other dried fruit, peanuts, cashews, etc. (Unsalted).

• Sandwich fillings such as cheese, cold cuts, hard boiled eggs, tuna fish, peanut butter, etc.

• Homemade sweets such as granola bars, sweet bread (muffins, banana bread or nut bread).

Enrichment Each Site may have a staff with a specialized skill or an outside vendor to teach the children a variety of specialized activities. Age Appropriate Activities Children are placed in age appropriate groups with a qualified program leader doing progressive activities and skills. Once children reach the 4th grade they are doing “older youth” activities with their own calendar of challenging activities.

Child Involvement Children are encouraged to help plan and lead activities. Children are involved in evaluating the program. The YMCA strives to make the Child Care program “child centered.”

Homework Time A quiet supervised environment will be provided daily for children to begin their homework. The YMCA does not offer tutoring.

Character Development/Group Time YMCA Child Care operates on the principles of group work. Within their small groups, children build positive character develop-ment. We follow the Character Counts! curriculum. The values are called The Six Pillars: Trustworthiness * Respect * Caring * Responsibility * Fairness * Citizenship

KidzLit & KidzMath The AfterSchool KidzLit Program is a reading enrichment program designed specifically for use in out-of-school settings. It increases young people’s motivation to read and builds their literacy skills. It develops core values of helpfulness, fairness, personal, responsibility and respect for others. The AfterSchool KidzMath program (K-2 and 3rd-6th is a mathematics enrichment program designed specifically for out-of-school settings. It uses cooperative games and storybook-based activities to promote mathematical understanding and social development.


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The YMCA Child Care Program

Junior Achievement Junior Achievement Worldwide is a partner-ship between the business community, educators, and volunteers – all working together to inspire young people to dream big and reach their potential. JA’s hands-on, experimental programs teach the key concepts of work readiness, entrepreneur-ship, and financial literacy to young people all over the world. Physical Fitness The YMCA will offer a youth fitness program three times per week. This is to help develop fine and large motor skills, and to develop an awareness of living a healthy lifestyle.

Optional Swim Lessons Sites alternate throughout the year providing swim lessons at our YMCA branch. Lessons are available for an additional fee and based on driver availability.

Sample of Child Care Daily Schedule (Times are approximated and every site’s schedule varies)

Morning Care -- 6:30 a.m.-8:00a.m. • Varied activity centers. Snack. Kindergarten Care – • Approximately 1:30 p.m.

Kindergarten activity and homework time.

Kindergarteners on Extended day will be on the following schedule: 2:30 p.m./3:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m. • Homework Time/Creative

Time/Enrichment. Children may choose to play a game, work on a project from another day, indoor table games, crafts, reading, and homework. Time to relax and “unwind” from the day’s structure.

3:45 p.m.-4:00 p.m. • Assembly. Review program options.

4:00 p.m.-4:15 p.m. • Group Huddle/Snack.

Daily time to reconnect and share events at school or home and/or have a structured activity to help children explore values.

4:15 p.m.-5:15 p.m.-Enrichment II • Center or Small Group or Special Events. • Main activity of the Day. Check Monthly

Calendar for Activity. 5:15 p.m.-6:00 p.m. • Quiet Time.

Activities and projects that can be interrupted when mom and dad come to pick up their child.

Additional Information

Clothing If you would like your child to change into play clothes when he/she arrives at the site, please send a change of clothes in a bag. They can use these for the week and change back into their good clothes before they come home each day. We will not limit a child’s activities due to their type of clothing. Your child needs to wear closed toe and closed heel shoes or tennis shoes, while in our program. Please mark all belongings. It is very easy for an enormous “lost and found” to be built up with clothes that are unmarked and all but impossible to know to whom they belong. Lost belongings are donated to a charitable organization after 2 weeks. Cell Phones/Toys: Please have your child leave their cell phones and toys at home. If cell phones are brought to school, they need to remain in their backpacks while in YMCA vans or the Child Care program. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items.


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The YMCA Child Care Program Parental/Member Involvement It is very clear, when you read the early history of the Young Men’s Christian Association, that everything that happened--every success, including its phenomenal growth--was due to the involvement, hard work, dedication, and commitment of the lay members (volunteers). Throughout our history, there are countless stories of lay people who stepped forward and accepted the mantle of leadership to move the Association forward. In most cases their outstanding service and commitment was the result of their long-term involvement as YMCA members and the education they received while performing in a variety of program and leadership assignments. The YMCA has a successful history of growing its own leadership, both volunteers and professional staff.

In his book As I Lived It, An Autobiographical History of the YMCA of Los Angeles, Harold Wagner identifies some messages he believes were crucial to the growth and success of the Association. He puts these in a final chapter, which he calls For the Present and the Future.

Message One: “The Young Men’s Christian Association, in its founding and at its best ever since, has been a membership organization; that is, an association of people of good will and common purpose who voluntarily band themselves together to render a service in the community.”

Message Two: “An active and committed body of volunteer leaders is essential to a vital, growing YMCA.”

Message Three: “YMCA leadership and management are at their best when lay and professional leaders work together as partners.”

Message Four: “The YMCA’s fellowship and organization are developed best and its purposes achieved most effectively by programs which involve people in a continuing relationship in contrast to those where specific short term services are sold on an a la carte basis.”

YMCA member involvement is not something that has been “added on” or “invented” to make the YMCA uniquely different from other organizations, although it certainly does--it is the central essence of the Association. It must be preserved as programs change to address new and different community needs. YMCA members must be fully involved in the planning, delivery, support, and evaluation of their own programs. By conscious planning, larger and larger numbers of members must be moved into a development process--the result of which will be stronger commitment and feelings of ownership on their part, making them co-producers and co-owners of their YMCA.

How Do We Describe a YMCA Co-Producer & Co-Owner? ♦ A member whose contact with the Y has

become more frequent and intense over a period of continued involvement

♦ A member who has developed strong friendships among other fellow members and staff

♦ A member who has been purposefully nurtured and developed by staff and volunteers

♦ A member who has taken increasing responsibility for the quality of his/her own YMCA experience by participating in the governance of his/her program

♦ A member who has gained personally from his/her YMCA involvement and wants to share this benefit with others by volunteering outside of his/her own program

♦ A member who has accepted responsibility for the overall health and well being of the YMCA, beyond his/her own participation and benefit

♦ A member who regularly participates in the decision making process with respect to YMCA program and policy


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The YMCA Child Care Program ♦ A member who understands and can

articulate, in his/her own words, the Mission of our YMCA

♦ A member who is aware and proud of the positive impact he/she is having

♦ A member who participates, as volunteer staff, in the delivery of YMCA programs or services

♦ A member who participates in the financial support of the YMCA by making personal contributions and by working with others to raise funds

♦ A member who serves on policy development committees or the board of directors

♦ A member who wants the YMCA to be there for future generations, and has acted to assure that it will, by personally making and/or obtaining major financial gifts or commitments to planned giving

The Parent Advisory Council (P.A.C.) Parent Meetings Because the YMCA is an association of participating members, the program participants have a lot to say about what is done in the program and how it is done. We like to work together on these things.

In the world of Child Care programs, the YMCA is one of the few that actively solicits and uses parent involvement in the design and delivery of the program itself.

The YMCA recognizes that your time with your child is made all the more precious because you must rely on After School Enrichment. Parent involvement is one way we can work at enriching the quality of the child’s (and the family’s) experience.

Parent and family involvement is something to which the YMCA is deeply concerned. It’s not only a case of “many hands making light work” and “two heads are better than one,” but a strong belief in those things which ensure a positive and enriching experience for children.

What we aim to provide through the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) are opportunities for enrichment for you and your child. We hope

you’ll take advantage of these and enjoy your participation to the fullest!

Look for meeting dates and times at the Child Care site. Besides PAC, the YMCA provides many other ways to be involved with Child Care, such as the following opportunities: ♦ Visit nearby sites for program quality

review ♦ Meet and greet other parents when they fill

out survey forms ♦ Help plan, coordinate and recruit

volunteers for events including family nights, camp sign-up day, etc.

♦ Read stories ♦ Attend and help supervise children on field

trips ♦ Help plan and attend overnighters ♦ Help children with homework ♦ Be a guest speaker, talk about your

profession and recruit others ♦ Help acquire computers and train children

and staff in computer skills ♦ Volunteer to help as teacher’s aide ♦ Share special activities and skills with

children ♦ Assist site director with interviewing

potential staff and volunteers ♦ Help recruit staff and volunteers ♦ Work with other parents to organize coop

babysitting service ♦ Help with site repairs, indoor and outdoor ♦ Organize work parties at site ♦ Works with staff to organize special events

for the children during camp ♦ Plan a “welcome to day camp” event at the

start of camp ♦ Plan a “summer end” celebration at the

end of camp ♦ Plans family events ♦ During the summer camp call parents to

ask how camp is doing ♦ Calls last years campers prior to camp

sign-up day ♦ Calls last years campers who have not

signed up for camp ♦ Plans an on-going presentation for camp

sign-up day to inspire children and parents about camp

♦ Welcome parents and children the first day of camp the first couple of weeks


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The YMCA Child Care Program Who to Contact When You... Have Any Concerns About the Program First, please contact the site director about any concerns you may have about the program. Have Schedule Changes in Writing YMCA Fax #: ......................... (310) 539-6049 Have Fee Questions Andrea Thatcher .................... (213) 639-7498

Casandra McKean ................. (213) 639-7495

or, if not satisfied, call

Sharon Drobka, Senior Program Director ......... (213) 639-7484 Want Some Advice or Referral Sharon Drobka ...................... (213) 639-7484 Erin Inaba ............................. (213) 639-7497 Want Family Counseling Dave Villaseñor, Senior Program Director ......... (213) 639-7509 Need Financial Assistance Suzanne Villa ............. (310) 325-5885 x 7481 Have a Concern About a Child Care Policy or the Site Director Sharon Drobka ...................... (213) 639-7484 Erin Inaba ............................. (213) 639-7497 Lisa Daddario .............. (310) 325-5885 x2771

Have a Concern About a Child See your Site Director. Have a Concern About the Activities See your Site Director.

Have a Concern About a Program Leader See your Site Director.

Have a Concern About a Program Director Vicky Sargent, Operations Executive Director (213) 639-7500 Or [email protected] EMAIL ADDRESSES: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (Emails sometimes end up in the spam catcher so it may be 24-36 hours before your email is seen.) WEB SITE: www.ymcala.org/tsb

Parent Manual: YMCA School Age Child Care Program 2012-2013

C:\Documents and Settings\schapkerm\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\AU00BRM9\Parent Manual 2012-13.docx

YMCA Programs for You & Your Family YMCA Programs Offer Something for Everyone in Your Family Your local YMCA offers a wide range of program service for young people and adults. Listed here are many of our current program offerings. Preschool

• Full day Preschool • Swim Lessons • Family Events • Little Guides, Parent-Child Program

Elementary School

• Before and After School Child Care • After School Enrichment • Summer Day Camps • Summer Sports Camps • Summer Specialty Camps • Swim Lessons • Summer Residence Camp

Adventure Guides Program: Explorers – (K - 2nd Grade) This Parent Child Program is designed to create special times for busy families. Kindergarteners through second graders and their parents form small circles with other parent-child pairs. Circles meet monthly and attend outings, campouts, & other special events together. Y-Trailblazers (3rd – 5th Grade) This Parent Child Program is designed to create special times for busy families. This group attends, council meetings, events, campouts, and other special events together. Youth Fitness & Sports Classes

• YMCA Junior Lakers & Sparks Basketball

• Martial Arts • Volleyball • Dance • Family Events • Rock Climbing Wall

Junior High School

• Pathfinders (6th – 12th graders) This Parent Child Program is designed to create special times for busy families. This group attends, council meetings, events, campouts, and other special events together.

• Junior Leader Program • Model United Nations (MUN) • Summer Residence Camp • Summer Camp - “Good Times” • Youth Basketball Skills & Games • Teen Fitness • Teen Nutrition

High School

• Counselor-in-Training Programs • Leader-in-Training Programs • Summer Resident Camp • Youth and Government • Teen Fitness

Family Camps

• Yosemite Thanksgiving • Yosemite Summer

YMCA Counseling Individual, family and adolescent counseling is available to those experiencing personal difficulties. Each client has a regular meeting with a licensed marriage, family and child counselor to help solve problems, or initiate change in the following areas: personal difficulties, marital problems, alcohol and substance abuse, child abuse, and much more.


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YMCA Programs for You & Your Family Health and Physical Education Preschool Family Program A parent/child physical education program for children from birth through 5 years. Parents learn to work with their children on motor development and socialization skills in a fun and safe atmosphere. Gymnastics Progressive gymnastics instruction for boys and girls, beginning with Mini-gym, ages 4-6, through intermediate to advanced levels. Classes In addition to fitness, volleyball, basketball, badminton, racquetball, gymnastics and movement education, the Y offers classes in the martial arts, pre-natal and post-natal fitness, creative dance, basketball lessons, body conditioning, wellness education and rock climbing. Aquatics People of all ages may enjoy swimming lessons based upon the National YMCA Progressive Aquatics program. Watercise offers many individuals the opportunity to get a non-impact aerobic workout in shallow water. The therapeutic gains achieved by participants in the Twinges in the Hinges program offer relief from arthritic pain. Community Support Campaign / Adult Leadership Program Every February is when we conduct our campaign to raise contributions to help our programs that are subsidized. Our Child Care Programs receive 20% of our contributed dollars. This campaign is carried out by volunteers with staff support.

Each year February/March, over 300 volunteers, with staff support, visit YMCA members and local businesses to “tell the Y story” – informing them of the work the YMCA is doing in the community with seniors, health and fitness, parents and children, Child Care and other Y programs. Potential donors are then asked if they would like to support the YMCA financially. Other Programs Y-Senior Trips Day trips are a part of the Y-Senior program with an average of three per month conducted to such interesting destinations as dinner theaters, festivals, ball games and other points of interest. Extended tours are also organized with the help of professional tour wholesalers with destinations like Hawaii, Canadian Rockies, and Fall Foliage tours to name just a few. Y’s Men A YMCA service club for men. Las Hermanas A YMCA personal growth, social and service club for women. Camping Summer Family camps, day camps, residence camps, caravan trips, and base camps for participants in grades kindergarten through college, plus families and seniors are available. Day camping for grades K-6 and junior high (Good Times) is available all summer vacation, with extended care options offered.


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YMCA Branches With Child Care Metropolitan Los Angeles Child Care/Child Care Availability YMCA Child Care Programs are available at the following branches of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. Antelope Valley ..................... (661) 273-1525

Crenshaw ............................ (323) 292-9195

Culver-Palms ......................... (310) 390-3604

Downey ................................ (562) 862-4201

East Valley ............................ (818) 763-5126

Gardena-Carson .................... (310) 523-3470

Hollywood-Wilshire................. (323) 467-4161

Mid Valley ............................. (818) 989-3800

Montebello-Commerce ............ (213) 887-9622

North Valley .......................... (818) 368-3231

Palisades-Malibu .................... (310) 454-5591

San Pedro Peninsula ............... (310) 832-4211

Santa Clarita Valley ................ (661) 253-3593

So. Pasadena San Marino ........ (626) 799-9119

South Rio Vista ...................... (323) 588-2256

Torrance-South Bay ............... (310) 325-5885

Weingart East Los Angeles ...... (323) 260-7005

Weingart ............................. (213) 754-3191

Westchester .......................... (310) 670-4316

Westside .............................. (310) 477-1511

West Valley ........................... (818) 345-7393

Wilmington Program Center ..... (310) 522-2100

Wilshire ................................ (213) 736-0489

Torrance-South Bay YMCA 2900 West Sepulveda Boulevard Torrance, CA 90505 (310) 325-5885

Child Care/Recreation Sites & Preschool Phone Numbers 1. Adams ............................. (310) 326-1452 2121 238th St., Torrance 90501

2. Anza ................................ (310) 316-8072 21400 Ellinwood Dr., Torrance 90503

3. Arlington .......................... (310) 352-1135 17800 Van Ness Ave., Torrance 90501

4. Arnold .............................. (310) 373-5212 4100 227th St., Torrance 90505

5. Carr ................................. (310) 329-0824 3404 168th St., Torrance 90504

6. Edison .............................. (310) 715-6197 3800 W. 182nd St., Torrance 90504

7. Hickory ............................ (310) 530-9381 2800 227th St., Torrance 90505

8. Lincoln ............................. (310) 527-2924 2418 W. 166th St., Torrance 90504

9. Riviera ............................. (310) 375-9970 365 Paseo de Arena, Torrance 90505

10. Seaside .......................... (310) 316-3411 4651 Sharynne Lane, Torrance 90505

11. Towers ........................... (310) 370-4789 5600 Towers St., Torrance, 90503

12. Victor ............................. (310) 370-4133 4820 Spencer St., Torrance 90503

13. Walteria .......................... (310) 326-7702 24456 Madison St., Torrance 90505

14. Wood ............................. (310) 534-3510 2250 235th St., Torrance 90505 Preschool Program ............. (310) 530-6882 Located at Levy Adult School 3420 West 229th Place Torrance, CA 90505-2612


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Map – 14 Child Care Centers

Adams

Walteria

Riviera

Seaside Arnold

Hickory

Anza

Victor

Towers

Edison

Arlington

LincolnCarr

Wood


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APPENDIX The State of California requires all parents enrolling their child in a licensed child care center to be provided with information regarding parent and child rights as well as other information. For concerns related to these or other licensing issues, contact Community Care licensing: 6167 Bristol Parkway, #400 Culver City, CA 90230, phone: 310-337-4333. The following information is provided by the State.


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Insert Caregiver background check process page


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Insert Parents’ Rights page


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Insert Personal Rights page


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Insert YMCA Waiver page

Parent Manual: YMCA School Age Child Care Program 2012-2013

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YMCA OF METROPOLITAN LOS ANGELES ADMISSION POLICIES AND AGREEMENT

I have received and will read a copy of the YMCA parent manual and will comply with the policies set forth. I further acknowledge that I am aware of and/or have received the following:

• A description of the basic Child Care services available to my child • Information of optional services available through the branch • Payment provisions, including:

1. rate for basic service 2. rate for optional services 3. payment due dates 4. late payment policy 5. frequency of payments 6. returned check policy 7. refund policy

• Change of schedule • Termination conditions • Rights of the licensing agency • Parent’s Rights • Children’s Personal Rights

These policies may be changed with 30 days notice __________________________________________Date: ___________________ Signature of Parent Child’s name(s) YMCA Child Care Site _________________________________________Date: ____________________ Signature of Staff Member