2018-2019
The C.A.R.E Program
Columbia Activities, Recreation and Education Program
At Columbia Elementary School
Parent Handbook

The C.A.R.E. Program        Phone:    (530) 223-3874
10142 Old Oregon Trail	Fax:        (530) 223-4168

Phone:    (530) 223-1915 ext 105
Fax:        (530) 223-4168
E-mail: banderson@columbiasd.com

 Redding, CA 96003        	E-mail: afterschool@columbiasd.com

 Columbia School District Office
 10140 Old Oregon Trail
 Redding, CA 96003

Dear Parents,
	Welcome to the C.A.R.E. Program! We are pleased you have selected our exciting program for your child care needs.
	Set in a friendly and safe environment, we are sure you will find your child’s time spent with us a delightful and enriching experience.  Our program provides varied opportunities for fun, excitement, personal development and increased social interaction.
On behalf of The C.A.R.E. Program’s staff, we look forward to meeting you!!!

       	The Columbia School District’s Values:
CARING – Be kind • be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need 
CITIZENSHIP – Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment
RESPECT – Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • be considerate of the feelings of others • don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements	
FAIRNESS - Play by the rules • Take turns and share • be open-minded; listen to others • don’t take advantage of others • don’t blame others carelessly
RESPONSIBILITY – Do what you are supposed to do • persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • be accountable for your choices   
TRUSTWORTHINESS - Be honest • don’t deceive, cheat or steal • be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country

PROGRAM GOALS
To provide affordable quality care for children regardless of socio-economic background.
To help children develop to their fullest potential, focusing on: 
     ~   Academic achievement.
     ~   Physical skills.
     ~   Health and nutrition.
     ~   Providing that all children be safe and happy in the program.
     ~   Providing our families with a better understanding of our community, country, and the      
          world around us.
     ~  Offering experiences that foster exposure to ethnic and cultural diversity.
     ~  Conducting the program in accordance with the C.A.R.E. Program’s operating principles and philosophy.

About Our Staff:
The trained child care staff strives to meet your child’s developmental needs, as well as being organized, creative, energetic and able to manage children in group situations.  All staff is cleared through the Criminal History and Child Abuse Index.  In addition, most staff members have college degrees and are certified teachers. 
Afterschool staff provides an atmosphere of trust and security by helping the children to build self esteem and to solve problems. We will act as facilitators by actively listening, offering praise and by being consistent in a nurturing and positive manner.  The staff recognizes children as individuals who are respected and taken seriously.  Children are encouraged to verbalize their feelings.
The C.A.R.E. Program’s child care staff consistently strives for and maintains these standards to provide excellent care by focusing on the Columbia School District’s
Six Core Values: 
CARING, CITIZENSHIP, RESPECT, FAIRNESS, RESPONSIBILITY AND TRUSTWORTHINESS

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
The C.A.R.E. Program is a great place to be!  
It gives kids the chance to express their talents in the arts, sports, and other areas of interest, taking full advantage of all the Y has to offer.  The following are planned components of the daily program:

-	Enrichment Clubs are offered as a regular    
      choice and will change frequently to    
      provide a wide range of experiences

-	Art & Craft projects which are open-ended to encourage creativity.

-	Homework time which may include free 
reading or writing choices.

-	Snack time that encourages good nutrition and participation of the children in preparation and clean-up.

-	Indoor games, puzzles, and building 
materials which increase cognitive learning, small motor skills, and social skills.

-	Outdoor play and sports games to enhance physical fitness and coordination.

-	40 Developmental Assets are incorporated into the daily activities

Visitation Policy
All C.A.R.E. Programs have an OPEN DOOR parent visitation policy; parents may visit at any time.  However, care must be taken so that the parent doesn’t interfere with implementation of the program. Parents must remember that when at the C.A.R.E. Program’s site, our program is governed by the State Department of Education and the following behaviors will not be tolerated:

•	Inappropriate behavior or language. 
•	Use or evidence of use of Drugs, Alcohol, or   Tobacco products.
•	Display of rude or disrespectful conduct directed to staff or children.
•	Use or threat of corporal punishment towards children.

ENROLLMENT POLICIES
1. 	Meet with Columbia staff for enrollment and pre-admission information. The C.A.R.E. Program cannot enroll your child the same day your registration packet and payment are received.
2. 	All children must meet the residency requirements for their school district. 
3. 	Parents of children with special needs must call The C.A.R.E. Program to see if the program is an appropriate placement for their child.
4. 	Columbia School accepts most alternative payment programs.
5. 	To confirm registration, please return the enrollment forms to the Columbia School District office. On the cover sheet, indicate your child’s starting date and days of planned attendance for the first week. Also, please include the registration fee and the first week’s tuition. Upon receipt of the above items in the Columbia School District Office, your child’s enrollment is confirmed. 
(You will not be contacted by the 
Columbia School unless there are questions regarding your enrollment.)
6. 	Third party payment arrangements must be made and confirmed prior to attending the program.  If the third party agency does not agree to full payment for Child Care services as set by the Columbia School District, the parent/guardian is responsible for the remaining fee.
7. 	Two weeks notification of withdrawal along with payment for those weeks,
is required when the child care site is maintaining a waiting list for enrollment.
8. 	When you withdraw your child, another child will fill your vacancy. A vacancy cannot be promised upon your return. 
9. 	Children on the waiting list for vacancies will follow chronological order. 

PERSONAL RIGHTS
Each child shall have personal rights, including:
~ Dignity in personal relationships    
   with staff.
~ A safe, healthful, comfortable 
   environment.
~ To be free from corporal 
   punishment.
~ To be informed (or have parents 
    be informed) of the mechanism 
    for complaints.

CHILD CARE POLICIES 

(Complete policies are included in the child care enrollment packet.)
1. 	The enrolling parent is responsible for informing the Site Staff and Columbia School District office of any change in the child’s attendance schedule, address, phone, work, or emergency telephone numbers, etc.
2. 	The Columbia School District office must be notified before the end of each week your child is absent due to custody reasons.
3. 	Parents are to walk their children into the classroom and sign them in upon arrival and out upon leaving. (On school days, children coming directly from school dismissal will be signed in by child care staff.)
4. 	We require prior notification if your child is to be absent for any reason. Two weeks notification of withdrawal, along with payment for those weeks, is required when the child care site is maintaining a waiting list for enrollment.
5. 	If a child does not attend school due to an illness or suspension from school, he/she may not attend the Columbia Quality Care afterschool program.
6. 	The center will close promptly at 6:00 pm. If you child/ren have not been picked up by 7:00 p.m. and all emergency contact numbers have been called and no one can be reached, a call to CPS/Sheriff will be made.
7. 	In the event your afterschool site must be closed due to inclement weather, you will be notified.  If your child’s school is closed, so is the afterschool program. 
8. 	Nutritious snacks are provided daily. Please advise us of any special dietary needs on the forms provided. Lunches are not included in the weekly fee.  
9. 	The YMCA is not responsible for items brought from home.

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

It is our goal to provide a healthy, safe, and secure environment for all C.A.R.E. Program participants.  The C.A.R.E. Program teaches the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.  Children attending the program are expected to follow the behavior guidelines and interact appropriately in a group setting.

We take great pride in joining you in guiding your children to become successful and happy individuals who are learning to independently get along with others.  We work towards this goal through the following:

~ Role Modeling:  Effectively exemplifying good qualities needed for
   acceptance in a group.
~ Positive Reinforcement:  To encourage repetition of good behavior.
~ Redirection:  Removing a child from a negative situation and involving 
    the child in a more acceptable positive activity.  If deemed necessary for the    
    safety of your child and others, the C.A.R.E. Program’s staff have permission to       restrain 
    and/or physically remove a child from an unsafe situation.  Parents will be 
    notified if this circumstance occurs.
~  Re-enforcing Problem-solving Skills: Such as predicting consequences, settling   
    disagreements without aggressiveness, and thinking about the feelings of others.
~  Logical Consequences:  The removal of  privileges when appropriate.
~  No corporal punishment is allowed.
     
 When and if these procedures do not result in a positive change of behavior, suspension of the child may occur. With these positive working strategies, the child is hopefully able to realize that negative behavior is ultimately non-productive.  The safety of all enrolled children is our primary goal.  Extreme behavior problems may require individualized behavior contracts, meetings with parents, suspension and/or alternative placement. Disciplinary incidents are documented and may be shared with appropriate School District personnel depending on the severity of the incident.

 

HEALTH, MEDICATION,
& ACCIDENT POLICIES

It is our intention to prevent the spread of infections and illness to other children.  If the staff becomes aware of a condition involving a child who may be contagious or unhealthy to any of the other participants, it will be brought to the parent’s attention and the child must be taken home and may not return to the program until symptom free for at least 24 hours.  Children cannot attend if they are ill or if they were absent during the school day; you must make alternate arrangements for child care.

MEDICAL / EMERGENCY PROCEDURE 
(Parents will be notified immediately for any and all head injuries.)

1. 	Minor Injuries :
a.	Staff will administer the necessary first aid and notify parents when they pick up the child from child care.
b.	If the staff member is in doubt of the seriousness of the injury, the parents will be notified for further instructions.

2. 	 Serious Injuries:
a.	One staff member will call for an ambulance and then make contact with parents or other authorized person.
b.	A second staff member will administer whatever first aid possible until the ambulance arrives.

3. 	You will be notified in writing of any injury through an accident report. 

Mandated reporters:  If staff suspects that a child is being abused in any way (physically, sexually, emotionally), we are required by the state of California, Education Code # 11166, to file a report with Child Protective Services.  We are not required to notify the parent or guardian prior to, or after, the report has been made.

MEDICINE POLICY
Medicine may be given if needed for ambulatory illnesses only. Please DO NOT send any medication which is not absolutely necessary.
1. 	Medicine must be accompanied by a signed Request For Medication Form filled out by a licensed physician and signed by the parent containing the following:
a.   Date
b.   Name of child
c.   Name of medicine
d.   Amount to be given
e.	 Time of day to be given 
 and how often
f.	 Number of days to be given

(All Medication is administered by a staff person, witnessed by another staff person, and documented.)

2. 	Medication must arrive in the original container from the pharmacy and the information should agree with that given by the doctor as stated on the Medication Release form.
All medications can only be administered with specific written instructions from the physician and signed written permission from the parent/guardian.  This is in compliance with California Education Code #49423.

Notes:
_________________
_________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FEES & BILLING POLICIES
FEE POLICY:
1.	  The non-refundable Program Registration Fee is $20.00 for all new children and for    children re-enrolling who have been inactive or have dropped from the program for a period of 2 months or longer.
2.	 There is a WEEKLY charge for each week scheduled and you may choose a varying schedule, Monday through Friday. Weekly charges will remain the same regardless of absences, illness, vacations, etc.  The Columbia District Office must be notified before the end of each week when your child is absent for the entire scheduled week due to custody reasons.
3.	 A $5.00 overdue balance fee will be added each week to all accounts that remain unpaid through the next payment day.  Fees not paid beyond one week may result in suspension of child care services.
4.	 You may pay in advance WEEKLY, BIMONTHLY, or MONTHLY.  
5.	 The Child Care Programs are closed for the following holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the following Friday, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.  The C.A.R.E. Program will be closed all SIP and all School Holidays.
6.	 Registration and payment may be made at your Columbia School District Office.  Please make checks payable to “Columbia School District ”
7.	 A $25 “Returned Check” fee will be charged for each check returned from your bank.  
8.	 Pick up time for after school care is strictly enforced.  Parents are strongly encouraged to arrange their schedules so that their children will leave during the hours contracted.  Failure to adhere to this request will result in a $1.00 per minute late fee after the first five minutes.  In the event we cannot reach you or an authorized person by 7:00 pm, the Shasta County Child Protection Agency/Sheriff will be called.
9.   It is our intent that individuals contribute toward their programs fee.  Columbia School also   
     accepts most alternative payment programs.  See policy below regarding alternative pay programs.
10. When possible, you will be notified 30 days before any fee changes are implemented                                 

ACCOUNT HISTORY REPORTS:
1.	Tuition payments are the responsibility of the person listed on the account.
2.	Each family can receive an Account History Report once a month if requested.  If you need one more frequently, please call the Columbia School District Office. 
3.	All account discrepancies must be adjusted within 30 days of receipt when there are any questions regarding charges and/or payments, or we will accept your account as being correct.  All accounting concerns must be directed to the Columbia School District Office and NOT to the child care staff.  (They do not have access to your account and they cannot make adjustments for you.)  
4.	PLEASE notify the Columbia School District Office immediately of any address or phone number changes.

PICK UP POLICY
Always have photo identification with you. Be prepared to show your ID at any time.  For your child’s safety, it is required that each person authorized to pick up your child from child care must be 18 years or older and be listed on the enrollment form. We do NOT release your child into the care of anyone, who is not authorized, without contacting you first. We will ask for identification of all newly authorized persons and any authorized person who is unfamiliar to the staff on duty.  Parents are to walk their children into the classroom and sign them in upon arrival and out upon leaving. (On school days, children coming directly from school dismissal will be signed in by child care staff.)

Children must be picked up by 6:00pm. Pick up time for after school care is strictly enforced.  Parents are strongly encouraged to arrange their schedules so that their children will leave during the hours contracted.  Failure to adhere to this request will result in a $1 per minute late pick-up fee.

Concerns for Safety:
The C.A.R.E. Program is concerned for the safety of every child in the program.  If the C.A.R.E. Program staff has reason for concern regarding the safety of a child’s release to a parent or other adult, the staff may call the police.  Cause for this course of action includes:
1.	Parent/Adult suspected “under the influence” of drugs or alcohol.
2.	Parent/Adult is abusive or threatening to child or staff.
If deemed necessary for the safety of your child and others, the C.A.R.E. Program staff has permission to restrain and/or physically remove a child from an unsafe situation.  Parents will be notified if this circumstance occurs.

Court Orders/Custody Issues:
State law mandates that a child must be released to either parent regardless of custody arrangements. The ONLY exception is when a current court order stating a parent may not have custody at all is in our possession. If there are no court papers stating otherwise, either parent may send a representative to pick up the child.

pick up the child.

C.A.R.E. Program
The Columbia Activities, Recreation and Educational Program
 At Columbia School

       	Location:			    School Age:
     Columbia School		    Kindergarten through grade 8              
     10142 Old Oregon Trail       C.A.R.E.:  223-3874
     Redding, CA  96003                C.A.R.E. Program Business Office: 223-1915 ext 105

FEES:  2018-2019

Non-Refundable Registration Fee:                                   $20.00
(For New Enrollments only)

(Monday thru Friday)      				 
AFTER SCHOOL (2:00p-6:00p) (TK-grade 8) 	           $43.00 (Flat Fee Per week)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  - - - -
All tuition payments are due at least one week in ADVANCE, on the WEDNESDAY prior to each week of care. If payment is not received in the District Office by 10:00 a.m. on Friday- you will be charged a $5.00 late fee-No exceptions.

SCHEDULE / PAYMENT PROCEDURE:
1. All “Schedule Change/Cancel/ Payment” forms must be filled out correctly and completely with the child’s name and days of planned attendance for each week marked according to the instructions on the sheet.  (Days and/or weeks your child will not be attending, the appropriate dates must be entered onto the date(s) cancelled line).

2.	If an incomplete “Schedule Change/Cancel/ Payment” form is submitted on your site’s payment day, your child will automatically be scheduled for 5 day and payment will be expected.

3.	Charges for scheduled days will not be removed for the upcoming week once schedules have been set on your site’s payment day.  Changing or adding days is subject to availability. Please use a “Schedule Change/Cancel/ Payment” form to notify the Columbia C.A.R.E of ANY changes to upcoming schedules.

ALTERNATIVE CHILD CARE PROGRAM
PAYMENT POLICY

Registration Fee:
•	There is a mandatory $20.00 registration fee per student.  
•	We will bill your program on your behalf for the Registration Fee and if it gets reimbursed- we will apply it to your parent fee account.

Family Fee:
•	All families with a “Family Fee” will need to pay these fees the FIRST WEEK OF EVERYMONTH unless you contact the Columbia School District Office to make other payment arrangements.

•	Once the District Office has been notified by your Alternative Pay Program Specialist and a “Child Care Certificate” has been received showing what your family fee will be and/or your variable rate fee, your student will then be able to start in the CARE program.

•	Once the above requirements are met an “Alternative Pay Agreement” will be drawn up by the District Office regarding your pay schedule.  Both you and the District Office will sign the agreement. This agreement will include what your family fee will be and when it is due.  If you are on a “Variable Pay Rate Plan”, your payment amount will be assessed at the end of each month to be payable the following week.

•	If you decline to sign the agreement your student will not be able to attend our CARE program-(unless all fees are paid in advance).

If you have any questions, please contact Bridget in the Columbia District Office at (530)223-1915 ext 105-she will be happy to go over this with you.