|
Welcome
to Englewood Public Schools KidQuest School Age Programs! We are looking
forward to serving you and your family. Englewood Schools strives
to provide safe, convenient and quality programs to meet your family's
needs.
ENGLEWOOD SCHOOLS
MISSION STATEMENT
The
mission of Englewood Schools is to develop to the maximum the potential
of all Englewood students to live fully contributing and satisfying
lives in a rapidly changing world, and for the school district to be
widely recognized as having caring, personalized, high quality small
schools.
PHILOSOPHY
The
Englewood Public Schools KidQuest School Age Program provides integrated
services, which provide a foundation for lifelong learning and supports
the role of parents as partners in their child's development and care.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
1. Englewood
Schools welcomes each child as an individual with unique needs and interests
and strives to help each child to develop to his or her fullest potential.
2. KidQuest
strives to establish a cooperative environment where children learn
social skills while developing their character, self-confidence and
self-esteem. 3.
KidQuest offers developmentally appropriate activities that help children
develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.
4. KidQuest
provides space, equipment, curriculum and staff that aid to a child's
development. 5.
KidQuest staff and children work together to plan activities that encourage
children to develop to their fullest potential giving children the opportunity
to develop problem solving and planning skills. 6.
KidQuest believes in the value of all children and helping children
appreciate the diversity and uniqueness of their peers. 7.
KidQuest helps children develop their social skills and skills for living.
8. Since
children have spent most of their day in the classroom, opportunities
for indoor and outdoor recreational activities are provided in a fun
filled atmosphere. Homework assistance and choice of exciting active
experiential learning opportunities are offered daily.9.
KidQuest supports and strengthens families by offering opportunities
for family involvement and special family events. 10.
KidQuest offers opportunities for children to develop a sense of community
by partnering with parents, families, school staff, and community agencies.11.
KidQuest supports families with financial assistance and the resource
of a Family Liaison if needed.
CHILDREN
Children
ages 5-15 years.
Special
Needs
Englewood
Schools will not discriminate against anyone because of a disability.
Each situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. KidQuest is
willing to make reasonable adjustments in the program to meet the needs
of all children, their families and program employees.
LOCATIONS
… Charles
Hay Elementary 3195 S. Lafayette Cafeteria…
Maddox Elementary 700 W. Mansfield Gym
HOURS OF OPERATION
The
Before School Program opens at 7:00 until school starts.
The
After School Program hours are from dismissal until 6:00 pm.
Bad
Weather Closure
In
the event of severe weather, the Superintendent may find it necessary
to cancel school. Announcements are typically made by 6:30 a.m. on radio
and television. Englewood School District snow closures also apply to
KidQuest School Age Programs.
Holidays/Training
Dates KidQuest Closed
Labor
Day September 3
Thanksgiving
and Day After November 22 and 23
Christmas
and Christmas Eve, New Yr Eve December 24,25, 31
New
Years Eve, Day and Day After January 1, 2, 3
Martin
Luther King Day January 21
Presidents
Day February 18
Spring
Break Friday March 29
Memorial
Day May 27
Camp
Staff Training June 5, 6, 7
Non School
Days
Care
will be offered for an extra fee on non school days:
September
21
October
26
November
19, 20, 21
December
26, 27, 28
January
3, 4, 21, 25
February
15
March
25, 26, 27, 28
April
19
May
3
REGISTRATION/FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
Registration
Locations:
Charles
Hay Elementary 7:30 a.m.&endash; 3:30 p.m. in the school office or
during program hours
Maddox
Elementary 7:30 a.m.&endash; 3:30 p.m. in the school office or during
program hours
Administration
offices 7:30 a.m. &endash; 4-30 p.m.
4101 S.
Bannock (corner of Bannock & Oxford)
KidQuest
Tuition**
Before Only After Only B&A Full Day Care
Weekly
$22.00 $50.00 $65.00
Daily
........$
6.00 ..$11.00
...
........$14.00
$22.00 *
If
a child is already registered and paid for that day, the additional
charge will be $9.00.
Registration
is not complete until all forms are completed and the first week of
tuition is paid. Please bring addresses and phone numbers for those
authorized to pick up the child or care for the child in an emergency,
doctor, dentist, hospital, insurance information, and health information
including immunizations from the doctor. All information must be checked
by a director prior to the child starting the program.
**Tuition
includes staff supervision of children with a ratio of 1.15 or better,
all consumable supplies, enriching activities and a nutritious snack
following the Federal Government Food Program Guidelines.
Payments
Payments
are to be made in advance on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday prior to the
week attending. Please give your payments to a site supervisor which
your child attends. The week begins on Monday. Payments can be made
by check or money order, and payable to Englewood Schools. NO CASH WILL
BE ACCEPTED. Monthly statements will not be issued.
All
accounts will automatically be assessed a Late Payment Fee of $15.00
per family for any payment received after 6:00 pm on the Wednesday tuition
due date.
If
payment is not received by the scheduled day prior to a new session,
the child will not be permitted to attend the program until all charges
are paid in full and space availability is determined. Repeated late
payments of program tuition fees may result in actions up to and including
dismissal of the child from the KidQuest program.
Financial
Assistance
A
sliding scale will be used for families who are in need of assistance.
Applications for free or reduced lunch will be used to determine this
rate. Eligibility may be checked at any time during the school year.
Families must apply for Social Service childcare assistance prior to
receiving assistance from the sliding scale.
Social
Services Child Care Assistance will be accepted from Arapahoe and Denver
counties. No child may start the program until the caseworker calls
and gives the household number and verifies eligibility. Parent fees
must be paid in advance of care. In the case that childcare assistance
is terminated, the parent in responsible for the tuition fees.
Non-Sufficient
Funds Checks
There
will a $25.00 NSF charge for all returned checks. A child will be dismissed
from the program if the amount of the NSF is not reimbursed in full
with a cashier's check or money order. All future payments for KidQuest
should be in the form of a cashier's check or money order.
Refunds/credits
…
After 5 consecutive sick days with a doctor's note stating child was
too ill to attend.
…
Death in the family or family emergency where family is out of town
for more than five days.
Withdrawal
or Change in Schedule
Any
change in a child's schedule must be made one week in advance of care
in writing. Accounts will be charged based on the regular tuition rate
until written notification of change in received. There will be a $5.00
charge for all changes of tuition charges.
Tax Statements
Yearly
tax statements of childcare payments will be issued at the end of January.
Late Pick
Up Charge
A
late pick up charge of $1.00 per minute will be assessed when a child
is not picked up by 6:00 p.m. The fee will be due when your child is
picked up. If you are unable to pay this fee when you pick up your child,
the late fee will be due the following day or your child will not be
accepted into the program until the late fee is paid in full. Payment
can be made by check or money order. No cash will be accepted.
If
you know that you will be late, please call the program on their cell
phone. You will still be assessed the late fee.
Repeated
violations may result in a child's dismissal from the program. If a
parent fails to pick up a child by 6:15 p.m. with no communication from
the parent(s), the KidQuest staff will try to contact persons who are
authorized to pick up the child and the child's emergency contact. In
the event that no one can be reached by 7:00 p.m. Social Services will
be contacted.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Immunizations
The
State of Colorado requires a certificate of immunization signed by a
physician for every child. A copy of that certificate must be on file
with the school district prior to the child starting in the program.
This must be updated annually.
Medication
Prescription
and non-prescription medications will be administered to children. The
following procedures must be followed:
1.
The State of Colorado requires a signed note from the physician for
ANY MEDICATION (both prescription and non-prescription). The statement
must include the date, name of drug, name of child, name of doctor,
dosage and times of administration.
2.
Parent must complete and sign the Parent Release for Administering Medication
form. (ES Form 2000.706/80)
3.
Please give medication directly to a staff member. The medicine MUST
be in the original container with the physician's direction for administration.
4.
Staff will store medication in a closed, locked container and will document
when it is administered.
Sunscreen
Each
family must provide sunscreen for their child. All bottles must be labeled
with the child's name. Staff will supervise application of sunscreen.
If your child burns easily, send an extra shirt for him/her to wear
while swimming. We strive to prevent sunburn and we request that you
send your child prepared to be outdoors. A permission to apply sunscreen
form must be signed by the parent.
Allergies
In
order for our staff to better serve your child, it is imperative that
parents inform staff of any allergies that their child may have or had,
for example, food, medication, or other substances.
Illnesses
According
to state licensing requirements and for the protection of all children,
KidQuest cannot accept children with the following symptoms:
…
Elevated temperature
…
Diarrhea or vomiting
…
Undiagnosed rash
…
Sore or discharging eyes or ears, profuse nasal discharge
…
Diagnosed contagious disease such as strep throat or chicken pox
Ill
children will be provided with a place to rest comfortably until they
are picked up. Parents will be notified to come and pick up their child
within the hour. Please notify the KidQuest staff if your child contracts
a contagious disease, such as whooping cough, German or regular measles.
It is a licensing requirement that signs be posted to notify other families.
Natural
Disasters and Fire Guidelines
All
staff are trained in emergency procedures and have written plans of
action. Drills are practiced routinely with the children.
For
tornadoes and severe weather, all children will be brought inside the
school facility and taken to the safe area designated for that school
and attendance will be taken. For fire, all children will be evacuated
to the safe area designated at that school and attendance will be taken.
If away from the school on a field trip, procedures will be followed
at those facilities and the children will be returned to the school
when it is safe to do so.
ACCIDENTS AND
EMERGENCIES
KidQuest
staff are certified in CPR and First Aid. We will call you or your emergency
contact person to notify of a minor accident or injury. When there is
no question that your child must be taken to the doctor or the hospital,
we will call you to inform you of our course of action as soon as possible.
It is vital that you keep our staff updated in case of changes in your
phone at work or at home.
Lost Child
Every
effort is made to keep all children safe. In the event that a child
is missing, a search will be started immediately. If necessary, the
parents and the authorities will be called to assist in the search.
Parents, please assist us in educating your child of the importance
of staying with the KidQuest staff.
Reporting
of Child Abuse
Your
child's best interests, health and safety are our prime concern. KidQuest
programs are licensed programs. KidQuest is mandated to report any suspicion
of child abuse or neglect to Arapahoe County Department of Human Services
and/or local law enforcement agencies. A report demonstrates that there
is a cause for concern, and should not be taken as an accusation. We
are not allowed to consult with parents first and must report immediately.
Arapahoe
County Department of Human Services
303-795-4825
Childcare
services play an important role in supporting families, and strong families
are a basis of a thriving community. Your child's education, physical,
emotional and social development will be nurtured in a well planned
quality program. Please observe the program regularly, especially with
regard to your child's health and safety, equipment and play materials
and staff. For additional information regarding licensing, or if you
have any concerns about a child care facility, please consult the Colorado
Department of Human Services, Child Care Licensing at 303-866-59758.
PROCEDURES FOR
DROP OFF AND PICK UP OF CHILDREN
Sign In/Out
It
is required by KidQuest and the Department of Human Services that only
authorized persons sign their children in and out each day. Please accompany
your child to sign your child in and out. KidQuest accepts responsibility
of the child upon the parent's or legal guardian's signature on he daily
sign in/out sheet and relinquishes the responsibility when the parent
or legal guardian signs the child out. Both signature and time are to
be included in this process. It is not acceptable for children to sign
themselves in and out.
Your
child will be released only to individuals that you have designated
on the Child Information Form. If you need to make changes to the list
of people authorized to pick up your child, please do so in writing.
If there is an emergency, please call your Site Director to make special
arrangements. The staff will ask to see a photo identification of any
person who they do not recognize.
KidQuest
staff will not release a child to anyone who appears to be under the
influence of alcohol or drugs, or otherwise incapable of providing responsible
care for the child.
Please
help us comply with these procedures &endash; they are for the protection
and safety of your child.
Late Drop
Off
If
your child arrives late, the parent needs to take the child to school
or to the location of the scheduled activity. It is the parent's responsibility
to have the child at the site prior to the departure from the school.
If a child is brought to a field trip location, the parent must sign
the child in. Please notify the KidQuest staff in advance if you will
be bringing your child late.
Late Pick
Up
Children
are supervised by the KidQuest staff until 6:00 pm. If the KidQuest
staff is not contacted by 6:15 p.m., the KidQuest staff will contact
all persons who are authorized to pick up the child and/or to care for
the child in case of emergency. Please refer to the late pick up charge
in the financial information. In the event that no one can be reached
by 7:00 p.m., the KidQuest staff will call Arapahoe County Department
of Human Services.
Restraining
Orders
If
there is a restraining order restricting an adult's access to a child,
we must have a copy of this order in our files. We will make every effort
and take every precaution to ensure that the order is followed.
Release
of Information and Discussions Concerning Minor Children, Parents or
Guardians With Third Parties
Requests
for information must be given to the School District in writing and
will be reviewed by the Program Coordinator, Cathy Mandel. Discussion
concerning any child, parent or guardian with a third party will only
be allowed with those individuals with whom authorization for release
of the child has been given.
PROGRAM
Typical
Daily Scheduled Activities
Enriching
activities are planned daily from which your child can choose: art,
sports, fitness, drama, science, music, reading, math skills, games,
conflict resolution skills, life skills and homework time. Snack time
if offered daily in the afternoons serving nutritious snacks. Activity
schedules will be available at the site.
Transportation
Children
will be transported in Englewood Schools leased or owned vehicles. Drivers
are required to have all current licenses and certifications. Advance
notification of location and times of field trips will be given to parents
with the activity schedules.
Field
Trips and Location of Children
Field
trips are a scheduled part of our program and will be posted on the
activity schedules as well as at the school. During full day care, we
ask that all children be dropped off by 8:30 a.m. If your child arrives
late and has missed the departure for the field trip, the parent will
assume the responsibility for transporting the child to the group at
the field trip location and locating staff to sign the child in, or
for finding alternative care for that day. All locations, addresses
and phone numbers of field trips, as well as, time of departure and
return will be posted on the activity schedules. Please realize that
our drivers are instructed to consider safety first, so that they may
run late when heavy traffic or inclement weather occur and may return
later than scheduled to the school.
Staff
will bring a copy of each child's emergency information and medical
release. First aid kits and medications will be carried.
Meals
and Snacks
Lunch
&endash; Children must bring a non-perishable sack lunch for programs
for full day care. Each lunch must contain a grain, a protein and two
fruits or vegetables. No refrigeration will be provided. The cost for
any forgotten lunch or supplemental foods that KidQuest provides will
be charged to the parent.
Snacks
&endash; An afternoon snack will be provided for your child. The snacks
are nutritious. We want snack time to be a pleasant experience for children.
The atmosphere will be kept pleasant with conversation encouraged along
with eating. No child will be forced to eat, nor denial of food ever
used as a form of punishment. Please make sure that staff are aware
of any food allergies that your child may have.
Personal
Belongings
It
is the attempt of KidQuest to teach children to be responsible for their
belongings. We believe that a child learning to care for his/her belongings
is an important life skill that we want to foster. You can help by labeling
your child's belongings for easy identification.
What to
Bring
Please
provide your child with something that will hold his/her belongings
and can easily be carried. Please read the activity schedule to determine
when a child needs to bring extra items such as a swimsuit and towel.
During vacation or full day care, please send a labeled sack lunch with
the child and labeled water bottle.
What not
to Bring
Do
not allow your child to bring expensive clothes, gang clothing or items,
guns, knives, or any type of weapon or propellant toy; pocket radio,
game boys; pets of any kind; money unless specified on the activity
schedule. DO NOT LET YOUR CHILD BRING ANY ITEM HE/SHE CANNOT AFFORD
TO LOSE!
Lost and
Found
The
school will keep a lost and found. Please check often for any lost items.
KidQuest is not responsible for lost items.
Weather
KidQuest
wants children to have the opportunity to experience the changing seasons.
All children need to be prepared to go outside on a daily basis. This
gives children a chance to get fresh air, run, climb and roll in a natural
setting. We are aware of temperature and natural weather changes. Please
send appropriate clothing for your child, e.g. snow boots, gloves, mittens,
hats, jackets and sunscreen. During hot weather, water is available
at all times. Some activities are planned in the shade and indoors.
Movie
Policy
Movies
will be shown occasionally during the program. The movie will be offered
to children as an option and will be a G rating or a PG rating with
written parent approval. No PG 13 or R rated movies will be shown in
the KidQuest programs.
Discipline
KidQuest's
philosophy of a discipline program is that discipline is a continuous,
daily process of love and logic during which:
…
Children will be encouraged at all times
…
Responsible behavior will be recognized
…
Self-esteem will be built through positive interaction.
All
children will be treated equally and with fairness. The ultimate goal
of the discipline program is for the child to demonstrate self-control
and the ability to make proper decisions. We strive to achieve a safe
environment for all children and insist on respect for all people and
property. KidQuest staff set reasonable limits and consequences and
encourages self-discipline. Daily activities will be varied and offer
a number of choices to hold the child's interest. Children are expected
to respect the staff and treat other children as they would like to
be treated and work cooperatively with one another.
Disciplinary
action may include one or more of the following guidelines:
…
Talk to the children involved and discuss appropriate behavior.
…
Communication with the parent regarding concerns.
…
Behavior modification plan.
…
Suspension from the program.
…
Dismissal from the program.
In
some cases, depending upon the severity, it becomes necessary to dismiss
a child from the KidQuest program. If this occurs, parents will be asked
to find alternative care immediately.
COMMUNICATION
Staff
Qualifications
The
quality and effectiveness of childcare services are directly related
to the skills and personal characteristics of staff. Recruiting, selecting,
training and supporting staff are essential, interrelated processes
in insuring the success and integrity of the programs.
Staff
are required to have experience in working with children. They are selected
for personal qualities of warmth, empathy, and ability to relate positively
to children. The staff development program includes training in safety,
health and nutrition, program environment, physical, cognitive, and
creative activities, communication, social skills and positive guidance,
and working with families.
All
staff are required to have first aid and CPR certifications. Background
checks are conducted on all staff including criminal record background
checks, Central Registry checks and reference checks.
Ratio
The
KidQuest follows the Colorado Department of Human Services guidelines.
Licensing requires a 1:15 ratio for school age care. KidQuest strives
to operate programs at a ratio lower than that required.
Prevention
of Child Abuse
KidQuest
is committed to a vigilant effort to safeguard and enhance the lives
of young persons in our care. Every reasonable effort is made to reduce
risks to children. Staff are trained, supervised, and evaluated on prevention
of child abuse.
Communication
with Staff
Each
KidQuest site has a Director in charge of that program. Cell phone numbers
for each site will be published on every activity schedule. If you are
unable to reach your Director or have other concerns, please call Cathy
Mandel, KidQuest Program Coordinator at 303-806-2037.
Special
requests, doctor's appointments, etc. should be in writing and given
to the staff at the site.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
Family
support is critical to the success of the program. Englewood Schools
recognizes and values parents in the program. Parental involvement is
the number one indicator for a child's success in school and, therefore,
daily communication with staff is extremely important. Open communication
among staff, parents and children is a key component of a quality childcare
program.
Family
Activities
Special
Events will be scheduled throughout the school year and we hope that
all families are able to attend. It is a great opportunity to communicate
with the KidQuest staff.
Volunteers
and Donations
Parents
are encouraged to share a hobby or area of expertise with the children
in the program. On special trips, it is helpful to bring additional
adults and parents are encouraged to volunteer. Donations for dramatic
play and arts and crafts supplies are always welcome.
Evaluation
Surveys
will be given to parents and children twice a year so that they have
the opportunity to evaluate the program. In addition, all parents are
welcome to join the Child Care Advisory Committee to assist in enhancing
the quality of the program.
VISITORS
Parents
or guardians are always welcome and encouraged to visit the program.
Visits do not need to be announced or arranged in advance. However,
the observing parent or guardian must be listed on the child's authorization
card in order to have access to the program area. Any visitor entering
the childcare program will be required to sign in, write their address,
state the purpose of the visit and show identification.
|
KidQuest
Programs