2016 – 2017 Parent’s Handbook Welcome Welcome to the F.A.M.E. (Fine Art and Music Education) After School’s centre! We are an arts enriched after school centre, wherein students, from grades 1 – 6, come to our facility and learn art, music, dance and drama. We are open Monday – Friday 3 – 6:15pm, with an earlier start time on Thursday (2pm) to accommodate the earlier dismissal times. We take the job of caring for your child very seriously. We believe in the partnership between parents/guardians and our instructors is essential for the healthy growth and development of the students. We understand that parents/guardians need to have peace of mind, knowing that their child is in a safe, nurturing environment that fosters healthy relationships.
Our Philosophy and Values We believe that children thrive in the arts while learning a sense of being part of a community, something we feel every child should experience. Our primary goal is for the development of our students, and the enrichment that comes from studying the arts. Our family-oriented, positive atmosphere builds self-esteem and the love for all art forms. The students develop creative thinking skills and the ability to push themselves to higher achievements. These skills will enhance their academic performance as well as their physical well-being. Self-confidence and self-esteem continue to develop as each student conquers new skills and grows more certain of his or her ability to apply themselves, work hard and see results. Growing through this artistic process helps students find the pathway to personal integrity and self assured adulthood. We believe that in building the students’ self-esteem, we will not only enable them to take chances and reach higher goals, but we can help build strong confident people who will excel in everyday life. The arts are fun and provide social interaction with peers who have the same interest. F.A.M.E. After School offers a unique, friendly environment where every student is valued and appreciated. We have a strong system of values and insist that our students respect, support, and thank one another. When students give so much of themselves, doing what they love, it is comforting and meaningful to know that they are all among friends. 1
Hours of Operation The centre is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 3:00pm to 6:15pm, and Thursdays from 2:00pm to 6:15pm. We are open on PD Days and Teacher’s Convention and are closed on all other non-school days: -
Labour Day Thanksgiving Day Remembrance Day Christmas Season Family Day Good Friday Spring Break Victoria Day Summer Holidays
Registration/Enrolment Registrations are accepted throughout the year, until the capacity is reached (60 students). Registration for the following year will begin in February 2017 (for returning students and their siblings) and April 2017 (for new registrations). This is based on a first come, first served basis and registrations will be confirmed via email by the end of June.
Registration Change/ Withdrawal Policy During the regular school year, F.A.M.E. After School requires 30 days notice, in order to withdraw your child from the program. You can email the program director your request at fameafterschool@gmail.com . Please note, nonattendance does not constitute withdrawal and payments will continue to be processed, until the email has been received.
Fees The fees for the centre are based on full-time enrolment. Fee structure is as follows: -
$505/Month – after school care
Payments can be received via credit cards, cheques or cash. All pre-authorized payments will be charged on the 1st of each month. There is a $10/month discount for anyone paying via auto-withdrawal from their bank account, cash or cheque. NSF Payments – you will be notified, via email, with the amount and date of your NSF payment. You will be required to repay the monthly fee, as well as a $35.00 NSF fee. Vacations – fees will not be reimbursed for vacation and/or sick days.
2
Pick Ups In an attempt to avoid gridlock traffic, each parent/guardian will have a set pick up time for the student, which will be a 5 minute window. This will be scheduled based on the parents’/guardians’ needs and timelines. At this time, the parent/guardian is to come into the centre and sign out the student. Once the student is signed out, they are no longer the responsibility for the centre. The instructors will not release students to any person, other than those persons listed on the registration form. In the event that a parent/guardian must have someone else do the pick up, notice must be given. The instructors will note the request in the log book and the designated adult will be required to provide identification (driver’s license) before the student is released to them. If you have a court order that limits the rights of one parent in matters such as custody or visitations, please provide us with a copy. Unless your court order is on file with us, we must provide equal rights to both parents. If the student does not attend school one day due to illness, appointments, vacation, etc., please notify the centre. If a student has not been picked up five minutes past the closing time (6:15pm), and we have not been notified, we will: 1) Call your home and/or your place of work 2) If we are unsuccessful in contacting you, we will notify the individuals listed as emergency contacts in the registration form your submitted.
Photography and Videotaping The parent/guardian have the option check off the box, in the agreements section of the registration package, giving permission for the student to be photographed or videotaped, while attending the centre. Pictures may be used for promotion of the program. Should the parents/guardians not give their consent, please ensure it is noted on the form and initialled. In-Direct Supervision There will be instances at the centre where a student will be without direct supervision, for short periods of time. Examples include; going to the bathroom, study time, etc. The parent/guardian must check off the box in the agreements section of the registration package, acknowledging this occurrence.
Nutrition and Snacks We provide a light snack at the beginning of each day at the centre. They will be peanut/nut free. Please be certain to inform the instructors and program director of any, and all, allergies. Students must bring bag lunches on school in-service days (PD Days and Teacher’s Convention). Parents are asked to ensure that these lunches are nutritious and appropriate (peanut/nut free). We highly recommend you provide the students with a refillable plastic bottle that they can use to drink water at the centre. 3
Health, Medication and Accident Procedures The staff cannot administer non-prescriptions drugs unless there is a note from your physician, recommending their use for a specific period of time. Prescription drugs will only be administered when a medication form is completed by the parent/guardian (found on the website) – this includes asthma and allergy medication. Children with asthma must have their medication at the centre at all times. It is also recommended that any students who may require an EpiPen keep one at the centre at all times. All medication is to be contained in the original pharmacy container, labelled with the student’s name, dosage, name of medication and expiry date. This is to be given directly to an instructor, who will store it in a secured location. Any new medication will require a new medication form. Should a student be too ill to participate in the programs, they probably should be at home. Should a student fall ill while being at the centre, the parent/guardian will be contacted and will be expected to pick up the student as soon as possible. While the instructors do their very best to avoid accidents, there is always a possibility of this occurring . All instructors are trained in first aid. All injuries will be recorded on a minor injury report (except for minor scratches, etc.) and the parent/guardian will be notified. If the instructor feels the student needs medical attention, the parent/guardian will be notified immediately. Should the injury be more serious and too severe for transportation by car, we will contact an ambulance immediately. The centre’s Evacuation/Emergency Plan, outlining specific evacuation procedures in the event of a fire or other such emergency, is posted at the centre and reviewed with all the students at the beginning of the school year and periodically throughout the school year.
Privacy Policy The student’s information is only given to the legal guardians and the instructors at the centre. In the case of emergency or injury to the student, information may be released to the proper authorities, medical staff or, in the case of suspected abuse, the appropriate child protection agency. No other information, verbal or written, regarding a student or his/her family can be release to anyone other than the parents/guardians of that student, without written consent of the parent(s)/guardian(s). Please keep the centre informed of any change of personal information, such as addresses, doctor, contact numbers or pertinent medical information (allergies, asthma, etc.).
4
Registration Package Be sure to complete all the required forms as part of the registration process. The forms can be emailed to fameafterschool@gmail.com or mailed to 3665 Allan Drive SW, Edmonton AB T6W 2K3. The forms include: -
F.A.M.E. After School General Registration Form Student’s Health Record Students Contract Method of Payment for Registration and Monthly Fees Agreement
If there is physical, cognitive, behavioural or emotional special needs, please contact the program director, prior to submitting a registration package. We want to ensure that we are able to meet the student’s needs. We have an open door policy, so please feel free to come to us with any questions you may have about the program or a student. We will be sure to be in contact with you, with any concerns we may have!
Thank you for choosing F.A.M.E. After School!!
5