LEARNING THROUGH DISCOVERY - North Syracuse & Central Square YMCA BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE PARENT HANDBOOK 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR
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LEARNING THROUGH DISCOVERY North Syracuse & Central Square YMCA BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE PARENT HANDBOOK 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR YMCA OF GREATER SYRACUSE
Table of Contents
YMCA Mission Statement .............................................................................. 2
YMCA School Age Child Care......................................................................... 2
Goals of YMCA SAC Program ........................................................................ 2
Program Description ...................................................................................... 2
Staff .................................................................................................................. 2
Character Education ....................................................................................... 2
Program Schedule ........................................................................................... 3
Payment........................................................................................................ 3-4
Registration ......................................................................................................4
Program Withdrawal ....................................................................................... 5
Added Benefits ................................................................................................ 5
Program Hours ............................................................................................ 5-6
Policies and Procedures ........................................................................... 6-10
Drop Off/Pick Up Procedures ............................................................. 6-7
Attendance................................................................................................. 7
Health Guidelines……………………………………………………………………..7-8
Illness.......................................................................................................... 8
Minor Injuries ............................................................................................ 9
Injury or Illness on Site ............................................................................ 9
Administration of Medications ......................................................... 9-10
Rules and Expectations................................................................................ 10
Discipline Policy & Dismissal from Program………………………………..10-11
Visitors Policy ............................................................................................... 12
Parent Involvement....................................................................................... 12
School Problems ............................................................................................ 12
Staff or Program problems .......................................................................... 12
Healthy Eating & Physical Activity Standards……………………………..12-13
Snacks from Home ........................................................................................ 13
Vacation Camps ..................................................................................... 13-14
Half Days ........................................................................................................ 14
Drop In Program………………………………………………………………………..14-15
Inclement Weather........................................................................................ 15
Snow Days............................................................................................... 15-16
1YMCA Before & After School Care
Our before and after school programs for school age children are more
The Young than just babysitting. Caring staff are selected based on their ability to
serve as positive role models and lead planned, well supervised activities
Men’s that meet the needs of all children.
Christian
Program Goals
Association Because it’s the YMCA, our Before & After School Care
of Greater programs reinforce positive values in a caring
atmosphere. YMCA staff help children build confidence,
Syracuse trust and positive values by making friends and taking
puts part in group projects and activities where fair play, team
work and responsibility are emphasized.
Christian
principles Program Description
The YMCA Before & After School Care program follows a schedule which
into includes: group activities, choice time, homework/quiet time, character
practice education, outdoor/gym time, and a healthy afternoon snack. The group
activity could be a game or sit down activity in which everyone
through participates. Quiet time allows those with homework to get a start on it
programs and provides others with the opportunity to do individual projects. Choice
time and individual activities are times when the children can choose an
that build activity to pursue on their own or with others in the program while waiting
to be picked up. In addition, sites utilize enrichment centers which offer
healthy opportunities for choice and personal exploration.
spirit, mind Staff
and body The YMCA Before & After School Care program staff are enthusiastic
individuals who are committed to providing a safe, diverse, and fun
for every program for all children. Every program has a Site Coordinator with a
member of degree in Education & staff who have experience working with children.
Staff are CPR and First Aid certified. All staff are also screened through
the family. the New York State Central Registry for Child Abuse and Maltreatment and
attend YMCA trainings throughout the school year.
Character Education
Character education is at the heart of what we do and has been part of the YMCA for over 150 years. We
plan to provide the best program possible, which at the YMCA means more than just the activity. We
believe character education is an important aspect of what we do here at the YMCA. Like all YMCA youth
programming, activities at our Before & After School Care sites promote the values of Honesty, Respect,
Responsibility, & Caring. It is the goal of the YMCA staff to foster and recognize these values throughout
Program Schedule
the year.
The programs will generally follow this schedule:
More information about character education will be given to the children and parents in future newsletters.
2This generic schedule will vary at each program location based on group needs.
AM PROGRAM *Centers include structured individual or group
Open-7:45 Arrival/Choice Time projects, activities and games.
7:45-8:15 Centers
8:15-8:45 Outdoor/Gym Time *Choice time is the time when the children can
8:45-9:00 Clean up/Group Meeting/Dismissal choose an activity to pursue on their own or
with others in the program.
PM PROGRAM
3:20-3:30 Arrival/Greet Children *Homework time allows participants the option
3:30-3:40 Group Meeting to begin working on homework assignments.
3:40-4:45 Centers/Homework/Snack Keep in mind, we maintain 1:10 (adult: child)
4:45-5:30 Outdoor/Gym Time ratios at all times during program and cannot
5:30-6:00 Choice Time provide individualized tutoring or homework
support.
NOTE: All changes to your child’s Before and After school schedule (i.e. days attending)
must be reported to Linda Spier, Child Care Bookkeeper and to the school your child
attends. Please submit all changes in writing a minimum of 2 weeks in advance.
Payment
Monthly rates are flat rates that do not change from month to month. The YMCA determines a fair
daily rate, multiplies it by the number of school days, and divides by the number of school months.
Half days and vacation days use a separate registration form and require an additional fee.
We offer 15% off the fees for each additional child in a family. In order for the special rate to
apply, the children must all be registered for the same program times.
Registration forms and September payments are due at the time of registration for the school year
& $20 of this is a non-refundable processing fee. Any missing information will result in delayed
registration. An invoice will be sent out the first week of each month for the next month’s tuition.
Monthly payments are due by the 20th of the month for the following month of care. Payments may
be made by check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, cash or money order. Payments
may be dropped off or mailed to the North Area Family YMCA at 4775 Wetzel Rd; Liverpool, NY
13090. Please send them “Attention: Linda Spier.” Staff at program sites are not permitted to
accept program registrations or payments.
You may also choose to make payments and/or register for programs online:
- Go to www.ycny.org
- Online Registration
- Login using your email as your ID + your child’s initials and 6 digit date of birth as the
password (e.g. JJ030212)
- “Program Search”
o Branch = North
o Category = School Age Child Care
o Select your child’s program and proceed to cart
3- “Program Balances” will show rosters accepted & balances due.
Automatic Payment Plan (APP)
You may choose to have your Before & After School Care payments automatically drafted from a
credit card on a monthly basis. Monthly debits are deducted at midnight on the 20th of each month
and will continue until your withdrawal from the program. We must receive 2 weeks written notice
if you want to withdraw from the program. If the charge is declined, you will be responsible to
make payment to the YMCA in the amount of the monthly fee plus an additional $20.00
administrative processing fee.
Drop Ins, Snow Days, & Late Pick-up fees will also be charged to this same credit card as part of
your monthly automatic debit. However, due to new federal regulations we can no longer
maintain a card on file to charge for Half Day & Vacation Camp programs.
It is important that all payments are made at the time they are due. If payments are not received
prior to the 20th, you will be charged a late fee of $20.00. If payment and late charges are not
received by the last day of the month, services will be terminated.
PLEASE NOTE:
• Chronic late payments may result in termination of services.
• If payment is split between two parties, both parties must be paid in full or your child may
be dismissed from the program.
• NSF Charges: There will be a $20.00 fee assessed for all returned checks & declined credit
cards. The YMCA will require that future payments be made by cash or money order after
two instances of non-sufficient funds.
Registration
In order to register your child for a Before & After School Care program, the following information
is available on our website at www.YCNY.org and needs to be submitted annually:
• Registration Form
• Payment (First month’s fees + $20 registration fee)
• Written Medication Consent Forms (One per medication that your child will/may need to
be given while in the care of YMCA staff)
• IEP (An IEP provides valuable classroom information/strategies & thus continuity for your
child)
• IHP (The Individual Health Care Plan is a parent tip sheet used to describe your child’s
individual behaviors/needs & list effective tips to help your child be successful.)
• Copy of Court Ordered Custody Papers (new copies must be provided annually)
The YMCA complies with applicable federal and state disability discrimination laws and will consider
reasonable accommodations to its policies to allow children with disabilities to enjoy equal benefits
of this program. Please contact the Sr Program Director of School Age Child Care & Camp if your
child may require accommodations.
Please notify your child’s classroom teacher when s/he will begin attending the YMCA Before &
After School Care program so that we may assure your child’s smooth transition from the school
4day to the Y program. A simple note sent to his/her classroom teacher can help keep school
personnel informed.
Program Withdrawal
We must receive 2 weeks written notice if you want to withdraw from the program. Should you fail
to send written notification of withdrawal, you will be held responsible for payment even if your
child has not been attending. Withdrawal forms may be completed at our Member Services desk or
emailed to Linda Spier at Lspier@syracuseymca.org
North Area Family YMCA Value Added Benefits
FULL TIME (5 days): YMCA Youth Membership
Full time participants (5 days AM and/or 5 days PM) will receive a YMCA Youth Membership for the
amount of time the child is enrolled in our program. If you would like to activate this membership,
upgrade to a Family Membership, or are already Family Members & should now receive a discount,
please stop by the North Area Family YMCA Member Services desk to complete the proper form.
Please bring your confirmation letter as verification of your child’s schedule.
Program Hours
AM/PM Programs are held in the school cafeteria unless otherwise noted:
North Syracuse
Allen Road Elementary 7:10-9:00am Dismissal-6:00pm
KWS Bear Road Elementary 7:10-9:00am Dismissal-6:00pm
Cicero Elementary 7:10-9:00am Dismissal-6:00pm
Lakeshore Road Elementary 7:10-8:30am 3:50-6:00pm
(Held at Cicero El…AM end times & PM start times reflect anticipated bus departure & arrival)
Smith Road Elementary 7:10-8:30am 3:45-6:00pm
(Held at Bear Rd…AM end times & PM start times reflect anticipated bus departure & arrival)
Roxboro Road Elementary 7:10-9:00am Dismissal-6:00pm
Roxboro Road Middle School 7:10-8:00am Dismissal-6:00pm
(Held at Rox El)
Central Square
Brewerton Elementary 6:30-9:00am Dismissal-6:00pm
• All authorized drop off and pick up persons must be 16 yrs of age and older. Please be
prepared to show a picture ID at the time of pick-up & share this requirement with anyone
you send to pick-up your child.
• YMCA staff are on site a few minutes before the start of program each morning. This is
their time to set up for the morning’s activities. Please do not drop off your child before
the start of program time. Please walk your child into the program and sign him/her in. We
will not be responsible for children who are just dropped off.
• The YMCA after school program is held from the time school is dismissed until 6:00PM. If
you do not pick up your child by closing time, the Site Coordinator will attempt to call you
or the emergency numbers listed on your registration form. If no one is reached by
6:30PM, the Site Coordinator will call the Sr Program Director of School Age Child Care &
Camp and/or the police.
5• There will be a $1.00/per family late fee for every minute you are late in picking up your
child(ren). You will be billed for this when late. (Leniency is called for on stormy nights, but
please pick-up your child as soon as you safely arrive.) Please make arrangements for
someone else to pick up your child by 6pm if you know in advance that you will not be able
to pick up your child by 6:00pm. Chronic tardiness of 3 or more late pick-ups may result in
termination of services.
Note: Every site will have a cell phone to use for emergency assistance calls. All parents will be
given the phone number at the start of the school year or upon mid-year registration for the
program. If your child will be absent, please call and leave a message for the Y staff. Please also
call if you know you will be late picking up or someone else will be picking up your child. If for any
reason you are unable to reach someone, please contact the Sr Program Director of School Age
Child Care & Camp at the North Area Family YMCA at 451-2562.
Allen Rd: 412-2826 Bear Rd: 412-9167 Cicero El: 412-9169
Roxboro Rd: 412-9305 Brewerton El: 412-2404
Policies and Procedures
Drop Off / Pick Up Procedures
If your child attends any of the before/after school programs, you must escort your child to and
from the program. Please sign him/her in or out for the morning and afternoon. This may seem
inconvenient, but your child’s safety is our top priority.
All Before & After School Care participants at the elementary schools will be dismissed with a
verbal announcement & will walk independently to their classroom or Y program. During the first
few days of school, Kindergarteners may be escorted by YMCA staff or paired with an older student
in the morning & classroom teachers often escort them to the Y program in the afternoon.
Only people listed on your child’s authorization form will be allowed to pick up your child from the
YMCA Before & After School Care program. Your child will not be released to anyone else. If you
need someone other than those listed on the authorized list to pick up your child after school, you
must give written permission (with the person’s name and your signature on it) to your Site
Coordinator 24 hours prior to the time of pick up. No exceptions will be made to this requirement.
If there is an unexpected or last minute change of an authorized pick up person, please call the site
phone or the YMCA & ask the School Age Coordinator or Director for assistance.
If your child will be attending an after school activity, please follow the procedures listed below:
A. After school activity which begins at school dismissal time
1) Parent must provide the Site Coordinator with a written permission note
2) The child will check in with a YMCA program staff
3) The child will then proceed to the after school activity
4) The child will return to the YMCA program at expected time
B. After school activity beginning during YMCA program hours
1) Parent will provide a note giving after school activity staff permission to sign
the child out of the YMCA program.
2) The after school activity staff will pick up and sign out the child.
63) The after school activity staff will drop off and sign in the child at the YMCA
program. (You may also elect to pick your child up directly from the after school
activity.)
To maintain NYS OCFS staff to child ratio requirements, YMCA staff are unable to escort
children to & from extracurricular activities (Exception: Roxboro Road Middle School)
Please do all that you can to assist the site staff and the YMCA in following these regulations. The
YMCA policies are in place to ensure the safety of all children attending the YMCA Before & After
School Care program.
Attendance
Within the first 15 minutes of school dismissal, attendance will be taken by the Site
Coordinator/Assistant. If a child is absent from the program and the YMCA staff have not received
prior notification, the Site Coordinator will check the school’s absence list. If the child is not on the
school’s absence list, the Site Coordinator will attempt, to the best of his/her ability, to contact the
parents/guardians. Please let your Site Coordinator & the school know if your child will not be
attending the afternoon program at any time. Each Site Coordinator has a mailbox in the school
office for these types of messages or you may leave a message on the site cell phone. Please
include the applicable date in the message.
Health Guidelines
The YMCA shall accept into the Before & After School Care program all children who are able to
participate within the regular activities and guidelines as part of a group with a ratio of 10 children
to 1 staff. All program participants must be capable of independent toileting on a regular basis.
In accordance with the requirements of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable
state disability law, the YMCA will not discriminate against any individual on the basis of disability.
The YMCA will consider reasonable accommodations and/or modifications to its policies and
procedures when such are necessary to allow children with disabilities an equal opportunity to
participate in this program, unless the accommodations or modifications would pose an undue
hardship or fundamentally alter the nature of the program. The YMCA will not exclude any child
with a disability from the full and equal enjoyment of its services, unless the child poses a direct
threat to the health or safety of others in the program. The YMCA will not exclude any child from
the full and equal enjoyment of the program because of the child's association with a person with a
disability.
If a child seeking enrollment in the program requires reasonable accommodation, the
parent/guardian should discuss the child's needs with the Sr Program Director of School Age Child
Care & Camp who can be reached at (315) 451-2562 x226. If you feel that an accommodation
and/or enrollment request has been wrongfully denied, you may contact the Executive Director at
(315) 303- 5966 x205 to further discuss the matter.
All enrollment applications will be held for a minimum of 3-5 business days to allow sufficient time
for a member of the YMCA School Age Child Care Administration Team to review necessary
information before a child is enrolled in the program. If a parent/guardian has indicated that a
child may require some form of accommodation or additional support, the YMCA will set up a
7meeting with the parent/guardian to determine whether the child has a disability for
which accommodations are needed and to explore potential accommodations. An Individual Health
Care Plan will need to be developed prior to the completion of the enrollment process. When
necessary, the YMCA will obtain written authorization from the parent/guardian in order
to obtain pertinent medical information from the child's healthcare provider regarding the child's
disability and need for accommodations. The YMCA will then make an individualized assessment to
determine whether the child would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others
and/or whether it will be able to meet the particular needs of the child without fundamental
alteration or undue hardship to the program. If a request for reasonable accommodation or
modification is denied, the YMCA will notify the parent/guardian of the reason(s) for the denial.
If a child requires equipment, auxiliary aids or services beyond those which the YMCA is required to
provide under the law, the YMCA will attempt to direct the parent/guardian to local agencies that
may be able to provide the child with assistance. This program is designed for a group care setting
so we generally cannot provide one on one care. If it is determined that a child requires the one-to-
one care of a personal assistant in order to participate in the program, it will be the
parent/guardian's responsibility to assume full responsibility for securing the necessary support
person who will in turn be responsible for facilitating the child's participation as well as providing
the child with any necessary personal services, such as toileting assistance. If the outside support
services provided by the parent/guardian are unavailable at any time the child is scheduled to
attend the program, the parent/guardian will need to make other child care arrangements for that
day.
The original Individual Health Care Plan forms shall be kept on file in the administrative office and a
photocopy shall be provided for all sites at which the child participates in a program. Should no
special health care adaptations be necessary for a child with special health needs, the parent will
note this on their child’s Individual Health Care Plan. In addition, the parent/guardian will provide a
copy of the child’s current IEP for the YMCA Before & After School Care staff.
Every child shall be included in all activities and lessons plans shall allow for adaptation of
activities based on a child’s limitations. Such limitations may include, but are not limited to, the
following: dietary restrictions, autism spectrum, physical restriction/deformities,
emotional/behavioral disorders, ADD/ADHD, and Down Syndrome.
All staff shall receive training in techniques & expectations for working with children with special
needs.
Illness
A sick child should remain at home, both for his/her health and that of the other children in the
program. Please inform us of the nature of any illness, especially if it is a communicable disease.
A child who displays any of the following symptoms shall be considered too ill to participate in the
program: fever, extreme fatigue, consistent coughing, vomiting, signs of a contagious infection
(e.g. pink eye, strep throat, etc) or any other symptoms that prevent a child from participating in all
scheduled program activities.
Again, if your child is going to be absent for any reason, please leave a message on the site phone
for the YMCA Site Coordinator. This is for your child’s safety and accountability.
8Minor Injuries
YMCA staff will administer basic first aid if a child is injured and an Incident Report will be
completed. Parents will be informed of the incident upon arrival to pick up a child and will be asked
to sign the form.
Injury or Illness on Site
If your child is seriously injured or becomes ill, the Site Coordinator will attempt to contact a
parent, guardian or emergency contact person. If the staff are unable to reach you, they may call
an ambulance or paramedic, and/or have your child taken to an emergency hospital in the company
of a staff member.
Administration of Medication
The YMCA Before & After School Care program is licensed to administer medication during program
hours. Each site has at least one staff that is certified to administer medication. If your child
needs to take medication during the YMCA Before & After School Care program, you must complete
and return a Written Medications Authorization Form. This form must be signed by your child’s
physician even if it is an over the counter medication. In addition, a child with asthma must have
an Asthma Care Plan completed by a parent with input by the child’s physician. All medication
must be kept in the original package and be labeled with the following: child’s name, prescriber’s
name, pharmacy name & number, date of prescription, name of medication, dosage, time to
administer, and dates to administer. Please be certain that the expiration date on the package
matches the one stamped on the medication.
All medication will be kept in a locked and secure location. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility
to give the YMCA staff all medications. Do not send the medication to school with your child.
Parents must pick up all medications from YMCA staff no later than 2 weeks after discontinuing
services. During this time, YMCA staff will attempt to contact parents at least twice to remind
them of their responsibility. If medication remains in the YMCA’s possession at the end of 2 weeks,
the YMCA will contact a local pharmacy to determine the appropriate way to discard of the
medication.
Should a MAT certified staff not be present at a site when medication is scheduled to be
administered, the staff will adhere to the following procedures. A MAT certified staff from another
site may leave their site (only if it is within NYS ratios) to administer medication at the other site.
If this is not possible on any given day, the parents will be contacted & given the following options:
request that the school nurse administer the medication at the end of the school day, to come to
the site and administer the medication themselves or have a relative with the third degree of
consanguinity of the parents or step-parents of a child administer the medication, to verbally
consent to the medication not being taken by the child, or to pick the child up from the program
immediately.
Should the staff fail to administer medication as requested on any given day; the parent/guardian
will be notified at the time of pick up.
Should you wish to discontinue the administration of a medication; the parent/guardian will be
asked to sign the Medication Discontinuation Authorization portion of the consent form.
9Please notify YMCA Before & After School Care staff if your child was given medication within 2
hours of coming to the program. Written notification must include medication name, dosage and
time of administration. If this is a daily medication only one written notice is needed for the school
year. Staff must be informed in order to watch for any possible side effects.
The YMCA Before & After School Care staff will only administer medication when all NYS
regulations are met. A child who needs to take medication during program hours may not
begin attending until the correct forms & medications are received.
Rules and Expectations
These rules are to be followed by all of the YMCA Before & After School Care program participants
to ensure the safety and continuing success of the program.
All program participants will respect adults and the rights of other children by following the rules:
1. Listen to and follow directions
2. Remain on task and do not disrupt the progress of others
3. Speak to others in a polite manner without swearing, hurtful comments, or obscene
gestures
4. Show respect to the staff and other program participants
5. Refrain from all prejudice/racist speech, writing, actions etc.
6. Respect YMCA property and the belongings of others
7. Walk quietly and orderly when in the YMCA’s care
8. Never leave the program without permission from a staff person
9. Keeping bodily fluids contained (ex.: no spitting…)
10. No pushing or touching others in an inappropriate manner – keep hands and feet to oneself
11. Any rules created by the YMCA staff at the program site
Rules will be put together by each site and reviewed with the children participating in the SAC
program.
Any physical aggression directed toward another child, or a staff member, may result in
the child’s immediate dismissal from the program. Parents will be contacted to come pick
the child up immediately. Your child may be dismissed from the program for a length of
time dependent on the severity of the physical aggression.
Discipline Policy/Consequences
The YMCA will follow a progressive policy when behavior expectations are not met. The following
behaviors are considered inappropriate and subject to disciplinary action:
1. Disorderly Conduct – any physical aggression or obscene language, destruction of
property, or any willful and unsanctioned act which disrupts the normal operation of
the YMCA Before & After School Care program and/or participants
2. Insubordinate Behavior – Failure to comply with any program rule, regulation,
policy or directions of the YMCA staff
3. Reckless Endangerment – any action which threatens or endangers the health,
welfare, or safety of another person
104. Endangering Safety, Morals, Health, or Welfare of Others –
bullying/harassment of children or staff in the Y program, selling/using/possessing
controlled substances, weapons, fireworks, obscene or dangerous materials, theft,
etc.
When these types of incidents occur, emphasis will be on problem solving and helping the child
make better future decisions. Staff will begin by acting as positive role models and reinforcing
positive behaviors. Continued disregard for program rules will result in corrective feedback,
including but not limited to: reminders, warnings, redirection, time out within the room or another
room (when the child is at risk of causing harm to his/herself or another participant & needs time
to regain self-control), parent notification and discipline report. If misconduct continues or
becomes severe, the staff will contact the Sr Program Director of School Age Child Care & Camp.
NOTE: If your child receives a discipline report, s/he could be suspended/dismissed from the
program for 1 week or the remainder of the program depending on the severity of the incident. If
your child receives 3 discipline reports, s/he may be terminated from the program.
Depending on the severity of the incident and/or a child’s ability to calm down & successfully return
to program activities, the parents may be contacted to come pick the child up immediately. Your
child may be dismissed from the program for a length of time depending on the severity of the
misconduct.
Dismissal from the Program
The following may result in the child’s immediate dismissal from the program:
- prejudice/racist speech, writing, actions, etc.
- possession of a weapon
- any physical aggression directed toward another child or a staff member.
A child that has been dismissed from the program must wait at least 12 months before s/he may
register for another YMCA school age child care program or summer camp run by the YMCA of
Greater Syracuse which is comprised of the Downtown YMCA, East Area Family YMCA, Manlius
YMCA, North Area Family YMCA, Northwest Family YMCA, &Southwest Family YMCA. The first 90
days of participation will be considered probationary and any recurring behavior challenges may
result in immediate & final dismissal from the school age child care programs. After a child
successfully participates in the program for 90 days without incident, they will return to the
standard 3 discipline report policy.
Parent Conduct Policy:
Any parent/guardian exhibiting misconduct towards or in the presence of staff and/or program
participants (e.g. threats, harassment, or pick-up violations) may be required to make arrangements
for a different authorized person to drop off/pick-up the child. If the situation is severe or the
behavior continues, it may lead to the termination of your child from the program.
11Visitors Policy
There are occasions that we have visitors at our program sites. These visitors may be guest
speakers invited by the staff or family members of participants. All visitors must sign in & out on
our Visitors Log and present a picture ID to the staff.
Although we have an open door policy for parents to enter the program at any time, a
parent/guardian must provide written permission for a participant to have a visitor enter the
program for any reason other than picking up a child. We ask that you please discuss with your
child’s Site Coordinator when would be the most appropriate and least disruptive time to have a
visitor at the program. We appreciate your understanding as we do our best to provide a quality
structured program for your children.
Parent Involvement
Your involvement with the program and cooperation with policies and procedures is essential. Take
every opportunity to talk with all YMCA staff involved in the Before & After School Care program
about your child and ask your child about the program each day. You may also volunteer by helping
out, offering your special talents, and donating supplies and/or gently used toys that you no longer
want.
School Problems
Any problem that your child may have in school may carry over into the YMCA programs. Please
keep us aware of these situations so that we may be sensitive to the needs of your child. The
YMCA Before & After School Care staff would like to work as a team with the school and your
family so that we may provide the best environment for your child’s growth and development.
Staff or Program Problems
Parents should first discuss any program problems or concerns with the Site Coordinator so that it
may be handled accordingly. In addition, we encourage you to contact the Sr. Program Director of
School Age Child Care & Camp at the North Area Family YMCA regarding any recurring or
unresolved issues/concerns. We encourage you to call with any questions, problems, or concerns
that you may have. Parents may also schedule an appointment with their site staff during the year
to discuss their child.
Healthy Eating & Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards
The YMCA is dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. As a
commitment to these goals, Y USA implemented new Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA)
Standards in all child care programs across the nation in 2013. As a part of this program we
implement education programs for parents and staff. We also incorporate specific standards,
including Physical Activity, Screen Time, & Snack Time in our daily routines.
• Physical Activity - At the YMCA Before & After School Care program we strive to ensure
children are given the opportunity to engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity,
including some moderate to vigorous activity, during program and play will be outdoors
whenever possible.
• Screen Time - We strive to actively engage children in our recreational activities & feel that
screen time should not be a part of our short, structured program hours.
12• Snack Time - At the YMCA Before & After School Care program, water is accessible to
children at all times and we will not serve beverages with added sugars. At our after school
program we will serve fruits and/or vegetables 5 days a week for snack. Additionally, we
serve all snacks Family Style to help children learn more about portion control and practice
using good manners while sharing a meal together with friends.
Snacks from Home
Your child will have a nutritious afternoon snack provided by the YMCA daily; however s/he may
bring a snack from home if preferred. If there are dietary restrictions, please note them on your
child’s registration form. You will also be asked to complete an Individual Health Care Plan to
assist YMCA staff with meeting the needs of your child.
Morning program students should either have breakfast before they arrive or bring a simple
breakfast that they can eat upon arrival at the program site. Snacks are not provided at the AM
program.
We ask that foods brought from home meet the YMCA healthy eating standards that we are
incorporating in our programs.
Vacation Camp
The YMCA offers full day Vacation Camp for participants of the before/after school programs in the
Central Square and North Syracuse School Districts. All Vacation Camp participants must be ages
5-12 years old. Care is offered during most breaks. Vacation Camp provides a structured day with
time for crafts, games, swimming, and both large & small group activities. Participants will use the
YMCA Family Changing Rooms to change for swim. Approximately 4 children of the same gender
and age range will share a single room with the door ajar to allow staff to hear & supervise from
the hall.
Registration forms are available at your child’s site, on our website at www.YCNY.org, and at the
North Area Family YMCA. The cost of this program is separate from your monthly program fee and
full payment is due at the time of registration. You may also register for these program days on
our website (see instructions on page 3).
All registrations received less than 3 days prior to a scheduled vacation day will be subject
to a $10.00 late fee and must be pre-approved by a member of the School Age
Administration Team.
There must be a minimum of 10 children registered for the YMCA to run the program. All children
must be pre-registered before the start of the program. Fees are paid at the time of registration
and if the YMCA needs to cancel the program, you will be notified and your payment returned or
credited to another date.
If you do not register your child in advance and want to register at the last minute, you must
contact the School Age Office to see if there is room to take more children. Please do not just
show up on the vacation day with your child as you may be turned away.
13You do not receive credit if your child is registered and you decide not to send him/her unless
advance 2 week written notice is provided. Such schedule changes are subject to a $5 processing
fee. DSS participants who register but do not attend & fail to contact the School Age Office in
advance will be accountable for paying the YMCA’s regular stated fees.
You need to bring your child to the Vacation Camp program and sign him/her in and out of the
program. Your child should bring a full lunch with a drink and appropriate clothing for outdoor play.
The YMCA will provide a nutritious afternoon snack. Please remember to pick up & bring
medication from your child’s B/A School program that staff may/will need to administer
during program. We will not transfer it from a school site.
Vacation Camp locations:
- North Area Family YMCA – Available most days North Syracuse is closed (includes daily
recreation swim). Program runs 7:00AM-6:00PM.
- Brewerton Elementary - Available on days that Central Square is the only district closed.
Program runs 7:00AM-5:00PM.
Half Days
If school has a scheduled half day for parent conferences or a Superintendent’s Day, we will hold
our program from the time of dismissal until 6:00pm. There is an additional fee for half day care
that must be paid at the time of registration.
All registrations received less than 3 days prior to a scheduled half day will be subject to a
$10.00 late fee. Registration ends at 12Noon the day prior to the scheduled half day
(e.g.: No registrations will be accepted after 12pm 09/27 for a program held on 09/28).
Our registration deadline is a safety precaution that allows us to prepare for proper staff coverage
and to notify each school with a list of scheduled participants. Forms will be available at your
child’s site, on our website at www.YCNY.org, and at the North Area Family YMCA. If a registration
is not turned in, your child will not be permitted to stay in the program and you will be called to
come and pick up your child. Your child must bring a lunch on these days.
NOTE: Coverage of half days and vacation days is not included in your monthly fee and a separate
registration form with fee is required.
Drop In Program
The Drop In program is designed to meet parents’ child care needs created by random commitments
during hours a child does not normally attend program. You may contact the School Age Office up
to 2 weeks in advance to find out if there is space in the program on the day services are needed.
If Drop In services are needed at the last minute & no one is available in the School Age Office, you
may contact your child’s program site to discuss availability with the Site Coordinator.
Families who are on the Automatic Payment Plan will have their fees charged to the credit card on
file for their regular Before & After School Care program. All others should visit our website or
Member Services to make payment the day after the reservation is made. If a cancellation is made
in writing more than 24 hours in advance, your account will be credited for this payment; however
14late cancellations or failure to notify the office will maintain your accountability for the stated fees
regardless of attendance.
AM Program: $16 per day PM Program: $19 per day
Please note: The daily fee applies even if your child is using the Drop In program instead of
attending another day that has been paid for by your child’s monthly tuition.
Inclement Weather Policy
Delays:
These times apply to both the North Syracuse and Central Square School Districts.
1 hour delay – program will run from regular time until school starts
2 hour delay – program will run from 8:15am until school starts
Early Dismissals:
If school has an early dismissal (ex: 1:00 pm) due to poor weather conditions, the YMCA PM
program will be canceled. We cannot hold the program in a school if it is closed and you will
need to make other arrangements for your child. If the weather is bad and you are unsure of our
program schedule, call the School Age Office at the YMCA. A detailed reminder regarding our
Inclement Weather Policies will be sent out in November.
*If after school activities are canceled due to poor weather conditions, but school does not dismiss
early, the YMCA Before & After School Care program will run as scheduled.
If school has an unannounced cancellation or early dismissal due to a bomb threat, gas leak, power
outage, etc., the affected School Age Child Care programs will be canceled. If children are in our
care at the time of the incident, staff will call parents to pick up children immediately. We will
follow school procedures during these incidents.
Snow Days:
The YMCA offers full day Snow Day Care for participants of the before/after school programs in the
Central Square and North Syracuse School Districts when there is a district wide closing due to
poor weather conditions. Care is now offered every time your district closes!
Program is available for participants ages 5-12 years old
Program locations & hours
o North Area Family YMCA runs 8:30am-6:00pm
o Brewerton Elementary runs 8:30am-5:00pm (Only available on days that Central
Square is the only district closed.
Availability is on a First Come, First Served basis
Registration Process
o You may reserve a spot for your child by calling the North Area Family YMCA on the
morning of a cancellation
o You must call the Y to cancel a reserved spot if your plans change & you will not
need care; otherwise you will still be accountable for paying our stated fees.
15o Complete a brief registration form upon arrival at the program
o Please remember to bring any medication your child will/may need
o Please remember to send a lunch, swim items, & appropriate outdoor attire
o You will be sent an invoice or an approved APP credit card will be charged
We hope that this handbook is helpful and provides a comprehensive picture of our
YMCA Before & After School Care. Please feel free to contact the School Age Office
at the North Area Family YMCA with any additional questions or concerns.
Holly M Kontak Stephanie DiBiase Linda Spier
Sr Program Director School Age Coordinator Child Care Bookkeeper
School Age Child Care & Camp 451-2562 x224 451-2562 x227
451-2562 x226 sdibiase@syracuseymca.org Lspier@syracuseymca.org
hkontak@syracuseymca.org
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