Southwick
Recreation Center — Officer of the Executive Board of Directors
- President:
Geno Whitehead
- Vice President:
Kirk Sanders
- Treasurer:
Kelly
- Secretary:
Sue Evans
- Financial
Administrator: Denise Vermette
School
Age Program — Central Administration
- Program
Administrator: Dan Richton 569-3479 Work
- Site Coordinator:
Dena Goodrow
Registration
and Tuition
Call the
Rec. Center (569-3479) and leave your name and phone number.
Your call will be returned and you will be required to submit
the necessary forms prior to attendance.
There will
be a $20 full registration fee. $50 part-timers.
Tuition is $4.00 per hour and is due one week after attendance.
Daily
Schedule
- Monday
– Friday 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. / 2:30 p.m. –
6:00 p.m.
- Early Release
days available until 6:00 p.m.
- School
vacation schedule: 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Open ONLY
if 15 or more attending. A flat rate fee will be charged per
day.
- Must sign
up two weeks prior to vacation week.
Program
Cancellations
- CHANNELL
22
- CHANNEL
40
- Call 569-3479
(message will be on answering machine)
Emergencey
Drills and Procedures
Children
will be advised on proper evacuation procedures upon entering
the program. These procedures will be reviewed and discussed
on a monthly basis. Emergency drills will take place once a
month. Each exit has evacuation directions as required by the
Office of Child Care Services (OCCS).
Required
Written Notes
Children
should bring in a written note from the parents/guardians daily:
1. When
someone other than parent is temporarily responsible for picking
up the child.
2. To be dismissed other than usual manner such as going to
Brownies, Cub Scouts, CCD, Sports, & etc.
3. To administer any medication prescribed by a doctor.
4. For any restrictions on participating in any activities that
we have available.
Procedure
for Parent/Guardian Input
Parent/Guardian
input is an important part of our School-Age Program (SAP) here
at the Southwick Recreation Center. If you feel a need to speak
to a staff member, you are encouraged to do so at any time.
Meetings for parents/guardians and staff can also be arranged
to give either party an opportunity to discuss any issues that
may need addressing.
All parents/guardians
are welcome to spend time with their children during program
hours. You may also make suggestions for activities and/or program
development. If needed, you may speak to the Program Administrator
or Site-Coordinator if there is a problem concerning your child.
Snack
and Lunches
Children
bring in their own lunches for early release, snow and vacations
days. Snack schedules will be posted on the bulletin board in
the upstairs hallway. The snacks follow the OCCS guidelines
for nutritional values.
Care
of Materials and Others Property
Materials
and equipment are provided through donations or the Program’s
expense. It is expected that the children will be responsible
for the reasonable us of theses materials and in the event of
loss or damage you will pay for full replacement of each item.
All charges must be paid within 30 days of date due.
Lost
and Found
The lost
and found is located in the main play area upstairs near the
entrance door. Children should check daily. After items remain
in the box for more than one month, they will be donated to
the Good Will. SAP is not responsible for lost, broken, and
misplaced toys, etc.
Medication
Policy
According
to OCCS regulations, we are permitted to administer prescribed
medication with a daily written permission slip from the parent/guardian
of the child involved.
Health
Information
Physical
Examinations / Immunizations—parents/guardians need to
sign form indicating that their child has record of current
physical exam / immunization on record at school.
First Aid
– will be administered by certified staff for minor injuries
received during program hours. When a child becomes ill or is
seriously injured the parent/guardian is notified immediately.
If a parent/guardian cannot be reached in an emergency, the
child will be transported to the hospital.
For illness
exclusion and contagious diseases the child will be provided
a blanket, pillow, and will rest in a quiet area away from others
but within view of a group leader and parent/guardian will be
notified. PLEASE DON’T SEND YOUR CHLD IN SICK
BECAUSE YOU CANNOT MISS WORK. THIS CAUSES US TO BE OUT SICK!
Rights
of Non-Custodial Parents
A natural
parent who is separated or divorced from the parent with legal
custody of their child shall have the rights as custodial parents,
unless these rights have been limited by court action.
Prior to
the awarding of legal custody by Court, the center will assume
that both parents retain equal rights in all areas, unless a
legal temporary restraining order is presented at the center.
Custodial
parents who wish to limit these rights must provide the center
with a copy of the relevant court documents.
Regulations:
Walking To and From School
Children
are required to walk with a group leader and site coordinator
in an orderly fashion to and from school. They are expected
to abide by safety rules and regulations as described by staff
prior to their leaving. Powder Mill children will walk to and
from school by themselves, unless otherwise stated by a parent/guardian.
Suspensions
and Expulsions for Disciplinary Purposes
After following
the discipline plan and meeting with the parent/guardian, a
child who poses a major safety problem to the other children
will be asked to leave the program for a short term or permanently.
Suspension
is used with discretion. It will only occur when a child has
exhibited severe inappropriate behavior on three separate occasions.
A few examples of behaviors that may constitute suspension may
be possession of a weapon, or hurting another child to the point
that the other child’s parents/guardians come in and complain,
continuous use of foul language, continuous disrespect toward
staff, etc.
Parents/guardians
will be called in for a meeting. The Program Administrator and
Site Coordinator will meet with the parent/guardian and explain
the reasons for the suspension. This meeting will be followed
by a written notification stating the reason for, and duration
of, the suspension and the terms of reinstatement. In exceptional
situations, where immediate suspension is justified (i.e.: where
the child’s continued presence at the program endangers
person or property, or threatens disruption of the play areas)
the necessary notice and hearing will follow as soon as possible.
The Executive
Board of Directors only may expel a child from the program on
a permanent basis. Such a situation will occur with a formal
hearing before the Executive Board of Directors.
Transportation
Plan
Children
who attend the S.R.C. School-Age Program are transported to
and from the program by their parents/guardians. They do not
get transportation from the program staff.
The children
who attend the program walk with two staff member to Woodland
School at approximately 8:45 a.m. and then are escorted from
Woodland School back to the program at approximately 3:25 p.m.
daily.
The children
who attend Powder Mill School walk by themselves to school at
approximately 8:00 a.m. and back to the program at approximately
2:45 p.m. daily. If field trips were to be taken, a school bus
would be used as transportation to and from our destination.
In case
of an emergency due to an injured child who may need immediate
transportation, the parents/guardians will be notified that
the child can’t be put in an ambulance without parent’s/guardian’s
permission. If the parents/guardians can’t be reached,
the Site-Coordinator will keep trying to get in touch with the
parents/guardians next person in line on emergency phone numbers.
**
Sprecific Drop-off and Pick-up Procedure for Parents/Guardians
Daily
Parents/guardians
will come into the building when dropping off or picking up
their child/ children.
Parents/guardians must make contact with a staff member before
the child is signed in/out for the day.
**
Rules for Child with-in Waling Distance of the School Age Program
1. Parents
must sign the alternative transportation plan for that child.
2. Child must see group leader before the group leader can sign
that child out for the day.
3. Child must let the parent/guardian know and the Site-Coordinator
know if there is a problem walking home from the program (i.e.,
unfriendly contact with another person).
**It
must be stated that the Woodland School and the S.R.C. SAP has
an agreement that the school is responsible for the program children
until the S.R.C. SAP Staff have arrived to pick them up.
Statement of Purpose
The S.R.C.
School-Age Program provides an inexpensive before and after
school child care. The location adds convenience for working
parents/guardians and their children who participate in after
school activities and S.R.C. sports.
It is the
intent of the S.R.C. and its staff to provide caring supervision
within a positive environment. Developing motivation in areas
of socialization, life skills and self-image to all children
is our motto!!
Non-Discrimation
Statement
THE SOUTHWICK
RECREATION CENTER SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAM IN ADMITTING CHLDREN TO
THE PROGRAM AND ALSO IN ITS HIRING PROCEDURE WILL USE THE FOLLOWING
FEDERAL REGULATIONS:
“IN
ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 622, TITLE IX, IT IS THE POLICY OF THE
SOUTHWICK RECREATION CENTER SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAM NOT TO DISCRIMINATE
AGAINST RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, CULTURAL HERITAGE,
POLITICAL BELIEFS, DISABILITY, OR MARITAL STATUS.”
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS – DEPARTMENT OF
SOCIAL SERVICES
REPORT OF
CHILD(REN) ALLEGED TO BE SUFFERING FROM SERIOUS
PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL INJURY BY ABUSE OR NEGLECT
Massachusetts
law requires an individual who is a mandated reporter to immediately
report any allegation of serious physical or emotional injury
resulting from abuse or neglect to the Department of Social
services by oral communication. The written report must then
be completed within 48 hours of making the oral report and should
be sent to the appropriate Department office.
Written
Plan for Reporting Suspcion of Child Abuse or Neglect
Any staff
member of the S.R.C. School-Age Program who suspects a child
is a victim of abuse or neglect shall immediately report their
observations to the Program Administrator and/or the Site-Coordinator.
Incidents worthy of reporting are as follows:
1. broken
bones
2. significant number of bruises
3. lack of sleep
4. verbal remarks made by the child
5. difference in personality
6. becomes withdrawn/afraid when sees parent/guardian
7. lack of food, asks for food more than normal
8. parents/guardians do not come in to see staff daily
9. clothes are dirty, body odor
10. jumps when touched.
Once reported,
the Program Administrator shall contact the D.S.S.
The S.R.C.S.A.P. will work willingly with D.S.S. to investigate
the situation.
All suspected abuse or neglect will be recorded on a daily basis
by staff member(s). Any and all documentation shall be made
available to all necessary parties during the investigation
(i.e., D.S.S.) and be kept confidential. It is in our best interest
to stay alert to possible signs of abuse and neglect to ensure
the safety and well being of all children.
The Administrator
or designee shall notify the OCCS immediately after filing a
51A report, or learning that a 51A report has been filed alleging
abuse or neglect while in the care of the school-age program
or during a program related activity.
On-Site
Abuse/Neglect
If there
is suspicion of an incident of child abuse or neglect, which
includes a staff member, that staff member will have a hearing.
The D.S.S. will be notified of the alleged abuse / neglect.
That staff member will be suspended without pay until all accusations
are cleared and invalid. At the hearing the Program Administrator,
Site-Coordinator and/or witnesses will be present. The staff
member will be given due process. If at the end of the hearing
the Program Administrator and Site-Coordinator feel uncomfortable
with the staff member’s confession, then they will be
let go immediately. No other chances will be given.
If the allegation
seems invalid then the staff member will be on probation for
30-60 days (to be determined by the Administrator). At the end
of probation, the accused staff member will have another hearing
to see what has transpired in that period of time.
We are delighted that your child is in our program here at the
Southwick Recreation Center. With your encouragement, your child
will be part of many exciting and rewarding experiences this
year.
Since lifelong
success depends in part on self-discipline, we have developed
a Program Discipline Plan. This program provides for every child
guidance in making good decisions about his or her behavior
and an opportunity to learn in a positive educational atmosphere
possible for his/her growth. Together, we will make a difference
in this process.
The plan
below outlines our program rules, rewards and consequences.
They are as follows:
RULES:
RESPECT ALL COUNSELORS (as well as each other).
Use appropriate language
Running is allowed ONLY in the gym and outside.
Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself at all times.
No name-calling or provocation towards ANYONE.
Students
who behave appropriately will be positively rewarded with:
Positive
Notes / Praise / Treats / Awards
Students
who choose to break a rule will follow the necessary discipline
rule consequences;
1st consequence:
Verbal warning
2nd consequence: 5 minutes away from the group
3rd consequence: 10 minutes Time Out
The
above consequences are a judgment call for the Counselor, depending
on the severity
of the behavior and time in between occurrences.
4th consequence:
Send to Program Administrator / Site Coordinator
5th consequence: Speak with parents/guardians and if necessary,
write up a
behavior report.
Sever
Disruption: Send Home
** After
three severe disruptions, throughout the school year, the
child will be expelled from the center.
**No child
shall be subjected to abuse or neglect, cruel, unusual, severe
or corporal punishment including any type of physical hitting
inflicted in any manner upon the body, punishments which subject
a child to verbal abuse, ridicule or humiliation, denial of
food, rest or bathroom facilities, punishment for soiling, wetting
or not using the toilet.
It is in
your child’s best interest that we work together with
regard to his/her social behavior. We will keep you informed
about your child’s progress in our program. These rules
have already been discussed with your child, but it would be
appreciated if you would review it with your child before signing
and returning the form below. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Executive
Board of Directors
Geno Whitehead
Kirk Sanders
Kim Tuzzio
Theresa Vogel
Denise Vermette
Parent
Information
Chapter
28A, Section 10 and subsequent amendments to the General Laws
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts mandates to the Office
Of Child Care Services the legal responsibility of promulgating
and enforcing rules and regulations governing the operation
of child day care centers (including nursery schools), and school
age child care programs.
These regulations,
102 CMR 7.00, establish minimum standards for operation of group
day care and school age child care programs in the Commonwealth.
The regulations require certain things of licensees (child care
program owner) in regard to their work with parents. A summary
of the required parent information, rights, and responsibilities
follows.
Parental
Input. The licensee must appropriately involve parents of children
in care in visiting the program, meeting with the staff and
receiving reports of their children’s progress. The program
must have a procedure for allowing you to give input and make
suggestions, but it is up to the program to decide whether or
not they will be implemented.
Meeting
with parents.
In group day care programs, the licensee shall assure that the
administrator or his designee meets with the parent(s) prior
to admitting a child to the program. The parents shall have
an opportunity to visit the program’s classrooms at the
time of the meeting or prior to the enrollment of the child.
In school age programs, the licensee shall provide an opportunity
for the parent(s) and child to visit the program and meet the
staff before the child’s enrollment.
Parent Information.
The licensee must provide to the parents upon admission of their
child the program’s written statement of purpose, including
the program philosophy, goals and objectives, and the characteristics
of children served; information on the administrative organization
of the program, including lines of authority and supervision;
the program’s behavior management policy; the program’s
plan for referring parents to appropriate social, mental health,
education and medical services for children; the termination
and suspension policy; a list of nutritious foods to be sent
for snacks or meals; the program’s policy and procedures
for identifying and reporting suspected child abuse or neglect;
the procedures for emergency health care and the illness exclusion
policy; the program’s transportation plan; the procedure
for administration of medication and, upon request, a copy of
the complete health care policy; a copy of the fee schedule
and in school age child care, the procedures for on-going parent
communication. All of this information may be contained in a
“Parent Handbook.”
Parent Conferences.
The licensee must make staff available for individual conferences
with parents at your request.
Progress
Reports. At least every six (6) months the licensee should meet
with you to discuss your child’s activities and participation
in the program. The licensee will prepare a written progress
report for your child, will provide a copy to you, and will
maintain a copy of the report in your child’s file. If
your child is an infant or a child with disabilities, you should
receive a written progress report at least every three (3) months.
Program staff must bring special problems or significant developments,
particularly if they regard infants, to your attention as soon
as they arise.
Parent Visits.
You have the right to visit the center and your child’s
room at any time while your child is present.
Children’s
Records. Information contained in a child’s record is
privileged and confidential. Program staff may not distribute
or release information in a child’s record to anyone not
directly related to implementing the program plan for the child
without your written consent. You must be notified if your child’s
record is subpoenaed.
Access to
your child’s record. You are entitled to have access to
your child’s record at reasonable times on request. You
must have access to the record within two (2) business days
of your request unless you consent to a longer time period.
You must be allowed to view your child’s entire record,
even if it is maintained in more than one location. The center
must have procedures governing access to, duplication of, and
dissemination of children’s records and must maintain
a permanent, written log in each child’s record which
identifies anyone who has had access to the record or who has
received any information from the record. This log is available
only to you and the people responsible for maintaining the center’s
records.
Amending
your child’s record. You have the right to add information,
comments, data, or any other relevant materials to the child’s
record. You also have the right to request deletion or amendment
of any information contained in your child’s record. If
you believe that adding information is not sufficient to explain,
clarify or correct objectionable material in your child’s
record, you have the right to a conference with the licensee
to make your objections known. If you have a conference with
the licensee, the licensee must inform you in writing within
one week of his decision regarding your objections. If the licensee
decides in your favor, he must immediately take the steps necessary
to put the decision into effect.
Transfer
of Records. When your child is no longer in care, the licensee
can give your child’s record to you, or any other person
you identify, upon your written request.
Charge for
Copies. The licensee shall not charge an unreasonable fee for
copies of any information contained in your child’s record.
Program
Responsibilities
Providing
information to the Office
The program must make available any information requested by
the Office to determine compliance with any Office regulations
governing the program, by providing access to its facilities,
records, staff and references.
Reporting
abuse or neglect.
All center staff are mandated reporters. They are required by
law to report suspected abuse and neglect to either the Department
of Social Services or to the licensee’s program administrator.
The licensee must have written policies and procedures for reporting
and must provide the written policy to you upon enrollment.
Notification
of injury.
The licensee must notify you immediately of any injury which
requires emergency care. The licensee must also notify you,
in writing, within 24 hours, if any first aid is administered
to your child.
Availability
of OCCS Regulations
The program must maintain a copy of the regulations, 102 CMR
7.00: Standards for the Licensure or Approval of Group Day Care
and School Age Child Care Programs, on the premises of the center
and must make them available to any person upon request. If
you have a question about any of the regulations, ask the center
to show them to you.
