Extended Day
Program
KidzU
2020-2021
Table of Contents
Mission Statement and Program Goals……….……….………..2
Contact Information………..….……...2
COVID-19 Guidelines……….3 - 4
Hours of Operation………….……….………...………..4
Enrollment Eligibility and Limitations……….….4
Wait List………..…....4
Holiday Camp………....5
Registration………....6
Tuition and Payment Options………..….6-7
KidzU Policies and Procedures………...8
Pick Up Procedures and Absences………....8
Withdrawal from Program……….9
Snacks……….9
Extra Clothing/Personal Items/Electronic Devices………...9
Inclement Weather………..10
Media / Photo Release………...10
Behavior Expectations………..10-11
Health and Safety Guidelines………..11-15
GCISD Extended Day Program Mission Statement:
Our mission is to support and develop children’s personalities, talents, and abilities by creating opportunities to develop character, inspire life-long learning, and foster community.
Goals:
1. Create an environment that nurtures intellectual, social, emotional, and physical needs and growth.
2. Provide extended learning opportunities that are both play-based and child centered that inspires creativity and curiosity.
3. Employees will deliver high quality, research driven supervision and learning.
KidzU Administrative Staff:
Megan Scarborough, Coordinator of Extended Day Programs Sarah Wiseman, Assistant Coordinator of Extended Day Programs
Michelle McNeely, Extended Day Services Administrative Assistant
KidzU Administrative Contact Information: GCISD Administration Building
3051 Ira E. Woods Ave. Grapevine, TX 76051 (817) 251-5545
KidzU Campus Contact Information
Each KidzU location has a direct phone extension. Staff will be available after 1:00 PM daily. Messages may be left on the voicemail and will be retrieved each day when staff arrive on campus. 817-251-5620 School Extension BCE 2471 BES 2560 CAN 3465 CES 2660 DOV 3570 GHE 3765 GES 3660 HES 2701 OCT 2861 SLE 3850
COVID-19 Guidelines
For the latest COVID-19 GCISD guidelines. Please see the GCISD website and email updates.
Health Screenings All students and staff should be assessed for any signs of COVID-19
before leaving home every day. Parents must ensure they do not send a child to school on a campus if the child has COVID-19 symptoms, been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or is test-confirmed with COVID-19. Students and staff may be subject to periodic temperature checks for verification, especially if they are feeling ill or suspected of having a fever during the school day.
Face Coverings All students in third through twelfth grade and all GCISD staff members are
required to wear a face mask or a face covering while at school. Students in pre-kindergarten through second grade must wear a face covering in specific areas designated by the campus protocols and are strongly encouraged to wear it throughout the day.
- Schools are required to comply with Governor Abbott’s executive order regarding the wearing of masks.
- TEA’s definition of masks include non-medical grade disposable face masks and cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth).
Social Distancing All students and staff must adhere to social distancing guidelines when
feasible. This may not be feasible in all classes and grade levels, which is why it is important to wear a face covering and follow additional safety protocols.
- Assigned seats will be used and students must stay in their designated area. - Students will not share spaces or materials.
Cleaning/Sanitizing/Disinfecting Electrostatic Misters will be deployed to every campus to increase the efficiency of building sanitation. Touchpoints or high-touch items and surfaces will be cleaned regularly throughout the day. Restrooms will be disinfected three times during the school day and every evening. Students in Pre-K through fifth grade will have three-sided shields that are portable.
Hand Washing/Sanitizer Stations
GCISD staff will promote rigorous and proper handwashing and the use of hand sanitizing stations that will be available throughout our buildings.The following guidelines will be used to help determine when your child is unable to attend the program due to illness:
●
Parents must ensure they do not send a child to school on campus if the child hasCOVID-19 symptoms or is test-confirmed with COVID-19, and instead should opt to receive remote instruction until the conditions for re-entry are met. The symptoms include
(UPDATED August 4, 2020):
◇ Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit
◇ Loss of taste or smell ◇ Cough
◇ Shortness of breath ◇ Fatigue
◇ Headache ◇ Chills ◇ Sore throat
◇ Congestion or runny nose
◇ Shaking or exaggerated shivering ◇ Significant muscle pain or ache ◇ Diarrhea
◇ Nausea or vomiting
General Information
As we prepare to begin offering in-person instruction on September 8, we are also getting ready to launch modified KidzU services for the 2020-2021 school year. Our staff has been hard at work planning fun, socially distanced activities for our elementary students and we look forward to working with them again!
Due to staffing limitations and safety requirements associated with COVID-19, there will be limited space available at each campus. This year, there are two options and you may select one or both options depending on your family’s needs. At this time, before school and part time care will not be offered.
● After School Care: 2:50-5:30 p.m. $280 ($70 a week) monthly ● Professional Development Days: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $30/day
All students must be pre-registered to attend. KidzU is not able to provide care unless you are a registered family. All GCISD students are eligible to enroll, Pre-K through 5th grade.
Eligibility
The GCISD Extended Day Program encourages children of all backgrounds to attend. The program does not discriminate based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnic background, religion, or disability.
Children enrolled in the program must be 4 –12 years of age and enrolled in PreK – 5th grade at an GCISD elementary school where EDP is offered. A minimum number of children must be enrolled for the program to be cost effective. The maximum number of students enrolled varies by campus. Waiting lists may be kept for schools that reach maximum enrollment.
Wait List
Each KidzU Program has a limited number of spaces available. You will be notified if you are on a waitlist.
You will be notified as space becomes available, in which you will have 24 hours to pay the Registration Fee. If the Registration Fee is not received within 24 hours, the spot will be offered to the next student on the waitlist.
Enrollment Limitations
Extended Day Program is not a part of the Free Appropriate Public Education that GCISD
provides for each child. Due to limitations in staffing and budget, the instructional
arrangements made during the regular school day are not available during EDP. Certain restrictions may apply to student participation in EDP.
· All students must be able to function physically, emotionally, socially and mentally in the group setting, as determined by EDP personnel.
· Independent toileting is required to attend EDP.
KidzU Camp
Please reference the following schedule for KidzU Camp Days offered/holidays observed. Pre-registration and pre-payment are REQUIRED to attend camp. KidzU staff will be scheduled based on the number of students pre-registered. Refunds will not be issued if a child does not attend one or any of the camp days in which he/she is registered.
KidzU Camp Location: Grapevine Elementary
KidzU Calendar for 2020-21:
Dates listed may be subject to change. Camp days for Holiday breaks will be determined at a later date.
Labor Day Closed September 7, 2020
Professional Development Day Open September 21, 2020
Professional Development Day Open October 12, 2020
Professional Development Day Open November 2-3, 2020
Thanksgiving Break Closed November 26 & 27, 2020
Christmas Closed December 24 and 25, 2020
New Years Closed December 31, 2020; January 1, 2021
Professional Development Day Open January 5, 2021
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Closed January 18, 2021
Summer Break Open May 27, 2021
Professional Development Day Open May 28, 2021
Memorial Day Closed May 31, 2021
Independence Day Closed July 3, 2021
Professional Learning Day Closed August 14, 2021
Registration Process
Accounts in Good Standing
All outstanding account balances must be paid prior to registering for KidzU. All accounts must be current.
Registration Procedures
A Registration Fee is due each year and will ensure your child/children’s space in the program. Registration Fees are non-refundable. If your child withdraws from the program for any reason throughout the year, a new Registration Fee will be charged to re-enroll in KidzU.
Individual Registration Fee = $50 Family Registration Fee = $60
Parents are responsible to notify KidzU staff of any changes in contact information, emergency contacts, authorized pickup contacts, medical information, etc., in order to assure that we are providing quality care for every child
This registration form is a legally binding contract between GCISD and the parent or guardian. Your signature on the registration signifies that you have read, understand and accept all of the terms and conditions of the document. GCISD is released and indemnified from any and all liability associated with the services provided by GCISD under this agreement.
Any requested changes to the Financial Agreement must be provided in writing to KidzU staff at least 1 week in advance.
Tuition
Tuition will be charged as a monthly rate. Tuition is charged in advance regardless of attendance. There are no tuition credits for absences.
Accounts that are past due will be subject to withdrawal from the program. Five late payment occurrences will result in withdrawal from the program and may not be subject to enrollment in future programs. After the outstanding balance is paid in full, continued enrollment requires participation in Tuition Express. Late Payment notices are not sent out.
Any requests for changes must be received in writing, one week in advance. Your account balance must be current in order to be eligible for a change.
● Any accounts that are more than 5 days past due may result in dismissal from the program.
● To conserve resources, routine reminder notices for tuition payments are not provided. Complete information concerning payment due dates and amounts are provided in the handbook and can be found online.
● Payments are applied first to any outstanding balance on your account. Therefore, if your payment does not cover the outstanding balance and the current tuition/fees due, your account is still considered delinquent and your child may be subject to removal from EDP.
Examples include:
●
Withdraw of the program - failure to provide a one week, written notice will result in acharge of one week’s tuition
Monthly Payment Plan:
●
Fixed monthly rate that is due on the 1st of each month, beginning in September andending in May. A Late Payment Fee of $30 will be added on the 5th if tuition has not been paid.
●
Refunds will not be issued if a student dis-enrolls prior to the end of the month.●
Monthly payment plan does not include breaks, teacher workdays or holidays. Please be advised that the EDP payment plans are not calculated based on the number of school days within a month. The plans are based on the total number of days in the school year divided into equal payments.
Methods of Payment
●
Online – Credit Cards/Debit Card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover) through: www.myprocare.com●
Tuition Express: Tuition Express is the vendor that KidzU uses for our automaticpayments. There is an authorization form that must be completed, which allows GCISD to automatically debit the account of your choice.
If your payment is declined for any reason, a $30 fee will automatically be assessed to your
account and an alternate form of payment will be needed.
Receipts
A receipt for flex spending accounts and reimbursement can be requested from the Lead Site Coordinator at your campus. They will only be issued on a monthly basis per the parent’s request. Annual receipts for tax purposes will be emailed by January 31 of each year. Please ensure that you have provided us with the correct email address.
GCISD KidzU Policies
Signing Children In and Out
Parents or authorized persons are required to sign the student out each day, listing the time they picked up their student. In order to ensure the limit of possible COVID exposure to all children, parents or authorized persons will not be permitted into the program. An Extended Day staff person will walk the child outside to be signed out.
Persons Authorized to Pick Up
All individuals authorized to pick-up your child/children must be listed in your student’s records. Full name and phone number will be required in advance. Staff will not allow a child to leave with a person who is not authorized. If an unauthorized person arrives to pick up the student, a call to the parent will be made. Persons picking children up must bring a valid photo ID. As a parent, please be prepared to show your ID at pick up until all staff have met you.
In the event a student is not picked up from the program after closing, the staff will make every effort to reach any contact person. District employees are not allowed to take students home or transport them in their personal vehicle. After a reasonable length of time, the local law
enforcement authorities will be contacted to report child abandonment and to take custody of the student.
In the case of shared custody or visitation rights, the program must have a copy of the court document stating the custody agreement.
Students will not be permitted to walk home alone from KidzU.
Attendance and Absence Notification
If your child will not be attending the Extended Day Program for any reason (including an absence from school, being signed out early from school, riding the bus, etc.) you must notify EDP staff by 2:30PM. Absences without prior notification may be mistaken for a missing
child, and cause unnecessary concern and time searching for the child. In order to insure
the safety of every child, it is imperative that you immediately notify your Lead Site Coordinator if your child will not attend on a scheduled day. GCISD staff must be able to account for all students at any given time. The staff keeps attendance and sign in/out records on all children enrolled.
If a child does not arrive at the program as intended, the EDP staff will attempt to contact the parents at all numbers provided on Procare. If the parents cannot be reached, the staff will then call the emergency contacts. If your child has permission to walk or ride a bike home, EDP staff must be notified in writing. Repeated problems with attendance procedures may cause your child’s registration in EDP to be canceled.
· Please Note: If a child is signed out during the regular school day and does not
return before dismissal, the child may not attend ESD. If a child is signed out from ESD, the child may not return to ESD that day.
Late Pick-up Procedures
Closing time is 5:30 PM. At 5:30 PM the EDP staff is officially off duty. A late charge is assessed to deter late arrivals and to compensate those staff members required to stay late. The late pick-up charge must be paid within five business days. Failure to pay the late
charges will result in student dismissal from the program.
If you find yourself running late, call EDP immediately to inform them. Calling ahead will not absolve you of any late charges, but will curtail the anxiety your child feels when no one has arrived by 5:30 PM. If we cannot reach you, or any of the other contacts listed by 5:45 PM and no one has arrived to pick up the child, we will contact the appropriate police department to determine whether the responsible party has been delayed due to an emergency situation.
Consistently picking up your child late can result in student removal from the program.
Withdrawal from Program
Parents may withdraw their child at any time with a one week written notice. Refunds will not be issued if a family withdraws their child in the middle of a payment period.
In order to return to the program, children must be re-registered and pay another registration fee. If there is a waitlist, the child will be placed on the waitlist and enrolled in the order in which the registrations are received.
Nutrition and Snacks
The KidzU program will provide the students with a healthy snack each day. Snack menus are developed by Nutrition Services and the cafeteria supplies the snack, which includes water. Students are encouraged but not forced to eat. They may bring a nutritious snack from home, but are asked to not share due to allergies.
Extra Clothing/Personal Items/Electronic Devices
Parents are encouraged to send an extra set of clothes in the child’s backpack should an accident occur. In the event a child soils his/her clothes, the parents will be contacted to bring a change of clothes or to pick up their child immediately. KidzU does not keep extra clothes on hand.
Children should dress appropriately for a child’s play environment, both inside and out. Closed toe shoes are recommended for the safety of the child.
Inclement Weather Plan
KidzU follows the District’s plan for inclement weather and will not operate if the schools are closed for inclement weather. When inclement weather delays school openings, the before care programs will open one hour prior to the school start time. KidzU may close early due to inclement weather and will close if afterschool activities are cancelled District wide. The staff
will notify parents by text, phone or email if this occurs. You can also view the District website for information.
Media / Photo Release
GCISD Programs may use registered student’s name, likeness, image, voice, appearance, and/or performance in all forms of information and publicity releases, internal and external to the District, including the media. If you wish for your student to opt out, please provide this information during registration through MyProcare.com.
Behavior Expectations
Students must follow the behavioral standards in this handbook and the Student Code of Conduct, as well as any rules of behavior and safety set by District staff. Any behavior that hinders the smooth operation of the program could lead to suspension or dismissal from the program. Such behaviors may include, but are not limited to: disrespect, defiance, harassment, noncompliance, emotional outbursts, running away, threats, and/or any physical aggression toward students or staff. If a child’s behavior is interfering with the operation of EDP, parents will be contacted and asked to pick up their child immediately. Students will be given rules for behavior, and redirection for unacceptable behavior. If a child has persistent behavior problems that interfere with the general welfare, safety and supervision of himself or others may be either temporarily or permanently removed from KidzU.
The possession of a weapon, or item used as one, or making threats when in possession of a weapon will result in immediate expulsion from the program. Any decision regarding suspension or expulsion will be made on the administrative level.
Guidance and Discipline
The staff are trained in positive discipline and managing inappropriate behavior. They will use methods of discipline and guidance that encourage self-esteem, self-control and self-direction. They will redirect behavior using positive statements and follow appropriate guidance techniques. A brief supervised separation or time away from the group will be used when other positive techniques are not successful. The parent will be contacted to discuss situations when there is a concern regarding their child’s behavior.
Parent Behavior
Parents, guardians or authorized representatives exhibiting negative behaviors may be banned from the program or result in termination of the student’s care. At no time may a parent approach or confront a child, other than his or her own child, with respect to discipline issues or other interpersonal matters. In addition, altercations between parents are strictly prohibited on school property, including parking lots. Staff will not release children to an adult that appears to be impaired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Employees are instructed to contact the local police department if they feel threatened in any way.
Termination of Services
KidzU reserves the right to terminate care of any child for nonpayment of fees, continued late payment of fees, incomplete paperwork or multiple late pick-ups. Student behavioral issues and concerns or the conduct of the parent or guardian including failure to comply with badge access guidelines may also be a reason for dismissal.
Freedom from Discrimination
We believe that all students develop emotionally and socially best in an environment free of harassment and that their welfare is best served when they can work and play free from discrimination. Students are expected to treat other students and the staff with courtesy and respect; to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive; and to stop those behaviors when asked or told to do so. The staff will treat the students with courtesy and respect.
Child care operations are public accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title III. If you believe that such an operation may be practicing discrimination in violation of Title III, you may call the ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800)-514-0383 (TTY).
Health & Safety Guidelines
Illness:
● There will not be a nurse on staff during KidzU. Therefore, if a child becomes ill during the day, the program is unable to provide care. When a parent/guardian is called regarding an ill student at school, the parent/guardian must arrange for their student to be picked up in a timely manner (e.g. within one hour of being contacted by the program.). Please plan accordingly, and have a responsible adult who is willing and available to pick up your child. In the event you need to send someone that is not in your emergency contact list, make sure that you have communicated who the person is with the campus. It is important that all telephone numbers are current.
●
An illness prevents a child from participating comfortably in the operation activities, includingoutdoor play
●
An illness that results in a greater need for care than staff can provide withoutcompromising the health, safety, and supervision of the other children
●
One of the following symptoms exists:○
Temperature of 101 degrees or higher within the past 24 hours○
Two or more vomiting episodes within the past 24 hours○
Uncontrolled diarrhea○
Unknown rash with fever○
Mouth sores with drooling○
Head lice or nits○
Jaundice○
Symptoms and signs of possible severe illness such as lethargy, abnormalbreathing, or other behavior changes or other signs that the child may be severely ill Any child that has been diagnosed with a communicable disease must be excluded from participating in KidzU. For a complete list of exclusions please see the Department of State Health Services website.
If your child has a known medical condition (asthma, diabetes, seizure disorder, etc.) please be
sure this information is recorded on Procare and that the staff knows what medical care is needed if a problem should occur during EDP hours. Please note: EDP does not have
access to medication(s) provided to the school nurse. Emergency Rescue Medication must be provided to the EDP staff with a completed Medication Form.
Allergies:
Please note any and all allergies for your child during registration. If your child has severe food allergies, please make sure to speak with the program staff. Medical documentation will be required. KidzU staff will make every effort to accommodate each child on an individual basis.
Please note, true allergies must be listed differently than a food “preference” or “intolerance”.
Special Medical Needs and Medication:
Students with special medical needs that require special training may not be able to be accommodated during KidzU. It is imperative that you speak with program staff if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s medical needs. Medication will be administered in compliance with DFPS (Department of Family and Protective Services) and GCISD procedures and guidelines; however, medications will only be administered on an emergency basis. Students with emergency medication must have a completed “Medication Permission Form” on file giving the summer programs permission to administer needed medications (inhalers, EpiPens, etc.) Medication can only be administered to the child for whom it is prescribed.
During recreation times, the children have the opportunity to participate in physical play. Please let the staff know if your child has any medical restrictions so activities can be limited prior to or during outdoor or physical play.
Minor Injuries and First Aid:
The site is equipped with first aid supplies. GCISD employees are unable to apply any ointments to scrapes; we are only able to clean wounds with soap and water. All employees are trained to handle minor emergencies; KidzU employees are certified in CPR and First Aid. If we suspect a child needs medical attention, the parent/guardian will be contacted. We will call 911 if there is a serious medical emergency requiring immediate medical care.
Parents have the opportunity to purchase low-cost accident insurance through their child’s school that will help meet medical expenses in the event of injury to their child. By declining the insurance offer or failing to respond to it, the parents are accepting full responsibility for costs associated with a student’s injury or injuries. The District and KidzU are not responsible for costs of treating injuries and cannot assume liability for any other costs associated with an injury.
If you have purchased insurance through your school, coverage during the summer will depend on the option you chose. If you have questions regarding your policy, please contact the insurance provider.
Child Maltreatment and Reporting Guidelines
District employees are trained in prevention, recognition, and reporting child maltreatment. They are required by law to report if they have cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been adversely affected by abuse, neglect, or if the child is victim of indecency with a child by any person. The report is made to the Child Protective Services Hotline, 1-800-252-5400.
If an allegation is made against a staff member, a report will be made to Child Protective Services immediately. The staff member will be immediately placed on administrative leave or reassigned to another area where there is no contact with children until an investigation has been completed.
Safety
Although safety procedures have been implemented by the District, the cooperation of students is essential to ensure the safety of everyone. Students are to remain alert and promptly report to District staff any safety hazards, such as intruders on campus and threats made by any student or staff member.
Emergency Plan
Each KidzU program follows the campus emergency plan in the event of an emergency situation. Students are expected to line up and walk calmly to the designated safe area during emergencies. Once everything is clear, students will return to their classroom.
Employees will have with them their laptop and emergency binder which contains parent and emergency contact telephone numbers for each child in care as well as authorization for emergency care for each child. Staff will also carry their daily attendance sheets with them.
Air Quality, Outdoor Play and the Weather
The weather in North Texas is unpredictable at best and the following guidelines for outside play will be observed. Children will not play outdoors when the temperature/heat index exceeds 100 degrees, or decreases below 36 degrees. Air quality is also a factor in
determining whether outdoor play is safe for our children and staff. GCISD Summer Program employees are advised to use precaution on days when the temperature or heat index is high. The staff will limit outside time and ensure that the students have access to adequate water prior to, during and after outside play. Each day KidzU staff will get an update on the day’s air quality and whether the children are allowed to play outdoors during the day. Typically the air quality declines during the afternoon. The chart below will be used as a guide for outdoor play in regards to air quality. Students will not be allowed outside when there is evidence of lightning in the immediate area.
If special accommodations are needed for your child, simply provide a doctor’s note explaining your child’s health concern.
Air Quality Color
Air Quality Description
Play Guidelines
Green
Good Great to play outsideYellow
Moderate Safe to play outsideOrange
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Take it easy during outside play; afternoon play limited to 15 minutesRed
Unhealthy Outside play before 10:00 amPurple
Very Unhealthy No outdoor playTobacco Prohibited
The school district and staff strictly enforce prohibitions against the use of tobacco products by students and others on school property.
HERA Asbestos Notice
In accordance with 40 CFR Part 763 of The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District hereby notifies all interested parties of the availability of the District Asbestos Management Plan.
The plan and a copy of site inspections and assessments are available for review during normal office hours in all school offices and the Central Administration office. To view the District Asbestos Management Plan, please contact the principal, assistant principal, or school secretary at any of the schools or the Compliance and Safety Officer at Central Administration.
The Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District is committed to providing a safe environment for students, parents, teachers, and other staff.
Some construction material used in your building may contain asbestos. Please rest assured that the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District has taken all the required
precautions to make sure that the asbestos is not harmful to building occupants. As required, a six-month periodic visual inspection is conducted on each campus with asbestos materials. These inspections are required to ensure that these areas have not been disturbed and are maintained in good condition. In addition, as required, a three-year re-inspection is conducted for each campus. The results of these inspections are available in each school office and the Central Administration office.
The Asbestos Management Plan will be maintained continually and this notification of the Plan availability will be issued each year.
Pest Management Plan
The district is required to follow integrated pest management (IPM) procedures to control pests on school grounds. Although the district strives to use the safest and most effective methods to manage pests, including a variety of non-chemical control measures, periodic indoor and outdoor pesticide use is sometimes necessary to maintain adequate pest control and ensure a safe, pest-free school environment.
All pesticides used are registered for their intended use by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and are applied only by certified pesticide applicators. Except in an emergency, signs will be posted 48 hours before indoor application. All outdoor applications will be posted at the time of treatment, and signs will remain until it is safe to enter the area. Parents who have further questions or who want to be notified of the times and types of applications prior to pesticide application inside their child’s school assignment area may contact the District’s Director of Risk Management at (817) 251-5604.
