INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Cimarron Elementary’s Extended Child Services (ECS). Cherry Creek School District Extended Child Services includes Before and After School programs, Intersession programs at year-round calendar schools, and Kindergarten Enrichment.

Each Cherry Creek School District elementary school has well-planned and well-staffed ECS programs that provide an environment where children can learn, take part in supervised recreation, and build strong, positive relationships with responsible, caring adults and with their peers. ECS programs give parents and guardians the peace of mind and security of knowing that their children are engaged in safe, enrichment and constructive activities. ECS programs strive to provide school age children with a safe and nurturing environment while promoting physical, emotional and intellectual development.

ECS programs are fee-based and self-supporting. They are governed and regulated by the Cherry Creek School District and by the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care. These programs are subject to all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, as well as all applicable Board of Education policies.

Please read this handbook and keep it for reference. If you have any questions, please contact the ECS program director.

PROGRAM GOALS

➢ To provide quality child care and enrichment programs that are safe, affordable, and convenient

➢ To assist children in their physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and creative growth

➢ To provide children with positive interaction and opportunities to establish relationships with peers and adults

➢ To involve children and parents in continuous program development and improvement

➢ To provide qualified, caring staff members who participate in regular training and education

HOW TO REACH KINDERGARTEN ENRICHMENT DURING PROGRAM HOURS

Main Office	720 886-8100
Kindergarten Enrichment Program	720 886-8165

Program Description

Kindergarten Enrichment: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm, Monday-Friday on regular school days The Kindergarten Enrichment Program provides child care and enrichment for kindergarten children from either 9:00 am to 11:50 am or 11:35 am to 3:30 pm. Kindergarten Enrichment does not provide care on days when school is not in session. Students participate in hands-on, self-directed experiences and activities such as reading and listening to stories, imaginative and creative play, art, music and cooking.

KINDERGARTEN ENRICHMENT ENROLLMENT

To participate, parents/guardians must complete an ECS Enrollment Form. The first payment of $270.00 is due at the time of enrollment. This payment will reserve a space for your child in Kindergarten Enrichment.

If space is available, registration can occur after the start of the school year. The first payment will be adjusted for the number of days remaining in the month and school year.

The withdrawal deadline is August 1, 2011. If withdrawing before that date, the first payment will be returned, less a $100.00 non-refundable deposit.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

A current immunization record must be on file with the school nurse. If you are enrolling in an ECS program that is not located at your child’s school, a current immunization record is required with the ECS Enrollment Form. Please note that at any time, there may be children attending an ECS program who are not fully immunized.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT

All children must be registered and fees paid before they attend.

If a unique situation arises and an account has a balance over 60 days old, the registration calendar will not be accepted until the balance is paid in full.

Kindergarten Enrichment:

The 2011-2012 rate for Kindergarten Enrichment is $2,700.00 per school year, payable in 10 equal payments of $270.00.

All ECS payments are due in advance of service. Monthly payments are due no later than the last business day of the previous month for each subsequent month. Weekly payments are due no later than Friday before the week of participation. If payment is not received within 5 business days of the established due date, a late fee of $25.00 will be assessed.

LATE CALENDAR FEE

Registration calendars submitted after the printed due date will be assessed a $5.00 late fee.

HOLIDAY CLOSURES

All ECS programs are CLOSED on the following days:

➢ July 4, 2011

➢ Labor Day

➢ Thanksgiving Day

➢ Friday after Thanksgiving Day

➢ December 22, 23, 29, 30, 2011

➢ January 2, 2012

➢ Memorial Day

SIBLING DISCOUNT

The sibling discount is 10% off the regular rate. This discount is not associated with an individual student, but available when siblings attend the same session. One child is charged the full rate, while the second and subsequent children receive the discount.

This discount is not available for additional fees including, but not limited to: field trip fees, late pick-up fees, late registration fees and deposits.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Financial assistance is available for those families who qualify for the free/reduced school lunch program. The discount is 25% off the regular rate. This discount is not available for additional fees including, but not limited to: field trip fees, late pick-up fees, late registration fees and deposits. Parents who wish to utilize this discount must give the program director a copy of the authorization letter from Food Services. Parents must provide a new authorization letter annually by September.

2011-2012 FEES

	1st Child Rate	Sibling Rate
Kindergarten Enrichment see page 4	$270.00 Monthly	$243.00 Monthly
KE Late Payment Fee	$25.00
KE Late Pick-up Fee	$1.00 per minute after 3:30 pm
Late Calendar Fee	$5.00 per Day

Make checks payable to CCSD Cimarron ECS. Payment must be made by check or money order. Cash is not accepted.

There is a $ 20.00 service charge on all checks returned for insufficient funds.

ECS BOOKKEEPER

The ECS programs have a bookkeeper to complete the financial tasks associated with the program, including, but not limited to billing, receiving payments and collections. The bookkeeper at Cimarron Elementary is available Friday from 9:30 am-3:00 pm. If you have any questions about your account, please contact the bookkeeper at 303 709-8383 during this time.

REFUNDS

Refunds are not available unless a child departs the school district with a credit on the account. If this occurs, the ECS bookkeeper will submit the refund request to the District Accounting Office.

CREDITS

Credits for Before & After School Program are not available except for extenuating circumstances such as extended illness (3 or more consecutive, excused absences from school) or a death in the family. To receive credit for an extenuating circumstance, parents must submit a request, in writing, within one week after the absence.

Credits for Kindergarten Enrichment are not available.

CREDITS FOR WEATHER AND BUILDING EMERGENCY CLOSURES

Parents will not receive a credit for the first and second day, within a school year, when the building is closed due to weather or building emergencies. Parents will receive credit for weather or building emergency closures starting with day number three (3), within a school year.

ABSENCES

To report an absence:

Before and After School Program	720 886-8120
Kindergarten Enrichment Program	720 886-8165

Please call when your child will not attend.

Program staff members expect all children to be present if they are registered. Staff members take attendance at the start of each session. If a child is absent and we have not received a call from his or her parent, a staff member will check the main office attendance list then call the child’s home and/or cell numbers or parent’s place of employment. If the staff member cannot reach the parent he or she will call the authorized pick up people listed on the ECS Enrollment Form. This is a time consuming process, which takes a staff member away from working with the children.

WEATHER CLOSURES AND WEATHER-RELATED DELAYED STARTS

Closure of the school district due to weather conditions will automatically cancel all ECS Programs, including the Before and After School Program, Full Day Program, and Kindergarten Enrichment.

On delayed start days and early dismissal due to weather, the Before and After School Program operates regular hours for registered students only. Kindergarten Enrichment will follow the weather delay schedule.

If the Colorado State Highway Department issues a traveler’s advisory, all scheduled ECS field trips will be canceled.

For emergency and closure information please refer to the district’s web site at: www.cherrycreekschools.org

For school and program related weather closure information, parents can also listen to the message on the Cherry Creek School District Snow Delay and Closure Line at 720 554-4701 by 6:00 am on the morning of any potential closure.

SIGN IN AND OUT

For security purposes, parents or authorized individuals must sign students in to each morning session and out of each afternoon session.

Only individuals who are listed on the ECS Enrollment Form or have written parent authorization are permitted to sign children in and out of the program. Verbal permission is not acceptable authorization. Staff members must ask for a picture ID and consult the authorized pick up list if they are unsure of an adult’s identity.

Parents may provide written authorization for a child to sign himself or herself out of the program when the child is accompanied by a sibling who is at least 12 years old. Parents may obtain an “Older Sibling Sign out Authorization” form from the program director.

Before school, parents will sign their child in. Staff will sign the children out to go to school. After school, staff will sign the children in when they arrive. At the end of the day parents will sign them out of the after school session.

The program is not responsible for the children before they are signed in or after they are signed out from the program.

Since Kindergarten Enrichment occurs during the regular school day, parents may give written permission for the KE staff to sign the children in and out.

RELEASE OF CHILDREN

Children will only be released to a parent or an authorized pickup person. Children must be signed out by their parent or authorized person according to the procedure described in the section above. Failure to follow this procedure may result in dismissal from the program. Program staff must have written authorization from the parent or guardian to release a child to an individual not listed on the ECS Enrollment Form.

LATE PICK UP

Parents should have a back-up plan in case they are unable to pick up their child on time.

If a parent or an authorized person does not arrive to pick up a child within ten minutes after the program closing time, the staff will attempt to contact the parent at home and at work. If the staff member is unable to speak with the parent by phone, they will contact the authorized person listed on the ECS Enrollment Form. If the authorized person cannot be contacted by phone, the ECS staff member or authorized school staff member may notify the police. Children will never be left unattended at the school or taken home with a staff member.

The after-school program will begin to assess late pick-up fees one minute after the closing time of 6:00 pm. The fee is $1.00 for each minute per child.

Kindergarten Enrichment Program will begin assessing late pick-up fees beginning at 3:31. The fee is $1.00 for each minute. Because of safety and ratio requirements, afternoon KE students are not allowed to attend the Before and After School Program unless they are pre-registered and pre-paid. Before and After School program late registration is permitted if space is available. If a parent wished to register their child into the Before and After School program, they must speak with the program director directly before 2:30 pm, prior to the session to ensure availability.

On days when the weather is bad or driving conditions are hazardous, ECS staff members may make an exception regarding late pick up. Program staff will expect parents to phone to let them know they will be late.

After the fourth late pick up in a school year, students may be subject to termination from the program.

AFTER SCHOOL CLOSING PROCEDURES

To ensure that all children are picked up before the staff leave, staff members will check the sign out sheet to confirm all children have been picked up and signed out. If a child was not signed out, the staff member will phone the parents to get verbal confirmation that the child was picked up.

LOCATION OF CHILDREN

The Before and After School program children are located in the cafeteria. Kindergarten Enrichment are located in the Kindergarten area. Children may also be in the media center, gym, computer lab, lunchroom, and outside playground. To locate a registered child during program hours, parents can check the cafeteria, or ask a staff member.

The program director will notify the school’s office if the group leaves the site. When appropriate, staff will leave a note on the door of the primary location explaining where the children are and when they will return.

Cold and Hot Weather

When the weather is extremely hot or cold activities will take place indoors. The program director will follow the school’s guidelines when determining when to restrict outdoor activities.

Emergency Procedures

In case of emergency, program staff will follow the school and district emergency procedures. Students will never be automatically dismissed during emergency conditions, but will remain in the building. In an extreme situation where the building is determined unsafe, staff will follow the established evacuation procedure and immediately contact parents or emergency contact people. In case of fire, students will evacuate the building through designated doors to assigned holding areas until the signal is given that the practice drill or emergency is over. In case of a tornado, students will move to a designated safe areas inside the school building and wait with the staff until the danger has passed. Practice drills are held and recorded on a regular basis.

ILLNESS OR INJURY

All ECS staff members hold current certificates in First Aid and CPR.

If a child is injured while attending the Before and After School program or Full Day program, staff will quickly assess the injury. A District nurse is always available to the staff for phone consultation.

If an injury is severe, the staff member will immediately call 911 and the parents. If an injury is moderate, the employee will call the parents to pick up the child as soon as possible. If an injury is minor, the staff member will report it to the parents when the child is picked up. Program staff members are not permitted to apply antiseptics to wounds.

ECS programs do not provide care for ill children. If a child becomes ill while attending the program, a staff member will call parents or emergency contact person and ask them to pick the child up as soon as possible. Staff will isolate the sick child from the other children and have him or her lie down on a clean blanket until he or she is picked up. Program staff will also follow these procedures on field trips. Please use the attached “Illness Guidelines – How Sick is Too Sick: When to Keep your Child at Home” to help you determine whether you should keep your child at home or not.

Since Kindergarten Enrichment takes place while the school nurse is on site, he/she will assist with medication, illness and injury that may occur while children participate in these programs.

MEDICATIONS

The procedure for storing and administering children’s medicines and delegation of medication administration is in compliance with Cherry Creek School District Board of Education policies and Section 12-38-132, C.R.S., of the “Nurse Practice Act.”

Medication should be given to children at home whenever possible.

Only ECS staff members who have completed the Medications Administration Training course are authorized to give medications to children while they attend an ECS program. The school nurse monitors all medications administration.

Medication requirements

1. All medication must be in the original container, labeled with the student’s full name, the name of the medicine, the dosage, time, the doctor’s name, the expiration date, and the name of the pharmacy.

2. The doctor must provide written instructions on the official district forms.

3. The parents must provide written permission on the official district form.

4. The program manager or school nurse must store all medication in a clean locked container according to the pharmacy instructions.

5. The person giving the medication to the child must record when the medications were given on the official district form.

Trained staff may give over-the-counter (non-prescription) medication supplied by the parent in the original container with the parent and doctor’s signed notes. The dosage will be that recommended by the manufacturer. The medical doctors order will over ride the manufacturer’s directions.

Students should not bring unlabeled medications to the programs.

Staff will return unused medications to the parent. If the medication has expired and/or is not picked up, the nurse or principal will dispose of it.

SUN PROTECTION

Parents should apply sunscreen to their children prior to attending the program, especially in warmer months when children spend more time outdoors.

Parents will provide the sunscreen, it must be in the original container, in a sealable bag, and have the child’s full name labeled on the outside.

Children, over the age of four years, may apply their own sunscreen under the direct supervision of a staff member. With written parent permission, ECS staff members may apply sunscreen to a child.

CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Cimarron Elementary’s ECS programs provide care for children with disabilities as long as their needs can be reasonably accommodated. Before the child attends there will be a meeting with the program director or specialist, principal, parents, and classroom teacher. Discussion at this meeting will center on specifics about the child’s needs, classroom and recreation time strategies, and any additional information that parents consider important for program staff to know.

After the child attends the program, if staff has difficulty meeting the needs of the child due to a disabling condition, a second meeting may occur. Staff will then use agreed upon alternative strategies for a reasonable amount of time. If problems persist, a meeting will be held to determine whether the program can continue to reasonably accommodate the child.

COLD AND HOT WEATHER

When the weather is extremely hot or cold, activities will take place indoors. The program director will follow school’s guidelines when determining when to restrict outdoor activities. Please dress your child appropriately for the weather conditions.

CLOTHING AND PERSONAL POSSESSIONS

Students should always wear washable, practical clothing, including appropriate footwear and outerwear. All items must be clearly labeled with the child’s name. Children should not bring expensive items to the program such as MP3 players or iPods. The ECS program is not responsible for lost or stolen property or money.

SNACKS AND MEALS

On regular school day mornings, program children are offered the choice of utilizing the school’s breakfast program at the regular school fee. After school, children should bring a nutritious snack. On full days, children should bring a lunch and two snacks unless stated otherwise on the program activity calendar. All lunches and snacks should be nutritious and non-perishable.

Kindergarten Enrichment students use the school lunchroom facilities. Students may bring their own lunch from home or purchase lunch from the cafeteria with lunch credits. These credits may be purchased from the cafeteria personnel with either cash or a check made payable to Cimarron Elementary’s Food Services. Each month a menu will be sent home listing the lunch choices for each day.

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Each day, the program provides a variety of developmentally appropriate activities for the children to choose from. The curriculum incorporates activities from the following curriculum categories: reading and writing, math and reasoning, arts and crafts, science, construction, drama, music, multicultural, physical recreation and community service in the form of fun and exciting projects and activities. Children are encouraged to participate in activities that fit their interests. Lesson plans are available to parents at any time.

HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE

Extended Child Services is committed to supporting busy families by offering homework assistance after school on Monday through Thursday from 4:00-4:30 pm. Children are supervised in a separate, quiet area and provided with supplies, such as pencils, paper, rulers, calculators, scissors, etc. Homework assistance is provided by program staff. Please specify to the program director if you would like to require homework time for your child. Extended Child Services is not responsible for the completion or accuracy of homework assignments and will not sign any homework that requires a parent signature. Students who are disruptive and/or unproductive during homework time will not be allowed to participate.

MOVIES, MUSIC, & SOFTWARE

Program staff may occasionally show G-rated movies to the children.

Music provided by the program staff is screened to ensure that it is appropriate for school-age children. Children may not bring inappropriate music from home.

Use of school electronic networked resources and computer systems is subject to district policies and procedures. All non-network software used by children is either rated “E” for everyone or is screened by the program director to ensure that is appropriate for school-age children.

DISCIPLINE

ECS programs operated by the Cherry Creek School District are subject to policies governing student discipline. In accordance with school district policies, we reserve the right to suspend or dismiss any child who is a threat to him/herself or others in the program.

The goal of the Cimarron Elementary’s Extended Child Services staff is to provide a safe, fun, and enriching environment for all participants. Program staff members expect all children to show respect for one another and the adults. Conduct, which disrupts the operation of the program, interferes with the rights of others, endangers the safety of any person, or damages property, will not be tolerated.

In order to ensure that each child is allowed the opportunity to participate in a quality program the following disciplinary procedures have been established.

For Minor Offenses:

1. The child will receive a verbal warning when unacceptable behavior is observed.

2. A time out, and/ or a Problem Solving Form will be used if behavior continues or is significant.

3. If unacceptable behavior continues, a written Behavior Referral Form (minor offences) will be given to the parent/guardian, explaining the behavior(s) observed.

4. A second Behavior Referral Form (minor offenses) will involve a phone call to the parent/guardian.

5. If unacceptable behavior persists, the following step will be taken:

• If the child receives a third Behavior Referral Form within a four week period, this will then be equivalent to ONE MAJOR OFFENSE, and will involve a suspension from the B/A program (as stated under major offense procedures).

Major Offenses:

If behavior leads to unsafe conditions for the child or others, this is considered a major offense, and the child will be given a Behavior Referral Form that will involve the following consequences:

A. The first major offense will result in a minimum of a one-day suspension from the Program.

B. The second major offense will result in a minimum of a two- day suspension from the program.

C. The third major offense will result in a minimum of a three-day suspension from the program, and a re- entrance conference. A re-entrance conference will include program director, principal, parent, and child. Discussion at this meeting will center on specifics about unacceptable behavior, and strategies to help the child become successful in the program. The program director, principal, and parent will determine the suspension duration of any future major offenses within an eight-week period.

If the child receives a fourth Behavior Referral Form, the parent/guardian will be notified to make alternative child care arrangements immediately.

Students who leave school property without permission may be subject to automatic dismissal from the program.

WITHDRAWING YOUR CHILD FROM THE PROGRAM

To adjust for planning and staffing requirements, parents/guardians are expected to provide two weeks notice to the program director if withdrawing their child from the program.

VISITORS

Visitors during the school day must sign in at the school’s main office and wear a visitor’s badge. Visitors after school, when the school’s office is closed, must check with the program director prior to the visit. They must also sign in and wear a visitor’s badge. Visitors may not interfere with program operations or distract staff from their responsibilities. All visitors must follow procedures in accordance with School Board policy KI, “Vistors to Schools” and ECS procedures.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

The Cherry Creek School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Any person having questions concerning the school district’s compliance with the regulations, the implementation of Title VI or Title IX or Section 504 is directed to contact Dr. Tera Helmon, Cherry Creek School District, 4700 S. Yosemite, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, 720-554-4527, who has been designated to coordinate the district’s efforts to comply with these regulations.

REPORTING CHILD ABUSE

Colorado law and School Board policy JLF, “Reporting Child Abuse/Child Protection” require that child care providers report all known or suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.

If there is an incident where you believe your child as been abused, you may seek immediate assistance from: Department of Social Services, Arapahoe County, 303-636-1750.

COMPLAINTS

Complai

nts about the program should be directed to:

Before and After School Director	720 886-8120
KE Specialist	720 886-8165

The director, and specialist are supervised by the school’s principal, Diana Roybal, who can be reached at 720 886-8100.

Unresolved complaints about the Cimarron Elementary’s Extended Child Services programs can be directed to:

Colorado Department of Human Services Office of Child Care Services

1575 Sherman Street

Denver, CO. 80203-1714

(303) 866-5958

CHERRY CREEK SCHOOL BUS RULES

1. Follow the bus driver’s directions the first time they are given

2. Be in your seat when the bus door is closed

3. Keep your hands, feet, books and other objects to yourself

4. No fighting

5. No weapons or facsimiles of any kind

6. No swearing, rude gestures, teasing or put-downs

7. Use classroom voices on the bus

8. Do not throw anything off the bus or have any part of you outside the bus

9. Do not smoke, chew tobacco, eat or drink while on the bus

10. Do not bring anything alive or dangerous (glass containers, sharp objects etc..) on the bus

11. No skateboards or roller blades allowed on the bus

INFRACTIONS OF THE ABOVE RULES WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION WHICH MAY INCLUDE SUSPENSION OF BUS PRIVILEGES