EDP Policies and Procedures

San Diego Cooperative Charter Schools
EDP Policies and Procedures

 

If you have any questions regarding this document or the Extended Day Program (EDP) in general, please contact the EDP/Recess Director, Janna Hemphill at edp@sdccs.org.

The following provides information about the program and should be read carefully. The contract, which you sign to enroll your child, includes an agreement to read, understand and adhere to these policies.

I. PROGRAM PURPOSES AND GOALS

A. EDP’s Mission Statement

  • To offer a quality before- and after-school childcare program that is based on the same cooperative philosophy employed by San Diego Cooperative Charter Schools which provides a safe, supportive environment for students and encourages parent participation.

B. Parent Volunteering

  • Volunteerism is part of our schools philosophy, and we hope to encourage parents to volunteer in our Extended Day Programs. If you are interested in helping out, please contact a staff member for further information.

C. Program Overview

  • The San Diego Cooperative Charter Schools Extended Day Program offers a high quality, well-supervised balance of activities designed to develop self-esteem and provides a creative educational and recreational experience for children. The parent is a partner in ensuring the wellbeing of his/her child(ren). Program staff relies on the parent for emergency and other information about the child and family. Open communication and completion of appropriate forms are required for this purpose. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that information provided is correct and updated as changes occur. Changes can be made by emailing the EDP Director at edp@sdccs.org
  • The program maintains an approximate ratio of one staff for every 20 children. We are a license exempt facility, however we do follow California Department of Education and Title 22 regulations. We do participate in inclusion and will make every reasonable accommodation for children of all abilities.
  • Religious instruction or worship will not be provided.

D. Goals

  • Provide quality childcare on or near the school site for children attending The CoOp Schools.
  • Provide an environment that is safe and well supervised by qualified staff.
  • Provide a balance of educational and recreational activities to meet all children’s needs and interests.
  • Offer subsidized services for eligible families, and offer non-subsidized care at competitive rates.
  • Maintain enrollment according to admission policies and waitlist priorities, and to clearly inform families about program policies, due process, and civil rights.
  • Maintain staff policies which promote staff development and program effectiveness.
  • Provide developmentally appropriate curriculum that encourages growth and positive self-esteem.
  • Provide opportunities for parent involvement and education.

II. EDP PROGRAM

A. Hours

  • The program is open from 6:30 am-8:00 am Monday through Friday before school; from 3:00 am-6:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday; and from 12:30 pm-6:00 pm on Thursday.

B. Days

  • The program is open all school days and closed on school holidays, vacation periods, and Staff Development days.

C. Homework/Academic Enrichment

  • At least 30 minutes, Monday through Friday, is scheduled for children to work on their homework. If children do not have homework, or if parents request that homework not be done in the program, children will be allowed to participate in other activities such as reading, arts and crafts, STEM activities, or other educational activities provided by the program. Staff will make every effort to provide assistance to each child. However, due to the number of children each staff must supervise, staff cannot be responsible for correcting homework assignments. The purpose of homework time is to give a structured setting to work on assignments, not to replace the individual attention that parents can provide.

D. Snack

  • One snack will be provided each day for your child. If your child has any dietary restrictions, be sure to indicate them on the emergency sheet in the enrollment packet and inform the EDP Director. While we will make every attempt to provide for any dietary restrictions, we cannot be responsible to accommodate them. Parents are responsible for providing lunches for their children on half days. It is not the program’s responsibility to ensure that your child finishes their meal.

E. Transportation

  • Transportation to and from Extended Day Program is not available. Transportation for field trips will be arranged by the program.

F. Clothing and Toys

  • Children will participate in a variety of activities, some of which may soil clothing. EDP cannot be responsible for ensuring that clothing remain clean. Please encourage your child to dress in comfortable clothing that allows for active play. It is assumed that the children will remain in school clothing, but a change of clothing, marked with the child’s name, can be left at the program for use as needed. Sandals, thongs, boots, or dress shoes limit your child’s safety. Please send a pair of appropriate play shoes. Please send appropriate clothing with your child depending on the season as we spend a significant amount of time outdoors (i.e. jackets in the colder weather). We also encourage you to send water with your child in the warmer months. Program staff cannot be responsible for lost articles, but will make every effort to protect the children’s belongings within the confines of program space. No toys or electronics.

G. Movies

  • Occasionally movies will be shown. Alternate activities are always made available for children not wishing to participate. Movies are generally rated “PG” which staff feel are appropriate for the children may be shown. Middle School students are allowed to watch some “PG-13” movies if their parent gives consent in the movie release. All students must have their parent agree to the movie release in the enrollment form.

III. EDP/RECESS GUIDANCE

A. Policy

  • The Extended Day Program practices a positive approach to discipline. The environment is designed to be child-centered and adult-child interactions are stated in a positive rather than a negative way. EDP has implemented the socio-emotional curriculum, Second step, used during the school day.
  • The staff will attempt to work with the child and parent(s) to resolve problems.

B. Student Rules: We want all students to have fun, play fair and be safe.

Recess, Lunch/Snack and EDP Rules

  1.      Respect Yourself
    o    Sit while eating and drinking.
    o    Do not talk with strangers.
    o    Be careful not to walk in front of the swings, slides or any sport activities while playing so you do not get hurt.
    o    No more than five in a line. If there are already five in a line you must go play another game that has less than five in a line.
    o    Do not bring toys to play with.
    o    Use of cellphones is not permitted. If you need to call home you can go to the office or use the EDP phone.
  1.      Respect Others
    o    Follow all directions from staff the first time they are given.
    o    Use only kind and appropriate language.
    o    You must include others in games.
    o    Keep your hands to yourself.
    o    No physical violence.
    o    No piggy back rides, picking each other up, public display of affection etc.
  1.      Respect the Environment
    o    Always clean up after yourself.
    o    Clean your area and raise your hand to be excused to recess.
    o    Do not play with sticks, rocks or other items found on the ground. If you find a questionable item please let the staff know.
    o    Use the play structures appropriately.
    o    No climbing, sitting or walking on top of play structures.
    o    Only go down the slides, not up; with feet first and bottoms down.
    o    Only swing correctly on swings (no jumping off, twisting or doubling up)

C. Consequences

  • If a behavior problem should occur which cannot be handled by redirection or talking in a positive manner to a child, a break from the group or redirection method may be employed to temporarily remove the child from the area of concern. After a cooling off period the child is free to rejoin the activities in progress.
  • It is the intent of the program to provide a safe environment for all children enrolled. If a child cannot adhere to program rules and thereby threatens the safety of himself/herself, a staff person or other children, a staff member has the authority to contact the EDP Director. The EDP Director then has the final decision in asking that the child be removed from the program either temporarily (suspension) or permanently (disenrollment). Immediate suspension will occur if a child physically attacks another child or a staff person or is deemed to be out of control. The parent must remove the child within one hour of receiving notification from the site or the parent will be assessed a $1 per minute charge.
  • Any corporal punishment (such as spanking, striking, jerking, shaking) or any other humiliating or frightening experiences (sitting in a corner, leaving him/her alone, shaming in front of other children) are strictly prohibited. In addition, discipline will never be associated with rest, isolation for illness, or toileting. Food will never be withheld as a consequence.

IV. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

Some discussions of children may occur at staff meetings. This information is confidential and will not be discussed outside the context of staff meetings. Discussion may occur between childcare staff and school staff regarding a child’s progress when such discussion will benefit the child and enhance our ability to address the child’s needs. If you prefer the information not be shared with school staff, please advise the EDP Director.


V. HEALTH AND SAFETY

A. Illness and Medication

  • Health rules are designed to protect the well-being of all children. If a child becomes ill at the program and cannot participate in the normal routine, the parent or emergency contact may be phoned, at staff discretion, and asked to pick up the child within the hour.
  • Should your child require medication, it is recommended that the school administer it during school hours because the Extended Day Program Staff cannot dispense medication at any time. Children are not permitted to carry their own medication. If this is an issue, please contact the EDP Director.

B. Injury

  • If your child is injured while at the program, a staff member will attempt to contact you and/or those listed on the child’s emergency list. If necessary, an ambulance or paramedic will be contacted to transport your child to an emergency hospital. Parents must be responsible for charges incurred in the provision of emergency medical treatment for their child. For sanitary purposes, staff will use gloves as appropriate when treating injuries.
  • All Extended Day Program staff are required to report any injury. If your child has been injured, a report will be made which you will be required to sign when picking up your child. If your child has had an accident away from the program that resulted in an injury, please advise the program.

VI. EDP ENROLLMENT

A. Enrollment

Enrollment is open to all students grades K-8 attending The San Diego Cooperative Charter Schools, without regard to race, sex, national origin, religion, physical handicap or disability, on a space-available basis. Enrollment forms must be completed online prior to a child’s first day in the program and updated as changes occur. Changes can be made by emailing the EDP Director at edp@sdccs.org.

B. Registration

You must register your child 24 hours prior to his/her first day attending the program. Each family must complete an enrollment packet online. Registration forms need to be completed for each year. Forms can be filled out on the EDP website.

One designated Parent/Legal guardian must sign the enrollment agreement as the “enrolling parent.” This parent is the only person authorized to make changes to the contract or other enrollment forms, and is responsible for payment of fees.

C. Disenrollment

The San Diego Cooperative Charter Schools Extended Day Program desires to work with the parents in every way possible to prevent non-voluntary disenrollment. However, there are situations in which a child may be asked to leave the program. Some of the reasons a child or family may be disenrolled from the program are:

  • Failure to pay fees on time.
  • Failure to notify EDP of changes (including mailing address, telephone, and emergency contacts).
  • Failure to observe program procedure and policies.
  • Behavioral difficulties which the program is not staffed to address.
  • Behavioral issues that may cause harm to other students and/or staff.
  • Failure to provide needed information and/or complete required forms.
  • Giving false information.
  • Failure to observe contracted hours (for example late pick-up).
  • Failure to sign in and out
  • Child leaving the grounds (or area supervised by staff) without permission.
  • Inappropriate behavior by the parent, guardian, or other individuals designated by the enrolling parent(s) to pick child(ren) up. This includes disruptive, abrasive, or abusive behavior or behavior that makes staff less efficient in performing their jobs. It is not our intent to prevent the parent from expressing his/her views, even the angry ones, but we must prevent scenes, which frighten the children, disrupt our activities, or minimize the respect for and rapport between children and staff.

VII. EDP ATTENDANCE

A. Signing Children In and Out of the Program

Before school: A staff member must be notified that your student is being signed in so that they can be clocked into the Timedock system simultaneously by staff. All students signed in to EDP before school will be clocked out by a staff member at 8:00 am.

After school: At the end of the school day, children will be signed into EDP by an EDP staff member.

  • How Kinder students check in and out of EDP after school: Any students that have not been picked up from their classroom at 3:00 pm will be signed in to the EDP program by a staff member who will pick them up from their class. To sign your student out please go to the assigned EDP sign out area and have the EDP staff member sign your child out on the Timedock system. Please remember that if you do not sign your child out you will be charged for the entire EDP day.
  • How Primary through Middle School students check in and out of EDP after school: Students that are attending EDP are to walk directly to the assigned EDP sign in area as soon as school ends to sign in. To sign your student out please go to the assigned EDP sign out area and have the EDP staff member sign your child out on the Timedock system. Please remember that if you do not sign your child out you will be charged for the entire EDP day.

At 3:15 (12:45 on Thursday) all students remaining on campus without adult supervision will be also signed into EDP by an EDP staff member. EDP will begin charging all signed in student accounts as of 3:00 pm (12:30 on Thursdays). Attendance will be monitored; however staff cannot be responsible for children who either do not attend or who leave the grounds without permission. In such circumstances, emergency procedures may be employed (emergency numbers, school police, etc). If a child will be staying after school with his/her teacher, the child or teacher must notify program staff and we are not liable for the child at that time.

Once a child is signed out, they cannot return to EDP. As the number of students decrease in the program, we send staff home to keep ratio and not cost the school more money. Therefore a child cannot return after being signed out.

Authorized persons must sign children out. There are NO EXCEPTIONS. A child will not be released to anyone other than individuals authorized in the contact information or the enrolling parent(s)/guardian unless there is written authorization on file. Parents must advise the staff in advance, in writing, if a person not listed on the emergency list is to pick up the child. Identification is required.

An authorized adult must both sign their name and note the time on the sign out sheet. An EDP staff member must also be notified that the student is leaving so that they can be clocked out of the Timedock system simultaneously.

A child will not be released to any incapacitated person (under the influence of alcohol or drugs). In this case emergency contacts will be called to pick up the child(ren).

If a child is picked up after contracted hours, a late-pick-up fee will apply (see fees). If a child has not been picked up 15 minutes after closing time, emergency contacts will be called to pick up the child after attempting to contact the enrolling parent(s)/guardian.

In the event that the child cannot be picked up by an emergency contact and no parental contact has been made by 6:30pm the police department will be notified. If any student is on campus after 7:00 pm the police department will gain custody of the student and therefore become responsible for getting them home.

If a child is picked up late consistently, we reserve the right to no longer provide childcare services for your student.


VIII. EDP FEES

EDP Hourly Fee $7.60/hour OR $1.90 every quarter hour. We will charge to the nearest quarter hour.

A. Payments

  • EDP charges $1.90 every 15 minutes that a child is signed in to the program. Monthly billing statements will be sent to the enrolling parent by the 5th of every month for the previous month’s service. The enrolling parent will be responsible for all fees due if other funding sources who have agreed to pay for the child care fail to pay (employer, CDA, County, etc.)
  • Fees are due by the last day of the month the month after care was provided. Payments can be made online or you can pay at the school with cash, check or credit card. The program strongly suggests that parents do not request their child bring payments.
  • Parents are responsible to contact the Business Manager, in writing, to acquire receipts for their personal taxes, if needed.
  • If you have a question or disagreement about the amount due, please contact the EDP Director.
  • If you are experiencing financial hardship you may appeal for a lower rate. Contact the EDP Director for more information.

B. Additional Charges

  • A fee of $1.00 per child will be charged for every minute a child is picked up after closing time, 6:00 pm. For example, if a child is picked up at 6:20, a $20.00 fee will be assessed. If they are picked up at 6:25, a $25.00 fee will be assessed. You will receive a separate bill for late pick up fees. Failure to pay the fees within 30 days may result in termination of services.
  • There may be small additional charges for special field trips or activities. In these cases, the staff will notify you in advance.
  • A delinquent fee notice including a $15 late fee will be issued if payment is not received by the last day of the month that you received your bill, or if the bank returns a check.
  • The parent must respond within one week of the date of the notice by either making the payment in full, or submitting a reasonable plan for payment. If payment is delinquent by more than 60 days, your child may be excluded from the EDP program until a reasonable plan for payment is made.

IX. EDP SCHEDULE & CURRICULUM

Regular Day Schedule

  • 6:30 am- 7:45 am Sign In and Small Group Activities/ Games
  • 7:45 am- 8:00 am Clean Up
  • 8:00 am- 8:30 am Morning Recess
  • 8:30 am- 3:00 pm School is in Session
  • 3:00 pm- 3:15 pm Snack and Sign In
  • 3:15 pm- 4:00 pm Outside Play
  • 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm Staff lead activities
  • 5:00 pm- 6:00 Outside Play or Independent Activities and Sign Out

Half-Day Schedule

  • 6:30 am- 7:45 am Sign In and Small Group Activities/ Games
  • 7:45 am- 8:00 am Clean Up
  • 8:00 am- 8:30 am Morning Recess
  • 8:30 am- 12:30 pm School is in Session
  • 12:30 pm- 12:45 pm Lunch and Sign In
  • 12:45 pm- 1:30 pm Outside Play
  • 1:30 pm- 3:00 pm Movie or Independent Activities/ Games
  • 3:00 pm- 3:15 pm Snack
  • 3:15 pm- 4:00 pm Outside Play
  • 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm Staff lead activities
  • 5:00 pm- 6:00 pm Outside Play or Independent Activities and Sign Out

****Schedule is subject to change*****


Curriculum

We use the same constructivist approach that is used during the school day, however our EDP is not staffed by are not credentialed teachers. Our goal is to activate prior knowledge, build skills and reinforce learning. Our group activities and lessons are developed by our staff and are focused on hands-on, project-based learning, experiential learning, and some curriculum based learning from well-known publishers.