YMCA OF NORTHERN UTAH
Revised April 2023
SUMMER DAY CAMP PARENT HANDBOOK
HEADQUARTERS 675 E 2100 S, Suite 200 Salt Lake City, UT 84107 PARK CITY SUMMER DAY CAMP Park City Day School 3120 Pinebrook Rd, Park City, UT 84098 DAVIS SUMMER DAY CAMP Location TBA
GENERAL INFORMATON
Dear Parents, Thank you so much for choosing the YMCA as your summer camp provider! We recognize that your child has many exciting options for enriching summer programs, and we are committed to providing a safe and fun environment for all children in the Northern Utah area. In 2023, we are focusing on the idea of “Belonging”. We strive to make sure each child feels a part of the camp community. This necessitates the teaching of character development and social-emotional skills; we don’t just have fun at camp, we work hard to develop children with a healthy spirit, mind, and body. Our staff receive training on Trauma-Informed Care and IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) so as to be able to meet the needs of each individual child. We are also proud to function as the entry point for children’s summer camp experiences! As they get older, the YMCA offers leadership development programs, travel programs, overnight camps, and employment opportunities! Many young people find their passion is summer camp activities; those are the ones that turn into our future directors! We are looking forward to working with you on behalf of your children this summer! Yours in Camping,
Welcome to the YMCA, where we offer high-quality youth programs. Our programs are designed to foster a sense of belonging in a safe and nurturing environment, teach children character development, and enhance social-emotional skills. We offer a Preschool Summer Day Camp experience and a Kinder Camp experience for campers who will be attending Kindergarten in Fall 2023. For children going into grades 1-5, our Traditional Camp with field trips and swimming will be fun and help children develop new skills! Teen Camp is specially designed for campers going into grades 6-8, and then they can become Counselors-In-Training to learn the ins and outs of having a job working with children. We start hiring at age 16!
TAYLORSVILLE SUMMER DAY CAMPS Taylosville YMCA Community Family Center 4223 S. Atherton Dr. Taylorsville, UT 84123 OGDEN PRESCHOOL & KINDER CAMP Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation YMCA Community Family Center 575 Lockwood Dr. Ogden, UT 84404 OGDEN SUMMER DAY CAMPS Mount Ogden Jr. High School 3260 Harrison Blvd, Ogden, UT 84403
WELCOME TO YMCA SUMMER DAY CAMP!
THE YMCA'S VISION FOR SUMMER DAY CAMP
“Diesel” Dave Hennessey, MS Association Day Camp Director Heather Shaffer Director of Early Childhood Education Programs - Ogden Rhonda Clark Salt Lake Regional Director
Website: www.ymcautah.org Phone: (801) 466-6299 Website for registration problems, financial aid issues, tuition issues, changes in attendance, changes in allergies, pick up information, legal issues: https://ymcautah.ymcamso.org/new/ Questions about the program or need accommodations for your child? Please reach out directly to the Site Director or Teacher for your child’s program. Direct-contact information for your child's summer day camp site will be distributed and posted on the website in the months leading up to camp! Staff will be reviewing registration information and will also reach out before your child attends day camp if they have questions. YMCA OF NORTHERN UTAH ADDRESSES
A TYPICAL DAY AT PRESCHOOL SUMMER DAY CAMP
The YMCA employs staff with a variety of backgrounds to provide an enriching daily experience for all children. Staff engages with children during all activities, both to ensure proper supervision but also to develop relationships. Staff utilizes positive behavior management techniques to encourage the development of the YMCA Character Values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Campers can experience daily fun activities that include arts and crafts, STEM activities, simple sports, science experiments, project-based literacy, group games, and more.
PROGRAMMATIC INFORMATION
The times above may change due to field trips, all-camp games, and differing activity period lengths and needs for different ages of children. Specialty Camp Add-ons typically run either 9:30-11:30 or 1:30-3:30. (More about Add-ons later.)
A TYPICAL DAY AT SUMMER DAY CAMP
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Pre-camp free play; Morning Snack (around 8.15 AM)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Morning Group Meeting & Opening Assembly
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Activity Period 1 (i.e. sports & games)
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Activity Period 2 (i.e. Nature)
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Wash hands, Lunch
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Activity Period 3 (i.e. Music & Drama)
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Activity Period 4 (i.e. Arts n' crafts)
3:00 - 3:45 PM
Actvity Period 5 (i.e. STEM)
4:00 - 4:45 PM
Afternoon Assembly, Dog-Tag Ceremony, Afternoon Snack
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Post-camp Free Play
KEEP IN MIND
9:00 AM
Offical Camp Day Begins
9:14 AM - 9:45 AM
Breakfast
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Assembly
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Outside Activity
10:55 AM- 12:15 PM
Theme Activities (Indoors)
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:35 PM - 2:05 PM
Technology Time
2:05 PM - 3:00 PM
Rest Time for Preschool, Core-Skills Time for Kinder Camp
3:05 PM - 3:20 PM
Snack
3:20 PM - 4:40 PM
Theme Activities
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Closing Assembly, Bead Ceremony, Offical Camp Day ends at 5 PM
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Post Camp Free Play
Summer Day Camp Parent Orientation via Zoom: May 9th at 6:30 PM OR May 23rdat 6:30 PM Zoom Orientations will be recorded for future viewing Ogden Preschool Summer Day Camp Parent Orientation via Zoom: May 30th 7pm for all sessions of camp June 5th: First day of camp for All Ogden, Davis, and Taylorsville Summer Day Camp programs June 12th: First day of camp for Park City Summer Day Camp programs Monday, June 19th, Juneteenth: Camp is in session (On this day, Ogden's Summer Day Camp will be held at the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation YMCA Community Family Center at 575 Lockwood Dr., Ogden) Monday, July 3rd: Camp is in session (On this day, Ogden's Summer Day Camp will be held at the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation YMCA Community Family Center at 575 Lockwood Dr., Ogden) Tuesday, July 4th, Independence Day: Camp is closed Monday, July 24th Pioneer Day: Camp is in session (On this day, Ogden's Summer Day Camp will be held at the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation YMCA Community Family Center at 575 Lockwood Dr., Ogden) August 11th: Last day for all Summer Day Camps
IMPORTANT DATES
NOTE: OGDEN & TAYLORSVILLE PRESCHOOL AND KINDER CAMPS instead of swim days for our preschoolers, we participate in Water Fun Fridays! Every Friday, we will enjoy some water games outside to cool off after a long hot week. It is highly recommended your child wear his/her swimsuit under their clothes to camp that morning. Please provide Sunscreen, towel, swimsuit, and if possible, water shoes. Campers will be given the opportunity to dry off and put on clothes after the water fun morning.
These are programs that can be added onto your child’s day at Traditional Camp! For an additional fee, children can attend 2 hours/day of STEM Camp led by a professional STEM educator (Ogden and Davis locations). In future years, additional Add-ons will be available such as Soccer, Cooking, and more at all locations. Davis STEM: 9:30-11:30, Ogden STEM 1:30-3:30.
Please check the weekly newsletter for special events, such as dress-up days that align with our themes!
Screen Time:Screen time will be limited to less than 30 minutes per day and is only used to increase academic achievement or physical activity. When screen time is used, G-rated media will be shown. Videos with a different rating will require parent/guardian permission.
SWIMMING
NOTE: OGDEN PRESCHOOL & KINDER CAMP A weekly G-rated Disney movie will air during free play on Wednesday and campers have the option to play or view the movie.
THEMES & DRESS UP DAYS
NOTE: OGDEN PRESCHOOL CAMP Campers enrolled in Ogden Preschool Camp will not attend off-site field trips. Howerver, each week, we'll have a special guest or service come to our YMCA for in-house field trips.
FIELD TRIPS
Outdoor play is a valuable tool in promoting healthy living. We believe that if your child is well enough to attend the YMCA, they should be able to go outside. The YMCA monitors air quality and temperature and will not send children outside if it is deemed unsafe. Water is available at all times while we are outdoors to stay well hydrated. If they have an injury, illness, or chronic condition that requires them to stay inside during outside time, a doctor’s note is required.
The YMCA is proud to partner with local swimming pools to provide recreational swimming for all of our summer programs. Usually, children go swimming once a week. The YMCA takes swimming very seriously and always maintains standard Counselor ratios on the pool deck, and requires lifeguards on duty. Approximately every 20 minutes, Y staff perform a “body check” and pulls everyone from the water for a quick head count. Children are also assigned swim levels that correspond to pool depth. Children will be tested (and given a swim bracelet indicating their swimming level) on their first swimming field trip. Swim levels are tracked throughout the summer, but not from year to year. SWIM LEVELS Pink: Lifejacket required; camper must stay in the shallow end. Red: Shallow-end swimmers and those that don’t wish to take the Yellow swim test. Yellow: Test required to swim in the medium end; yellow test required to qualify for the deep-end test. Test: without touching the bottom, campers must swim out the width of two lanes and swim back to the wall without assistance. Green: Deep-end test. Test: without touching the bottom, swim out the width of two lanes, tread water for 60 seconds, and swim back to the wall without assistance.
The YMCA is proud to partner with local attractions to provide field trips for all of our summer programs. During registration, you will be asked if you permit your child to participate in field trips. If you select “no” during registration (when asked if your child has permission to participate in field trips), alternate arrangements will need to be made for care for your child that day. The YMCA cannot accommodate children that cannot go on field trips. The YMCA contracts local transportation companies that bus children and staff to and from locations; when possible, seatbelts are required to be worn at all times. We will provide appropriate safety restraints for smaller children. Please drop your child off at camp on field trip days by 9:00 AM. We will always return to camp by 4:00 PM. If there are any transportation issues, the YMCA will push out notifications via text. Every effort will be made to plan field trips around Specialty Camp add-ons (like STEM) so that children get the best of each experience. More information about Add-ons later. In most cases, we can accommodate late drop-off at the field trip locations. However, this is not guaranteed. You should request this beforehand with the Camp Site Director. Early pick-up from a field trip is not recommended; however, exceptions can be made in emergency cases. Each child will receive a field trip t-shirt on the morning of their first field trip with the program. These shirts are required to be worn at all times on all field trips (except swimming field trips) as they contain state-required information in the design. You may purchase additional shirts for $10; The YMCA will provide children with a replacement shirt, and the fee will automatically be charged if not worn on field trip day.
SPECIALTY CAMP ADD-ONS
SCREEN TIME
OUTDOOR PLAY
TIE-DYE TUESDAY
Red, blue, yellow, and green take on a whole new meaning at YMCA Summer Day Camp. In the form of colored dog tags, these four colors reinforce good character. Our campers get excited to receive a blank dog tag (for their name) and the coveted "Summer 2023" dog tag on the first day of YMCA Summer Day Camp. And every day, they can earn dog tags in the four colors, each representing a different character trait. Campers may receive dog tags for attending Family Nights, winning Camper of the Week, showing personal growth, and more. Parents are encouraged to ask their camper about their dog tags and how they earned them! Campers may also come home with ribbons, stickers, and notes when they are caught being good!
On Tuesdays, bring a 100 percent cotton T-shirt (or other cotton item) to Tie-dye! If you need assistance in finding these items, please speak to your Camp Site Director.
Meals and Snacks Meals and snacks are provided for our programs in Ogden and Taylorsville. At our Davis and Park City locations, children should pack a lunch. Lunches should be shelf-stable and should not require refrigeration or heating. Morning and afternoon snacks will be provided at all locations. The YMCA will provide a daily, nutritious meal and/or snack in accordance with USDA nutrition guidelines and through the Utah State Office of Education Nutrition Program. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to inform the staff if their child has any food allergies or needs. If there are specific needs that we cannot feasibly address (specific diet requirements, allergies, etc) parents/guardians will be asked to provide a daily meal/snack for their child. What NOT to Bring to Camp We encourage personal toys, games, etc., to be left at home. If a child does have a personal item, parents/guardians must recognize that Y staff cannot be responsible for loss or damage to these belongings. Children do not need valuable personal items, stuffed animals, gaming cards, electronics, vehicles or scooters, recreational sports equipment, tobacco products, alcohol, weapons, pets, permanent markers, or foods containing peanuts at camp. Please do not send your child to camp with squirt guns unless it's a special day. Cell Phones Children in programs for grades 6 and above, while not recommended, are permitted to bring cell phones to camp with the understanding that they need to be responsible for (and with) these items. This does not mean that phones are to be used during program time or for the viewing or sharing of age-inappropriate material. In all cases, children are not permitted to record other children or share pictures of other children on social media. Y staff cannot be responsible for the loss or damage to these belongings. Children in programs for grades 5 and below are not permitted to bring cell phones to camp. Connected watches are allowed unless they become disruptive. Please mute your child’s watch during the camp day (with the exception of emergency contact). If any of these items become disruptive to the program, our staff reserve the right to confiscate the item. All personal items confiscated from children will only be returned to a parent at the end of the day.
Please have your child wear clothes that will be appropriate for active play! This includes wearing closed-toe shoes each day. Most kids bring a backpack to camp to contain their water bottle, sunscreen, swimsuit/towel, change of clothes (if needed), and hat. Wear your Field Trip Shirt on field trip days! All personal belongings, including lunch boxes, backpacks, etc., should be labeled with your child's name. Sunscreen Children should attend camp each day with sunscreen already applied each morning. Counselors will prompt campers to reapply sunscreen during outdoor play; staff will supervise this process. Generally, with exceptions for younger children, staff do not apply sunscreen; when help is needed, please pack spray sunscreen for your camper. Please note: the YMCA does not provide sunscreen due to the differing needs of each child. Water Campers should bring a reusable water bottle to camp each day. Fresh water is always available, and water breaks are strictly enforced, especially on hot days while playing outside.
PARENT/GUARDIAN COMMUNICATION
MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURES
Did your child come home talking about the Golden Goose, Sir Chunks, the Unicorn, or the Axolotl? Many of our camps have traditions that include mythological creatures that children are on the lookout for each day. Look for more about these traditions in the newsletters and notes sent home.
DOG TAG & CELEBRATIONS
NOTE: OGDEN KINDER & PRESCHOOL CAMP Your Ogden Kinder Camper or Preschool Campers should pack a small blanket for rest time, and a gallon-size ziplock bag with a change of underwear, pants, shirt and socks. These items will be kept at camp in the event of a wet accident. We understand that even potty-trained campers may have an accident sometimes and if we have these items on-hnad, we will not need to contact you to bring dry clothes. On Fridays, all campers will need a towel for water-fun play. Campers will bring home their rest time blanket and reusable water bottle every Friday for a thorough cleaning. These items should return with your camper the next Monday for another week at camp.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to volunteer in the program at any time. Parent information will be available at each location. It will display calendars and newsletters, informing parents/guardians of what is happening in their child's program. Materials, such as newsletters, will be emailed weekly and will contain information regarding upcoming events and additional parenting resources. Each camp will keep a current registration form with emergency and medical treatment information on file for each child. The parent/guardian is responsible for informing the program of any change in their child's emergency, medical, or physical conditions. A phone is always available for communication between staff and parents/guardians. Additionally, programs implement a written computer use and internet safety policy. Parents/Guardians can communicate concerns, opinions, and suggestions with the YMCA administration and on-site personnel, and contact is encouraged. We will handle all concerns confidentially. Once the YMCA offices have been contacted, if needed, you may file official grievances in writing. A YMCA staff member will contact you within two weeks with a written response addressing the grievance. The YMCA may conduct follow-up interviews, meetings, or phone calls before sending the official written response.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING/NOT BRING TO SUMMER DAY CAMP?
Child Abuse Prevention All staff meet minimum age requirements and position qualifications and have signed a Child Abuse Prevention/Employee Code of Conduct, which is available for parents/guardians to see upon request. Criminal background checks are conducted on all staff and volunteers who work alone with youth. All staff have training on child abuse and neglect reporting requirements and procedures. All YMCA staff are required to read and sign a statement informing them of their legal and ethical duty to report suspected abuse and an additional statement indicating that they will cooperate fully with any investigation and that failure to do so may be grounds for termination. All staff are trained to recognize inappropriate physical/verbal abuse. All staff are trained that one-on-one interactions and outside contact between staff and youth are prohibited. If the Y receives a report of a youth’s sexualized behavior and/or youth-to-youth sexual activity, supervisors will follow these guidelines: confirm the incident, review the steps taken by staff, review all reports, meet with parents of the youths involved, determine what actions should be taken to avoid recurrence, notify the proper authorities (if necessary), and develop a follow-up plan in response to the incident. Injury, Illness, and Medications In all cases of injury or illness, attempts will be made to contact parents/guardians immediately and involve them in the treatment decision. All incidents will be documented and kept on file. In case of serious illness or injury, the staff will follow parent/guardian instructions on the child's registration form. However, in all cases, staff will deal with serious emergencies in the most expeditious way possible. We cannot accept a sick child into our programs. Please keep your child home if there are or have been within the past 24 hours indications of: a fever (99.9 or above), a bad cold, a heavy nasal discharge, a constant cough, diarrhea and/or vomiting, bacterial pink-eye (child must be on antibiotics a full 24 hours before returning), or the symptoms of a communicable disease. If a child becomes ill while at the program, the parent/guardian will be called immediately to pick up the child. Until the parent/guardian arrives, the child will be excluded from activities with the other youth. The child will rest in a quiet area away from the main program area, supervised by a staff member. Youth will be readmitted when they are no longer contagious and are symptom-free for at least 24 hours. Parents/guardians will be notified regarding some contagious illnesses your child may have been exposed to, as required by the Health Department. Following the state law, we will not dispense any type of medication to any youth without advanced, written consent from the parent/guardian, and a physician, as required. The YMCA may administer prescription medication for children that have prescriptions. Over-the-counter medication must have the child’s name clearly printed on the container. If a child needs to receive any medication during YMCA program hours, staff must have the following information: A written, signed request from the parent/guardian (permission to Administer Medication Form). Written directions detailing the method, amount, and time schedule (must be filled out and signed by the physician ordering the medication when it is a prescribed medication). The medication must be in its original container as delivered by the pharmacy. In some cases, training by a parent on how to administer the medication.
Program Sign-in/out Whenever a child is picked up or dropped off, an authorized adult (18 years of age or older) must sign the child in or out on their child's sign-in/out sheet. Children will not be admitted into any Y programs before start time, even if staff members are present. School-age youth ages 12 and above may walk to/from home with written parent/guardian approval. If walking release permission is given and the child is not picked up by the end of program time, the child will be released to walk home. Children with written permission to walk to/from home are not permitted to sign other children out (an authorized adult, 18 years or older must sign children in or out). Program Closures In the event a YMCA program closes for reasons of a natural disaster or bad weather conditions, etc., parents/guardians or a designated person will be required to pick-up the child at an earlier time. Additionally The YMCA staff will be taking photos of youth, guardians and authorized pick ups to add to their profiles in the registraion system.
Parent/Guardian Authorization The YMCA program staff will assume full responsibility for a child from signing in at the program until sign-out, but not before. Staff shall require any person picking up a YMCA participant to provide photo identification if the person picking up the participant is not recognized as an authorized pick up from CORE or EPACT. Clear primary member profile pictures (no hats or sunglasses) can be used in lieu of ID. Staff must be able to recognize the pick up person as an authorized pick up. The pick up person must know their child(ren)’s name without any prompting to allow the photo ID to not be shown. In cases where one parent/guardian is restricted or denied the right to pick up a child, the enrolling parent/guardian must provide the YMCA with a copy of the court order, which supports the restriction to be enforced. The Y will not release confidential information about your child or family without written authorization from the parent/guardian. If any person (including the parents/guardians) tries to pick up a child from the YMCA and appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs (according to the YMCA staff), the YMCA staff will contact another person on the authorized pick-up list to pick-up the child. If the person under the influence insists on taking the child, the YMCA staff will contact the police immediately.
HEALTH & SAFETY POLICIES
SIGN IN & OUT POLICIES
BEHAVIOR GUIDANCE & DISCIPLINE POLICIES
Staff and Supervision Staff members are certified in CPR, first aid, food handling, child abuse identification and prevention, and YMCA policies and procedures. As directed by Utah State Child Care Licensing, staffing is based on age-appropriate ratios. Behavior Management The goal of the YMCA is to guide youth in becoming happy, responsible, and cooperative participants in this program through positive, non-threatening teaching techniques. We want to promote the YMCA's values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. For this purpose, the YMCA program will use a code of conduct. We’ll make every effort to obtain information that will help us understand your child. This may include conferences with parents/guardians, classroom teachers, YMCA directors, program staff, and school personnel. When behavior problems arise, children will be given options. Ongoing information is provided for parents/guardians on programmatic issues that could impact the health and safety of participants. YMCA Code of Conduct As providers, the Y agrees to: Provide a consistent, quality, and respectful program. Provide a safe, wholesome, and challenging environment. Listen to child concerns and answer their questions. Be a role model for the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Treat each child with respect and dignity. Respect each child’s and family’s confidentiality. Not engage in relationships with children and families outside of the YMCA program. Transport children in YMCA vehicles only (no personal staff vehicles). Be sensitive to all cultures. Encourage creativity and growth, and foster self-esteem in each child. Provide positive reinforcement and consequences for a child’s negative conduct. As a child and parent, I agree to: Listen and abide by program rules and all directions of staff and teachers. Show respect to other children, staff, and property. Maintain YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Stay with my group at all times. Try to resolve all conflicts or problems in a productive manner. Leave personal belongings at home (i.e. toys, technology) Remain drug, tobacco, and alcohol-free. Display a positive attitude and show appreciation. I have the right to feel safe at the YMCA program. Not disrupt the program or jeopardize the health and well-being of self, children, and staff. I Have the choice of how I behave, with a full understanding of the consequences of my choices. Be open to participating in provided activities.
Disciplinary Procedures An escalation process is in place should inappropriate behavior occur by a program participant. Unacceptable behavior includes disrespectful actions such as swearing, repeated name calling/teasing, and physical gestures; bullying; harassment; stealing; vandalism; and creating an unsafe environment that is directed toward YMCA staff, children, and property. Any of these actions will result in the following procedures, and all incidents will be documented: First time: behavior will be discussed with the child, and a verbal warning will be given. Second time: behavior will be discussed with the child, the conversation will be documented with a Character Development Assistance form, and the parent/guardian will be notified. Third time: behavior will be discussed with the child, parent/guardian will be notified, a Behavior Contract will be made, and the child may be suspended for up to 3 days. If a child’s actions cause severe disruption of regular program proceedings, the child’s parent/guardian will be called for temporary removal from the program until a conference can be arranged. Continued behavior problems may result in permanent dismissal, and refunds will not be given. Permanent dismissals will require a meeting with Director before returning to any YMCA program. Staff Policies for Out-Of-Program Behavior/Relationships We appreciate your efforts to maintain professional boundaries with our staff. The YMCA feels it is inappropriate to have social media relationships between staff and families we serve. The YMCA prohibits babysitting by the staff and families that we serve. The YMCA prohibits staff from fraternizing with minors they have met in YMCA programs, including other minor-aged staff members and volunteers. Parents/Guardians/Staff must disclose prior relationships (existing before enrollment in the program) between staff members and families of program participants to YMCA management.
Emergency Procedures Fire drills are conducted monthly, and we will review disaster procedures twice a year. An emergency and disaster preparedness plan is maintained on-site and is accessible to all staff.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ENROLLMENT
VOLUNTEERS
THE BIG PICTURE
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION Parents/guardians must fill out and sign the required forms each year before any child is admitted to the program. Parents/guardians are required to fill out an emergency form to supply the name and phone numbers of authorized persons to call in case of an emergency if parents/guardians are unavailable or unobtainable. In order to update your child’s enrollment status, a change of attendance form must be submitted to the YMCA. This form must be received before your child starts attending on the new schedule and before program fees will be updated.
The YMCA operates with the help of many volunteers in the community. These volunteers are required to fill out an application. On-going volunteers will be subjected to a background check. We do not allow our volunteers to be alone with children at any time. There is always a staff member present to provide supervision.
IN ADDITION TO THE CURRENT PAYMENT POLICIES YOU SIGN DURING REGISTRATION Scholarships The YMCA will provide scholarships based on household income, household size, or school enrollment. Scholarships are made possible through grants from local foundations, donations, annual support campaigns, and fundraisers. The scholarship application process varies according to enrollment. I understand that the YMCA offers Financial Assistance, and I agree to provide complete and accurate information when applying. This includes disclosing ALL sources of income for my household. I understand that my YMCA financial assistance discount is valid for one school year (including summer camp). All applications are due by May 1st to secure my rate. Late Fees The YMCA program closing time is dependent on the site. If you need to check your child out before this time, please inform the program staff. If your child remains past closing time, a late fee will be charged for $2.00 per minute per child. This charge will be added to your program fees. If an emergency will result in a late pick-up, please call and inform the program staff and/or YMCA office. Even in cases of emergencies, you may be subject to late fees. If your child has not been picked up at the end of the program, the YMCA will try to contact the parents/guardians and the emergency contacts listed on the registration form. If the YMCA cannot reach the contacts listed on the registration form within 30 minutes of the program end time, the local police will be called. Income Tax Information It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to retain receipts and invoices for IRS purposes. You can find the YMCA tax identification number on all YMCA invoices and statements.
REGISTRATION & PARENT/GUARDIAN FORMS
Parents have always sought out ways to keep their children safe and well-cared for. Before there were public schools in the United States, most early YMCAs cared for children of the poor through free Sunday schools and mission schools. The Salem YMCA had one of the first mission schools, which offered classes and social gatherings for children who otherwise might not have had such opportunities. Public education in the United States was widely available by the end of the 19th century. YMCAs departed from child care at this time. In the 1960s, YMCA youth workers realized that teens often cared for their younger siblings while parents worked, so they developed high quality, affordable child care for all ages. The Cabot Street YMCA in Beverly, Massachusetts began offering preschool child care in 1968; the Marblehead/Swampscott Y began operating a preschool in 1970; and the Salem YMCA began providing preschool care in 1983. They were among the first child care providers that also focused on education before children went to elementary school. In the early years, the focus of the program was on basic care of young children, but over the years the program moved toward early education with a curriculum that prepares children for elementary school. After early education, the YMCA services extended to quality before- and after-school programming for elementary and middle school students. The focus of these programs changed over time as well, and now include a focus on social emotional learning, literacy, and more. We are so pleased you are joining us in this historical movement to build strong kids and strong families in our communities!
Enrollment in the program shall be granted without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, color, or national origin. Enrollment is open to any child who has a need. Children ages 3-15 years old are eligible to participate in YMCA programs and are enrolled on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Children with special needs (physical, emotional, or mental disabilities) are eligible to participate in the YMCA as long as existing staff is able to provide adequately for the child’s needs. We are not able to accommodate children who do not have age-appropriate hygiene skills or those requiring us to have specialized equipment or extra personnel unless you as parents/guardians provide this extra assistance. It is encouraged that parents/guardians of a child with special needs make an appointment with the program staff prior to registering the child in the program so we may assess the needs of your child.