YMCA OF NORTHERN UTAH
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT HANDBOOK
Updated: 12-13-2023
Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation YMCA Community Family Center 575 Lockwood Drive Ogden, UT 84404
Phone: 801-466-6299
WELCOME TO YMCA OF NORTHERN UTAH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS!
GENERAL INFORMATION
Website: www.ymcautah.org
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.
For programs not housed at one of the locations above, program locations will be posted online and sent to parents via pre-program communications.
Contact information for registration problems, financial aid issues, tuition issues, changes in attendance, changes in allergies, pick up information, legal issues:

businessoffice@ymcautah.org | 801-466-6299 Questions about the program or need accommodations for your child? Please reach out directly to the Coordinator or Teacher for your child’s program. Direct contact information for your child's site will provided at the time of registration. Staff will be reviewing registration information and will also reach out before your child attends our programs if they have questions.
Taylorsville YMCA Community Family center 4223 S. Atherton Drive Taylorsville, UT 82123
Association Headquarters Office 675 East 2100 South, Suite 200 Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Weber Region Administrative Office 2955 Harrison Blvd. , Suite 204 Ogden, UT 84403
OUR VISION FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
The YMCA employs staff with a variety of backgrounds to provide an enriching daily experience for all children. The 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. Children can experience daily fun activities that include arts and crafts, STEM activities, social-emotional learning, math, simple sports, science experiments, project-based literacy, group games, and more.
YMCA PERMANENT ADDRESSES
PROGRAMMATIC INFORMATION
The YMCA is proud to partner with local attractions to provide field trips for all of our programs. During registration, you will be asked if you permit your child to participate in field trips. The YMCA cannot accommodate children who cannot go on field trips; alternate arrangements will need to be made for care for your child that day. 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. 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 Site Coordinator. 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, bracelet, or other identifying marker on the day of their field trip with the program. These items are required to be worn at all times on all field trips as they contain state-required information in the design. In our licensed facilities, a signed permission slip is required for each activity.
We discourage personal toys, games, snacks, etc. 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, motorized vehicles, recreational sports equipment, tobacco products, alcohol, energy drinks, weapons, pets, permanent markers, or foods containing peanuts. YMCA staff have the right to check backpacks for banned personal items. And if any items are found they will be available for parents to pick up at the end of the program.
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. All meals must be non-refrigerated and labeled with the child’s full name and date.
Children should bring a labeled, reusable water bottle each day. Fresh water is always available, and water breaks are strictly enforced, especially on hot days while playing outside.
WHAT TO BRING EACH DAY
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. We ask parents/guardians to provide weather-appropriate clothing, labeled with their child’s name. The YMCA monitors air quality and temperature and will not send children outside if it is deemed unsafe. To stay hydrated, water is available while participants are outside when temperatures are above 75 degrees. If participants have an injury, illness, or chronic condition that requires them to stay inside during outside time, they will be accompanied by a staff member and a friend.
FIELD TRIPS
WHAT NOT TO BRING
SUMMER DAY CAMP FIELD TRIPS
MEALS & SNACKS
Electronic devices may be used for student instruction and communication with parents, however but consequently, the program staff has the authority to maintain acceptable use policies regarding electronic devices in YMCA programs. Using electronic devices to bully, harass, or intimidate other children, staff, or patrons will not be tolerated. Electronic devices used in violation of the policy shall be confiscated and returned to parents/guardians at the end of the day, with the requirement that they do not return to the program. During program time, we require that electronic devices be put on mute (with the exception of emergency contact). Additionally, programs implement a written computer use and internet safety policy.
Please have your child wear clothes that will be appropriate for active play! This includes wearing closed-toe shoes each day. All personal belongings, including lunch boxes, backpacks, etc., should be labeled with your child's name.
OUTDOOR PLAY
ELECTRONICS
Each child will receive a field trip t-shirt, bracelet or other identifying marker on the day of their first field trip with the program. These items 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 item, and the fee will automatically be charged if not worn on field trip day. In our licensed facilities a signed permission slip is required for each activity. 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, but this is not always possible.
WATER
PARENT/GUARDIAN AUTHORIZATION
PROGRAM CLOSURES
The YMCA program staff will assume full responsibility for a child from signing in at the program until sign-out, but not before. Only persons authorized by the parent/guardian in writing may pick up the child. Staff will require photo identification from all adults picking up a child. All adults picking up a child will be verified to be authorized to do so. For afterschool programs, parents/guardians are responsible for notifying the YMCA site location if their child will be tardy or absent. 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.
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, and viewing of movies over 30 minutes, will require parent/guardian acknowledgment.
PROGRAM SIGN & OUT
SIGN IN & OUT POLICIES
Parents/guardians are encouraged to volunteer in the program at any time. Parent information will be available at each location. Calendars and newsletters, informing parents/guardians of what is happening in their child's program will be displayed. Materials, such as newsletters, will be emailed and will contain information regarding upcoming events and additional parenting resources. Each program 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. The parent/guardian is responsible for updating contact information. A phone is always available for communication between staff and parents/guardians. Parents/Guardians can communicate concerns, opinions, and suggestions with the YMCA administration and on-site personnel, and contact is encouraged.
PARENT GUARDIAN COMMUNICATION
SUMMER DAY CAMP SWIMMING
In the event a YMCA program closes early or unexpectedly (facility safety, natural disaster, bad weather conditions, etc.), parents/guardians or a designated person will be required to pick-up the child at an earlier time.
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, always maintains standard Counselor ratios on the pool deck, and requires lifeguards on duty. Approximately every 30 minutes, Y staff perform a check, pulling everyone from the water for a head count. Children are also assigned swim levels that correspond to pool depth. Children will be tested on their first swimming field trip (and given a swim bracelet indicating their swimming level). Swim levels are tracked throughout the program, but not from program to program or year to year. Levels Pink: Life Jacket required; camper must stay in the shallow end. Red: Shallow-end swimmers and those who 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.
SCREEN TIME
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 10 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. Only authorized pick ups can sign out a child. Authorized pick ups must be recognizable or with a photo on account. Otherwise photo identification and name will be required. Parents/guardians must give written permission to add authorized pick ups.
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. Anticipated behavior concerns may arise as we operate within a program that accommodates a large group setting. Regrettably, we are unable to offer individualized one-on-one accommodations. Ongoing information is provided for parents/guardians on programmatic issues that could impact the health and safety of participants.
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.
INJURY OR ILLNESS
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 degrees 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.
As child and parent/guardian, 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. 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.
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 approved 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.
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.
YMCA CODE OF CONDUCT
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION
HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
REGISTRATION & PARENT/GUARDIAN FORMS
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.
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.
LATE FEES
STAFF POLICIES FOR OUT-OF-PROGRAM BEHAVIOR
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 2-15 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 adequate care 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 required 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. For preschool and afterschool registrations, same day enrollment will not be permitted.
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.
PAYMENT POLICIES
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
ENROLLMENT
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
INCOME TAX INFORMATION
Parents/guardians must fill out and sign the required forms each year before any child is admitted to the program. Credit Card must be on file for all fees and incidentals IEF’s, Immunization, Birth Certificate, assessment release 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.
All payments are due as outlined in your tuition agreement. If you need help scheduling, making or have feedback regarding your payment, please reach out to the Welcome desk.
675 E 2100 S, Suite 200
Salt Lake City, UT 84106 801-466-6299 ymcautah.org
@ymcautah