PARENT
HANDBOOK
Teen & Tween Center
MARINE COPS COMMUNITY SERVICES
MARINE & FAMILY PROGRAMS
CHILDREN, YOUTH AND TEEN PROGRAMS
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION
CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA
February 2014
MISSION STATEMENT
Children, Youth, and Teen Programs (CYTP) will improve the quality of child care in a variety of integrated, balanced, quality programs for eligible children ages 6 weeks to 18 years. Accessibility, availability, and affordability are key components of CYTP. These programs are significant to military and civilian personnel’s quality of life which is supported via Marine and Family Programs provided aboard the Air Station and through contractual partnerships with public and private organizations. It is the Marine Corps intent to assist in providing children, youth and teen services to support operational readiness, mission accomplishment, and retention.
PROGRAM STATEMENT
Programs shall consist of a comprehensive series and balance of activities and events, which respond to the recreational, developmental, social, psychological, cultural, and educational needs of eligible youth. The programs support the development of lifelong skills and transition to adulthood, within a physically and emotionally safe environment. Designated facilities and appropriately trained support staff shall be assigned. Programs shall provide safe, supervised, healthy, accountable and age-appropriate activities and sports program that meet documented community needs. All youth programs shall meet the requirements as established by reference (c). a. Activities shall be diverse, engaging, and appealing to youth and teens from different backgrounds to help develop their strengths and competencies. Programs shall provide a written daily schedule for all activities that begin and end at a specific time. A variety of programs, activities, and instructional opportunities shall be offered to allow youth and teens to have fun and have positive experiences.
We incorporate appropriate 4-H curriculum and additional best practice curriculums to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring citizens.
Dear Parent(s):
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to provide your Teen/Tween with a safe, positive environment that will, with parent partnership, build strong and healthy youth. The Teen/Tween Center provides positive role models and social skills, and guidance to promote responsible decision-making. The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint you with our policies and procedures for the Teen/Tween Center. The Managers and staff will be glad to answer any questions you might have. We suggest that you keep your handbook for reference in a convenient location.
We continually strive for excellence in all programs and encourage parental participation through our Parent Advisory Boards (PAB). Also, we have an “open door” policy and invite you to visit, unannounced, at any time.
We are here to serve you. We designed our programs to meet the needs of the military community and are always interested in your suggestions for improving or expanding our services. Please discuss your ideas with program managers.
Again, welcome to the Children, Youth and Teen Program at Cherry Point. We trust that experiences with our programs and those of your child(ren) will be positive and rewarding.
Sincerely,
Director
Teen/Tween Program
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Teen and Tween Activities program is to provide a comprehensive, year round schedule of diverse activities appealing to youth ages 11 - 18 years old. The program is designed to contribute to personal growth and development. Activities are planned to build self-esteem and teach lifelong skills through recreation in a healthy, safe environment. Implemented activities foster recreational, developmental, social, psychological and cultural needs for youth. Special programs are planned to prepare the youth for a fulfilling life with special admiration for family, friends, community, career and self.
PROGRAM STATEMENT
Adolescence is the period of developmental transition between childhood and adulthood. It involves changes in personality, as well as physical, intellectual and social development. During this time of change, teens are faced with many issues and decisions. Every moment is an opportunity to learn more about the world, practice social skills, and gain critical thinking skills and knowledge. If we care about our youth, then we must ensure that all youth are engaged in positive activities and surroundings that prepare them to take full advantage of their educational opportunities and to become effective citizens, capable workers, and loving parents of the next generation. Our program is participant initiated, and counselor supported with an emphasis on active participation through individual and small groups. Appropriate 4-H curriculum is incorporated based on interest of the youth. Programs provide for a range of developmental interests and abilities. Adults provide opportunities for youth to choose from among a variety of activities, materials and equipment and time to expand their creativity through active involvement. Multicultural and non-sexist experiences, materials and equipment are provided for youth of all ages.
PHILOSOPHY
The Teen and Tween Center believes that it is critical to promote self-esteem and social skills that are developmentally appropriate and enhance the child’s cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development. The Teen and Tween Center promotes character building through leadership, guidance in behavior, and attitude which enables youth to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
GOALS
Our goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of youth through facilitation of programs that promote success in school, healthy choices, fostering of important life skills, and self-esteem while responding to the needs of the families.
GOVERNANCE
The Child, Youth, and Teen Programs are governed by Marine Corps Order 1710.30E, Air Station Order 1745.1.A, local sanitation, safety, and fire regulations, and food service guidelines provided by the USDA sponsored Child and Adult Care Food Program. Monthly/Quarterly inspections are conducted by the Preventative Medicine Unit from the Naval Clinic Cherry Point, Joint Safety Department, and Cherry Point Fire Department. In addition, there are annual Comprehensive, Multidisciplinary, and Marine Corps Headquarters Inspections.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM POINTS OF CONTACT
Children & Youth Program Administrator / 466-6181Teen and Tween Program Manager / 466-4831
466-4822
Resource and Referral / 466-3595
466-5079
466-5605
USDA Food Program Manager / 466-2621
Training and Curriculum Specialist / 466-2697
ADMISSIONS
ELIGIBILITY:
Eligible patrons (sponsors) include military personnel, DoD personnel paid from APF and NAF, active duty Coast Guard, reservists on active duty or during inactive duty training, and DoD contractors who are preforming mission related duty on the installation. Retirees may be eligible when a waiting list does not exist and space is available.
We will evaluate children with special needs for admission on an individual basis through the Special Needs Evaluation Review Team (SNERT) process.
CENTRAL REGISTRATION WITH RESOURCE AND REFERRAL:
Serves as a one-stop-shop for meeting your childcare needs. All patrons desiring to use Child Development Center, Cherry Point, or Teen and Tween Program services must complete central registration through Resource and Referral (R&R) Department, located at Building 232. Resource and Referral ((R&R) provides childcare information, referrals and assistance in locating appropriate , affordable, and accessible childcare to military personnel and DoD employees. R&R may provide information regarding off-base childcare availability. For more information on enrollment or other childcare related questions please call R&R at 252-466-3595/5079.
OUR COMMITMENT TO COMMUNICATE
We believe it is important to build a partnership with parents, including communication with you regarding your child’s experiences at the Center. Our counselors are interested in working with you in meeting your child’s needs. There are a variety of ways that we will communicate with you, including verbal and written communications, periodic newsletters, and parent bulletin board.
OUR COMMITMENT TO CONFIDENTIALITY
Please know that we respect the information you share with us and will use that information in a professional manner as a means to meet your child’s needs. MCO 1710.30E Chapter 2, 2013, mandates Confidentiality. “All information about children, youth, teens, families, and staff shall be kept confidential. All staff members are familiar with and required to comply with the Privacy Act.”
PARENTS AS PARTNER
We believe that involving parents in Center activities is important for both you and your child. When parents are involved in the Center it strengthens self-esteem and parent/child relationships. There are a variety of ways you can become involved in the Center.
PARENT ADVISORY BOARD:
We have an advisory board made up of parent representatives from all ranks that provide recommendations to program staff and the Command for improving services and programs operations. The Board also coordinates the parent participation program and helps with special events scheduled at the Center.
PARENT PARTICIPATION PROGRAM:
Parents are encouraged to participate in our program in a variety of ways. Upon enrollment into the program, parents are expected to visit the Center for an orientation and tour of the facility and programs. Other opportunities include, but are not limited to, conferences, visitations, participation in special events and projects, and communication with your child’s counselor. We also strive to involve parents by offering them the opportunity to utilize available resources to enhance parenting skills and build strong family bonds through resources such as lending library, in-service training, parent seminars, and other community activities. Many of the opportunities offered are provided through a cooperative effort of the MCCS Children Youth and Teen Programs, the Craven County Partnership for Children, Craven County Schools, just to mention a few.
CURRICULUM
The Teen and Tween program are affiliated with 4-H. The Teen and Tween program utilize clubs and programming as guidance for daily activities.
4-H Programs include:
· Robotics Club
· Presto Meals
· Focus on Photography
· Down to Earth
· Peer to Peer
· Shooting Sports (Archery)
· Robotic Arm
FIELD TRIPS:
Field Trips are offered at various times throughout the year. Parents will be notified of field trips with a parental permission form which includes details regarding the field trip and payment information. Parents are encouraged to participate by assisting in planning or recommending particular trips or programs.
PROGRAMS OFFERED
FULL DAY CAMPS:
Are available for youth ages 11 – 18. The Center is open from (0530 - 1800) Monday through Friday when schools is not in session. Parents must have current registration paperwork on file and sign up for these camp days in advance.
PART-DAY AFTERNOON CARE:
Is available when schools are in session for half day and when youth are dismissed from school. Transportation is provided for Tweens from school to the Center for a minimal fee. The Center will close at 1800.
EXCLUSION:
We reserve the right to cancel enrollment of youth from the Center when a parent does not adhere to Center policies. Further, if the individual needs of a child within our programs cannot be reasonably met within budget constraints, we reserve the right to withdraw your child. When a situation is identified which could lead to withdrawal, parents will be included in the plan to recover the problem. Should withdrawal become necessary, our Resource and Referral Technician will be available to render assistance in locating alternative care choices.
PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR
Marine Corps Community Services
Children, Youth and Teen Programs
DISCIPLINE AND TOUCH POLICY
CHILD GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE POLITY
Our goal is to promise self-control and appropriate social behavior in Children, Youth, and Teens. We use positive methods to encourage development of these behaviors. Positive guidance helps Children, Youth, and Teens learn what is acceptable and what is not, and helps Children, Youth, and Teens learn to make their own decisions.
Counselors set behavior limits based on positive guidance and redirection as they focus on teaching rather that punishing. Aggressive behaviors are most often present when children lack the skills to cope with frustrating situations and are to be handled by validating the child’s feelings and/or redirecting the child to another activity.
Verbal abuse (including yelling or raised voices, threats, and derogatory remarks) and any type of physical aggression (such as squeezing to cause pain, jerking or pulling a child, slapping, hitting, restricting movement or placing a child in an isolated/confined space) are all forbidden for participants and staff and are grounds for immediate dismissal. Withholding or forcing meals/snacks are also forbidden.
Our guidance strategies include:
· Use of clear directions
· Communication of age appropriate positive expectations/consequences
· Modeling appropriate verbal responses to conflicts
· Positive reinforcement
· Listening to the child
· Avoiding labeling of children
· Providing challenging activities or redirecting to alternate activities
· Ignoring behavior when appropriate to do so
TOUCH POLICY
Physical contact is important for a child’s development. A child/youth’s self-esteem grows when they are cared for in a loving manner. Holding hands, a pat on the back, a reassuring hug (lasting 3 seconds or less), are all nurturing gestures. These expressions of affection are natural for adults who work with children.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
FIRST OFFENSE:
Verbal warning and redirection by counselor, written incident report.
SECOND OFFENSE:
Teen/Tween will be sent to the front office for reflection and change of environment in order to regain self control. An incident/accident report will be completed by the counselor and the parents will be given a courtesy call by manager on duty.
THIRD OFFENSE:
Youth will be sent to manager on duty. The manager on duty will immediately inform parents about youth’s behavior. Youth may be sent home for the rest of the day at manager’s discretion. A written incident/accident report will be completed by the counselor and shared with the parents by the manager.
INAPPROPRIATE TOUCHING IS GROUNDS FOR IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL FOR ANY STAFF MEMBER OR PARTICIPANT.
Some obvious examples of inappropriate touching are:
· Shoving, hitting or kicking
· Squeezing
· Head and/or arm twisting
· Fondling
· Pinching
· Corporal punishment
· Biting
DISCIPLINE OF A CHILD BY A PARENT
WHILE ON CDC/CTH/TWEEN CENTER PREMISES
At no time will a parent or guardian discipline a child by striking, shaking, or any other form of physical punishment while on the premises of the CYTP Programs to include the playgrounds, parking lots, and surrounding grounds. Violation of such prohibition may result in disenrollment for the child(ren) from the program.