Parent Handbook
Murwood Keyspot, Inc.
Non-profit School Age Child Care
CA License # 070213231
Address:
2050 Vanderslice Ave.
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone: 925-932-8118
Fax: 925-932-1285
Email:
www.murwoodkeyspot.com
Introduction / 2Mission and Objectives / 3
Murwood Keyspot, Inc. Mission Statement
Murwood Keyspot, Inc. Program Objectives
Registration / 4
Tuition and Contracts / 5
Contract Options
Block Usage
Scheduled Hourly
Drop-In Usage / 6
Tuition
Refund Policy
Late Pick Up
Withdrawal
Daily Procedures and Program / 7
Hours of Operation
Sign-In and Sign-Out
Absences
Special Information for Kindergartners and Transitional Kindergarteners
The Keyspot Daily Schedule / 8
Kindergarten Daily Schedule
Kindergarten Before school Program
Kindergarten Afterschool Program
Grades 1st - 5th Daily Schedule
Before School Schedule
After School Schedule
Free Play
Group Time / 9
Activities
Snack Time/Clean Up
Personal Possessions
Homework
Homework Club
After School Enrichment
Health and Safety / 10
Daily Health Requirement
Illnesses
Injuries and Emergencies
Medicine
Mandated Child Abuse Reporting
Emergency Preparedness Plan and Guidelines / 11
Behavior and Discipline / 12
Problem Solving Techniques
Behavior and Discipline Policy
Additional Parent Information / 13
Parent-Staff Communication
Parent Involvement
Photography and Videotaping Policy / 14
Grievance Procedure
Responsibilities / 15
Keyspot’s Responsibilities to Parents
Parent’s Responsibilities to Keyspot
Keyspot’s Responsibilities to Children / 16
Children’s Responsibilities to Keyspot
“Do” Rules for Keyspot / 17
“Don’t” Rules for Keyspot / 17
”Nature means children to be children before they become men and women. If we deviate from this order, we produce a forced fruit, without taste, maturity, or power of lasting; we make young philosophers and old children. Childhood has ways of seeing, thinking, and feeling peculiar to itself.”
-Rousseau
Introduction
Murwood Keyspot, Inc. (“Keyspot”) is a self-sustaining, State-licensed non-profit organization which provides a full time program of child care for elementary school children (TK-5) before and after school. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors made up of parents whose children attend the Keyspot program. Care is provided to children without regard to race, sex, religion, or national origin.
In order to ensure a high quality program, the Board sets policies for Keyspot, in accordance with applicable laws. The Program Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Keyspot program. The staff reports to the Director on an ongoing basis and the Director reports to the Board on a monthly basis.
We welcome you and your child(ren) to our program! We want this experience to be a positive one for all of us, so we ask for you to familiarize yourself with our program by reading this handbook and asking any questions you may have.
Special note: The word "parent" is used throughout this handbook to designate the child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
Mission and Objectives
Murwood Keyspot, Inc. Mission Statement
Keyspot is dedicated to providing an atmosphere that:
♥ Explores the wonder of life
♥ Celebrates the individual child both within and outside of a group
♥ Rejoices in the spirited growth of the whole child
Murwood Keyspot, Inc. Program Objectives
² Keyspot is here to serve and support school-age children and their families.
² We seek to nurture each child's sense of personal and social responsibility by:
· Providing a friendly, caring atmosphere
· Promoting respect for self and others
· Valuing diversity
· Guiding children in learning and practicing conflict resolution and the use of appropriate expressions of anger
· Nurturing the development of self-esteem and independence
· Nourishing the special relationship between adult and child
² We seek to support families by:
· Encouraging open communication with parents
· Utilizing the skills and talents of parents for the continued development of the Keyspot program
· Providing a physically and emotionally safe environment for each child
² We seek to complement the public school program by:
· Providing a creative atmosphere for the enjoyment of the arts, including drama, music, dance, arts and crafts.
· Encouraging the development of coordination and motor skills, positive competitive skills, good sportsmanship, and enjoyment of games
· Encouraging children to participate in real-life activities such as cooking, sewing, carpentry, and housekeeping
· Fostering awareness of, appreciation of, and responsibility for our environment
· Providing the opportunity for quiet, self-directed play
· Remembering to play!
Registration
Children must be registered with Keyspot before they can attend the program. A non-refundable registration fee is required to be paid at time of registration. This registration is a requirement regardless of usage type. A meeting with the Director or Office Manager is encouraged before registering a child. Keyspot has a school-age license; therefore, children must be enrolled in a California Transitional Kindergarten or higher grade to attend the program.
Forms required by State Licensing or the Murwood Keyspot program must be completed and signed prior to participation in the program. The forms that must be completed are:
· Identification and Emergency Information: Includes a list of authorized persons who may pick up your child.
· Child's Pre-Admission Health History: Includes a plan for pick up in case of illness.
· Consent for Medical Treatment: Authorization for emergency medical treatment.
· Parent's Rights: States that parent or guardians must be informed of their right to enter and inspect the facility.
· Personal Rights Form: Describes the rights of an individual in a facility.
· Admission/Tuition Agreement & Registration Form: States hours and rates agreed upon for the use of Keyspot services. Notification of Licensing regulation section 101.195, b. and c. requiring the Keyspot staff to report any and all cases of suspected child abuse states School & Student Holiday Schedule and current policies.
Tuition and Contracts
Contract Options
Children may be enrolled at Keyspot under one of the following options:
1. Block Usage
2. Scheduled Hourly
3. Drop-In
If space is limited for a given time period, priority will be given to children previously enrolled for that time period whose contracts are submitted by the deadline. After that, priority will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis.
We schedule our staff based on the hours you contract for each month; therefore, we do not give refunds for unused hours. If you need to add hours later, you must obtain approval from the Director or Office Manager and pay for these hours at the Additional Hours rate. (Approval for additional hours is based on space available.)
Block Usage
Block users sign up for pre-set 'blocks' of time (e.g. before-school hours, after-school until 6:00) at set costs per block. In general, the equivalent hourly cost for these blocks is lower than for the other options. Block users select a block at registration time annually. Hours used over the block selection time will be billed at the Additional Hours rate.
School Year Block fees are based on the school year schedule and divided into nine monthly payments beginning at the time of registration and ending in May. Winter Camp, Spring Camp and Summer Camp are not included in these rates.
All Access Block (x-pass) fees are based on a 12 month calendar year beginning with the school year and continuing through the summer program. These monthly payments are divided into 12 monthly payments and are due beginning at the time of registration and on the 1st business day of each month. These blocks include all days that Keyspot is open. If you are enrolled in an All Access Block and either change blocks or disengage from Keyspot service, refunds are not granted for service months already provided. A schedule change fee will be charged.
Scheduled Hourly
Customized users design their own customized usage schedule for each month (e.g., 2:20 - 4:00 on Tuesdays and 2:20- 6:00 on Thursdays) Hourly rates are published at the beginning of each school year. Customized users either complete a new form for each month or select a set schedule for the entire school year. The computer tracks attendance automatically, so your monthly hours will be calculated at the end of each month based on sign in and out times.
Drop-In Usage
Drop-in users must register prior to using the services. A space must be reserved for your child(ren) at least 24 hours in advance by one of the following methods of notification: communication with a staff in person; by phone; voice mail; or e-mail. Failure to cancel a reservation prior to start time may result in a charge.
Total monthly hours will be tallied and billed at the end of each month, based on computer sign in/sign out times. A statement of account will be sent each month, payable upon receipt. Drop-in services will not be available to any client whose account has an unpaid balance.
Tuition
Tuition for Block and Scheduled hourly users is payable monthly, in advance, due on the 1st.. You will generally receive a statement of account via U.S. Postal Service or email. A late fee of $5.00 per day is charged after the 1st. If payment is not received by the fifth day, services may be denied. If a check is returned by the bank for insufficient funds, we will add the bank's charge to your account. If your account is past due, services may be denied.
A reduction in fees may be available for eligible families. Contact the Director if you would like additional information.
Refund Policy
When you enroll in Keyspot we reserve space in our program for your child, and hire our staff accordingly; therefore, while we understand that absences occur for a variety of reasons, non-attendance or incidental illness will not entitle you to a refund. For extended illnesses or absences, please contact the Director. If you are enrolled in an All Access Block and either change blocks or disengage from Keyspot service, refunds are not granted for service months already provided and a schedule change fee will be charged.
Late Pick Up
Keyspot closes at 6:00 PM. Any parent picking up a child after this time must pay a late fee of $1.00 for each minute past 6:00 PM. This late fee must be paid to Keyspot at the time of pick up, or will be added to your bill.
Withdrawal
Parents or legal guardians may withdraw a child from Keyspot at any time. In order to receive a refund, written notice must be given 2 weeks in advance of the date of withdrawal. If your child is absent for two weeks without notice from you and your account becomes delinquent, we will assume he/she has left the program. You must contact the Director regarding space and pay a new registration fee if you wish to return.
Daily Procedures and Program
Hours of Operation and Holidays
Keyspot is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Keyspot will be open for teacher in-service days and closed most major holidays. A schedule will be published each year.
Sign-In and Sign-Out
Parents/guardians must sign their children in and out of Keyspot on the sign-in sheet and at the computer provided at the counter. Children coming directly from school will be signed in by the staff member on duty.
Only the child's parents/guardians and persons designated on the forms in our files may pick up the child. Any change of designated persons requires written notice from the parents. We will not accept a verbal notification from the child or parent.
If your child is to be picked up by a person other than one designated on the form in our files, or if your child is to be released from Keyspot care to attend an activity outside of Keyspot, you must submit a written release with the following information:
· Child's name
· Dates and times of the pick up or activity
· Responsible person’s name, address and telephone number
· Note when, or if, your child is to return to Keyspot
· Parent/Guardian’s signature and date
· Keyspot is responsible for a child only while she/he is being supervised during contracted hours. If your child has written permission to be elsewhere, on campus or off campus (enrichment classes, Brownies, sports, A.S.E. etc.) Keyspot will not be responsible for the child until his/her return to Keyspot.
Adults not authorized to remove your child from Keyspot will not be allowed to take your child until we have your permission.
Absences
If your child is going to be absent from Keyspot, please be sure to notify us prior to your child's scheduled start time.
Special Information for Kindergartners & Transitional Kindergarteners
Kindergartners and Transitional Kindergarteners will be escorted to and from their classrooms by a Keyspot staff member. Kindergartners and Transitional Kindergarteners may bring their own lunch or purchase a hot lunch through the school lunch program when school is open. Check with the school office manager concerning the current price and lunch accounts. Please ensure that your child's name is on any lunch containers brought to Keyspot.
The Keyspot Daily Schedule
Keyspot offers a variety of activities as well as providing time for the children to invent their own activities or to just read a book if they want. The following schedule is our "basic" daily schedule, which may vary some from day to day depending on the activities for that day.
Kindergarten Daily Schedule
Kindergarten Before school Schedule
7:00 – 7:55 A.M. Breakfast/Quiet Play Indoors
7:55 – 8:00 P.M. Students escorted to class
Kindergarten Afterschool Schedule
11:50 - 1:00 Lunch in Keyspot
12:15 – 1:10 Centers
1:10 – 2:10 Group Activity
2:10 – 2:20 Snack Time
2:20 – 2:45 Outdoor Recess
2:45 – 4:45 Afternoon Centers
4:45 – 5:15 Snack/Recess
5:15 – 6:00 Quiet Indoor/Free play outdoors/Games
Grades 1st - 5th Daily Schedule
Before School Schedule
7:00 – 8:00 Breakfast/Quiet Play Indoors
8:00 – 8:15 Students dismissed to outdoor recess
After School Schedule
2:35 – 3:00 Dismissal from school/Snack/Free Play/Indoor or outdoor
3:00 – 4:00 Activity Time 1 & Homework Club
4:00 – 5:00 Activity Time 2
5:00 – 5:15 Clean Up/Snack/Recess