This facility is not staffed with certified child care workers for children with special needs (autism, aspergers, ADD, ADHD, etc.)

PARENT HANDBOOK

Dear Parents/Guardians:

The staff of Newport Recreation Center is pleased to offer you and your children the services of our Youth programs which include School’s Out After School Program, Child Care, and Summer Activity Club. Within these pages you will find information regarding our updated policies and procedures.

This handbook is a valid part of the enrollment agreement between the program and the parents/guardians of the children. Please take a few minutes and read over all the material enclosed. We look forward to a fun, enriching, and safe time.

The “School’s Out” After School Program consists of various elements. We offer care for students after school from 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. We also offer care on non-school days from 7:45 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

Michael Gonzalez

Youth Programs Coordinator

Office: 541.574.5454

Email: m.gonzalez@thecityofnewport.net

 

Recreation Center Hours

Monday - Friday: 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Sunday: Noon – 8:00 p.m.

Phone:  541-265-7783

 

Ages

6 weeks to age 12)

Maximum Capacity: 20 Children

First-come, first-serve basis

Limited number of infants allowed.

Should our capacity be reached, check back in one-half hour.

Cost

$1.50 for each 1/2 hour or any portion thereof. Maximum 2 hours or there will be a $5.00 late pick-up fee at 15 minutes past.

Prepaid punch cards are available for $27 for 20 half-hour punches at the front desk.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. 

 

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Parents’/Guardians’ expectations of the program

Parents/Guardians should expect that:

1. Their children are cared for in a safe, supportive, and caring environment.
2. They may visit the Coordinator about concerns related to their child(ren) or the program.
3. They will be informed of both positive and negative behaviors of their child. Staff will uphold the program's behavior policies consistently.

Program’s expectations of the Parents/Guardians

The program expects that parents/guardians will:

1. Read and comply with policies stated in this handbook.
2. Pay attention to any communication from the Coordinator, i.e. newsletter, calendars.

Children’s expectations of the program

Children should expect:

1. To have a safe, supportive, and consistent environment.
2. To use all program equipment, materials, and facilities on an equal basis.
3. To receive respectful treatment.
4. To have discipline that is fair and closely controlled.
5. To receive care from Recreation Leaders who are actively involved with them.

Program’s expectations of the children

The program expects that the child will:

1. Be responsible for their actions, property (i.e. clothing, toys, etc.).
2. Respect Recreation Center rules and Recreation Leaders’ rules at all times.
3. Remain with the group at all times.
4. Take care of materials and equipment properly and return them to their place when done or before taking out new ones.
5. Not use profanit or vulgarity.
6. Use personal electronic games, music only at designated times.

Minimum Abilities Required to Participate

In order to properly maintain a safe and healthy environment for all children attending Youth Programs, children must maintain the following minimum standards:

1. Able to understand and follow basic directions and rules for the program in order for staff to maintain proper supervision.
2. Able to maintain basic self control to insure the safety of themselves and others in the program.
3. Able to handle their own personal hygiene/toileting needs.

We would like to remind parents that because we are a recreation program, all program activities are structured for group participation.  We encourage your child's involvement.  We adhere to the State's requirements of staff/child ratio.

 

SPECIAL NEEDS

In order for the Newport Recreation Center to provide the best child care experience for your child, we ask that you consult with the Youth Programs Coordinator regarding any special needs your child may have prior to registration.  This facility is not staffed with certified child care workers for children with special needs (autism, aspergers, ADD, ADHD, etc.)

 

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

(please review the following with your child)

 

For the enjoyment and safety of everyone, the Newport Parks and Recreation Department expects all participants to treat the people and facilities connected with the program with respect and abide by all rules and direction from the staff. The Newport Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to refuse service to anyone for failure to abide by these standards.

In the event that discipline is required, the following procedures will be followed:

1. Reprimand (verbal warning).
2. Time out to observe appropriate behavior and think about actions.
3. Change of group, possible suspension from group for a day or week, and discussion with parents.
4. If it is a large group displaying inappropriate behavior, individuals may possibly share in physical activities to initiate peer encouragement effort towards proper conduct which may include running laps. If problem persists, the parent/guardian will be called and expected to pick up the child, with possible suspension or termination from the program.
5. An infraction notice will be given to the parent to sign in acknowledgement of said behavior.
6. If child is logged for three infractions, they are subject to grounds for suspension or dismissal from the program.

 

HEALTH POLICIES

Children who are ill or have a contagious disease (i.e. pink eye, chicken pox) are not allowed at the Newport Recreation Center. All programs are very active, and if children are too sick to participate fully in the program they need to be kept at home.

We have a nit-free policy.  Children found to have lice or nits will be sent home and expected to be kept at home until they are nit free.

If your child becomes ill at the Recreation Center, you will be notified and must arrange to have your child picked up immediately. Please notify the staff if your child has been exposed to any contagious disease or condition (mumps, measles, chicken pox, lice, pink eye, etc.) so we can notify other parents immediately. If your child has a medical condition that may possibly weaken them at some stage of any rigorous physical activities, please inform us and instruct the child to remind the Leaders of their special needs.

CHILD ABUSE

All staff members are required by law to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the Department of Social Services.

 

REGISTRATION

Emergency information forms must be updated at the start of each program. Also, please update your child’s emergency information whenever you change jobs, move, or need to add new people to the approved pickup list for your child.  If your family has special custody issues, please note the issue on the Emergency Information Form.

WHAT TO BRING

All children should have on comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Flip flops and sandals are not permitted, since children have a hard time playing active games in them. Please be aware that even though precautions are taken, some activities will result in stains on clothing. If you wish, your child may change into play clothes after school. To help make sure jackets and backpacks get into the right home, please label all items brought to the Recreation Center and Summer Clubhouse with your child’s first and last name.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Parents should take their child to the site prior to the child’s first day of attendance. This gives you and your child a chance to become more familiar with the staff and facility locations. Also, parents are encouraged to visit the program at any time.

Do you have a special talent or hobby that could enrich the lives of the children in our program? If so, please speak to Youth Programs Coordinator to arrange a time for you to be a guest speaker.

SUPPLY DONATIONS

Many disposable household items could be very valuable to our staff and participants. We often look for items like milk cartons, baby food jars, paper towel rolls, and magazines for arts and crafts projects. Please speak to Youth Programs Coordinator if you have some unwanted items that you think our staff may find useful.

 

ACTIVITY OPPORTUNITIES

Snack --- A nutritious snack will be provided each afternoon as part of the School's Out Program.  On non-school days, child is responsible for own lunch, however, we do provide the snack. To ensure your child's health please notify the coordinator in writing if your child has any food allergies.

Homework --- Please let the Coordinator know if you would like your child to be working on homework.

Crafts --- Students will have the opportunity to participate in various craft activities throughout the program.  If special materials are needed for projects, parents will be notified in advance.

Outside/gym- --- Students will be provided with seasonal recreational activities either outdoors or indoors. The children begin by playing a group game, then they are allowed to choose a game or have free time.

Swimming- Newport Pool – During the School's Out Program, there may be swim days on non-school days. Swimming days during the Summer Activity Club will be according to age.

FIELD TRIPS

During winter break and the summer, Newport Parks and Recreation offers optional weekly field trips that require an additional fee and separate registration. Registration must be made prior to the date of the field trip and will not be accepted the day of the scheduled trip as space is limited. A permission slip must be signed by the parent/guardian and will include additional information about the field trip.  Please read the permission slip carefully to ensure you are aware of any special items your child may need for this day. In the case of all field trips, please make sure your child has on appropriate attire and footwear.

 

Sample of a Daily Schedule for Summer Activity Club

7:45-8:30 a.m. - Free choice

8:30-8:45 a.m. - Rules

8:45-10:00 a.m. - Craft/clean-up

10:00-11:30 a.m. - Outdoor activities

11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - Lunch

12:00-12:30 p.m. - Free choice

12:30-1:00 p.m. - Group activity

1:00-3:00 p.m. - Swim/craft/nap/library

3:00-3:30 p.m. - Clean-up

3:30-4:00 p.m. - Snack

4:00-5:00 p.m. - Outdoor activities

5:00-5:30 p.m. - Free choice

 

PICKUP PROCEDURES

Children must be signed out by parent or other authorized pickup persons.  Parents or other authorized pickup persons may pick up their children no later than 5:30 p.m.  A $5.00 late fee will be charged at 15 minutes past. The adult picking up the children will be asked to sign his/her name and time upon check out.

The child’s parent can authorize an alternate pickup person by naming that person on the Emergency sheet. We will not allow a child to leave any child program with an adult who has not been authorized.

The School's Out and Summer Activity Club Programs end promptly at 5:30 p.m. After 5:30 p.m. if other arrangements have not been made, calls will be made to authorized pickup persons to pick up the child. If we are unable to contact anyone, the police will be notified.  Please be on time to pick up your child or children. If you are continuously late, the Coordinator may cancel your children’s participation in the program. Please be considerate of the staff that dedicates their time to your children.

 

PAYMENTS

School's Out Program:

The School's Out program is to be paid on a monthly OR daily basis.  If paying by the month, payments are due by the 10th of the month.  After the 10th, a $10.00 late fee will be applied.

Summer Activity Club:

The Summer Activity Club is to be paid in advance on a weekly OR daily basis with a half day fee available for children attending 5 hours or less.  To pay by the week, payments must be made by the Monday of that week.  If payment has not been made by that Monday, we will charge by the day for attendance for that week.