After School Family Handbook

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Our program philosophy is to develop the whole child through SPIRIT, MIND and BODY.

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

• Spirit - Introduce character development traits
• Mind - Learn through activity centers, computers and developmentally and culturally-appropriate curriculum
• Body - Develop fine and gross motor skills with time for daily organized and free play

We strive to provide a program of care consistent with the highest quality early childhood standards. Please be sure your child wears comfortable, suitable clothing each day and shoes with flat soles and closed toes. Sandals and shoes with heels or wedges are not permitted. Please also supply a clean, dry change of clothes in case of accidents or spills.

Small blankets from home are permitted during rest time, or one will be provided for your child along with a cot and sheet.

EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY

In order to meet the individual intellectual needs of children, we use the Creative Curriculum for infants and toddlers through our pre-Kindergarten classrooms. We use Creative Curriculum for children, which allows the teacher to work with children one on one. Lessons are taught in small and/or large group settings.

Children receive a variety of learning experiences to foster cognitive, social and emotional growth. Indoor and outdoor play introduces them to a great amount of language social interactions, and they are encouraged to express their feelings, develop self-confidence and learn autonomy along with the ability to get along with others.

PROGRAM FEES*

Please see the Preschool webpage on the YMCA of Greensboro website for up to date program enrollment pricing.

All tuition fees are required to be paid through our automatic debit payment system.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Weekly Fees: Each Friday before the upcoming week.
Monthly Fees: The 1st of each month. Fees are late after the 5th of
each month.

LATE PICK-UP FEES
Children must be picked up by or before 5:30pm. The fee assessed for late pick-up is $10 for every 5 minutes, per child. Your fee will begin to accrue at 5:35pm. All late payments must be paid at the time of pick-up. If for any reason payment is not made, it must be made before the child returns to our childcare center.

Multiple late pick-ups are subject to be added to your childcare bill for the week/month and/or may be grounds for termination of care.

CANCELING ENROLLMENT
In order to discontinue service at Kiddie College Preschool Childcare, the family must notify the Childcare Director in writing two weeks before the child’s last day, or the family will be responsible for two weeks of payment according to the child’s last date of attendance.

Should the child leave our program and return at a later date, the non-refundable registration fee of $50 must be paid again for enrollment and the Kiddie College Preschool Childcare application packet must be updated.

ILL CHILDREN POLICY

Any child who shows signs of illness should not be brought to Kiddie
College Preschool Childcare. Signs include but are not limited to: fever,
vomiting, diarrhea, rash, a new cold, deep cough or a sore throat.

Any child arriving to Kiddie College Preschool Childcare whose physical condition appears as such that they could endanger the health of other children will not be permitted to stay. If a child becomes ill during the day, they will be isolated until the family can be contacted to pick up the child.

Any child unable to be actively involved in daily activities or routines cannot remain at the center. For the well-being of all children in our care, we’re unable to admit little ones who are feeling sick. Our program is not licensed to care for ill children, and North Carolina child care laws prohibit us from doing so.

Examples of why your child will not be permitted to attend or must leave Kiddie College Preschool Childcare after families are contacted:

• A fever of 101. Your child must be fever-free for 24 hours with no medication before returning to Kiddie College Preschool Childcare.
• Two (2) or more episodes of diarrhea within 2 hours. Your child can return to Kiddie College Preschool Childcare when there are no signs of diarrhea. (Excluded a minimum of 24 hours)
• Two (2) or more episodes of vomiting within 2 hours. Your child can return to Kiddie College Preschool Childcare when there are no signs of vomiting. (Excluded a minimum of 24 hours)
• Ringworm or a suspicious rash on the child’s body. Your child can return to Kiddie College Preschool Childcare with a physician’s note.
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye). Your child can return with a physician’s note.

This list of examples of exclusion of care is in accordance with NC Child Care laws as explained on their website. (Click here for more information).

Please ensure that your emergency contact information is up-to-date in case we are unable to reach you.

SICKNESS

Families must notify the childcare center immediately when their child contracts a communicable disease such as chicken pox. Children with impetigo, pink eye, ringworm etc., whose illnesses may be spread by direct contact, are not permitted to attend Kiddie College Preschool Childcare. Exclusions from the childcare center will be passed to the Guilford County Department of Public Health and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

MEDICATION/OINTMENT/LOTION/POWDER

North Carolina Child Care licensing rules and regulations require that no drug, medication, ointment, lotion or powder be administered to any child without specific instruction from the child’s family, physician or authorized healthcare professional. All prescribed medicine must be in its original container, bearing a printed pharmacist label, with the following information:

• Name of prescribed person
• Name of Medicine
• Dosage
• Dates (filled and expiration)
• Prescribing Physician
• Pharmacy information
• Medicine directions

All prescribed medication must be accompanied with written instructions, dated and signed, from a physician or authorized healthcare provider. (e.g. Give 2 puffs every 4 hours only as needed, etc.) Families must also complete and sign  a medication permission form (listing the same information) for staff to receive the medication from the family and ensure we are following the six rights of medication: right child, right medication, right time(s), right dosage, right route and right documentation. Families must sign and date every day the medication is to be administered.

Should complications arise or the child becomes ill, contact will happen in this order: families, emergency contacts, physician and/or hospital.

DIAPERING

A Kiddie College Preschool Childcare will not be providing disposable diapers, Pull-Ups, or baby wipes for any children. Your child’s diaper and baby wipes will be labeled and placed in their designated and labeled cubby area.

If your child needs to have ointment, lotion or powder administered, you must give your signed permission.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

In the event of bad weather, e.g. snowing, flooding, etc., please call the Hayes-Taylor Memorial YMCA for information about our operational schedule or watch WFMY News 2 and Fox 8 for the childcare center’s status.

Hayes-Taylor Memorial YMCA Phone: (336) 272-2131

POLICY STATEMENT

We at Hayes-Taylor Memorial YMCA Kiddie College Preschool Childcare are committed to providing a stimulating environment that is more enriching than screen time.

Screen time includes any time watching television, using a computer or tablet, or playing games on a screen.

We set boundaries for television and other media use and avoid all screen time for children under 3 years of age.

AVAILABILITY

• We store televisions outside of the classrooms and ensure they are not regularly available to children
• We provide youth 3 years of age or older 30 min of screen time per day and no more than 2.5 hours per week
• We never provide screen time to children under 2 years of age

TEACHER PRACTICES

Teachers at Kiddie College Preschool Childcare will:

• Rarely or ever use screen time as a reward
• Always talk with children about what they are seeing and learning
• Actively supervise children during screen time
• Provide alternate activities any time screen time is offered

SCREEN TIME PROGRAMMING

• We will ensure all programming is educational
• We will always talk with children about what they are seeing and learning
• We will not offer screen time after 5pm Monday through Thursday

SCREEN TIME EDUCATION

• We will offer screen time education at least twice per year for staff and families

The staff at Hayes-Taylor Memorial YMCA Kiddie College Preschool Childcare believe that children need guidance and understanding to support every child with positive guidance by setting rules that encourage them to engage in appropriate behavior at our childcare center.

CLASSROOM RULES

1. Use safe hands and feet.
2. Use an inside voice.
3. Clean up toys/materials when finished.
4. Tell a teacher if something feels wrong or unsafe.
5. Have fun!

GUIDANCE AND POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT

At our school, we believe children learn best in a caring, supportive, and structured environment. We use praise, encouragement, and positive reinforcement to help children develop confidence, self-control, and problem-solving skills. When children experience patience and understanding guidance from adults, they build strong self-esteem and learn
how to make positive choices.

When a child needs extra support, we use a gentle “Time In” approach. This means the child is guided to a quiet or alternative activity away from the group for a short time to calm their body and reset, with the support of a teacher. Once ready, the child is welcomed back into group play.

Our approach is guided by the Five Principles of Restorative Practices: building positive relationships, showing respect, taking responsibility, repairing mistakes, and reintegrating back into the group. We focus on what children can do and help them learn from everyday experiences.

Positive reinforcement at our school includes kind words, verbal encouragement, praise, and meaningful activities that support each child’s sense of self-worth and belonging.

ZERO-TOLERANCE DISCIPLINARY PROCESS

For zero-tolerance actions, the child will be written up on a discipline form and the family will be notified with a disciplinary report outlining the incident.

Staff will request a conference with families to discuss the child’s behavioral concerns and to collaborate on solution strategies.

ZERO-TOLERANCE ACTIONS

• Biting
• Fighting
• Scratching
• Spitting
• Inappropriate language or gestures
• Harming self or others

RELEASING A CHILD FROM KIDDIE COLLEGE

Kiddie College Preschool Childcare will only release a child to the following person(s):

1. The child’s family.
2. The child’s custodial parent (when applicable).
3. The emergency contact person(s).
4. Any other guardian the family has authorized (in writing).
Please note that all persons must be older than 18 years of age.

Anyone who arrives at Kiddie College Preschool Childcare with a written note from the family and persons on the emergency contact form must provide a photo form of identification as proof.

• The only way a child cannot be released to the family is that the Childcare Director/Coordinator possesses legal court documents stating that the named individual cannot pick up the child.
• Kiddie College Preschool Childcare reserves the right to keep a child at the childcare center if we are not completely certain about any person who has come to pick up the child. Families will be contacted immediately if this occurs.
• We promote safety for our children and WILL NOT release a child should a family member appear intoxicated or exhibit suspicious behavior.

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

According to North Carolina Child Care licensing law, childcare center staff is required to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect.

If an incident occurs where there is a suspected case, the staff member will report the incident to the Childcare Coordinator and/or Program Director and immediately notify the Department of Social Services (DSS). All information will be documented.

POLICY STATEMENT

Good nutrition is vital to children’s overall development and well-being. In an effort to provide the best possible nutrition for the children in our facility, Hayes-Taylor Memorial YMCA Childcare has developed the following childcare nutrition policies to encourage the development of good eating habits that will last a lifetime.

Our childcare center provides a healthy and balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains, and limits foods and beverages that are high in sugar and/or fat.

MENU AND FOOD AND DRINK ITEMS

FOOD ITEMS AND BEVERAGES SERVED

We offer 3 meals daily: breakfast, lunch and snack.

We follow USDA/CACFP nutritional guidelines, and we are a nut-free facility, including beverages.

MEAL TIME ENVIRONMENTS & STAFF INVOLVEMENT

• We display pictures, posters and other educational materials that promote healthy eating
• We ensure staff sit with children for meals and snacks and consume the same foods and beverages as children
• We enthusiastically role model eating healthy foods and drinks served at meal and snack time. We also praise children for trying new or less-preferred foods
• We allow children to decide how much they eat
• We never force children to eat or try new foods
• We never use food or drink as a reward or to calm upset children

CELEBRATIONS & FUNDRAISERS

• We offer healthy foods and non-food treats at celebrations and holidays

NUTRITION EDUCATION

• We offer nutrition education at least twice per year for staff and families
• We ensure planned and information nutrition education is used in our curriculum once per week or more

MEAL TIME

DAILY MEALS

If your child has a food allergy or special diet, please submit a physician’s note for our files. This will enable us to communicate any special dietary needs to our meal caterers.

Menus are posted in the childcare center and copies can be made upon request.

CELEBRATION NUTRITION

Families are permitted to have celebrations at the childcare center, but we highly encourage that food items meet good nutritional health requirements. Some items will be permitted, since this is considered an occasional celebration, but will not be allowed in excess. Please note that by NC law, only store and commercially-bought foods are permitted. Families must fill out a celebration form and return it to the Childcare Director 3 days before the celebration.

POLICY STATEMENT

At Kiddie College, we believe that fresh air, movement, and play are an important part of every child’s day. We provide safe and healthy indoor and outdoor environments where children can learn, explore, and have fun. Children are given daily opportunities to play outside for 60 minutes a day or more, build strong bodies, and develop important social and motor skills. Through outdoor play and hands-on experiences, we nurture curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning and being active.

Kiddie College Preschool Childcare strives to do the following:

WEATHER SAFETY

• We ensure adequate total playtime (as specified above) on inclement weather days. Inclement weather includes very high and very low temperatures, hazardous air quality, thunderstorms, and any other factors that make the outdoors unsafe for children
• Families are responsible for ensuring that their children bring appropriate shoes and clothing to allow for outdoor play in all seasons
• We ensure sun safety for all children during playtime, including using hats, sunscreen, etc.

OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

• Provide 8 or more outdoor play areas, such as music, sandbox, blocks, dramatic play area, etc.
• Provide portable play equipment to all children
• Ensure there is adequate shade for children
• Offer a pathway that is curved, looped, connected and at least 5 feet wide
• Provide an open space large enough for all children to run and play safely
• We will provide outdoor, messy, fun play, so please dress your child accordingly!
• We will provide professional development for staff members at least twice per year

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Physical activity is also a part of healthy living that we promote in Early Childhood Education. Children are given many opportunities throughout the day for physical gross motor and large muscle development activities.

North Carolina State Laws require children to have outdoor play each day, weather permitting as noted under Weather Safety. When weather prevents outdoor play, children will participate in gross motor and large muscle development activities in our indoor environment.

AQUATIC POLICY FOR CHILDREN 3 TO 5 YEARS

Water Play at the pool is considered a field trip. All families must sign an Aquatic Policy form for their child to participate in the childcare water program. Our Water Play program is free and children must show appropriate behavior in the classroom to participate.

Flip flops or swim shoes are permitted only for the purpose of travel to and from the pool.

Water Play takes place in our YMCA pool. Days and times are subject to pool availability. There will always be a lifeguard on duty when children are at the pool.
(Childcare Rule: 10A NCAN09.1403)

STAFF TO CHILD RATIO FOR AQUATIC ACTIVITIES

Ages 3-4: Ratio 1:8 | Ages 4-5: Ratio 1:10
1 to 2 staff members will be present in the pool with the children at all times, and 1 to 2 staff members will be present in the Water Play zone.

AQUATIC POLICY FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 3 YEARS

In accordance with the childcare rules stating that Water Play is considered a field trip, children under the age of 3 will not be able to participate in Water Play at the pool. During summer months, children under the age of 3 years will participate in water and splash day activities.

POLICY STATEMENT

Please note that Hayes-Taylor Memorial YMCA Childcare does not provide transportation to or from the childcare center.

However, our program takes the children in Kiddie College Preschool Childcare on a variety of field trips, and this requires the family’s permission. Families will be notified in writing of any planned field trips, and must complete, sign, and date our Transportation Permission Form (Field Trip) at the time of enrollment and before each field trip.

Failure to complete the form will mean that their child is not permitted to attend field trip activities. We use buses that have built-in safety seats with three-point harness straps for children 3-5 years old.

ALL CHILDREN MUST OBEY THE FOLLOWING TRANSPORTATION RULES

• Children must leave the side of the vehicle on the curb side of the road at all times
• When preparing to enter or exit the vehicle, children are to line up in an orderly fashion to be accounted for

Please ensure that your child understands these safety rules!

LIST OF PROCEDURES FOLLOWED WHEN TRANSPORTING CHILDREN

• We must have a signed permission slip for transportation
• One or more staff members will carry emergency medical consent forms and emergency contact information for each child
• Staff members will take attendance of all children being transported and will check frequently to account for the presence of all children using an attendance on/off sheet
• Staff members will have a first aid kit available, and staff members trained in CPR and first aid will be present
• All proper loading and unloading procedures will be followed

Drivers will be 18 years old or older, with a clean driving record.

KIDDIE COLLEGE PRESCHOOL CHILDCARE FAMILY ADVISORY GROUP

Our Family Advisory Group works with our staff to provide families and volunteers opportunities, workshops, fundraisers, and classroom support on a needed basis.

This group is organized for the purpose of enhancing the services offered by our childcare center. All families of enrolled children are automatically a part of this group. Family meetings are held quarterly throughout the school year.

FAMILY VOLUNTEER PARTICIPATION

All families who wish to volunteer must complete a volunteer application through Volunteer Matters and once complete are welcome to volunteer with our childcare center after they have met the necessary requirements. We encourage families to volunteer with our program and sign the visitor log. We also encourage families to bring their child to our childcare center before their first day to meet their teacher and other staff members!

Open Door Policy: Families are welcome to visit and see how their child is doing at any time. Families and any visitors must sign the visitor log.

PROGRAM OPERATIONS

The Kiddie College Preschool Childcare Program is offered year-round.

CELEBRATION INFORMATION

Kindergarten is an important transition in the lives of children and families, and Kiddie College Preschool Childcare enjoys celebrating these milestones with your child.

Children who remain in Kiddie College Preschool Childcare until it’s time to attend kindergarten will participate in our graduation celebration. As this time approaches, we will hold meetings between families, teachers, and the Childcare Director to plan this event.

We encourage families to continue their child’s experience with the Hayes-Taylor Memorial YMCA by enrolling their child in our after school program, which provides care for children during and after kindergarten.

DAILY SCHEDULE | Ages 1 and 2

7-8:30 a.m. | Good morning, greetings, hand washing, exploration/free choice activities
8:30 a.m. | Transition - Clean up, children depart into other classrooms
8:30-9:15 a.m. | Breakfast, free play, good morning activities (songs, health check, toileting)
9:15-9:45 a.m. | Art/reading time/free play
9:45-10 a.m. | Free choice activities
10-10:30 a.m. | Music/movement activities/free play
10:30-10:45 a.m. | Transition - Clean up and go outside
10:45-11:15 a.m. | Outside play
11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. | Transition - Coming from outside, hand washing and Lunch
12-2:30 p.m. | Songs, diapering, hand washing and Quiet Time with soft music
2:30-3 p.m. | Songs, diapering, hand washing and prepare for Afternoon Snack, free play
3-3:30 p.m. | Afternoon Snack
4-4:45 p.m. | Exploration/Free choice activities
4:45-5 p.m. | Outdoor free play
5-5:30 p.m. | Story time/free play/free choice/fine motor activities
5:30 p.m. | Dismissal

Teachers and student teachers may introduce planned indoor or outdoor activities. Diaper changing and toileting is an ongoing process and is done as needed throughout the day. Checks will be done every hour, and diapering checks and changes will be recorded daily on your child’s Bear Shine sheet.

*This schedule is flexible and used as a guideline for the day’s activities. Our primary goal is to meet the individual needs of the children.

DAILY SCHEDULE | Ages 2.5 and 3

7-7:30 a.m. | Good morning, greetings, hand washing. Exploration - Free Choice Center (children choose the area they will work in such as dramatic play, math/numbers, science/nature, blocks, art, fine motor skills, books/pictures, space for privacy, cozy/comfort for relaxation)
7:30-7:45 a.m. | Transition - Clean up, children depart into other classrooms
7:45-8:15 a.m. | Good morning activities (songs and health check)
8:15-8:30 a.m. | Wash hands and prepare for Breakfast
8:30-9:15 a.m. | Breakfast
9:15-10 a.m. | Circle time/music activities
10-10:45 a.m. | Exploration - Free Choice Center (children choose the area they will work in such as dramatic play, math/numbers, science/nature, blocks, art, fine motor skills, books/pictures, space for privacy, cozy/comfort for relaxation)
10:45-11 a.m. | Transition - Clean up, bathroom break and prepare to go outside
11-11:45 a.m. | Outside Play
11:45 a.m.-12 p.m. | Transition - Coming from outside, hand washing, and toileting for Lunch
12-12:45 p.m. | Lunch
12:45-1 p.m. | Transition - Clean up and reading activities
1-1:15 p.m. | Prepare for Quiet Time and toileting
1:15-3:15 p.m. | Quiet Time with soft music
3:15-3:30 p.m. | Transition - Wake up, toileting and prepare for Afternoon Snack
3:30-4 p.m. | Afternoon Snack
4-4:30 p.m. | Story time
4:30-5:15 p.m. | Exploration - Free Choice Center (children choose the area they will work in such as dramatic play, math/numbers, science/nature, blocks, art, fine motor skills, books/pictures, space for privacy, cozy/comfort for relaxation)
5:15-5:30 p.m. | Transition - Clean up and hand washing
5:30 p.m. | Dismissal

Teachers and student teachers may introduce planned indoor or outdoor activities.

*This schedule is flexible and used as a guideline for the day’s activities. Our primary goal is to meet the individual needs
of the children.

DAILY SCHEDULE | Ages 4 and 5

6:30-7:30 a.m. | Good morning, greetings, hand washing. Exploration - Free Choice Center (children choose the area they will work in such as dramatic play, math/numbers, science/nature, blocks, art, fine motor skills, books/pictures, space for privacy, cozy/comfort for relaxation)
7:30-7:45 a.m. | Transition - Clean up, children depart into other classrooms
7:45-8:15 a.m. | Good morning activities (songs and health check)
8:15-8:30 a.m. | Wash hands and prepare for Breakfast
8:30-9:15 a.m. | Breakfast/free play/good morning activities (songs, health check, toileting)
9:15-9:30 a.m. | Transition - Clean up, hand washing, circle time, singing activities
9:30-10:45 a.m. | Art activities, Exploration - Free Choice Center (children choose the area they will work in such as dramatic play, math/numbers, science/nature, blocks, art, fine motor skills, books/pictures, space for privacy, cozy/comfort for relaxation), individual activities/music/movement activities
10:45-11 a.m. | Transition - Clean up, toileting, and prepare to go outside
11-11:50 a.m. | Outside play, gross motor activities
11:50 a.m.-12 p.m. | Transition - Coming in from outside, hand washing, toileting, prepare for Lunch
12-12:45 p.m. | Lunch
12:45-1 p.m. | Story time, toileting, hand washing
1-3 p.m. | Quiet Time with soft music
3-3:15 p.m. | Transition - Toileting, hand washing, and prepare for Afternoon Snack, Free Choice Center
3:15-4 p.m. | Afternoon Snack
4-4:15 p.m. | Transition - Clean up, hand washing
5-5:30 p.m. | Transition - Toileting, hand washing, Exploration - Free Choice Center
5:30 p.m. | Dismissal

Teachers and student teachers may introduce planned indoor or outdoor activities.

*This schedule is flexible and used as a guideline for the day’s activities. Our primary goals is to meet the individual needs of the children.

Afternoon snack is provided for all children at Greensboro YMCAs.

We will not be able to make accommodations for specific eating habits without medical or allergy documentation from your child’s doctor.  

Parents/guardians will not be contacted to bring children meals for items they choose not to eat. The YMCA will not provide meals that include pork or nuts.  

All meals meet the USDA standards for healthy meals for children. Your child can bring their own lunch or snacks. Meals cannot be heated. We ask that all meals contain a dairy, grain, protein, fruit and vegetable to ensure a well-rounded and healthy lunch.

Please provide a water bottle each day.

We do not call home if a child does not like a particular meal or snack that is provided by the YMCA. Families are welcome to send their child a snack or meal each day.

Youth in a YMCA program are not allowed to use the YMCA vending machines.

Prohibited Foods

YMCA youth programs are nut-free.  

We request that caregivers no send fried foods, cookies, cakes, swiss rolls, cinnamon buns, fried potato chips, candy, soda of any kind to YMCA programs. Please see HEPA (Healthy Eating and Physical Activity) Standards in the Appendix Section. 

Assembly

Assembly is when all groups are together to get excited for a new day or week at the Y!  Youth sing, chant, and dance. This is also the time to introduce our Character Development Focus.  

Character Development (Social and Emotional Learning)

Character development is at the core of the YMCA. Youth will explore and develop their personal character through caring honesty, respect, responsibility, empathy, emotion management, personal development and relationship building.

STEAM

Weekly youth will engage in 21 Century Skills. They will explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. These activities promote teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Art

Drawing, painting creating and more. But art goes beyond the paint at the YMCA. Youth have opportunities to engage in fine arts such as drama, singing and dance!  

Field Trips

Children may go on an on-site or off-site field trip during the program. Examples of on-site field trips are magic shows or Mad Science presentations.  

Money is not needed on field trips.  

Attending trips and riding on the YMCA bus is a privilege. The YMCA reserves the right to not allow a child to attend the program on a field trip day or attend the field trip due to behavior/safety concerns.

ALL children MUST obey the following transportation rules:

• Enter and leave the vehicle on the curbside of the road on the side of the vehicle.
• Remain seated with all parts of their bodies in their seats.  
• Face forward with hands and feet out of the aisles.
• Keep hands and feet to themselves and use appropriate language.
• Listen to instructions of all staff.

The following procedures are followed when transporting children:

• One or more staff member(s) will carry emergency contact information for all children on the bus
• First Aid kits will be on all buses
• Buses will be in good working condition without any obvious hazards
• Drivers will be 18 years old and have emergency medical consent forms  
• All proper loading and unloading procedures are followed
• Drivers have a clean driving record with no DWI or DUI

Animals

Animals other than fish are not a regular part of the youth programs. If there is an occasion for animals to be present at the program, families will be given written notification at least 48 hours in advance.

Lesson Plans and Calendars

Weekly activity plans and monthly calendars with special events and other important information are developed weekly and are available upon request. If you have any questions about the week’s activities, please contact the Youth Development Director.

Dress Code

At the Y, we sweat, run, jump, swim, paint and much more. Sneakers are preferred during afterschool but closed-toe shoes are acceptable. Flip flops and sandals are not appropriate YMCA activity shoes. Shorts must be fingertip length or longer and shirts must cover the child’s entire upper torso. 

Electronics and Toys

Please keep all electronics and toys at home. While at the Y, we want youth to engage with activities and their peers. Electronics such as gaming devices, phones, tablets, etc. should remain at home. Toys, cards, fidgets will also need to remain at home. These items can be confiscated by staff if they are discovered. The YMCA has plenty of toys and cards for youth to enjoy!

The YMCA is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items. 

Swimming

Swimming is offered weekly during YMCA programs. Please check with your branch’s Youth Development Director to determine when your child will swim.

All children will be required to wear a life vest unless a swim test is passed. Swim tests are administered by the lifeguard on duty.  *See swim test policy in the appendix.

Swim Attire

• Girls: one-piece swimsuit.  
• Boys: wear swim trunks.  

Basketball shorts or t-shirts are not allowed in the pool.

Pool Expectations

Swimming is a privilege. Staff may take away swimming or swim time for misbehavior. 

Staff members will have a first-aid kit and emergency contact information for each child.

Staff members with training in CPR and first aid will be present.

At the YMCA of Greensboro, we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where all children can thrive. Our programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of the children and families we serve, and we strive to offer reasonable accommodations for children with disabilities, as outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

We welcome all children, including those with disabilities, and will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations to support their participation in our programs. However, our foremost priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. Therefore, we must establish certain behavioral expectations to maintain a safe environment for everyone.

Behavioral Expectations

Children participating in our programs are expected to adhere to basic behavioral guidelines that ensure the safety of themselves and others. These expectations include:

1. Staying with the Group
   Children must remain with their assigned group at all times. Running off or leaving the group without permission poses significant safety risks and will not be tolerated.
2. Respectful Interactions
   Children are expected to follow instructions from staff and interact with peers and staff in a respectful manner. Extreme defiance that significantly disrupts the program or requires disproportionate attention from staff, diverting them from supervising other children, will not be accommodated.
3. Aggressive Behavior
   Physical aggression, including hitting, kicking, biting, or any other form of violence, is strictly prohibited. Such behaviors threaten the safety of other participants and staff and will not be tolerated.

Self-Care Expectations

Children participating in our programs are expected to be able to manage their basic self-care needs independently. These self-care needs include:

1. Toileting
   Children must be able to use the restroom independently, including managing clothing and personal hygiene.
2. Eating
   Children must be able to eat independently, including opening containers and feeding themselves.
3. Changing Clothes
   Children must be able to change their clothes independently, including managing any necessary clothing changes throughout the day.
4. Other Relevant Self-Care Needs
   Managing personal belongings

Reasonable Accommodations

In accordance with the ADA, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for children with disabilities. These accommodations may include but are not limited to:

• Modifications to program activities and schedules
• Additional support from trained staff if available
• Adaptive equipment and materials
• Individualized support plans

Limitations to Accommodations

While we strive to accommodate the needs of all children, there may be instances where a child's behavior poses a significant risk to their safety or the safety of others, or where the necessary accommodations would fundamentally alter the nature of our programs. In such cases, we may determine that we are unable to meet the needs of the child within our program. Examples of such behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Running off or consistently attempting to leave the supervision of staff
• Extreme defiance that severely impacts the staff's ability to manage the group and ensure the safety and engagement of other participants
• Physical aggression towards others that cannot be safely managed within the program setting
• The inability to care for oneself and meet basic personal needs without the help of a YMCA staff member.

The YMCA of Greensboro is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment and will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations for children with disabilities. However, the safety and well-being of all participants are paramount. If a child's behavior consistently threatens the health and safety of themselves or others, we may be unable to accommodate their participation in our programs.