West End Neighborhood House

West End Neighborhood House

West End Neighborhood House

Youth Development Department Programs

Parent Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

West End Agency Policies

  • History, Mission Statement and Governing Body
  • Licensing
  • Non-discrimination and Inclusion
  • Grievance Procedure
  • Smoking Policy

Overview of Programs

  • Program Hours forAfter School
  • Holidays and Inclement Weather
  • Registration Process
  • Procedure to update contact information
  • Fees/Discounts

Release of Children

Parent Involvement

Positive Behavior Management& Behavior Expectations

Health, Safety and Nutrition

  • Child Abuse and Neglect
  • Child Accident and Injury

Meals

Sanitation

Health Appraisals

Illness and Health Exclusions

Medication

Discipline Policy

HISTORY - West End Neighborhood House has operated continuously on Wilmington's West Side since 1883. Originally established as a reading room for Irish and Italian immigrants, the purpose and direction of West End has changed over the years as the needs and character of its service areas have changed. Today, with the help of the United Way of Delaware, and in cooperation with other public and private non-profit agencies, West End is able to provide a variety of social services in a racially-integrated community.

MISSION STATEMENT - West End Neighborhood House, Inc. has been serving the changing needs of the community for over 130 years. Our mission is to assist individuals to achieve self-sufficiency, reach and maintain their maximum potential, and live responsibly and harmoniously in a healthy community and complex world.

GOVERNING BODY- West End Neighborhood House, Inc. is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. A list of Board members is available upon request.

LICENSING-After school programming is licensed by the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families. We encourage you to review the current DELACARE Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers, which is available from the After School Coordinator.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY- West End Neighborhood House prohibits any discrimination on the basis of an individual’s race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental health, sexual orientation, cultural heritage, disability, marital status, economic status and/or all categories protected by law.

INCLUSION POLICY- The after school programs support the inclusion of children who require additional support because of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs. We strive to provide opportunities for all students to participate in all program components to the fullest extent possible.

As we partner to meet your child’s needs, we value and depend on your input. Please share important documents such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP), 504 Plans and report cards. You can be assured that all information will be kept confidential. It is beneficial to meet with the parent/legal guardian to review the plan and work together to ensure that the guidelines are understood.

We are determined to provide a safe and secure environment where all children are respected and valued in an atmosphere conducive to learning and making friends.

To make inclusion work, we may be able to:

  • Make adaptations to the program environment to promote accessibility
  • Provide extra time for activity completion
  • Provide extra time to transition between activities
  • Support social interaction among peers
  • Encourage participation in a variety of programming

This is not an inclusive list of possible accommodations, so please talk with your Program Coordinatoror Program Director, who will discuss specifics with you.

Dual Language- Dual language learners refer to youth whose primary language is not English. West End Neighborhood House welcomes all children and their families. The Coordinator, Director and the staff will work to learn key phrases and simple conversational words to make communication easier with children and families we serve. Certain materials may be provided in languages other than English. Appropriate learning opportunities will be made available in a safe and caring environment.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE- Please talk with our After School Coordinatorif you have a concern. If a satisfactory solution cannot be reached, a meeting with the Director of Youth Services can be scheduled.

SMOKING POLICY-As mandated by the state law, smoking is prohibited in any area used for child care. West End Neighborhood House does not permit smoking within the agency-owned or leased vehicles. This applies to all employees, volunteers, clients, contractors, and visitors.

OVERVIEW OF PROGRAMS -West End's approach to after school programming incorporates elements of sound developmental practice and scientific-based research for children, and effective program management strategies for staff.
Our approach includes:

Active Learning – Children are involved in contextual or hands-on experiences. Staff plans activities in accordance with the IM 40 developmental assets in child development that strengthen children's emerging intellectual, physical, social, and emotional abilities. In 1990, Search Institute released a framework of 40 Developmental Assets, which identifies a set of skills, experiences, relationships, and behaviors that enable young people to develop into successful and contributing adults. The AstraZeneca Young Health Program IM40 is a five-year statewide initiative launched in 2012 to help support youth to increase their inventory of developmental assets with the help of caring adults. The goal is to increase the assets of youth and their communities by: mobilizing young people through engagement, leadership and empowerment; engaging adults in training, awareness, and asset building; invigorating community programs to reinforce the 40 Developmental Assets in everyday programming; activating all sectors so that everyone understands and speaks using the common language of the 40 Developmental Assets; and influencing policy by advocating support for positive youth development. ("Building a Healthier Youth for Tomorrow." About YHP:IM40. AstraZeneca, 2014.)
Adult-Child Interaction – West End provides a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore their interests. Staff observes and interacts with children at their level to discover how each child thinks and reasons. They support children's initiatives and developing abilities. Staff also encourages children to solve problems with materials, turn to one another for help, collaborate in creative activities, and learn how to resolve conflicts with one another through negotiation.
Daily Routine – Each day follows a similar schedule of events, providing consistency for both children and staff. This sequence gives children the opportunity to make plans, follow through on their intentions, and reflect on their experiences with peers and adults. Large- and small-group experiences, such as homework assistance and a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity, are also part of the daily routine along with the social interactions of eating a meal with peers in the café area.
Assessment – Staff regularly record notes on children's behaviors, experiences, and interests. Based on these careful and objective observations, staff can plan experiences that will facilitate children's growth and development.

After School Youth Prevention–A.C.T.I.O.N.Prevention Programming is for students in grades Kindergarten through five. The program is designed to support the whole child by providing academic support and enrichment, creative expression through the arts, sports and recreation, youth health education, and mental health support. Students will be exposed to a variety of experiences through field trips and guest presentations. The program hours are 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm with dinner provided. Students ages 12 and younger are able to stay for Extended Hours on Monday and Wednesdays, through September 30th, until 7:30 pm.

Technology – Children use our full-service computer lab and other equipment to enhance learning experiences and play interactive games.

Dates: September, 2017 – June, 2018

First Days- The first day of After School programming, regardless of whether it is the child’s first day of attendance at West End,is a very important day for the child. The staff treats this time as a special day where the children learn about the staff, meet new friends, and begin learning the routine of the program. Please take time to share with your child what to expect in their program. If it is the first time a child has been to an after school program, there may be words and experiences that the child does not know and your support will help in adjustment.

HOLIDAYS-West End Neighborhood House is closed on:

New Year’s Eve &New Year’s DayLabor Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. DayThanksgiving

Presidents’ DayThanksgiving Observance (day

Good Fridayafter Thanksgiving)

Memorial Day Christmas Eve

Independence DayChristmas Day

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY & CLOSINGS- The Executive Director will make a decision by 5:00 AM in the event that West End Neighborhood House has a late opening or is closed due to inclement weather or emergency conditions.The delay or closing will be broadcasted and viewed on:

WSTW (97.3 FM) ~ click SnoWatch

WDEL (1150 AM) ~ click SnoWatch

WJBR (99.5 FM) ~ click Operation Snowflake

Registration Process - PLEASE NOTE: Effective August 28, 2016, payments for all Youth Development Department programs and activities (including, but not limited to After School Prevention, AX Track Team, sports leagues, tournaments and special events) will be limited to cash, debit or credit cards. Personal checks will not be accepted.

After School Programs Enrollment-For the after school program, the entireapplication packetmust be completed, including a current (within the past 12 months) health appraisal form and immunization record that is signed by a health care provider. The application is available at the front reception desks and must be returned to West End before your child can begin programming. Once the application is received and reviewed you will be contacted by an agency representative.

To ensure the student information, your contact information, and communication preferences are current, please notify the Youth Development Department of any changes. You may do so by contacting the Program Coordinator or by completing and returning the included YDD Participant Information Form.

Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and enrollment is determined by application submission date.

West End accepts Purchase of Care (POC) for the A.C.T.I.O.N. After School Prevention Program participants under the ages of 13. Should you not qualify for POC, the weekly fee of $62.50 for private pay participants must be paid, in full, by the Friday prior to your child’s following week of after school care.

Purchase of Care: We accept Purchase of Care to cover full or partial (as there may be a parent copayment) tuition. Purchase of Care does not cover the costs of trips.

RELEASE OF CHILDREN - Children will only be released to a parent, guardian, or someone who is authorized on the Child Information Form. Persons authorized to pick up your child must be at least 18 years old and have a valid photo I.D.

  • Unless you have given us a copy of a court order, we cannot legally refuse to release your child to his/her other parent – even if the parent’s name does not appear on the Child Information Form.
  • We will not release your child to an adult who appears to be intoxicated or otherwise incapable of taking your child home safely. We will offer to call another authorized person to pick up your child. However, if the adult continues to be uncooperative, we may need to call the police.
  • If someone who is not listed on the Child Information Form will be picking up your child, you must inform us ahead of time. We will request a valid photo I.D. at pick-up time.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT -Parent involvement in the education of their children can be a key to success, and we ask that you participate in the after school program. You can visit your child at any time during the program, and with advance notice, volunteer to assist with a program component or event.

Our sign-in and out areas are designed to keep parents informed about what’s going on in the A.C.T.I.O.N. After School Prevention Program. Parents are encouraged to check the Youth Development Department desk everyday for important information. Please feel free to contact the After School Coordinator by phone anytime when questions or concerns arise. This will eliminate misunderstandings about our program. Parents are welcome to visit the program at anytime.Parents have the right to monitor and visit their child(ren) at any time during program hours without having to obtain our permission. Advance notification is not required for such visits.

PARENT MEETINGS - The after school program will host Parent Nights periodically. A parent may request a meeting with the Program Coordinator or Director of Youth Services at any time. The Program Coordinator or Director of Youth Services may request to talk with or meet with a parent at any time if there are any concerns regarding the child’s wellbeing while at the program. If there is a ongoing need, these meetings may be scheduled regularly.

PARENT/STAFF COMMUNICATION- We welcome the opportunity to communicate with you, our students’ families. We want to share our daily observations about your child’s homework, recreational time, meals, social interactions, and more. Our sign-in and out areas are designed to keep parents informed about what’s going on in after school programming.

Program staff will make every effort to provide you with an individual, verbal update at pick-up time each day. However, we realize there will be times when you are unable to stay and/or when they will not be able to leave their group.

On these occasions – and other times, as well – you can still maintain contact by calling/emailing:

  • Maria Shevchenko, After School Coordinator, at 302-658-4171, or
  • Catherine Casti, Director of Youth Services at 302-658-4171, or .

INFORMATION GATHERING -Your feedback, both verbal and written, is important to us. At the end of each program cycle, we disseminate parent surveys so that you can provide us with written feedback. The surveys, which include questions about our staff and services such as homework assistance, can be completed quickly.

Once the documents have been returned, we schedule a staff meeting to review and discuss any comments and suggestions you have shared. The information gathered is then used to create a plan of action, which informs program planning and changes for the following school year.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT-The Youth Development Department’s policy on Positive Behavior Management ensures that all staff use positive, age-appropriate methods of discipline andguidance that encourage redirection, self-control, modeling, logical and natural consequences, and cooperation. Praise, incentives, and encouragement, rather than punishment, are emphasized.

  • Redirection – Guiding the child and allowing him/her to choose the acceptable response
  • Self-Control – Demonstrating positive ways in which children can exhibit their feelings and emotions
  • Modeling – Demonstrating the appropriate behaviors in various situations
  • Logical And Natural Consequences – Allowing children to learn from the logical and natural consequences of their actions
  • Cooperation – Teaching the benefits of working cooperatively as a team

As stated in the Delacare Rules, a licensee shall ensure that all staff use positive developmentally- appropriate methods of behavior management of children which encourage self-control, self-direction, positive self-esteem, social responsibility and cooperation.

  • Prevention of behavioral problems shall be emphasized. Prevention strategies shall include providing appropriate, educationally valuable materials and activities in an organized, stimulating environment, and setting realistic expectations for children when planning the program.
  • Staff shall praise and encourage children for positive behavior and redirect or guide inappropriate behavior into more positive actions, rather than relying on punishment.
  • Responses to a child's behavior shall be appropriate to the child's level of development and understanding.

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT -We are required by law to immediately report any suspected child abuse and neglect. A staff member who is suspected of child abuse and neglect will not have direct contact with any child. Until an investigation of the alleged incident is complete, s/he may be reassigned to other duties that do not involve contact with children.

CHILD ACCIDENT AND INJURY -We strive to maintain a safe environment; however, accidents and injuries do occur. All incidents are documented and parents of the children involved are notified. To the fullest extent possible, we take measures to prevent a reoccurrence. In the event your child requires emergency medical care, and we cannot contact you, emergency medical services will be contacted to treat your child.

CHANGE OF CLOTHING -Please have your child keep a change of clothes in his/her cubby. S/he will be prepared in the event the clothes s/he is wearing become torn, soiled, wet, etc.

MATERIALS–For the After School program, your child needs to bring his/her agenda, homework folder, textbook, worksheets, instructions, and all other materials necessary to complete his/her homework. We provide the basics such as pencils and paper.

We cannot be responsible for toys, electronics, and games; these items should be left at home, where they will be secure. We do not allow items such as candy, gum, soda, knives (plastic and metal), guns (toy or actual), sharp objects, and inappropriate photos.

SCREEN TIME – Children over the age of two may have an educational video, movie, or game incorporated into their curriculum. These may be viewed on a television, computer, tablet or gaming device. These will be age-appropriate and limited to one hour per day unless a special occasion or activity occurs. Children will be closely supervised while using the Internet.

PHOTOGRAPHING/VIDEOTAPING CHILDREN – West End Neighborhood House sometimes takes photographs and/or videos of youth enrolled in our programs. With your permission (the form is included in the registration packet), we may use and reuse copyright and forms and media in all manners including composite or distorted representations for advertising, trade or other purposes.