WILLINGDON EXTENDED DAY
PROGRAM
5870 De Terrebonne
Montreal, QCH4A 1B5
PARENT HANDBOOK
Program Director –Christy Savage
Assistant Coordinator- Jordana Weiss
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Tel: 514-487-8269
Willingdonedp.com
1. WELCOME
2. OUR STAFF
2.1 Staff
2.2 Ratios
3. OUR PROGRAMS
3.1 When do our programs begin?
3.2 Beforeschool Program
3.3 Afterschool Program
3.4Extra-Curricular Program
3.5 Homework Program
3.6 Bilingualism
3.7 Volunteer Program
3.8Skating
3.9 Park
4. REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
4.1 Registration
4.2 Occasional Drop-In
4.3 Extra-Curricular Discounts
4.4 Tax Receipts
4.5 Financial Assistance
4.6 Willingdon Home and School Membership
5. HEALTH AND SAFETY
5.1 Changes to schedule
5.2 Attendance
5.3 Location Board
5.4 Changes in pick-up
5.5 Late pick-up
5.6 Allergies or Medical Conditions
5.7 Illness
5.8 Medication
5.9 Snacks
6. COMMUNICATION
6.1 EDP Office
6.2 News and weekly updates and the Newsletter
6.3 Behavioural Issues
6.4 Program Evaluations
1. WELCOME
Dear Parents,
Thank you for your interest in the Willingdon Extended Day Program. The Willingdon EDP was implemented in September 1997 to provide both before and after-school care with quality homework supervision, combined with an enriching extra-curricular program. Our mandate is to provide affordable extended day care service for working parents, within a quality enrichment program.
The Willingdon EDP provides a positive and caring environment for your child. Our programs offer a variety of activities that cater to the children’s individual interests and needs. We are committed to providing an atmosphere that is both safe and fun for the children in the Extended Day Program.
Whether your child is just starting with Willingdon EDP, or they are returning for another year, this Parent Handbook will provide you with important information about our programs. Please take the time to read through it. We look forward to seeing you and your child at the Extended Day Program. Please feel free to contact us at any time. We welcome any questions or comments you may have. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Willingdon EDP
2. OUR STAFF
2.1 STAFF
Our staff’s qualifications are diverse and include experience in areas such as; elementary education, recreational and sports programming, music, science, and theater. We make a point of hiring people with an extensive background working with children. We also have CPR and First Aid certified staff always on site, and all of our staff have passed police record checks. We strive to maintain an enthusiastic, caring, and responsible team who are committed to providing a safe and stimulating environment for your child.
2.2 RATIOS
We strive to maintain strict staff to child ratios within the Extended Day Program. For the Afterschool Program, these ratios are appx 1:12 for Kindergarten and Grade 1, and appx1:14 for Grade 2 to 6. Because of the less formal structure of the Beforeschool Program, we maintain a ratio of 1:20. Please note that recommended government ratios are 1:20for all age groups (Regie Budgetaire, p. 38).
3. OUR PROGRAMS
3.1 WHEN DO OUR PROGRAMS BEGIN?
The first day of the program is always the first day of school. Grade 1 to 6 students, whose registration has been received, can begin to attend both the Before and After School Program as of this date.
The first 2 days of school are usually a half day for Kindergarten students. For this reason, Kindergarten students will not be eligible to use the Afterschool Program on their half day, as our services do not begin before 3:30 PM.
Our program runs concurrently with the Willingdon School calendar; this means that we are not open on school holidays or PED Days.
3.2 BEFORESCHOOL PROGRAM
Our Beforeschool Program runs every morning (Monday through Friday) from 7:30-9:00 AM. (7:15 am drop off is available at a fixed price of $15 monthly. This fee applies whether a child arrives regularly as of 7:15 am or only comes one time at 7:15am).
We attempt to provide a variety of quiet activities in the morning, including; coloring, art & crafts, readingcard games, board games, etc. (Please understand that this is not a time for your child to be completing his/her homework.)
At 8:50AM children begin to gather their belongings and prepare for the start of the school day. Grade 4 - 6 students are sent intothe school yard when teachers take over supervision. Grade 1-3 students gather their belongings and line up to go outside a t 9am. For the first month of school, children are escorted to the school yard to ensure that they are comfortable and that they are learning the routine.
3.3 AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
Our Afterschool Program runs every afternoon (Monday through Friday) from 3:30-6:15PM. Groups are divided by grade and given a permanent space within the school. The counselors of each group provide a variety of age-appropriate activities for the children. The general outline of the afternoon is as follows:
- Attendance, recess period and snack period From 3:30 to 4:15 PM, counselors take attendance and ensure that all of the children in their group have been accounted for. We then have a short outdoor recess period before starting our daily activities. We require that all children participate in this time outdoors; because they do not have an afternoon recess, this is an important time to get some fresh air, engage in physical activity, and socialize with friends.
Homework Period From 4:15 to 5:00PM, all children are expected to work on homework. While this is not a tutoring session, our counselors check agendas and are on hand to assist your child with their homework assignments. We also have a Homework specialist who works out of the library from 3:30-5:30 Monday to Thursday. This program is for children who require a more structured environment or individualized attention while completing their homework.
Children with no homework are expected to participate in a quiet, individual activity. All children must participate in this homework period unless we have received a note from their parents. Counselors set up a rotational schedule that allows all children the opportunity to go to the homework room taking into account their Extra-Curricular classes. Should you have a specific request in regard to your child’s homework, please speak to your child's counselors, the coordinator or director.
*Programmed activity After the homework period, from approximately 5:00-5:45PM, counselors prepare activities which may include sports and games in the gym, mat games, art & crafts,drama or science projects. We ask that you do not send toys or other personal belongings to the Afterschool with your child. Any lost or forgotten items will be placed in the lost and found located in the stairwell (Royal lunchroom).
- Clean up From 5:45-6:00PM, all children are expected to help clean up after their activities and gather their belongings. Please ensure that your child has cleaned up their area prior to leaving with them at the end of the day.
3.4 EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAM
The Extra-Curricular Program has been a fixture at Willingdon for many years. Extra-Curricular registration forthe Fall session occurs in mid-September, and courses begin the beginning of October. For the Winter session, registration occurs in mid-January, and courses begin the first week of February. You will be informed of this in a school mailing as the time approaches. Please look for the orange flyer in your child's school bag near the second week of September and the second week of January.
Courses may include: Ballet, Dance, Percussion, Guitar, Reptiles Drama, Sports, Magic, Science, Violin, Piano, Earth watchers, Art, and Soapstone. All of the extra-curricular course instructors are highly recognized professionals within their field.
3.5 HOMEWORK ROOM
In addition to the Homework Period within the After School Program daily, we offer a Homework Room, for children who require a more structured environment or individualized attention (Monday –Thursday from 3:30-5:30pm). There are specialists always on-hand to supervise and assist children with their homework assignments.
3.6 Bilingualism Program
WillingdonSchool is a bilingual school, in following this tradition the EDP hires bilingual staff wherever possible. All staff are encouraged to speak French as often as English. We also rent movies in both languages.
3.7 Volunteer Program
Since our program began in 1997 local high school students, and many Willingdon graduates, have been volunteering within the program. Typically, volunteers will assist counselors to animate activities, help Extra Curricular teachers to run their courses, or assist in the homework room. Most volunteers come to our program one day weekly for approximately 6-8 weeks. All volunteers go through a training session, and evaluation process. If you have any questions about particular volunteers or about the program in general please see Christy Savage.
3.8SKATING
Beginning in November, we will begin skating every Friday. A skating registration form will be sent home with your child in a school mailing. Skating takes place at the Doug Harvey Arena from 4:00 to 5:00 PM. On these days, please ensure that your child has: skates, helmet (hockey or bicycle), warm mittens or gloves, and snow pants.
You may pick up your child from the arena any time before 5:15 PM, or at Willingdon after 5:45 PM. Doug Harvey Arena, is located at 4985 Westhill; (514) 872-6028.
Please note: if your child does not have all the required clothing, he/she will remain at the school.
3.9 PARK
As soon as the weather begins to get warm, we take advantage of the outdoors and make a trip to KensingtonPark every Friday afternoon. We are at the park from approximately 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM. On these days, please ensure that your child has: an extra drink or water bottle, and appropriate clothing for outdoor play (comfortable clothes and running shoes).
You may pick up your child from the Park, before 5:15 PM, or at Willingdon after 5:30 PM. All children registered with the Afterschool Program participate in this activity. KensingtonPark is located at the corner of De Terrebonne and Grand Ave. in N.D.G.
4. REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
4.1 REGISTRATION
All registration forms must be completed and post-dated payments must be submitted prior to your child’s admission into the Extended Day Program. We will not be responsible for any child who is not registered in the program.
Discounts for families
The first child must pay the regular price
Each additional child registered 5 afternoons weekly receives $10 off the monthly price.
Each additional child registered 4 afternoons weekly receives $8 off the monthly price.
Fees must be paid, by cheque, (no cash) in one of the following ways:
- In full at the beginning of the school year
- In monthly installments – cheques for the appropriate amount (see fee summary below) must be submitted at time of registration. Cheques must be post-dated for the 1st of every month, September through June.
All cheques should be made payable to Willingdon Extended Day Program. Please ensure that your child’s name is noted on the cheque.
A $17.00 administration fee will be charged for any returned payments. Repeatedly overdue accounts may result in the program being unable to accommodate your child.
# DAYS/WEEK / MONTHLY FEEBEFORESCHOOL
5 day flat rate / $65.000
Drop in, 1 am / $5.00
AFTERSCHOOL
5 days / $165.00*
4 days / $137.00*
3 days / $110.00
Drop in, 1 pm / $10.00
* second, third and other children are entitled to a $10 monthly discount for 5 afternoons weekly registration, and $8 discount for 4 afternoons weekly.
Our fees are based on an annual rate, what it costs us to run the program for the year (39 week school schedule,) not a monthly rate. There is, therefore, no discount for months with school holidays such as December and March.
4.2 OCCASIONALDROP-IN
We must be given twenty-four hour notice if you would like your child to drop in to either the Before or Afterschool program. A completed registration form must be received by the Extended Day Program prior to the drop-in. In addition to informing the EDP, please inform your child's teacher and the school office of the change in your child’s schedule. The cost for drop-in is $5.00 for Beforeschool and $10.00 for Afterschool. We do not accept cash for drop in’s, you must pay by cheque in one of the following three ways.
1. At the beginning of each month give theEDP a cheque for expected drop in days that month (also indicate the days on the cheque)
2. Drop off a cheque on the day (or each day) your child needs to drop into the program.
3. Be billed at the end of the month for the allotted drop in days. The amount would be due at the beginning of the following month.
4.3 EXTRA-CURRICULAR DISCOUNTS
Children registered in the Afterschool Program are entitled to a discount in Extra-Curricular courses. They must be registered for the entire semester (or semesters) that the course is taking place, and all payments must be up-to-date. Children attending either 4 or 5 days per week are entitled to one free course, as well as one course at a discount of 25%. Children attending 3 days per week are entitled to one course at a discount of 25%. Afterschool participants are allowed to use these discounts each session (Fall and Winter). Please note that a full-year course counts as both the Fall and Winter session discount.
If, during the school year you cancel your child's attendance in the after school program, a new Extra Curricular payment would have to be arranged for any courses registered at a discount.
4.4 TAX RECEIPTS
Tax receipts (Releve 24) will be issued in the month of February for all amounts received in the applicable tax year for Before and Afterschool programs. So that we may issue your tax receipt without delay, please ensure that your account is up-to-date and that any outstanding debts have been paid. Please note that tax receipts are not given out for Extra-Curricular Courses, except sports related courses.
All tax receipts will be issued through the school (distributed by the teachers and sent home with your child). We will inform you, in advance, of the date which we will be issuing the receipts.
4.5 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
We are able to provide subsidies to families in need of assistance. Applications may be picked up at the EDP office. Please be assured that all information will remain confidential. Feel free to inquire further with the EDP Director.
4.6 WILLINGDON HOME AND SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP
The Willingdon EDPwas originally a Home and School initiative, and we continue to have a working relationship between both programs. We ask you to please support the Willingdon Home and School Association by filling out and paying for yourannual membership fee, by supporting them you are supporting us.
5. HEALTH AND SAFETY
5.1 CHANGES TO SCHEDULE
We ask that any changes you wish to make to your child’s schedule be given in writing to the EDP office. Any addition of days that your child attends the program must be approved in advance due to staff ratios.
If you will be changing your child’s schedule in a way that affects your monthly fee (i.e. addition or cancellation of a day), please give us sufficient notice, in writing, prior to the 1st of the month. A refund may not be issued if notice of change in schedule has not been made prior to a payment date. We will not issue refunds or credit if, at the end of the month, you have not used the number of days for which your child was registered. We hire staff to maintain ratios as per the number of children registered at the beginning of the month.
5.2 ATTENDANCE
If your child will be absent on a day that he/she regularly attends the program, you must advise the EDP as well as the school office in writing or by a telephone call prior to 2:00 PM. If your child is absent from school, a telephone call to the school office is not sufficient. We (the EDP office) must also receive a message informing us of your child’s absence, this is imperative, as it saves us the stress and time spent tracking down a child who is deemed missing. We have a tracking system that is implemented should a child be missing from Afterschool. We first contact the school administration and/or your child’s teachers. If we are unable to locate your child, we will attempt to reach the parent/guardian(s) at home or at work. We would then proceed to the emergency numbers listed in your child’s file with the school office. As a last resort, the police would be contacted. Please realize the importance of notifying us of ANY changes in your child’s attendance.
5.3 LOCATION BOARD
Upon entering the school from the Royal Avenue entrance, a large board announcing the locations of each Afterschool group will be displayed. Please remember to check it upon arrival so that you may locate your child’s group as easily as possible.
5.4 CHANGES IN PICK-UP
If someone other than a parent or legal guardian will be picking-up your child, the person’s name must be submitted, in advance to the Program Director or Administrative Assistant. At pick up time, the person will be required to present him/herself to the counselor with photo identification. This mandatory precaution is to ensure the safety and protection of your child.