Before-School Program
Parent Information

The Before-School Program provides a safe, stimulating environment for students whose family situations require student supervision before school hours.  Students who attend the regular day program are eligible for enrollment in the Before-School Program.  The program runs from 7:00-8:45 a.m. each day school is in session and cost $61.25 per month per child.  The program does not operate on teacher workdays.  The typical program ends 15 to 20 minutes before the beginning of the instructional day.

Students must have turned 5 years of age by October 16 of the present school year to be served in the Before School Program.  This program does not serve preschool children.

Program Policies and Procedures

Arrival of Children:
Upon arrival, parents are required to enter the school to drop their children off for Before School Programs. Parents must sign them in.

What are Inclement Weather Procedures?
The Before-School Program will be delayed the same amount of time that the opening of school is delayed.  For example, if school is delayed one (1) hour, then the Before-School Program will be delayed one (1) hour.

In Case of Illness:
If a child becomes ill, the parent, or designated adult, will be called to pick up the child as soon as possible.  All parents must provide an emergency number, which can be called, if the parent cannot be reached.  In addition, the name of the child’s family physician is kept on file at program site.  The child will be kept comfortable and watched until someone arrives.  Slight injuries that occur will receive first aid.  If a child contracts a communicable disease other than a cold, parents should notify the school.

Discipline Procedures:
It is important that children respect themselves, other people, and property.  Discipline should be viewed in a very positive manner with appropriate activities, mutual respect, adequate planning, and consistent supervision contributing to a climate in which self-discipline can flourish.

The teacher will set aside time during the first week of school to develop and discuss guidelines, procedures and rules with the children.  These will be reviewed as necessary throughout the school year.

Occasionally, children will need to be removed from a situation when they cannot act appropriately.  The student may be taken to the office or another place to regain his/her composure.

If problems with a child seem to arise frequently, the parent will be notified and a conference scheduled to discuss these concerns.  Persistent and/or severe misbehavior may result in the child being withdrawn from the program.  Please see the Discipline Policy and Behavior Management Policy for parent’s signature.

Enrollment Information:
Parents fill out a WCPSS Before School Registration Form to enroll their child.  Forms are available in the school office.  There is a registration fee of $10 per child.  Registration fees are collected every time a student enters or reenters the program.  Registration fees are not refunded.

If a parent wishes to end their child’s enrollment in the program, an Enrollment Termination Form must be completed by the parent.  Monthly payments are not refunded if termination occurs before the end of the month.

Activities:
Supervised activities such as games, stories, music, arts and crafts, and outside play are offered.  Students may also do homework, however at least three different activities will be provided.  In addition, field trips may be planned or resource people brought in on special days.

Monthly Fees:
Monthly fees are due on the dates designated on the WCPSS payment schedule for each school calendar. Fees are not prorated for any reason including a child’s illness, family vacation, or change in the work schedule, etc.  Monthly fees will vary depending on the opening /closing times for a school. Each payment covers 20 school days.  You do not pay for teacher workdays, track out days, or holidays when children are not in school.  School is in session for a total of 180 days.  There are no prorated fees for the 180 day school care programs.  The full monthly fee is due regardless of the number of days the child is absent from the program for illness, family trips, etc.

Cash cannot be accepted.  Checks are made payable to the school with the children’s name and grades written on the bottom of checks.  If one check is returned from the bank, parents will make all future payments with a certified check or money order.  There is a $15 fee for returned checks.

Late Payments:  If payment is not made by the late date on the payment schedule, a reminder notice will be sent, and a $10 “late payment” fee will be charged.  If payment is not made within five business days of the late date the student shall be withdrawn from the program. Any past due fees are still required to be paid. 

Non-Sufficient Fund Checks (NSF):  Non-sufficient fund checks are held until a money order is received by the program to cover the amount of the check.  Cash cannot be accepted.  Parents will pay a $15.00 charge for the NSF check.  Parents will be notified immediately upon receipt of the NSF notice and shall have ten school days in which to pay the charge in full.  If the charge is not paid in full by the end of the ten days, the child will be withdrawn from the program.  Once a NSF check is returned to the program, parents are required to make all future payments by money order or certified check. AutoPay may also be an option at your school. Contact your school to see if your program participates in AutoPay.

Cash cannot be accepted.  Checks are made payable to the school with the children’s name and grades written on the bottom of checks.  If one check is returned from the bank, parents will make all future payments with a certified check or money order.  There is a $15 fee for returned checks.