Latch - Key Handbook
by Jeff Privia
November 16, 2004
UNDERWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LATCH-KEY PROGRAM
Dear Parents:
We appreciate your interest and participation in our Latch-Key Program here at Underwood Elementary. We want to get off to a good start by providing you with the information that will help us all have a good year. This handbook will let you know what you may expect from us and what we, in turn, will be expecting of you.
Our Purpose:
To provide a safe, happy place for your child, before and after school when you cannot be with them. We are not an extenuation of the school; but we will have a structured school type environment, with social and recreational experiences that he or she will enjoy. Your child is your most precious possession. We understand and appreciate this.
Supervision:
A proper ratio of competent adults to children will be maintained so as to give a maximum of attention and supervision.
Days and Hours:
Our program follows the regular August to May Calendar Schedule of Underwood Community School, observing the same days off and closings for vacations. If school is cancelled because of poor weather, or other unforeseen reasons, there will be no Latch-Key. If school has an early dismissal because of poor weather, children may come to Latch-Key until arrangements can be made to pick up the child. If school is dismissed early for other reasons such as in-service, Latch-Key will be offered at the regular hourly rate. There will always be someone in the center from 6:00 a.m. until school starts, and school dismissal time 3:17 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. If there is a late start because of poor road conditions, Latch-Key will be offered at the regular hour rate.
Ages of Children Served:
Children enrolled in Underwood Elementary and children enrolled in Underwood Preschool are eligible for Latch-Key service.
Fees:
Ø 1 child-$2.35 per hour
Ø Punch card-$47.00
Ø Additional children-$2.35 per hour
DISCIPLINE AND GUIDANCE POLICY
Our center’s philosophy is children can participate in activities without disruptive behavior from another child or intrusion into their personal space. Realistically, we know that there will be conflicts between children and acting out behavior by some children.
Any discipline is done with the intention to guiding children to better understand appropriate behaviors when interacting with others. Not only does the discipline and guidance policy comply with our licensing, but also so children, parents and staff are aware of what we expect.
Our program has an established safe environment, a safe place for children to play and learn. We want to provide a “yes” environment and where children are free to explore. The established routine with snacks, activities and care of basic needs your child has, can go a long way.
The form of discipline and guidance may include staff:
- Distracting, redirecting, or removing materials the child is using and substituting other materials by calling attention to another activity which is more suitable, when the child is doing something unacceptable.
- Using natural or logical consequences, which are connected to the child’s behavior and teach responsible behavior.
- Providing a setting by good example, role modeling and imitating how we want something done, so the child will understand that there are reasons for things a certain way.
- Providing an ample and variety of equipment and activities for the children.
- Encouraging children to work out their problems by talking to each other, staff will monitor the children’s discussion of the conflict and guide them to reach their own conclusions in solving conflict.
- Staff will be able to observe your child at all times, even if your child needs to be separated from the group.
- Making use of “time out” only when all other steps have been taken and the behavior is disruptive, interferes with the processes or causes potential to self or others.
Staff will request discussion with parents if a child’s behavior is continually disruptive to others. At no time is biting, hitting, spitting, unacceptable language or otherwise harming self, other or equipment acceptable.
Discipline will not be administered through corporal punishment, humiliation, scare tactics, verbal abuse, or threatening. Staff is expected to use professional attitudes at all times. Please feel free to discuss any concern about our policies with the staff.
BASIC RULES FOR LATCH-KEY
1. For morning sessions, child will be brought into the center, not dropped off in front of the school. Parents or an authorized adult will sign in the child.
2. The afternoon session, the child must be signed out by parent or authorized adult unless other arrangements have previously been made.
3. At no time will a child be allowed to be in any other part of the building without supervision.
4. If child is not using Latch-Key every day, adequate notification must be given to the school. Either notes sent to school with child (one for teacher, one for Latch-Key Staff), or a phone call to the Latch-Key Staff.
5. No disruptive behavior will be tolerated. Abusive language, or failure to follow the rules will be followed with a warning. If disobedience continues, parents will be notified. If repeated warnings are necessary, child could be removed from the program. Please discuss this with your child and review Incident Report sheet.
We are very proud of the service we offer. We realize there will be times when we make mistakes; after all, a program such as this is always a learning experience. Please bear with us, as our prime concern is your child’s happiness. Periodically, we will ask you to fill out an evaluation sheet for us. We will be constantly looking for ways to improve our program. We want you to be satisfied with our service, and we appreciate your help in making it a success. Please feel free to come to us at any time with improvement suggestions, problems, criticism, or praise!
Thank you for entrusting your child to our care.
Sincerely,
Latch-Key Directors: Maralene Smario
Elementary Principal: Jeffrey L. Privia
LATCH-KEY INCIDENT REPORT
STUDENT NAME___________________________DATE______________________
NOTICE TO PARENTS”
Your child was involved in an incident, which jeopardized the safety and well being of others. Students must understand the POOR BEHAVIOR is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Any disciplinary action described below was taken to encourage your child to obey Latchkey regulations.
______1. This is the first offense. The Staff personal has talked to the student and we
trust the incident will not reoccur.
______2. This is the second offense. Parents are asked to contact the Latchkey Staff by
phone or in person to discuss the incident.
______3. This is the third offense. Latchkey privileges have been denied for 5 school
days. Parents are asked to contact the Latchkey Staff by phone or in person
to discuss the incident.
______ 4. This is the fourth offense. Latchkey privileges have been denied and will
continue to be denied until a conference has been held with a Latchkey Staff
member and the building principal.
SEVER CLAUSE:
v Some instances may be sever enough to warrant an immediate 5 day suspension of Latchkey privileges, to be determined by the Latchkey Staff.
RULE BROKEN:
______Fighting
______Unacceptable Language
______Yelling
______Destroying Property
______Other
COMMENTS: _______________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE OF LATCHKEY STAFF______________________________________
