School-Age Program Policy

About the Program

We accept children between the ages of 6-12 years attending grades 1-6 in our school age program. Upon completion of grade 6, children may remain in the program during the summer following the end of their grade 6 school year up to and including the last Friday prior to the start of their grade 7 school year. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Board of Directors.

Staff maintains a maximum 1:15 ratio (staff to children) at all times. We are licensed for 87 spaces, and maintain a waiting list.

Arrival

A school age child who is being dismissed from school (either within Riverbend School or by school bus from another location) is responsible for coming into the childcare program on their own. Once they arrive a staff will mark the child as present.

On the occasion that a child does not arrive and the staff has not been notified, the staff will speak to the school secretary to see if the child was absent, or contact the parent / alternate contacts to discover the whereabouts of the child.

Intermittent Supervision

On occasion, children who demonstrate responsibility within the centre will be allowed times of “intermittent staff supervision”. This still ensures that staff know the whereabouts of all children at all times but allows children to: go to the washroom by themselves, have time away from the group when they ask (i.e. getting a drink of water, take messages to the preschool program, etc.).

Ratio Flexibility

The ratio of staff to children may be reduced if a staff member is required to drop off or pick up children from the school bus. The only other time that this reduction may occur is if a group of children are out on the school grounds and a child needs to return into the centre for bathroom or necessary first aid attention.

At all times our first consideration will be given to finding ways that staff / child ratios will be maintained. E.g. taking a larger group of children inside or having “helpers” aid the staff.

Daily Nutrition

A before school and after school snack will be provided for your school age child. On a weekly basis, the menu will be posted on the parent bulletin board in the school age program. To ensure variety, the menus are rotated on a weekly basis. As per Child Day Care Regulations, snacks will include 3 food groups.

Children are encouraged to try new foods unless prohibited by allergies or religious practices.