Dear Parent and Guardians:
This handbook is designed to give parents and guardians a helpful insight into the After School Enrichment Program (ASEP) offered by Houghton-Jones Neighborhood Association (HJNA). It includes detailed information about HJNA’s ASEP activities, procedures, and policies. Please read this handbook carefully and keep it in a safe place for easy reference during the school year.
The HJNA ASEP strives to provide an atmosphere where children can enjoy, grow, and learn. Our staff always welcome suggestions and ideas that will help us to make your child’s time at the HJNA ASEP beneficial and rewarding. We encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas with us at any time.
Many thanks go to Arthur Eddy Academy and Student First Transportation for their commitment to our program; to my HJNA ASEP staff for their energy and outstanding job they do with the children each and every day; and to the parents and guardians of the children for their continued support and encouragement. The children benefit greatly from the many special qualities contributed to the HJNA ASEP by so many wonderful and caring people!
If you have any questions about the content of this book, please feel free to call the center at (989) 752-1660.
I look forward to the time that we will be spending together.
Best regards,
Izetta Lee & Dorothy Vaughn
Program Coordinators
After School Program Contact Information
The After School Enrichment Program is located at:
Houghton-Jones Resource Center
1708 Johnson Street
Saginaw, Michigan 48601
info@houghtonjones.org
For concern about your child and/ or questions about schedules, policies, or staffing, please call the Program Coordinators at 989-752-1660. Also, please call to report an absence, a change of pickup information, or a pickup delay.
THE SISTER LOIS A. SHEAFFER
AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
VISION
WE ARE a community committed, dedicated, and devoted to a better life for people.
WE ARE doing our part, committing our resources, and coordinating our efforts to be an attractive, safe, and productive community with quality housing, excellent education, thriving local businesses and considerate neighbors who attend to the well-being of all.
WE ARE working to achieve ample high quality housing excellent schools with devoted faculty and staff, manufacturing, small strategically located business center, diverse cultural experiences and attractions, convenient transportation, responsive and available public service.
WE ARE working to promote an enthusiastic spirit of community pride and self-confidence, personal and community responsibility, collective vision in action, individual and community empowerment with a positive attitude about who we are and what we can do.
MISSION
To foster a sense of community by providing enrichment programs targeted for youth and families in the Houghton-Jones Neighborhood and surrounding area, located in Saginaw, Michigan.
AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
HJNA is a nonprofit organization that began operating its first on-site school program since 2003. We operate within the Houghton-Jones Resource Center. The goal of HJNA is to provide a quality program that is safe, fun and affordable. Our program offers age appropriate activities under the supervision of a competent, trustworthy, caring, and qualified staff that understands and meets the needs of the children in our care.
To meet the physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and recreational needs of children, our program will:
- Offer fun, enriching, academically oriented, and recreational activities that help promote confidence, self-esteem and responsibility.
- Provide children a safe and secure environment staffed by warm, friendly professionals.
- Provide a relaxed atmosphere where children can socialize and make new friends.
- Provide a nutritional Mid-dinner and snack.
- Provide a nutritional Mid-dinner and snack.
- Provide time for homework assistance.
At HJNA ASEP Handbook, we believe that during the hours children are at the center they should be provided with a quality program of well supervised activities that stimulates new interests, encourages creativity, and build self-confidence while providing their parents with peace of mind.
This Parent Handbook outlines what you may expect from the HJNA ASEP and outline our policies and procedures. We hope it will be helpful and look forward to providing you and your child with a quality after school program.
- All children attending elementary school in Saginaw County are eligible to enroll in the HJNA ASEP.
- Registration forms are available at the Houghton-Jones Resource Center or at Arthur Eddy’s school office.
- The following information is required on all registration forms:
- Child’s Full Name
- Child’s Date of Birth
- School Name & Grade
- Emergency Contact/Pick-Up Information
- Home & Work Number for Parents/Guardians and all emergency contacts
- Complete Home Address
- Alternate Phone Number (e.g. cellular, etc.)
- Name a Persons Permitted to Remove Child
- Please make sure registration forms are filled out completely and information is updated when necessary with the Program Manager.
- HJNA ASEP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion or national origin.
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
Attendance is taken daily during all HJNA ASEP.
Parents and/or guardians are responsible for notifying the program staff if their child will be absent from the after school program, if they have attended school during the day.
If a child is registered to attend the after school program and does not report to the program, the parent, guardian, or emergency contact will be notified to verify the child’s absence. This helps ensure the safety of all the children attending our program.
HJNA ASEP follows the school calendar of Saginaw Public School District. Therefore, if the District is closed, HJNA is not open for students.
SNOW DAYS AND DELAYED OPENINGS
HJNA ASEP will be closed whenever Saginaw Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.
When the opening of school has been delayed due to weather, HJNA ASEP will operate as scheduled.
TRANSPORTATION
Children from Arthur Eddy Academy will be transported to the HJNA ASEP by school bus. Children must have the written permission of their parents to be transported to HJNA ASEP by bus. Permission for Transportation is included in program’s registration.
SIGN OUT PROCEDURES
Your child must be signed out, when picked up each day, with your signature. Only persons authorized in writing by you, the parent(s) and/or guardian(s), may remove your child from the program. Staff members will request photo identification if the person picking up the child is unfamiliar and check the authorization form. Please be aware that we do this for the safety and protection of the children in our programs. Your child will not be released to anyone without prior written notice and/or a telephone call. The Program Manager will call you to identify any unauthorized individuals. Per HJNA ASEP policy, once in attendance, no child will be permitted to walk home from the after school program.
LATE PICK UP POLICY
The HJNA ASEP closes promptly at 6:00 P.M. All parents and/or guardians are expected to pick up their children on time. If you are unable to do so, it is your responsibility to notify the Program Coordinators that you will be late or are sending an alternate to pick up your child. If the alternate is not on your permitted to remove list, the Program Manager may ask you for additional identifying information. In addition, please advises the individual picking up to bring photo identification with them.
After the site closes, a staff member will attempt to contact the parent, guardian or emergency contact person by telephone. If a child remains at HJNA ASEP an hour after closing time and neither parents, guardians nor emergency contacts can be reached and there has been no communication from the parents or guardians, the Saginaw Police Department will be contacted and the child released into the custody of the appropriate law enforcement official according with the Michigan Mandated Reporting Act.
Two (2) late pick-ups may result in a one-week suspension for your child from the program. Three late pick-ups may result in your child being dismissed from the program.
HEALTH/SAFETY/MEDICATION
HJNA ASEP is equipped with a first aid kit. Staff members are CPR/First Aid Certified. The Program Coordinators will notify parents if there is evidence of serious injury or illness. A written record will be kept of all injuries and accidents requiring first aid. A copy of the Accident report will be sent home to the parent/guardian with the child, and a copy will be kept on file.
In case of emergency, illness, or injury to a child, the parent or guardian will be notified immediately. If the parents/guardian cannot be reached immediately, the emergency numbers on the registration form will be called.
In the event of an emergency warranting medical attention or considered life threatening, the Program Coordinators will call 911 or take other necessary emergency procedures. Parents/guardians and/or emergency contacts will be contacted as well.
The HJNA ASEP staff is not required to have the medical expertise to administer medicine nor to use medical equipment (epi pens, inhaler, needles, etc.). Therefore, we will not be responsible for administering medicine or assisting children with severe medical conditions.
PERSONNEL
HJNA ASEP strives to maintain a staff to child ratio adequate with daily attendance. It is based on our philosophy that we can provide safer supervision and our staff members can be more responsive and nurturing to the children in their care.
All staff members must meet educational and experience requirements for the position that they hold. All child care personnel function under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, and work on site to supervise the daily activities and safe operation of the program.
Each staff member must be fingerprinted and background screened and meets the medical requirements set forth by law. All staff also receive a mandatory orientation prior to beginning their position that focuses on methods and guidelines for working with children.
MENTORS/VOLUNTEERS
HJNA ASEP makes every effort to utilize mentors and volunteers to assist and encourage the children with homework, reading, additional tutoring, and support.
All mentors and volunteers must have background checks. Each mentor and/or volunteer will participate in an interview-orientation prior to working with the children that will focus on ur methods and guidelines for working with children.
DAILY ACTIVITIES
At HJNA ASEP, our staff understands the importance of homework. Parents may choose whether they wish their child to do their homework while at the program. A quiet environment is created and homework supplies are also provided.
Our schedule blends educational and recreational activities between the hours of 3:30 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. that may include foreign language, computer technology, reading, writing and math programs, science, drama, cooking, movies, arts, and crafts, and physical education programs.
HOMEWORK POLICY
HJNA ASEP stresses the importance of homework and sets time aside every day for the children to complete their assignments. Staff members are available to assist the children with their work, however, a child who needs individual help with his or her homework must ask. Because of the number of children who require assistance during homework time, the staff members are sometimes unable to check each child’s homework for accuracy or provide the type of one-on-one homework help that is available from a private tutor.
Although we encourage the children to do their homework when it is assigned, using the time set aside to complete homework is the responsibility of the child. Please let us know if you prefer to have a child complete his or her homework at home. Children who do not wish to use homework time to complete their homework may participate in program activities.
SNACKS
Juice and snacks are provided for the children. If your child has any food allergies, dietary restrictions, or prefers different or additional food, please feel free to send a snack to the center with your child.
BIRTHDAYS
HJNA ASEP celebrates each child’s birthday, because it is important to us that each child’s birthday receive equal attention. We ask families not to send food, balloons, or other party favors to HJNA ASEP for birthday parties. Invitations to home parties should not be distributed at HJNA ASEP.
POSSESSIONS FROM HOME
Since we cannot guarantee the safe return of personal belongings, HJNA ASEP asks that any personal possessions be left in backpacks during a child’s time at the program.
Responsibility for the safekeeping of cell phones, electronics games, and toys brought from home remains with the child. HJNA ASEP does not allow the use of toy weapons.
TELEPHONE USE BY CHILDREN
The staff will be happy to convey messages to children when necessary but it is not possible for children to receive telephone calls at HJNA ASEP. Parents are welcome to call the program at any time to speak to the Program Coordinators or Office Manager about questions or concerns regarding their child or the center.
DISCIPLINE
HJNA will follow the guidelines set with the Saginaw Public School District’s Students & Parents Handbook.
The professional child care staff of HJNA ASEP is trained in behavior techniques that include positive reinforcement, redirection, conflict resolution, and rewards. A child with a consistent behavioral problem who is not responding to his or her mentor or who exhibits extreme or dangerous behavior will be sent to the Program Coordinators, who will notify the child’s parents and/or guardians with a Behavior Report. In extreme cases of behavior such as running away, fighting, extreme disruption, stealing, threats of violence, or destruction of school property, the parent and/or guardian may be called to pick up their child immediately and the child may be immediately suspended or dismissed from the after school program.
If the problem persists, a parent/guardian conference will be scheduled at which the areas of concern will be discussed and the steps which will be taken to help improve your child’s behavior. If the situation does not improve, the child may be suspended.
Three Behavior Reports will result in dismissal from our program.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARENTS
Parents and guardians are responsible for:
- Picking up their child(ren) by the close of the program. Saginaw Police Department and/or Saginaw County Child Protective Services may be called if children remain at the program one hour after closing time.
- Notify the Program Coodinators if:
- Any information on the registration form changes (Telephone Number, Address, Pick up information)
- Their child attended school, but will not be attending the after school program on any given day or period of time
- There is a change in the daily departure routine or the person picking up
- Their child is being withdrawn from the after school program
- Their child’s participation in the program is limited due to health or other impairments
- Their child is on any medication which must be dispensed or if their child has any allergies
A child may be exited from the program if a parent does not meet the above responsibilities on a consistent basis.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
HJNA ASEP will be closed on the following holidays: Labor Day, Thanksgiving break, Christmas break, Spring break and Memorial Day.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All personal belongings, including jackets, lunch boxes, backpacks, etc. should be clearly labeled to help avoid loss. Lost and Found is available, in case your child does lose something. Please note that children are not permitted to bring any items to the center (such as Ipads, MP3 players, Nintendo Switch, ect.) that they are not allowed to bring during the regular school day. HJNA ASEP cannot be responsible for any lost, damaged or stolen belongings.
NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES
It is extremely important that you notify the Program Coordinators immediately of any changes in home address, employment phone numbers, and pick up procedures.
COMMUNICATION
HJNA ASEP maintains an open door policy. Please feel free to direct questions or concerns related to any component of HJNA ASEP to the Program Coordinators at any time.
The first priority of the staff is to focus as much attention as possible on the children. In order to meet the needs of the children and the staff during Program hours, we ask that parents limit their conversation with ASEP staff members to subjects involving their child. The Program Coodinators is available to answer all other questions that arise. Please feel free to call at any time. If not present to take your call please leave a message with the Office Manager.
HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
In consideration for the privilege of my child participating in HJNA, After School Enrichment Program during the months of September through May. I agree to assure the risk for any injuries, including death, that may be sustained by my child or myself during the course of HJNA, After School Enrichment Program activities on the premises of 1708 Johnson Street, Saginaw, Michigan 48601, on a field trip, or that may occur in a vehicle enroute to a field trip. Furthermore, I agree to indemnify, hold harmless, assume liability for, and defend, Houghton-Jones Neighborhood Association, it’s officers, employees, volunteers, members and agents from all cost and expenses including but not limited to, attorney’s fees, reasonable investigative and discovery cost, court cost and any other sums which Houghton-Jones Neighborhood Association, it’s trustees, officers, employees, volunteers, members, and agents may pay or become obligated to pay for injury, including death, to a persons or damage to property resulting from any cause, including vehicles, except for matters, caused by extensive negligence or willful misconduct of Houghton-Jones NTF or its trustees, officers, employees, volunteers, members, and agents while acting within the scope of duties of such relationship to Houghton-Jones NTF, I hereby certify that I have the authority to sign this agreement for the individual listed below.
I give my consent to HJNA After School Enrichment Program to take said child on field trips, to neighborhood places, on special excursions to places of interest, and to use public facilities, with the understanding that they are under supervision of authorized personnel of HJNA After School Enrichment Program staff, and that all possible precautions are taken to ensure the health and safety of my child.
I also consent to the use of my child’s name, photograph, portrait, and likeness in any form and type of publication without compensation. I relinquish and give all rights, title and interest I may have in the finished pictures, negatives, reproductions, and copes of the original prints and negatives.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE
I understand that every effort will be made to contact me in the event of an emergency requiring medical treatment. If I cannot be reached, I hereby authorize the program to transport my child to the nearest medical care facility and to secure necessary medical treatment for my child.
HJNA ASEP ALLERGY POSTING PERMISSION
While my child is enrolled in the HJNA, After School Enrichment Program, I give permission to the HJNA staff to post information about my child’s allergies on their emergency cards, on the kitchen allergy list and on classroom refrigerators and/or cabinets.
TECHNOLOGY
As a member of HJNA, your child may have access to the internet. While HJNA has rules prohibiting such conduct and precautions are taken by the center to prevent such access, it is possible your child may access inappropriate sites. The HJNA will not be responsible for such unauthorized access.
TRANSPORTATION
Parents may be responsible for their own transportation to and from the center, unless otherwise specified.
PRESS
I give permission for my child’s picture, video image, or any other graphic depiction or likeness, to be used by HJNA and its affiliates or donors and acknowledge neither my child nor I will receive payment for the same.
MISCELLANEOUS
I understand that HJNA is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
CDC GUIDELINES
HJNA ASEP, will be following the same guideline that Saginaw Public School are following through CDC requiring daily temperature check, face mask, and practicing social distancing. Our center will be getting cleaned and disinfected daily. This is our solution to keeping kid’s safe and protected.
I hereby acknowledge and confirm that I have received and have read Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement, Housing and Urban Development Income Verification Request, and Guidelines and Discipline Policy. I understand that if I have any questions about any program policy, I should immediately consult with the Program Coordinators. Any violation of the policies may result in discipline, up to and including discharge.
We are thrilled to announce we are accepting more children into our Afterschool Enrichment Program!