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Arlington County Department of Parks & Recreation 2016-2017 Kids in Action After School Program PARENT HANDBOOK

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Page 1: PARENT HANDBOOK - Amazon Web Services · Arlington County Department of Parks & Recreation 2016-2017 Kids in Action After School Program PARENT HANDBOOK

Arlington County Department of Parks & Recreation

2016-2017 Kids in Action

After School Program

PARENT HANDBOOK

Page 2: PARENT HANDBOOK - Amazon Web Services · Arlington County Department of Parks & Recreation 2016-2017 Kids in Action After School Program PARENT HANDBOOK

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Table of Contents

Important Numbers........ .................................................. 3

Letter from Office of Youth & Family Programs........ ... 4

Accreditation and DPR Vision ......................................... 5

Vision, Mission & Goals ..................................................... 6

Asset Building .................................................................... 7

Program Information ........................................................ 8

Parent Information ........................................................... 9

What to Bring & Wear to the Program ........................ 9

Children’s Health ........................................................... 10

Food Policy ..................................................................... 10

Program Registration and Fees……………………….11-14

Arrival and Attendance ................................................. 15

Pick Up and Departure ............................................. 16-17

Inclement Weather Policy ............................................ 18

Access & Inclusion ..................................................... 19-20

Code of Conduct ............................................................ 21

Discipline/Consequences ............................................... 22

Field Trips ....................................................................... 23

Administration of Medication ....................................... 24

Communicable Diseases ................................................ 25

Emergency Procedures ................................................... 26

Child Abuse and Neglect ............................................... 27

Parent Feedback ............................................................ 28

Important Dates 2015-2016 ........................................... 29

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Arlington Kids In Action

Important Numbers

Registration & Information .................. (703) 228-4747, Option 1

Habla Español ........................................ (703) 228-4747, Option 9

Inclusion Support ................................... (703) 228-4736

Volunteer! ............................................... (703) 228-4724

Program Phone Number

Lubber Run Community Center……….. (703) 228-4717

Lubber Run Main Office…………………(703) 228-4712

Office of Youth & Family Staff

Yvana Cordova, Unit Manager………….............(703) 228-4772

Lila Paig, OST Supervisor…….…………............(703) 228-4728

Melissa Edwards, Program Specialist……...........(703) 228-0551

Emily Thrasher, Family Program Coordinator...(703) 228-4773

Or find us online at:

parks.arlingtonva.us\programs\kids

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Department of Parks and Recreation

300 N. Park Drive

Arlington, Va 22203

[email protected]

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It is our pleasure to welcome your children to our “Arlington

Kids in Action” after school programs. Our programs offer a safe

environment for children to Learn, Grow and Play.

We are excited to share that this school year we will once again

be focusing on children’s overall wellness. Our Kids in Action

programs will provide your child opportunities to participate in fun physical activities every day and learn more about nutrition

and making healthy food choices.

We are also committed to continuing our efforts on nurturing all

children’s Developmental Assets through a variety of recreational

experiences. In our Kids in Action program, children learn

through play!

We have caring, responsible staff that make it all happen. They

are fully committed to our mission and to making your child’s

experience positive.

Thank you for choosing our programs and we look forward to a

great school year!

Sincerely,

Yvana Cordova

Yvana Cordova

Office of Youth and Family Programs Unit Manager

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National Accreditation

The Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation is one

of 100 agencies nationwide to have received national accreditation

from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation

Agencies (CAPRA). National accreditation requires park and

recreation agencies to meet 144 standards representing elements

of effective and efficient park and recreation operations. The

Commission is comprised of representatives from the National

Recreation and Park Association, the American Academy for Park

and Recreation Administration, and the National Association of

County Park and Recreation Officials.

Arlington County Vision

Arlington will be a diverse and inclusive world-class

urban community with secure, attractive residential and

commercial neighborhoods where people unite to form

a caring, learning, participating, sustainable community in

which each person is important.

Department of

Parks and Recreation Vision

Arlington will be the happiest, healthiest place to live,

learn, work and play!

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Kids in Action Vision

Kids in Action will provide the happiest, healthiest

programs for kids to Learn, Grow and Play!

Kids in Action Mission

Arlington Kids in Action after school programs will build

participants’ Developmental Assets and promote healthy

choices in a safe, fun, challenging and enriching

environment.

Kids in Action Goals

Healthy Lifestyle: To promote the importance

of a healthy lifestyle through nutrition, physical

fitness and active play

Learning Engagement: To engage participants

in learning activities & provide homework support

Interpersonal Competence: To develop social

skills and friendships

Cultural Competence: To increase knowledge

and respect for people of all abilities and different

cultural backgrounds

Self Esteem: To build participants self esteem

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Asset Building

Our approach to

positive youth

development is based on

the Developmental

Assets* framework.

Our quality programs

encourage youth to get

involved, develop their sense of self and community, show

positive sportsmanship, be creative and learn from those

who have different life experiences than they do. Our staff is

selected for their skills in nurturing a healthy development

that helps young people grow up to be confident, caring and

responsible. You can expect staff to model positive and

responsible behavior and hold high expectations by

encouraging youth to do well.

Our program planning

standards guide staff in

selecting, creating, planning,

and implementing a variety

of activities to meet physical,

social, intellectual and

emotional needs. For more

information about our programming standards please see

“Program Information” in this handbook.

* Search Institute has identified 40 developmental assets that

are building blocks proven to help young people grow up

healthy, caring and responsible. For more information:

www.search-institute.org

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Program Information

Arlington Kids in Action is an after school program operated

by the Department of Parks and Recreation offering structured

activities and dynamic programming for youth in grades K-5.

These programs are located at

three community centers in

Arlington County. The ratio of

staff to participants is 1 to 10.

Hours of Operation Monday- Friday 3-6 pm

APS Early Release Days 1-

6pm

Typical Daily Schedule

Schedule varies due to arrival times of participants:

Arrival

Homework/Quiet Reading Time

Snack

Activity Rotations

Program Standards Arlington Kids in Action programs must adhere to the following

program standards:

Daily Standards:

Homework/Reading Time, Snack, Physical Activity, Outdoor

Activity (weather permitting)

Weekly Standards:

Arts and Crafts, Cooperative Games, Free Choice, Asset Building

Activity

Monthly Standards:

Nature Activities, Expressive Art, Nutrition Activity, Specialist

Activity and Participant Feedback

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Parent Information

Signs will be posted to identify the

program location within the

Community Center. There will be a

parent information area where

participants/parents sign in and out.

Posted at this site or on a bulletin

board will be notices, permission slips,

flyers and reminders for parents.

At the beginning of each month, a calendar of activities will be

distributed as well as emailed to parents/guardians who have

provided their email addresses. Parents/guardians are responsible

for familiarizing themselves with the monthly activity calendar so

they are aware of field trip dates, special events and reminders.

What to Bring & Wear to the

Program

Storage is at a minimum and secure

storage for personal items is not

available. We request that children do

not bring money or personal belongings

to the program location and bring only

their school backpacks and those items

requested for special activities and trips.

There will be daily outdoor activities,

weather permitting. Children should

wear comfortable, seasonally

appropriate clothing and closed-toe

athletic shoes (tennis shoes, sneakers, etc). In the warmer

months, please no flip-flops or sandals. All art materials are water-

based, but sometimes still stain clothing. The County will not

replace or reimburse for soiled clothing.

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Children’s Health

We care deeply about the health and welfare of

your child and of all the children who are in our

care each day. It is our responsibility to safeguard

all of them and to do what we can to protect

them and prevent the spread of disease.

A child will not be allowed to stay at the program for the

day if he/she has:

A temperature over 100 degrees

Recurrent vomiting or diarrhea

A Communicable Disease (see pg. 19)

A toileting accident

Lice (child can return after treatment for lice)

If your child has any of these symptoms, conditions or accidents

while at the program, the staff will contact you and ask you to

take the child home. If you cannot be reached, staff will call your

emergency contact to come and pick up your child.

Food Policy Participants will receive a nutritious snack and/or meal during

program hours.

Capital Area Food Bank partners with Arlington County

through their “Kids Café” Program.

Kids Cafe provides nutritious meals

and/or snacks each week for our

participants.

Please inform the Director and

Assistant Director of any food

allergies or special dietary

restrictions your child has.

We want to ensure all our kids

remain safe and healthy while participating in our programs.

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Program Registration and Fees

Payment schedule Arlington Kids in Action is a 10-month program with an annual fee of

$1,350. Arlington County provides many alternatives to make payments

affordable to every household. Registration staff is qualified to provide

payment plans and reduced fees upon request. For your convenience,

fees will be divided in ten payments:

Payment # Payment Due Amount Due

(25%, 50%, 75% discount)

Payment 1 At registration 135 (101.25, 67.50, 33.75)

Payment 2 October 1st 135 (101.25, 67.50, 33.75)

Payment 3 November 1st 135 (101.25, 67.50, 33.75)

Payment 4 December 1st 135 (101.25, 67.50, 33.75)

Payment 5 January 1st 135 (101.25, 67.50, 33.75)

Payment 6 February 1st 135 (101.25, 67.50, 33.75)

Payment 7 March 1st 135 (101.25, 67.50, 33.75)

Payment 8 April 1st 135 (101.25, 67.50, 33.75)

Payment 9 May 1st 135 (101.25, 67.50, 33.75)

Payment 10 June 1st 135 (101.25, 67.50, 33.75)

All payments must be submitted by the above due dates. There is a

$15 late fee for late payments.

Automatic Debit

Automatic debit is one of our payment options. The card that

you put on file will be charged automatically on the 1st of every

month. To enroll for this option, or make any account changes,

contact the main Registration Office.

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Program Registration and Fees

(Continued)

Payment Plans If you are unable to meet previously agreed payment schedule on

time, Registration staff can work with you on establishing a

payment plan that meets your needs, M-F 8am-5pm. A payment

plan is a one-time courtesy service and failure to adhere to it may

result in dismissal from the program (please read Late Payments

below). Please be prepared to provide proof of identity, residency

and income.

Reduced Fees Fee reductions are available on a sliding scale and they are not retroactive. Once enrollment is processed, Registration cannot

change the fees. Parents must apply and be approved for a fee

reduction prior to enrollment. For application qualifications and

guidelines, please contact our main registration office or satellite

service centers.

Cancellations Fees are not based on attendance. Parents must cancel in

writing with a registration representative and program fees

will be charged two weeks after notification. To cancel, please

email the Registration Office at [email protected] or send a

mail to 3700 South Four Mile Run, Arlington, VA 22206. All

cancellations must be made in writing, two weeks in advance and are

subject to a $20 administrative fee. Cost per day is a prorated

amount based on the number of days of service. Please note that all

cancelations must be processed only by registration staff, not

through the Kids in Action After School Program staff.

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Program Registration and Fees

(Continued)

Late Enrollments Even though this program is all year round, we accept late

enrollment based on availability at any of our satellite service centers

(location and hours below). Participants must complete and submit

all paperwork to registration office prior to attending the program.

The registration office will issue a “Program Ticket” to participants

that enroll once the program started. It is responsibility of the parent

or guardian to take this document the first day of the program;

otherwise, the participant will not be allowed in the program. Please

note that all enrollments must be processed only by registration

staff, not through the Kids in Action staff.

Refunds No refunds or credits will be processed if a child is not allowed to

attend the program for health reasons, County holidays, if the

program is cancelled due to inclement weather, or if the parent did

not send the camp ticket with the child. Payments made in cash,

check or money order will be refunded via check and will take up to

45 days; payments made with credit cards will be refunded back to

the credit card within 5 business days.

Late Payments Arlington County provides many alternatives to make payments

affordable to every household. Registration staff is qualified to

provide payment plans and reduced fees upon request. Once the

payment schedule and fees are agreed upon, parents must make the

payments on time or the following measures will apply:

A) Accounts 15 days past due, will be assessed a $15 late fee.

B) Accounts 60 days past due will be made inactive, future

enrollments blocked, and outstanding balances sent to the

Treasurer’s Office. At this point, DPR will no longer receive

payments towards the balance.

Please note that an assessment fee of $50 will be charged

for returned checks.

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Program Registration and Fees

(Continued)

Registration Contact Information Email: [email protected] Mail-In: 3700 S. Four Mile Run, Arlington, VA 22206

In-Person Registration:

3700 S. Four Mile Run (Main Registration Office)

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Lubber Run Community Center

Registration representative Karen Edwards-Galvin

Mon-Fri. 9am-5:30pm

Arlington Mill Community Center

Registration representative Alicia Saracina

Mon-Fri. 8:30am-5:30pm. Thur. 8:30am-3pm

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Arrival and Attendance

Arrival to the program: In most cases, children arrive at the

program by bus or are picked up at a designated location at their

school by our program staff. Please speak with the Director of

your program to get more detailed information specific to that

site.

Children enrolled in Arlington Kids in Action may sign themselves

into the program upon arrival. Staff will ensure all participants sign

in properly.

Parents/guardians who drop children off : If you are

dropping your children off, please walk them in the building and

sign them in. Please do not drop off your child before the

program start time of 3pm.

Children walking to/ from the program: Please note that the

Department of Human Service’s guidelines state that youth 8

years and younger should not be left alone. If you wish to have

your older children (over the age of 8 years old) walk to or from

the program, please complete the Walker’s Permission Slip.

We strongly discourage children walking home in the winter months as

the weather is cold and becomes dark much earlier in the evening.

Field Trip Days: If the program has departed for a field trip

before the child’s arrival, the parent/guardian is responsible for

transporting the child to the field trip location, if desired. Once

the parent/guardian has arrived with the child he/she should

locate and contact the staff to notify them of the child’s arrival.

Children may not be left at the program location as there

will be no staff members left on-site to supervise

latecomers.

Attendance: Because each program serves multiple schools, it

is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to inform program staff

when your child won’t be attending the program or will be late to

the program due to illness, after school enrichment activities,

tutoring, vacation, etc. Please communicate this information in a

timely manner!

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Pick Up and Departure

Pick Up/Sign Out Please pick up your child(ren) no later

than 6pm. Parents are required to sign participants out unless

the parent completes the Walker’s Permission Slip (children

authorized to walk home will sign themselves out). Staff members

will release children only to those authorized individuals who are

listed on the PIR forms. Staff will ask for ID until identification is

established.

Early Pick Up Policy There may be situations that arise when

your child will need to be picked up early. Some situations

include but are not limited to: the child is sick and displaying

symptoms described in the “Childrens Health” section, the child is

exhibiting aggressive behaviors that are a safety concern to

himself/herself or other participants, the child has been injured,

etc.

In the event that your child must be picked up before the end of

program, staff will contact you directly and request you pick your

child up early. It is the responsibility of the parent to be available

for these phone calls and to pick up your child promptly. If you

cannot be reached, staff will call the child’s emergency contact to

come pick up the child. The “Late Pick Up Policy” will apply to

parents who do not pick up their child as requested.

Unauthorized Individuals Staff will not honor verbal

instructions given to them by an unauthorized individual who may

arrive to pick up your child. If you have an emergency, please

send a signed note with your child, or call the program and speak

directly with the program Director or Assistant Director

regarding who will be picking up your child. Staff will require the

adult picking up the child to show proof of ID that matches parent

instructions.

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Pick Up and Departure

(Continued)

Late Policy

We ask that children be picked up promptly at the end of the

program day (6pm). Program staff are not paid to remain after

the program ends and they cannot transport children in their own

vehicles. If you are running late please call the program location

and let the staff know what time you will arrive.

Parents will receive a warning letter after the first late

arrival.

Parents who are late again will receive a second letter

which will serve as a final warning.

If a parent is late after receiving the second letter, the child will be suspended from the program for 1 day.

Continued delays in picking up your child may result in

your child being removed from the program and/or a

referral to Child Protective Services.

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Inclement Weather Policy

Please make any necessary arrangements to

pick up your child from their school in the

event of an early school dismissal due to

inclement weather.

If Arlington Public Schools are closed, Kids in Action

programs are cancelled.

If schools have an early dismissal due to inclement

weather, Kids in Action programs are cancelled.

If schools have a delayed opening and county

government is open, Kids in Action programs will

operate normal program hours.

If schools have a regular dismissal time but cancel all

after school enrichment programs, Kids in Action

programs will operate normal program hours.

For updates on DPR programs and cancellations, please call

the Inclement Weather Hotline (703)228-4715.

When the Metropolitan Washington Council of

Governments has issued a Code Red or Code Purple

advisory;

After School Programs will cancel

outdoor activities when Code

Red/Purple is in effect. Alternative

indoor activities will be offered.

For more information regarding Code Red please visit

the Metropolitan Washington Council of

Governments webpage at:

http://www.mwcog.org/environment/air/forecast

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Access and Inclusion The Department of Parks and Recreation is committed to

promoting positive participation by providing reasonable

modifications for individuals with disabilities upon request.

We believe in providing opportunities in settings where

people of all levels of ability can recreate and interact

together. Access and Inclusion services are designed to

promote the idea that all community members; regardless of

physical, intellectual and/or emotional abilities, can have an

enjoyable, safe and successful recreational experience.

We proudly endorse the National Recreation and Park

Association’s Position Statement on Inclusion of 1999. We

are dedicated to the four inclusion concepts of:

Right to leisure for all individuals

Quality of life (enhancements through leisure

experiences)

Support, assistance and accommodations

Barrier removal

How we determine the type of support provided:

Observation of participation in recreation

programs/classes

Identification of needs based upon communication

with the individual/parents/guardians and other service

providers (i.e., teacher, social worker, therapist)

Type of program (structure, number of participants,

goals of the program)

Staffing levels

Knowledge, skills, and abilities of the staff providing

the program

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Access and Inclusion

(Continued)

Modifications We utilize a variety of approaches to provide

access to facilities, programs, and services. Modifications are

based on individual needs and may include the following:

Adapted equipment and techniques

Technical support to staff

Sign language interpreters

Assistive listening devices

Accessible facilities, parks and playgrounds

Large print and Braille brochures

Additional staff to provide program support

*Please note: To provide high quality service, it may be

necessary to change a participant’s placement if

support, assistance and modifications can best be

provided at an alternative site.

For assistance in coordinating access to facilities or inclusion

in recreation/camp programs, please contact Cat Trovato,

Inclusion Coordinator.

Cat Trovato, MS, CTRS

(P) 703-228-4736

(C) 703-201-2245

[email protected]

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Code of Conduct

We strive to provide a welcoming, safe, supportive and enjoyable

environment for program participants. We are committed to

promoting positive participation to ensure a successful and fun

recreational experience for all.

Behavioral expectations for all program participants:

Respect staff and other participants. Respect property.

Follow directions.

Make new friends and try new activities.

Stay within program boundaries.

Unacceptable behavior and actions involve:

Intentional verbal abuse including teasing/taunting,

harassment and/or profane language

Hitting a person - fighting

Intentional damage to property

Possession of instruments either construed as a weapon or known as a weapon (knives, blunt

objects, sticks, etc.)

Inappropriate sexual touching

Creating a risk of contagion or illness

Any action which exposes participants or

staff to danger

Consistent disregard of program procedures (i.e.

not following directions, consistently picking up a

participant late from a program)

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Discipline/Consequences

Staff will make every effort to encourage positive

participation and utilize strategies in response to undesired

behavior. In situations where consistent behavior needs

occur, a Behavior Agreement is written with the

parent/guardian, and is implemented by staff with the

ultimate goal of positive participation.

Consequences shall be related to behavior, respectful and

reasonable, and administered relative to the degree of

unacceptable behavior. Consequences may include:

SUSPENSION

For remainder of day or the next day if a Behavior

Agreement needs to be written

REMOVAL

From an activity for a short period of time, with staff

supervision

From the program for behavior resulting in extreme

disruption, or intentional harm to self, or others

(No refund will be given if child is removed from program.)

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Field Trips The program will have a

monthly calendar that will

indicate the specific field trip

date & location. Staff will plan

either a field trip or a special

event at site on APS Early

Release Days. Permission slips

will be available prior to a field

trip for parents to sign & return to the program director. If you do not wish for your child to go on the scheduled field

trip, please make alternative arrangements for the day.

Children may not be left at the program location because

there will be no staff left on-site to supervise children not

attending the trip or latecomers.

If the program has departed for a field trip before the child’s

arrival, the parent/guardian is responsible for transporting

the child to the field trip location, if desired. Once the

parent/guardian has arrived with the child he/she should

locate and notify the staff of the child’s arrival.

Please speak with the program Director prior to field trip

day should you have further questions regarding the details

of the trip.

If DPR staff feels that a child is a safety concern to self or

others, a parent/ guardian will be required to accompany the

child on the trip. The child will not be allowed to go on the

field trip if a parent/ guardian is unable to attend. These

decisions are made on a case by case basis.

Trips may be cancelled or relocated due to inclement

weather or Code Red.

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Administration of Medication

All medication must be labeled with the child’s name, the name

of the medication, the dosage amount and the times to be

given. Keep all medication in the original container with the

prescription label or direction label attached. All medication will be

kept in a locked container and the key will not be accessible to the

children.

If possible, avoid bringing medications to programs by arranging the

time of the dosage so the child receives the medication at home.

Parents can speak to their child’s doctor regarding time release

medications or dosages that can minimize the need to give

medication during the program.

All Directors may administer prescription, and non-prescription

medication. This also includes sunscreen and insect repellant.

Written permission is required from parents on the

Authorization for Medication Form before staff can administer

any medication, sunscreen or insect repellant to children. A parent

signature is valid only for short term medications that are taken less

than 10 days

A physician’s signature is required on the Authorization for

Medication Form for long term medication administration required

for longer than 10 days and for any “as needed” emergency

medication such as inhalers and EpiPens.

No outdated medication will be accepted by the staff.

Sun Screen and Insect Repellant

Use of sun screen or insect repellent requires written parent

authorization on the Authorization for Medication Form noting

any known adverse reactions.

Staff may administer sun screen and insect repellent in accordance with

the manufacturer’s recommendations. Sun screen and insect repellant

will not be kept or used beyond the expiration date of the product.

Sunscreen and insect repellent must be in the original container labeled

with the child’s name.

Staff members can apply sunscreen to children under age 9 accompanied

by written authorization from parents. Children ages 9 and older can

administer their own sun screen with staff supervision.

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Reporting Communicable Disease

The parent/guardian must inform the program staff within 24 hours or

the next business day after his/her child or any members of the

immediate household have developed any reportable communicable

disease, as defined by the State Board of Health except for life

threatening diseases which must be reported immediately. DPR staff will

consult the Arlington County Public Health Division at (703)-228-5580

if there is a question about the communicability of a disease.

When children in the programs have been exposed to a communicable

disease the DPR staff will contact the parents of all the children in the

program within 24 hours or the next business day. Confidentiality will

be maintained; staff will not reveal the name of the child or member of

the immediate household.

“Selected Infectious Diseases” that must be reported to staff: Campylobacteriosis

Chicken Pox and Shingles (Varicella Zoster)

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection,

Diphtheria

Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and other enterohemorrhagic E. coli infections

Fifth Disease (Erythema Infectiousum)

Giardiasis,

Group A Streptococcal Infections (Strep Throat, Scarlet Fever)

Haemophilus InfluenzaeType B (Hib)

Invasive Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (Coxsackievirus)

Hepatitis A , Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis E

Herpes Simplex Infection

HIV Infection and AIDS

Impetigo

Influenza

Lyme Disease

Measles

Meningococcal Illness

Mononeucleosis, Infectious

Mumps

Norovirus

Otitis

Pediculosis (Head Lice)

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pinworm Infection

Polio

Rabies

Respiratory Syncytial Virus

(RSV)

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Roseola

Rotavirus

Rubella

Salmonellosis

Scabies

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sports-Related Infectious

Diseases

Tetanus

Tinea (Ringworm)

Tuberculosis

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Emergency Procedures

Injury to a Child

If a child is severely injured or ill and needs emergency

treatment, 911 will be called. Parents will then be notified. If a

child must be transported to the hospital by ambulance, a staff

member will take the child’s PIR form and will accompany

him/her to the hospital.

The Director and Asst. Director of each Arlington Kids in

Action program are trained in First Aid and CPR to respond in

the event of an emergency. For minor injuries, parents will be

notified by phone call or at the end of the day.

Shelter in Place Procedures

In the event of a natural emergency, i.e. tornado, severe storms

or hazardous airborne chemicals outside the program facility,

the children, staff and other occupants of the building will

shelter in place in a prearranged designated safe location in the

building. The building will be locked and secured. Shelter in

Place may last a matter of hours in order to isolate people while

the effects of the incident dissipate.

Evacuation Procedures

In the event of an immediate area threat (i.e. bomb threat, fire,

flood, other major building problem, etc.) the children, staff and

other occupants will leave the building and gather at a

predetermined location within walking distance. If there is a

more widespread threat such as a chemical spill, or widespread

fire, it may be necessary to transport children by County vehicle

further away from the building or to a mass shelter determined

by the Arlington County Government.

What You Can Do

Please make sure your PIR form is kept up-to-date with current

emergency contact numbers and the list of those adults

authorized to pick up your child(ren)!

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27

Reporting Suspected

Child Abuse & Neglect

Employees of the Department of Parks and Recreation are

mandated to report both via telephone and written

documentation, any suspected abuse or neglect to children

enrolled in summer programs, preschool programs and

after school programs to the Arlington County Division of

Social Services, Child Protective Services and to the

Virginia State Department of Social Services 703-228-1500.

Professionals in those offices will determine the validity of

the complaint and whether or not further legal action is

necessary.

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Parent Feedback

Parents are welcome to visit our program during operational

hours and we welcome feedback about our program, staff,

facility and all other services.

The Arlington County

Department of Parks

and Recreation

appreciates your

assistance in evaluating

your child’s experience

in our program. Your

feedback will help us

improve our services!

Parents have several

options:

Paper/pencil

surveys can be picked up at the program, completed

and returned to the program location.

Take an on-line survey automatically sent through direct

email at the mid-year point and at the end of the

school year if you provided your email address.

Stay Connected

Like Us On Facebook:

www.facebook.com/ArlYouthandFamilies

Visit our Webpage:

www.parks.arlingtonva.us/programs/kids

E-mail Us:

[email protected]

Sign up for our Quarterly “Elementary Express”

Newsletter, go to: www.parks.arlingtonva.us/programs/kids and submit your

email under “eNews”

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Important Dates 2016-2017

DATE: HOLIDAY OR EVENT

September 6 Arlington Kids in Action- First Day!

October 6-7 Parent-Teacher Conferences- No Program

October 10 Columbus Day Holiday- No Program

November 8 Teacher Work Day- No Program

November 11 Veteran’s Day Holiday- No Program

November 23 - 25 Thanksgiving Holiday- No Program

December 21 -January 2 Winter Break- No Program

January 16 Martin Luther King Holiday- No Program

January 20 Inauguration Day- No Program

February 3 Teacher Work Day- No Program

February 20 Presidents’ Day Holiday- No Program

March 3 Parent-Teacher Conferences- No Program

April 10-14 Spring Break- No Program

April 17 Teacher Work Day- No Program

May 29 Memorial Day Holiday- No Program

June 16 Last Day of Program

*Dates are subject to change. Parents/guardians will be notified in advance of any changes.

Early Release Dates Program will be open 1-6pm on Early Release Wednesdays for all APS Elementary schools on the following dates: October 26, December 7, February 8, March 2, March 8, April 26, June 14