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YOUTH COMMISSION PARENT HANDBOOK BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE RED RIVER VALLEY 2500 18TH STREET SOUTH, FARGO, ND 58103 (701) 235-2147 VERSION JULY 2019

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Page 1: Youth Commission · 2020. 2. 19. · Youth Commission 2 YOUTH COMMISSION The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley (BGCRRV) is a private, nonprofit corpora on serving the Fargo

YOUTH COMMISSION PARENT HANDBOOK

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE RED RIVER VALLEY

2500 18TH STREET SOUTH, FARGO, ND 58103

(701) 235-2147

VERSION

JULY 2019

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PARENT HANDBOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHILDCARE PROGRAM PLAN PAGE 2

Mission, Objec�ve, Purpose, Philosophy, Goals

STATEMENT OF GUIDANCE PAGE 3

Behaviors

PROGRAM INFORAMTION PAGE 8

Summer and School Year Program, Scheduling, All Day Program

REGISTRATION PAGE 10

Boys & Girls Club, Summer and School Year Program, Scheduling, All Day Program

PAYMENT AND COLLECTIONS PAGE 13

Statements and Payments, Payment Op�ons, Delinquent Accounts, Financial Assistance, Discon�nuing Services, Tax Iden�fica�on Number

REGULATIONS THAT APPLY TO SITE PROGRAMS PAGE 15

Social Services, Child Abuse & Neglect, Fire Regula�ons, Transporta�on, Filed Trips, Toile�ng & Hygiene, Aqua�cs, Injury, Medica�on, Health Regula�ons, Sick Youth, Hiring, Filing a Complaint, Walking Home, Research & Public Rela�ons, Impaired Person, Weather, Personal Belongings, Filing a Complaint

CONTACT US PAGE 22

Communica�ons

The Boys & Girls Club of the Red River Valley’s primary means to no�fy families of unique informa�on is communicated in weekly newsleters, social media, and on the website. We encourage families to u�lize each to be fully informed in rela�on to programs and services.

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YOUTH COMMISSION The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley (BGCRRV) is a private, nonprofit corpora�on serving the Fargo Moorhead area since 1972, opera�ng before- and a�er-school childcare programs since 1986 and originally recognized as the Fargo Youth Commission. In 2007, we became a charter member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America; thus, our name changed from the Fargo Youth Commission to the Boys & Girls Club of the Red River Valley. Although our name has changed, our mission remains the same “To provide a safe, caring, and fun environment for kids to learn, grow, and prepare for a bright future.” Our goal is to create a climate of warmth and acceptance for every youth.

Our youth development programs provide safe, convenient, flexible, and affordable care for youth; an important need throughout the educa�onal years. We know that flexible childcare can be hard to find and transporta�on even more difficult to arrange. That’s why the BGCRRV, in coopera�on with local school districts, offers the convenience of a childcare program at or near your child’s school. We are currently licensed to provide services to approximately 1,000 youth in Fargo. Along with that, a unique aspect of the BGCRRV program is that you pay only for the days your child is scheduled to atend.

The Youth development professional team is thoroughly screened, including background checks, and highly trained. Among the training requirements are First Aid and CPR, Basic Childcare Cer�fica�on, as well as a minimum of 13-hours of con�nued educa�on annually. A large majority of our site supervisors and youth development professionals are college students majoring in fields such as educa�on, family science, or youth development. They are enthusias�c and ready to implement the evidence-based curriculum.

CHILDCARE PROGRAM PLAN

MISSION

To provide a safe, caring, and fun environment for kids to learn, grow, and prepare for a bright future.

OBJECTIVE

The objec�ves of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley are to provide:

• Safe, convenient, flexible, and affordable care to families with school-age youth; an effort to reduce the incident of youth being le� alone in their neighborhoods;

• Services that will increase youth’s ability to be safe in their communi�es and homes; and • Services that will give youth opportuni�es to build self-care, self-esteem, and decision-making

skills with the support of caring adults.

PURPOSE

We exist to improve our community by helping kids recognize and reach their full poten�al.

PHILOSOPHY

The BGCRRV employs BGCA evidence based curriculum and provides opportuni�es for each youth to learn and grow through structured play, hands-on experiences, natural discovery, and community ac�vi�es. The working principle of the BGCRRV allows youth to explore innova�ve programs designed to empower them to excel in school, contribute to the community, and develop life skills through Academic Success, Character & Leadership, and Healthy Lifestyles.

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PROGRAM GOALS

The BGCRRV Program goals are to create an environment for youth that:

• Is physically safe, clean, and sanitary; • Promotes healthy development by providing healthy snacks and exercise; • Is nurturing and emo�onally suppor�ve; • Meets the needs of all youth, including those with special needs, within our capability; • Encourages independence according to each youth’s needs; • Provides opportuni�es for youth to have quiet �me, art experiences, games, reading, exercise,

and cultural awareness; • Promotes individual thought and behavior; • Allows for interac�ons with people of diverse backgrounds, ages, abili�es, and cultures; and • Provides a balance of youth-directed and staff-directed ac�vi�es.

To provide experiences, interac�ons, and ac�vi�es to aid each youth’s development in the following areas:

• Social; • Emo�onal; • Cultural; • Crea�ve; • Nutri�on and self-care; • Fine and large motor skills; • Language; and • Cogni�ve thinking.

To provide youth development professionals who:

• Treat youth with dignity; • Are educated, consistent, pa�ent, and predictable; • U�lize developmentally appropriate methods in response to youth’s behavior; • Respect youth as individuals; and • Understand that physical abuse, verbal abuse, or neglect of any individual within or outside of

the BGCRRV is forbidden.

To encourage open, frequent communica�on between parents and youth development professionals by:

• Invi�ng parents to stop and observe youth at any �me; • Sending parent newsleters and communica�ons; • Providing writen incident and behavior reports when necessary; and • Conduc�ng parent quality assessment ques�onnaires as administra�on deems necessary.

STATEMENT OF GUIDANCE AND BEHAVIOR POLICIES

The BGCRRV uses guidance to help youth learn appropriate ways of handling their feelings and desires. We want to ensure that each youth is provided with a posi�ve model of acceptable behavior, enabling them to develop self-control. Our goal is to protect the safety of youth and youth development professional at all �mes.

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The BGCRRV does not use punishment. Instead, we provide direc�on toward alterna�ve and acceptable ways of behaving, guided by the individual and developmental needs of youth and families.

These include:

1. Modeling, praising, and encouraging posi�ve behaviors;

2. Se�ng clear, reasonable, and consistent rules which are explained to youth;

3. Planning developmentally appropriate ac�vi�es;

4. Con�nuous monitoring and assessing of the environment;

5. Prac�cing low youth-to-staff ra�os;

6. Permi�ng flexibility within curriculum;

7. Facilita�ng problem solving skills in youth;

8. Maintaining developmentally appropriate expecta�ons of youth; and

9. Being aware of possible causes of behaviors.

If and when behavior issues occur, youth development professional will use one or a combina�on of the following direc�ves:

1. Ignoring minor aten�on seeking occurrences;

2. Verbally reminding youth of rules;

3. Redirec�ng youth to another ac�vity;

4. Teaching youth how to use acceptable alterna�ves to problem behavior;

5. Allowing natural and logical consequences for behavior within limits; and

6. Partnering with parents to develop guidance techniques.

PERSISTENT UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

Non-aggressive Behaviors: Youth development professionals will implement the following progressive steps if a youth is demonstra�ng non-aggressive behaviors.

1. Ignore minor aten�on seeking occurrences;

2. Verbally remind youth of rules;

3. Redirect youth to another ac�vity;

4. Teach youth how to use acceptable alterna�ves to problem behavior;

5. Allow for natural and logical consequences for behaviors within limits; and

6. Partner with parents to develop guidance techniques;

If behavior con�nues, the child will be placed in an area designated as “reset space.” This is not to be an enclosed area out of sight or sound of youth development professionals, but rather a quiet area where the youth can rest and be monitored. Reset is not to exceed 10-minutes a�er the youth composes themselves. Shorter length of �me may be used depending upon the situa�on. Food or water may not be withheld as a form of punishment.

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Behavior Concerns: Detailed documenta�on is to be writen on a behavior report. The parent(s), as well as BGC administra�on, will receive a copy of the behavior report. The program coordinator will review and monitor each youth’s behavior concern report. If a youth’s behavior become an issue the program coordinator will consult with the program director and the youth’s parent(s) may be contacted by administra�on to set up a mee�ng to discuss concerns. If necessary, a referral can be made to a professional agency for assistance with the youth’s behavior. Administra�on may decide that suspension and/or expulsion from the program is necessary.

Aggressive Behaviors: Youth development professionals will implement the following progressive steps if a youth is demonstra�ng aggressive behaviors.

1. Guide the child away from other youth and calmly discuss why their behavior is not acceptable;

2. Redirect the youth’s ac�vity away from the subject of their anger;

3. If behavior con�nues, the child will be placed in an area designated as a “reset space.” This is not to be an enclosed area out of sight of youth development professional, but rather a quiet area where youth can rest and be monitored. Reset is not to exceed 10-minutes a�er the youth composes themselves. Shorter length of �me may be used depending upon the situa�on; and

4. Food or water may not be withheld as punishment.

In situa�ons where a youth becomes physically aggressive to another youth or youth development professional team member, the parents and program coordinator must be no�fied immediately and the youth may be removed from the programming area. If a youth is removed from the programming area, a “separa�on report form” will be completed and submited to administra�on.

Under no circumstance is the youth development professional allowed to use physical punishment or physical restraints with a youth, including using exercise as a form of punishment. It is expected that youth development professionals remain calm and under control at all �mes. They will refrain from yelling at youth, as calm voices are required to model desired behavior. Documenta�on will be writen in detail on a “behavior report form” and/or “separa�on report form.” The parents, as well as the BGCRRV administra�on, will receive a copy of the behavior report and/or separa�on report. Administra�on will determine if the youth should be suspended or expelled from the program.

Con�nuous concerns or behaviors that compromise the programming environment may lead to suspension or expulsion from the program.

Prohibited Ac�ons: The BGCRRV prohibits the following ac�ons against youth or youth development professional in the program. Failure to comply may result in expulsion from the program.

1. Subjec�on of a youth or youth development professional to corporal punishment, which includes but is not limited to:

a. Rough handling;

b. Shoving;

c. Hair pulling;

d. Ear pulling;

e. Shaking;

f. Slapping;

g. Kicking;

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h. Bi�ng;

i. Pinching;

j. Hi�ng; and

k. Spanking.

2. Subjec�on of a youth to emo�onal stress, which includes but is not limited to:

a. Name calling;

b. Ostracism;

c. Shaming;

d. Making derogatory remarks about a youth or the youth’s family; and

e. Using language that threatens, humiliates, or frightens the youth.

3. Separa�on of a youth from the group that is not warranted;

4. Punishment for lapses in toile�ng;

5. Withholding food, light, warmth, clothing, or medical care as a punishment or unacceptable behavior;

6. The use of physical restraint, other than to physically hold a youth where containment is necessary to protect a youth or others from harm; and

7. The use of mechanical restraints, such as tying.

Code of Conduct: Discipline is essen�al to crea�ng a learning environment that is posi�ve, suppor�ve, safe, and effec�ve for youth. To create this environment, the following principles for conduct have been established:

1. Prac�ce the golden rule, “Treat others the way you would like to be treated;”

2. Use appropriate language;

3. When youth development professional ask for youth aten�on, youth shall: Stop, Look and Listen;

4. Run only in the gym; and

5. Keep your hands, feet, and other objects to yourself.

Unacceptable Behaviors: It is not possible to list all unacceptable behaviors; however, the examples provided below indicate ac�ons that are prohibited by youth, which will result in disciplinary steps including:

1. Use of inappropriate language and gestures;

2. Inappropriate touching, hi�ng, and figh�ng;

3. Presen�ng a danger to oneself or other youth, youth development professionals, and volunteers;

4. Bringing weapons or dangerous ar�cles into any programming area;

5. Bringing alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or related paraphernalia into any programming area;

6. Vandalism of youth centers or school property;

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7. Entering off-limit areas of youth centers or school;

8. Disobeying rules established for field trips and vehicle-rider safety;

9. Leaving the group se�ng without permission;

10. Stealing;

11. Harassing members, youth development professionals, or volunteers; and

12. Repeated ignoring or disobeying youth development professionals or volunteers.

Infrac�ons: When infrac�ons of the rules occur, they will be addressed through reset, exclusion from an ac�vity, removal from the facility, suspension, or expulsion.

1. Resets: Resets are used to give the child an opportunity to sit out of an ac�vity for a moment un�l they are calm enough to rejoin the ac�vity. Youth who are in a reset will be supervised at all �mes. The amount of �me will be determined by the seriousness of the infrac�on.

2. Exclusion from an ac�vity: Youth must act appropriately or they may not be able to par�cipate in scheduled programming. Youth development professional may exclude a youth from an ac�vity for a finite �me period. Specifica�ons will be discussed with the youth, including �me limits. For example, if art materials are misused, the youth would no longer be permited to par�cipate in the art program that day.

3. Removal from the program: If, at any �me, a youth’s parent/guardian’s ac�ons warrant immediate removal, the site supervisor will contact their program coordinator to discuss the situa�on. The program coordinator will decide whether to send the youth home. Either the program coordinator or the site supervisor will contact the parent/guardian immediately to come and pick up the youth.

4. Suspension: Repeated viola�ons of rules or a serious infrac�on will lead to suspension. Suspension is at the discre�on of the program coordinator and program director; with the length of the suspension to be determined by the seriousness of the infrac�on. The parent/guardian will be no�fied immediately. Communica�on with the parent or guardian will clearly describe the concerning behavior and will include the possible ramifica�ons of con�nued misbehavior that may, eventually, result in expulsion.

5. Expulsion: A serious infrac�on or repeated suspensions and viola�ons of the rules will lead to total expulsion from the program. Expulsion is at the discre�on of the chief execu�ve officer, in consulta�on with the director of opera�ons, and all CEO decisions are final. The parent or guardian will be no�fied immediately and may be sent an acknowledgement leter confirming this decision.

Illegal or Harmful Items: To protect the health, safety, and welfare of all youth and youth development professionals, authorized BGCRRV administra�on reserves the right to search any youth, lockers, personal effects, and backpacks if reasonable suspicion exists that a youth may have in his or her possession any illegal or harmful items. In the event that any illegal or harmful items are discovered, such findings will be referred to the proper legal authori�es for disposal. Possession of any harmful or illegal items may result in immediate expulsion from the program.

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PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

SUMMER PROGRAM

The BGCRRV website www.bgcrrv.org contains specific informa�on regarding the Summer Program, full-�me contracts and part-�me contracts, including start and end dates.

Upon registra�on, and before forms will be processed, each family will be required to pay a $20 non-refundable registra�on fee, as well as a $50 ac�vity fee per youth. Families new to the program are required to provide a $100 deposit per child, which will carry over from one program to the next. If you desire to switch contracts or remove your child from the program, a two-week no�ce is required.

Enrollment and atendance will begin within the first week of the Summer Program.

Full-�me Contract

The full-�me contract is a standing Monday through Friday contract for the whole summer. Full-�me contracts must start on the first day of the Summer Program. Each youth will receive 5-vaca�on days. To u�lize vaca�on days, our scheduling department requires a 3-business day no�ce, excluding weekends. Parents must also indicate that they are using vaca�on days. Please refer to the website for rates.

Part-�me Contract

The part-�me contract is a minimum of 2-days per week, per child. If your youth is not on a standing schedule every week, you will need to provide our scheduling department with a weekly schedule. We require a 3-business day no�ce or a weekly deadline of 6:00 p.m. every Thursday for the upcoming week. There can be weeks of no atendance; however, the minimum of 2-days will s�ll be billed. Please refer to the website for current rates.

Registra�on Freeze Periods

For the safety of your child(ren), confirma�on of required documenta�on, loca�on changes, and various ac�vi�es, two weeks leading up to the start of the programs there will be a period in which the administra�ve office is confirming we have all of the necessary informa�on for your child to begin the program.

Sick Days

Up to 3-sick days will be permited for both full-�me and part-�me contracts. Parents must no�fy the scheduling department of the absence the day of, prior to 10 a.m. They can be reached by phone (701) 235-2147 or email [email protected].

If you desire to switch contracts or remove your child from the program, a two-week no�ce is required. Upon registra�on, and before forms will be processed, each family will be required to pay a $20 non-refundable registra�on fee, as well as a $50 ac�vity fee per youth. Families new to the program are required to provide a $100 deposit per child, which will carry over from one program to the next.

SCHOOL YEAR PROGRAM

The School Year Program is available at 6:45 a.m. before- and a�er-school un�l 6 p.m. Upon registra�on, and before forms will be processed, each family will be required to pay a $20 non-refundable registra�on fee. A one-�me deposit of $100 per youth is required at the �me of registra�on if a child or children are new to the program.

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A unique aspect of the BGCRRV program is that you pay only for the days your youth is scheduled to atend. Parents flexing their youth’s schedule must submit their weekly schedule to the scheduling department by 6 p.m. on Thursdays. All other schedule changes require a 3-business day advance no�ce; otherwise, parents will be charged for that day or may be assessed a $40 unscheduled fee per youth, per day. All no�ces must be made with the scheduling department [email protected], (701) 235-2147, not at the school sites.

Please refer to the website for current rates.

When Youth Do Not Atend on a Scheduled Day

In the event your child is ill or will not be atending the program for various reasons, to avoid any confusion, please no�fy the Fargo Youth Center by phone (701) 235-2147, email [email protected] or in person at 2500 18th St. S., Fargo.

1. The School Year Program allows up to 9-no charge sick days per year. Daily charges will be waived on scheduled days missed due to illness, medical appointments, or family emergencies; however, families must no�fy the scheduling department to indicate the illness, appointment, or emergency, as well as the alloca�on of a sick day prior to 2 p.m. All other absences above and beyond the 9-day allotment will be assessed the daily charge, unless a 3-business day no�ce has been provided to the scheduling department.

The BGCRRV, with respect to appropriate staffing schedules, does not provide drop-in services. If your youth atends programming on a day when you have not scheduled atendance a $40 unscheduled fee will be assessed to your account for each youth in atendance.

Scheduling Discrepancies

All youth scheduled for the day are required to check-in with staff. If your child does not arrive at the expected �me:

1. We will research with the school building office to determine if your child was at school that day or went home early;

2. If the child was in atendance at school all day, we will search the school and surrounding property;

3. If the child was unable to be located on school property, we will call the parent or guardian and leave messages;

4. If we are unable to reach the parent or guardian, we will contact emergency contacts; and 5. If all efforts to contact a responsible party fail, we will contact the police department for

assistance.

PROGRAMMING ON NON-SCHOOL DAYS

All-day Programming is provided on days, during the school year, when public schools are not in session; i.e. certain holidays, teacher conferences, and professional development days. These days, along with ac�vi�es, are indicated in the weekly newsleter as well as the ac�vity page of the website.

All-day Programs fill up quickly, are based on a first come, first served, and require parents to schedule their youth in advance. Parents can schedule their child by calling the scheduling department (701) 235-2147, emailing [email protected], or scheduling in person at 2500 18th St. S., Fargo.

Families can begin scheduling their child to atend an All-day Program one month in advance of the all-day program date. The purpose of advance scheduling is to staff appropriately; we need to be aware of

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the number of youth scheduled to atend. An unscheduled service charge will apply if your child is atending a�er the scheduling deadline and will be available only if space and staffing ra�os allow.

Youth atending All-day Programming must bring a sack lunch and wear appropriate clothing for the ac�vity planned for that day. A light breakfast and a�ernoon snack are also provided in addi�on to 1% milk or water, which is served at lunch and during breakfast.

All-day Program rates per child, per day can be found online at www.bgcrrv.org.

REGISTRATION

SUMMER AND SCHOOL YEAR PROGRAM

The BGCRRV allows parents to register their youth at any �me during the year, provided space is available. Due to North Dakota Rules and Regula�ons for Day Care Centers, we are restricted to a specific number of youth at each loca�on based on the space given to the program by the host school. The BGCRRV strives to maintain a 10:1 ra�o of youth to youth development professional, which is fewer than what the state requires.

The Summer and School Year Program are two SEPARATE PROGRAMS; each requiring a SEPARATE REGISTRATION PER CHILD; thus, registra�on does not carry over from one year to the next or from one program to the next. If your youth has a “health care plan” or IEP, we will need a copy for our records. *We ask that families allow a minimum of 3-business days for registra�on processing.

Registra�on forms must be completed online, in their en�rety; as any informa�on from previous registra�ons will not carry-over. Payment of the $20 non-refundable registra�on fee per family must also be received before the form will be processed for enrollment. Forms must be completed online. A $100 deposit per youth is also required upon registering a new child. This deposit will carry over from one program to the next and once you have provided a two-week no�ce, can be applied to your balance or returned, provided your account is in good standing.

The BGCRRV programs close at 6 p.m.

1. BGCRRV programs close at 6 p.m. daily. When a youth is not picked up by 6 p.m. there will be a $10 late charge fee, per child for every 15-minutes they are not picked up a�er 6 p.m. As such, a $10 charge will be incurred based on the following �mes: 6:01 p.m. = $10, 6:16 p.m. = $10, etc. In the event there are mul�ple youth from the same family, each youth will be assessed the late fee. We understand that emergencies do arise, if that is the case, please call if you will be late.

2. No youth will be le� unsupervised while wai�ng for a parent or guardian. If we are unable to locate an authorized pickup within one hour a�er closing (7 p.m.), the BGCRRV administra�on will call the local police department for assistance.

3. In the event a parent is chronically late picking up their child, termina�on from the program may result.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Extra-curricular Ac�vi�es: The BGCRRV will be happy to work with parents of youth involved in before- and a�er-school ac�vi�es in conjunc�on with BGCRRV programming. To avoid the possibility of miscommunica�on, writen schedules of all extra-curricular ac�vi�es are required. An “extra-curricular

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ac�vity form” is available at the Fargo Youth Center and online. Please submit all forms to the scheduling department at [email protected].

Health and Behavior Concerns: On the registra�on form you will no�ce a sec�on regarding health and behavior concerns for which a formal diagnosis has not been made. To help iden�fy concerns, the BGCRRV has adopted the following policy:

1. The BGCRRV’s registra�on form requires that parents or guardians make certain disclosures concerning the child’s special needs (i.e. dietary concerns, toile�ng concerns, hearing concerns, etc.) If special needs are disclosed, the applica�on shall be referred to the program coordinator who will make the ini�al determina�on as to whether or not the youth development professional or program structure will have reasonable capabili�es to meet the needs of that child while in our care. The program coordinator shall make recommenda�ons regarding what type of special arrangements can be made within the program. If necessary, a mee�ng will be arranged with the family, program coordinator, and program director to allow more in-depth discussion on the needs of the youth.

Special Needs Informa�on: All youth have diverse needs and, in an ideal world, the BGCRRV would accept all youth into our program. Our training and resources limit us at �mes from providing all youth with the services they need to succeed in our program. Moreover, it would be detrimental to the youth we serve, as well as youth that we are unable to accept, to offer services to those we cannot serve completely, properly, or adequately. Therefore, the BGCRRV has adopted the following policy:

• Parents are responsible for communica�ng during the registra�on process any predictable challenges their youth may experience in a tradi�onal youth program.

• Parents are responsible for providing a copy of their IEP or other special-needs informa�on at the �me of enrollment.

If a youth has been accepted into one of the programs and a) It is later determined that we cannot adequately meet the needs of such youth; or b) It is later determined that youth’s enrollment in the program poses an unreasonable risk of emo�onal or physical harm to youth development professional or other youth, the following ac�on will occur:

1. The youth development professional shall communicate such facts and provide writen documenta�on to the site’s program coordinator;

2. The program coordinator shall inves�gate the concerns. If it is determined the youth should be removed, the report will be enforced by the program director; and/or

3. The program director will then consult with the director of opera�ons and the chief execu�ve officer for a final determina�on.

When a youth is dismissed from the program, it will be communicated to the parent or guardian by the program coordinator. The program coordinator will clarify the reasons for dismissal and file notes of all conversa�ons.

Any decision approved by the chief execu�ve officer pursuant to this policy shall be final. There is no right of appeal.

Informal Support: On the registra�on form you will no�ce a sec�on regarding health and behavior concerns for which a formal diagnosis has not been made. To help iden�fy concerns, the BGCRRV has adopted the following policy:

1. The BGCRRV’s registra�on form requires that parents or guardians make certain disclosures concerning a child’s special needs. If special needs are disclosed, the applica�on shall be

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referred to the program coordinator who will make the ini�al determina�on as to whether or not the youth development professional or program structure will have reasonable capabili�es to meet the needs of that youth while they are in our care. The program coordinator shall make a recommenda�on regarding acceptance into the program, as well as an explana�on as to why said youth cannot be accepted. The program coordinator will then refer the applica�on to the program director who shall make a determina�on. If necessary, a mee�ng will be arranged with the family to allow more in-depth discussion on the needs of their youth.

Shared Custody: The BGCRRV understand that family structures are very unique and will try our best to work with and accommodate families as much as possible; however, the BGCRRV cannot be put in a posi�on of media�ng disputes. This applies even when the court order grants joint or shared custody. All court orders in such maters are subject to change and the BGCRRV cannot be put in the posi�on of verifying the status of court orders.

In the case of shared childcare costs, registra�on will not be accepted un�l both parents sign a mutually agreed-upon payment contract. Default in payments by either parent may result in ac�ons described in the Delinquent Accounts sec�on of this handbook.

The BGCRRV’s policy regarding all cases involving youth of divorced or separated parents, whenever a dispute arises, must be resolved by agreement between the parents or the youth will not be permited into the program. Resolu�on by the parents must be in wri�ng, signed by both parents, and iden�fy all persons who are authorized to pick up their child, in addi�on to the contact informa�on of the persons who should be contacted if the youth is not picked up. The contact informa�on should indicate who should be contacted first, second, third, etc. This is for the youth’s safety and well-being. The youth should be aware of who is picking them up and the youth should not be exposed to any problems that may arise if appropriate authoriza�ons are not in the youth’s record.

Food and Nutri�on: All youth enrolled in the BGCRRV’s programs for more than three hours will be offered a snack. A�ernoon snack will be offered during the BGCRRV’s a�er-school program; breakfast and a�ernoon snack will be offered during All-day and Summer Programs. No snack will be offered during the BGCRRV’s before school program. Snacks and breakfast are provided free of charge to the youth.

Parents are responsible for providing a nutri�ous hot or cold sack lunch each day their youth is in BGCRRV’s care during lunch hours; refrigerators and microwaves are available at loca�ons where programming is open all day. Each lunch must meet the CACFP meal patern chart requirements. If a youth’s lunch is not in accordance with the meal patern chart, the BGCRRV must supplement these items and a fee may be applied. A member of the BGCRRV’s administra�on will contact parents regarding any supplement that has been provided, prior to billing.

If a youth has a medical condi�on that prohibits them from having a component required by the CACFP meal patern chart, the parent is responsible for no�fying BGCRRV administra�on. Writen no�fica�on from the youth’s doctor may be requested.

The BGCRRV will provide each youth in atendance, during lunch hours, a half pint of 1% milk free of charge.

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PAYMENT AND COLLECTION POLICY

STATEMENTS AND PAYMENTS

Statements are emailed or mailed every other Wednesday and include charges from the previous two- week period. Excep�ons may apply and any change in billed days will be conveyed through our weekly newsleter.

For your convenience, payments are accepted by phone or in person at the administra�ve office listed below. Please do not leave payments with site staff, as they do not have the means to secure your payment during the day. Visa, MasterCard, and Discover Card are accepted. If paying with cash, a receipt will be issued – please note that the Boys & Girls Club of the Red River Valley does not keep cash on hand and will not be able to provide change.

Payment Op�ons Three op�ons for payment are offered: cash, check, automa�c payment, or online payment.

1. Cash or Check

Cash, check, or money orders are payable to the Boys & Girls Club of the Red River Valley and mailed or brought to: 2500 18th St. S., Fargo, ND 58103.

Please write your child’s name(s) in the ‘memo’ sec�on to ensure we credit the correct account. Checks retuned as nonsufficient funds may be subject to a $30 NSF fee.

2. Automa�c Payment

Complete and submit the automa�c payment authoriza�on form and your credit card, debit card, or bank account will be automa�cally deducted on payment due dates, which occur every other Wednesday. Please be advised that your account informa�on is purged from our system at the end of each season; thus, a new automa�c payment authoriza�on form must be submited each new school year and summer.

3. Online Payment

If you choose to receive statements by email, each statement will contain a hyperlink that says ‘pay your bill online.’ This link will take you directly to your secure account balance where you can enter the amount you wish to pay.

DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS

For an account to remain current, payment of a statement is due one week a�er the statement is sent. Statements are emailed or mailed every other Wednesday, and are due the following Wednesday. If an account balance remains unpaid a�er its due date, the following may occur:

• The youth will be prohibited from atending the program un�l the account is in good standing;

• If there is a wai�ng list at the site that the suspended youth atends, the youth will move to the end of the wai�ng list;

• If the account remains past due, the account will be turned over to a collec�on agency;

• Applicable fees may be applied to your account balance; and/or

• Accounts with a history of being delinquent will be required to enroll in automa�c payment.

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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Child Care Assistance Program

CCAP Par�cipant Responsibili�es

The Boys & Girls Club of the Red River Valley partners with the Cass County Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) program. If you are in need of financial assistance in order to pay for child care, please contact Cass County Social Services to apply for aid: (701) 241-5761 htp://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/financialhelp/childcare.html.

• If you are currently receiving Child Care Assistance, or enter into the program at a later date, it is your responsibility to provide a copy of your award leter to our office;

• Please ensure that billing forms are completed in their en�rety and submited to our billing specialist in a �mely manner each month to ensure prompt payment and proper credit to your account;

• If you are responsible for a co-payment, please make every atempt to maintain regular payments each month so that your county benefits are not adversely affected; and/or

• Any amount billed for child care that is not covered by CCAP is your responsibility – non-payment of past due amounts on CCAP accounts will be considered delinquent and are subject to the same repercussions for all other delinquent accounts.

Scholarship Assistance

The Boys & Girls Club of the Red River Valley receives grant funding each year dedicated to assist par�cipants who may be in financial need. Some families are already receiving CCAP, while others may not qualify for county assistance, but s�ll find they need help with their child care payments each month.

• Scholarship dollars are available for each trimester:

Spring scholarship dates cover January – May

Summer scholarship dates cover June – August

Fall scholarship dates cover September – December

• Deadlines and the scholarship applica�on form can be found online;

• Scholarship funds are limited and are awarded based on need; and

• Past due accounts may result in the loss of the scholarship award and are subject to the same repercussions for all other delinquent accounts.

Offering the highest possible quality programming has always been, and always will be, our collec�ve goal. Grant funds do not cover the en�rety of opera�on costs; therefore, we assess a modest fee for scheduled services. All fees assessed are used to purchase important materials and to compensate our staff appropriately. Specific loca�ons u�lizing certain grants programs will never deny services to any child based on their families’ inability to pay. If you have any ques�ons on fees collected or financial assistance available, please contact our billing specialist at (701) 235-2147.

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DISCONTINUING SERVICES

Parents are required to give advanced no�ce to our administra�ve office to discon�nue services prior to the end of any contract period:

• During school year contract period a three-business day no�ce is required; • During summer contract period a two-week no�ce is required; and • Contract nonrenewal no�ce is not required, but is highly recommended to expedite deposit

refunds.

A�er all charges have posted to the account, the deposit(s) paid at the �me of registra�on will either be applied to the outstanding balance or refunded by check.

TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The BGCRRV’s tax iden�fica�on number is 45-0316132. If you are in need of a year-end tax statement, a receipt for your flex plan, or have changed residences please contact the billing specialist [email protected] or accoun�ng director [email protected] by email or phone (701) 235-2147. Tax statements are provided to families in January for the previous year.

REGULATIONS THAT APPLY TO SITE PROGRAMS

SOCIAL SERVICES

The regula�ons establish requirements and standards for licensed childcare, ensuring that those standards are maintained.

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT LAW

The BGCRRV recognizes each individual’s basic human and legal rights. Any youth development professional, team member, care giver, or volunteer who has knowledge of abuse that is physical, verbal, and emo�onal or neglect of any individual or who has reasonable knowledge of abuse or neglect of an individual MUST report this informa�on to Social Services, as required by North Dakota Century Code 50-25.1.

All reports concerning suspected abuse or neglect of youth occurring in a licensed facility should be made to the following agencies:

Cass County Social Services (701) 241-5765

Reports regarding incidents of suspected abuse or neglect of youth occurring within a family or in the community should be made to the local county social service agencies:

Cass County Social Services at (701) 241-5765 or Fargo Police (701) 235-4493

FIRE REGULATIONS

Annual inspec�ons are completed by local or state authori�es. Fire and tornado drills are performed at site loca�ons in accordance with the fire and tornado drills, as recommended by local authori�es.

TRANSPORTATION REGULATIONS

When the BGCRRV’s vehicles are used during transporta�on, the BGCRRV assumes liability. Vehicles equipped with seatbelts require seatbelt use.

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FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are indicated on the BGCRRV website. At the �me of registra�on, parents grant permission for their youth to atend all field trips sponsored by the BGCRRV by signing off on the registra�on form. The BGCRRV does not charge parents for youth to atend the field trip ac�vi�es and strongly recommends that youth do not bring money when going on field trips.

All youth development professionals and youth are expected to par�cipate unless permission has been given by administra�on not to atend. One youth development professional will supervise 8-to 10-youth on field trip ac�vi�es outside of the licensed loca�on. Due to safety precau�ons, parents are asked not to pick up their child while atending the out ac�vity. In the event a field trip is cancelled, parents will be no�fied.

Dropping off and picking up youth from off-campus ac�vi�es, other than due to extenua�ng circumstances, is strongly discouraged. In the event that you must drop off or pickup your child during off-campus ac�vi�es, we ask that families complete and sign the “youth pickup waiver” and provide advance no�ce to the BGCRRV administra�on in order for a safe and appropriate exchange. Please understand that having youth dropped off or picked up during off-campus ac�vi�es is in direct opposi�on to BGCRRV safety prac�ces.

TOILETING AND PERSONAL HYGIENE

All youth must be self-sufficient in toileting practices and related hygiene. We have regularly scheduled bathroom breaks and youth are permitted to use the facilities upon request. We realize accidents will happen, so we recommend sending a change of clothes if your child still experiences them occasionally. We define “accidents” as unusual incidents that happen very infrequently.

If your youth has a toileting accident while under our care, you may be required you to come to the site to assist your youth with cleaning and changing. If the frequency of accidents is often or increases, the youth may be removed from programming until more consistent bathroom habits are formed.

AQUATICS POLICY

Swimming is one of the ac�vi�es provided to youth atending the BGCRRV Summer Program and may be included as a field trip during the School Year Program as well. Swimming will take place at public outdoor swimming pools or indoor pools during designated “open swim” �mes. Specific dates and �mes will be provided prior to the ac�vity date. Youth will be supervised by on-duty Lifeguards as well as the BGCRRV youth development professionals. During swimming ac�vi�es, the BGCRRV maintains a maximum youth development professional to youth ra�o of 1:10. At least half of the youth development professional staff will be in the pool with the youth during these swimming �mes. We take safety seriously and youth will be expected to follow the pool rules, as well as the BGCRRV safety rules, at all �mes when at the pool or during onsite aqua�c ac�vi�es.

Upon registra�on please indicate permission for your child to par�cipate or not par�cipate in aqua�cs ac�vi�es, as well as the level of par�cipa�on.

1. Zero Depth: Only allowed in zero-depth area of the pool. Youth will not be required to wear a life jack but will not be allowed on water slides.

2. Life Jacket: A U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket will be required to be worn at all �mes. A life jacket will need to be provided by the family. Youth will not be allowed on water slides.

3. Can Swim: Allowed in 4 or 5 �. pool area, depending on the pool. The child will also be allowed on the diving board or water slide.

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4. Cannot Swim: Youth will not be allowed in the pool at any given �me.

Aqua�cs Informa�on

1. Life jackets will not be allowed on water slides. 2. All aqua�c level updates need to be in wri�ng and submited to the administra�ve office prior

to taking effect.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE FROM SITE

It is the policy of the BGCRRV that a youth will not be released to any individual who is not named on the registra�on form as a parent or guardian or indicated as an “authorized pickup.” Verbal permission by the parent is not permited. Any changes must be made to the administra�on office in wri�ng by the parent or guardian. A photo I.D. is required at the �me of pickup. Parents must sign out their youth from the site when removing them from BGCRRV care. This is a liability release and safety requirement. The site sign-out sheets are also used for billing purposes and as a reference to resolve any billing discrepancies. Due to the confiden�al informa�on contained on these documents, they are not available to any parent or guardian for purposes of gathering informa�on.

For the safety of your child, and to ensure that they arrive to the programming area, it is your responsibility to escort them to the designated program space and no�fy youth development professional of their arrival.

WALKING HOME

The BGCRRV strongly discourages families from allowing youth to walk home from BGCRRV programming. If a youth is to walk home the parent must no�fy the administra�on office in wri�ng, with a parent or guardian signature, indica�ng the date and exact �me the child is to walk home. Verbal permission by the parent is not permited due to licensing regula�ons. For your convenience, a “permission to dismiss form” is available on our website. Site staff will also assist youth in signing out.

RESEARCH AND PUBLIC RELATIONS PERMISSION

Upon signing the registra�on forms, you release the BGCRRV from any liability for the use and publica�on of any informa�on. At the �me of registra�on, parents are given the op�on of whether they would like their child’s photo published for media use within our organiza�on.

Data Collec�on: Your consent to collect informa�on via online or writen surveys, ques�onnaires, program par�cipa�on, interviews, and focus groups from the minor child listed on this form for research purposes or to evaluate the program’s effec�veness. Any and all informa�on received for each minor will be kept strictly confiden�al and non-iden�fiable. Data gathered through these means will be summarized in the aggregate and will exclude all references to any individual responses. The combined results of these analyses may be shared with administra�on, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), local school districts, funders, and other community stakeholders as evidence of program effec�veness and member impact. Data that may be disclosed might include informa�on provided on the registra�on form, informa�on provided by the minor child’s school or school district, surveys, ques�onnaires, or any other informa�on collected by the BGCRRV.

Upon signing the registra�on forms, you release the BGCRRV from any liability for the use and publica�on of any informa�on by any employee or volunteer of the BGCRRV. College students and other young adults are employed by the BGCRRV. Students may use or publish informa�on on the care or social interac�ons with any of the children as part of their college course work. All names of children

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will be kept confiden�al. Youth’s performance may be tracked as required to receive funds from any federal, state, or local grants.

IMPAIRED PERSON POLICY

The safety of youth enrolled in the BGCRRV program is of paramount concern to our organiza�on. Therefore, no person who appears to be affected by or under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drugs, shall be allowed to pick up any youth from a BGCRRV program site. This policy shall apply with equal force to all persons including a youth’s parent or guardian. If a parent or guardian is under the influence and insists on taking the youth, the local police department will be contacted immediately.

INCLEMENT WEATHER, CLOSINGS, NATURAL DISASTER OR UTILITY FAILURE

Winter Weather Policy The BGCRRV follows weather related closing schedules that are associated with the Fargo Public School District. Closing announcements will also be made on KFGO, KVLY, WDAY, Facebook, and the BGCRRV website; along with that, when possible, families will be no�fied via email. School Days On days when there is school, the BGCRRV will follow the weather-closing schedule of the Fargo Public School District:

• If the school opens late, morning programming will not be held; • If the school closes midday, and a�er-school programming has not yet begun, a�erschool

services will not be provided at the site or youth centers; and/or • If the school district cancels a�er school ac�vi�es, school services will not be provided at the site

or youth centers. Parents will be responsible for picking up their children from school at dismissal �me. Youth will not be transported by the BGCRRV during inclement weather occasions.

Non-School Days The chief execu�ve officer will:

• Determine whether services will be provided or if youth centers will be closed; and/or • Determine, during opera�ng hours, if an early closing is warranted.

Closing A�er Program Began The chief execu�ve officer will decide, during opera�ng hours, if a weather-related early closing of a site is advisable. If so, youth development professional supervisory staff will remain on loca�on at the site un�l all youth are picked up. If and when the corresponding school district chooses to close, there may be extenua�ng circumstances that do not merit cancelling BGCRRV services. This will be posted online, through social media and, when possible, communicated via email. In the event of a natural disaster or u�lity failure, youth will be bussed to the nearest opera�ng youth center. Announcements would also be made online, through social media and, when possible, by email.

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PERSONAL BELONGINGS

The BGCRRV will not be responsible for youth’s lost personal items while atending the BGCCRV program; although we will make every effort to ensure that children depart with all of their belongings. Please no�fy the site supervisor or contact the administra�ve office (701) 235-2147 if your child has lost an item while atending programming.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

The BGCRRV does not permit access to television or movies, except during special events at the discre�on of the program coordinator, and limits digital device �me to allow for other ac�vi�es. Digital device use is limited to homework or devices that ac�vely engage children in moderate to intense physical ac�vity. Personal electronic devices from home are not allowed.

IN THE EVENT OF INJURY

In the event of an accident or dental emergency, we will make every atempt to immediately contact the parent or guardian at home or at work. If they cannot be reached, we will use the emergency numbers listed on your registra�on form. If they or any other individual listed cannot be reached and we feel the youth’s condi�on is severe, we will call 911 and have the youth transported to the hospital provided on the registra�on form. We will then con�nue to make every possible atempt to contact the parent or guardian. Please ensure all emergency contact’s phone numbers listed are current and correct. This is extremely important for the safety and care of the child. For emergency purposes, parent’s cell phone numbers and email addresses are extremely helpful and should be indicated on the registra�on forms.

INJURY REPORT

Injury reports are used to assist in communica�on between staff and parents, communica�on between staff and administra�on, and for documenta�on; as a copy of each injury report is placed in the youth’s file.

Injury reports will be completed for any injury at the �me of injury. In the event that further medical aten�on is necessary, a serious injury report will be completed and submited to Cass County Social Services licensing division.

DISPENSING OF MEDICATION

Youth requiring medica�on must have a “medica�on permission form” and “medica�on log” signed by the parent to be kept on file at the administra�ve office. All medica�on will be contained inside a locked medica�on box at the site for which the child atends. Please inquire if the medica�on needs to be refrigerated, not all sites have refrigera�on available. A parent must deliver medica�on to site staff and a youth development professional will be designated to dispense the medica�on.

Parents must provide a current prescrip�on botle containing only a one-week supply of medica�on if the medica�on is administered on an on-going basis during program hours. Medica�on botles must have the youth’s name, name of medica�on, and specific dosage with the �me of day to be given. At the end of the week, the empty botle will be returned to the parent for refill. Short term medica�ons, such as an�bio�cs, may be brought in daily.

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It is extremely important that communica�on exist between parents, administra�on, and staff to ensure proper medica�on dispensing. Any unused medica�on must be returned to the child’s parent/guardian or destroyed.

HEALTH REGULATIONS

The BGCRRV abides by the guidelines set forth through the North Dakota Health Department.

Animals

Animals are not allowed onsite without BGCRRV administra�ve approval. When approved, a sign shall be posted in advance to no�fy families that animals will be present.

SICK YOUTH

For the wellbeing of the youth and staff, please do not send youth to programming if they are ill. If a youth arrives ill or becomes ill while atending the BGCRRV, parents will be contacted immediately and asked to take their child home. Basic first aid will be administered to the youth un�l a parent/guardian arrives.

Any contagious illnesses or condi�ons, see also Exclusions of Sick Youth, must be reported immediately to BGCRRV administra�on. An exposure no�ce will then be posted to let other families know their youth has been exposed. If your child becomes sick over the weekend, please contact the Fargo Youth Center administra�ve office (701) 235-2147 immediately Monday morning. If children are home ill and not atending school or if there is a family emergency, please no�fy the scheduling department by phone (701) 235-2147 or email [email protected].

Each child is allowed 1-sick day per month, the equivalent of 9-days per school year, and 3-days per summer; however, the parent or guardian must indicate the illness and the use of a sick day the morning of and prior to 2 p.m.

EXCLUSION OF SICK YOUTH

A youth with any of the following condi�ons or behaviors is considered a “sick youth” and must be excluded from programming. If a child becomes ill while atending the BGCRRV, they will be isolated from other children. At which �me a parent will be contacted immediately.

BGCRRV is required to exclude a youth:

1. With a reported illness or condi�on that the Commissioner of Health determines to be contagious and a physician determines has not sufficient treatment to reduce the health risks to others;

2. With chicken pox un�l the youth is no longer infec�ous or un�l the lesions are crusted over;

3. Who has vomited two or more �mes since admission that day;

4. Who has had three or more abnormally loose stools since admission that day;

5. Who has contagious conjunc�vi�s, pink eye, or pus draining from the eye;

6. Who has bacterial infec�on, such as streptococcal pharyngi�s, strep throat, or impe�go, and has not completed 24 hours of an�microbial therapy;

7. Who has unexplained lethargy;

8. Who has lice, ringworm, impe�go, or scabies that is untreated and contagious to others;

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9. Who has a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, taken under the arm before fever reducing medica�on is given;

10. Who has an undiagnosed rash or rash atributed to a contagious illness or condi�on;

11. Who has significant respiratory distress;

12. Who is not able to par�cipate in childcare program ac�vi�es with reasonable comfort; and

13. Who requires more care than the youth development professional can reasonably provide without compromising the health and safety of other youth in their care.

HIRING POLICY

The BGCRRV conducts a ND public criminal history search, a MN public criminal history search, a na�onal sex offender search, and a na�onal criminal pre-employment background screening of any applica�on before offering a posi�on. Once an applicant has accepted a posi�on, that individual is required to complete a fingerprint-based criminal history check and may not begin working with children un�l their Bureau of Criminal Inves�ga�on (BCI) and Federal Bureau of Inves�ga�on (FBI) records have been received and reviewed, and no disqualifying convic�ons are found.

A childcare operator may not be, and may not employ, in any capacity that involves or permits contact between the employee and any youth cared for by the childcare, an individual who has been found guilty of, pled guilty to, or pled no contest to any offense listed in North Dakota Administra�ve Code 75-03-10-27(1)(a)(b) for childcare center providers or North Dakota Administra�ve Code 75-03-11.1-27(1)(a)(b) for school age childcare providers.

The BGCRRV, in compliance with North Dakota Administra�ve Code 75-03-10-27(1)(c) for childcare center providers or North Dakota Administra�ve Code 75-03-11.1(1)(c) for school age childcare providers, shall treat comple�on of a period of five years a�er final discharge or release from any term of proba�on, parole, or other form of community correc�ons or imprisonment, without subsequent charge or convic�on, as prima facie evidence of sufficient rehabilita�on.

If a services-required determina�on under North Dakota Century code chapter 50-25.1 exists indica�ng that any child has been abused or neglected by a staff member, that applicant or childcare operator shall furnish informa�on sa�sfactory to the department, from which the department may determine the staff members’ current ability to provide care that is free of abuse or neglect. The department shall furnish the determina�on of current ability to the childcare operator and to the director of the regional human service center for considera�on and ac�on on the applica�on or license.

FILING A SUGGESTION OR COMPLAINT

We strive to provide quality services and appreciate feedback. If you feel there are areas in which we could improve, please contact the program coordinator associated with the site your child atends. If the program coordinator is unable to assist in the mater, please contact the program director; and then, if necessary, the director of opera�ons or chief execu�ve officer. If the appropriate people have been contacted and provided with sufficient �me to implement change or implement correc�ve ac�on and you s�ll are not sa�sfied, please contact Cass County Social Services at (701) 239-6747.

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CONTACT US

Administra�ve Office Loca�on: Boys & Girls Club at Midtown 2500 18th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103

Administra�ve Office Phone Number: (701) 235-2147 and Fax Number: (701) 235-9970

Accoun�ng Department: [email protected]

Billing Department: [email protected]

Scheduling Department: [email protected]

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley Facebook

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley website

ACCOUNTABILITY

The following procedures are in place regarding the taking of atendance onsite and in prepara�on for program transfers.

Taking Atendance Onsite: Youth development professionals are to take roll call and ensure that the number of youth in atendance and the number of youth checked in match the atendance sheet.

Taking Atendance on Transfer: The above procedure is the same when preparing for transfer. Along with that, 1-staff leads the front of the group to the transfer vehicle, while 1-staff follows behind. The 1st-staff stands at the vehicle door and confirms that all youth entered the vehicle and match the atendance sheet. Once the transfer arrives to the designated site atendance is taken immediately and includes roll call and count confirma�on.

Discrepancies in Atendance: The following process takes place immediately following the daily atendance procedures. Under no circumstances should staff wait to begin this process and can always defer to the Fargo Youth Center administra�ve office.

Missing Youth: If a youth does not atend when scheduled, staff are directed to contact the Fargo Youth Center; then, no�fy the school and confirm whether the child was at school or picked up by a parent; next the staff will contact the parents; if there is no response from parents they will reach out to the emergency contacts; and finally, if the child s�ll is not located staff will contact the Fargo Youth Center once again and call the local police department.

Atending When Not Scheduled: Staff are to confirm the child is enrolled in the program, keep the youth in the programming area, and contact the Fargo Youth Center with no�fica�on.

PARENT NOTIFICATION

Detailed documenta�on is to be writen on a behavior report. The parent or guardian, as well as BGCRRV administra�on, will receive a copy of the behavior report. The program coordinator will review and monitor each youth’s behavior concern report. If a youth’s behavior becomes an issue, the program coordinator will consult with the program director and the youth’s parents may be contact by administra�on to set up a mee�ng to discuss the concerns. If necessary, a referral can be made to a professional agency for assistance with the youth’s behavior. Administra�on may decide if suspension and/or expulsion from the program is necessary.