Program Agreements
I understand that YMCA School Age programs are regulated by Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. I understand that this means the program is required to implement program standards and experiences which are in alignment with these regulations. These regulations require,but are not limited to, maintaining a ratio of 1 adult for every 18 children. Additionally, our program design is based in a group care model; it is in the best interest of the program and youth experience to share the details describing the needs of your children to ensure the appropriate experience maybe offered without causing compromise to program required regulations and to ensure reasonable modifications may be made if necessary.
The YMCA School Age Program maintains a licensing notebook of all licensing inspection reports, special investigation reports and all related corrective action plans. The notebook will be available to parents for review during regular business hours. Licensing inspection and special investigation reports from at least the past two years are available on the Bureau of Community and Health Systems website at www.michigan.gov/michildcare.
I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the most current Parent Handbook which may be located on the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids website and will comply with the policies set forth. I acknowledge that I have read and I understand the YMCA’s policies and procedures related to field trips.
I acknowledge that I have read and I understand the YMCA’s policies and procedures about staff and volunteers not bring permitted to babysit, transport or relate to children anytime outside of the YMCA program, found in the Parent Handbook which may be located of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids website.
I understand that I am not allowed to leave my child at the YMCA program site unless a YMCA staff is there to receive and supervise my child. I understand that the YMCA staff are not permitted to be alone with one single child, this may impact the location for pick up and or delay drop off as staff must ensure a 2nd staff member is present.
I understand that should a person arrive to pick-up my child who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, for the child’s safety, staff may have no recourse but to contact the police.
I understand that all YMCA staff are mandated by state law to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
I understand that Law Enforcement personnel may request the information listed in your file and may interview your child, if necessary. I understand that, per Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, my child’s file is available for review and representatives from these agencies may interview my child without prior parental/guardian permission. This is a process connected program self –reporting, in the case this is necessary the state representatives will involve the guardians as appropriate.
I acknowledge that I have read and I understand the YMCA’s Positive Discipline policies and child suspension/ removal procedures, including pick-up time limits and penalties, found on in this packet and in the Parent Handbook which may be located of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids website.
YMCA’s Positive Discipline policies and child suspension/ removal procedures, including pick-up time limits and penalties. YMCA may terminate my child’s enrollment for any of the following reasons:
· Emergency names and phone numbers are incorrect.
· Parent is late picking up child after program closes on a consistent basis.
· Non-payment, late payment or ATS reject of fees.
· Failure to adhere to the sign in and out policy.
· Failure to notify the YMCA that the child is absent.
· Child leaving the program site without authorized permission.
· Behavior that is continually disruptive or dangerous to others and/or self.
· Behavior that is disruptive to property and/or refusal to replace said property.
· Any single incident that is deemed by the program director to be dangerous, harmful or disruptive.
· Harassment, violent behavior or threat of such behaviors against a staff person or other member by parent/guardian or persons associated to the child (family member, family friend, etc.).
I understand that the YMCA and the staff employed by the YMCA will not become involved in custodial disputes between parent/guardian. All documents request must come from the courts and be signed by a judge. The staff’s responsibility is to provide a safe environment for children.
I understand I am required to give 14 day notice when terminating my child from YMCA day camp program or when making changes to my program option or plan. Without a proper 14 day notice I will still be billed as regularly scheduled. Registration Tuition/Fees are non-refundable.
I understand and agree that in the event my child is not picked-up by closing, the Program site will immediately make every attempt to contact me, or other persons authorized by me to take my child from the program site. If I or my authorized individuals cannot be located, or if satisfactory arrangements for picking-up the child cannot be made, the YMCA staff will continue to try to locate me or another designed person; but if those efforts are unsuccessful within a reasonable period of time, the appropriate law enforcement and welfare authorities will be contacted. I hereby release the YMCA, its employees and agents, from all liability for any damage sustained by my child or by me which results directly or indirectly from the procedure outline above. I further agree that I will indemnify and hold the YMCA and YMCA Program harmless for any damage sustained by my child, if this procedure must be utilized because I fail to pick-up my child on time from the program site or because any person designated by me fails to pick up my child on time from the program site. I hereby release the YMCA, its employees and agents from all liability and responsibility for any damages sustained by my child after closing time. I understand and agree that if my child is not picked-up at the designated time on a consistent basis, my child and I may be dropped from the program.
I agree to allow, and grant permission for, my child to participate in all activities which are a part of the YMCA Program. These activities include water play, use of the playground and apparatus (at sites where permissible), woodworking, cooking, animal care, messy arts and crafts, sports, fitness, outdoor games, adult supervised walks in the immediate neighborhood/community of the YMCA program site, field trips and other active play experiences typical in a before and after school, full-day program and day camp program. I hereby release and discharge the YMCA, officers, employees, agents and servants (herein, collectively referred to as the YMCA) from all liability associated with camp activities. For the purpose of this agreement, liability means all claims, demands, losses, courses of action, suits or judgments of any kind that I, my heir, executors, administrators or assignees may have against the YMCA because of any loss or damage to property that results from any cause other than the gross negligence of the YMCA. I understand that college students may make observations at the YMCA as a part of class assignments and that any observation will be done only under the supervision of the director; photography will not be permitted by student observers.
All of our Out-of-School-Time curriculums are research based to foster and develop your child (ren) in the four key areas of; literacy, wellness, family, and character. As a part of evaluating the effectiveness of these curriculums we will be surveying all students third grade and older with a pre-assessment at the beginning of programming and a post-assessment at the end of programming. This brief survey will take no more than 10 minutes for them to complete and asks questions like; have you made a friend during programming and do you feel safe at the program? All information gathered will be kept confidential and no personal information will ever be shared. Results will only be shared aggregated and de-identified. By agreeing you give permission for your child to participate in these surveys. Should you or your child chose to not to participate in the surveys, your child will simply continue in their regular day camp programming with no repercussions.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS CLAUSE:
Children with special needs or challenges will be accepted provided that “reasonable accommodations” can be made for their participation in the program and/or child’s participation does not require an inordinate amount of staff time that would not allow for the safety and welfare of the other children in the program. I understand that if my child/ren requires a one on one attention, whether due to special needs or behavior, my child may be removed from the program. You are solely responsible for determining if your child/ren are physically fit for the activities contemplated in these programs. It is always advisable, especially if your child/ren have an illness, injury or impairment, to consult a physician before undertaking any active recreational program.