2018 – 2019 FunArtFaktory AFTER-SCHOOL RECREATION PROGRAM HANDBOOK & POLICIES
OKABALOO FunArtFaktory The Arts & Fun Gallery 35-52 32nd Street, Long Island City NY 11106 Olta Dokle, Founder/Owner/Manager and Program Director/Coordinator (718) 274-2200 • 2okabaloo@gmail.com Chrystie Almestica, Assistant Supervisor/Program Coordinator (718) 274-2200 • chrystie2okabaloo@gmail.com
okabaloo.com
We believe in the vital power of creativity and the irreplaceable impact
that young families and children have in shaping the world we all share. Positive recreational and extracurricular activities outside the school and work environment can build a stronger and happier society, generation after generation. These are the beliefs that drive our passion to contribute and influence through our love for the arts and the joy of happy living.
OUR MISSION
is to bring to our community and beyond, a place where everyone feels inspired to do better, be better and pass it along. -Okabaloo FunArtFaktory TABLE OF CONTENTS Page PURPOSE…………………………………………………………………………………………………....
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PHILOSOPHY……………………………………………………………………………………………….
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DAILY PROGRAM INFORMATION……………………………………………………………………….
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AFTER-SCHOOL RECREATION SCHEDULE…………………………………………………………....
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CONDUCT POLICY………………………………………………………………………………………...
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REGISTRATION……………………………………………………………………………………………...
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HOURS OF OPERATION …………………………………………………………………………………..
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PAYMENT SCHEDULE……………………………………………………………………………………..
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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES……………………………………………………………………………...
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REPORTING ABSENCES…………………………………………………………………………………...
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MEDICATION………………………………………………………………………………………………..
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ARRIVAL……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
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PICK UP……………………………………………………………………………………………………....
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SCHEDULING CONFLICTS………………………………………………………………………………...
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RELEASE OF INFORMATION……………………………………………………………………………...
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BIRTHDAYS………………………………………………………………………………………………….
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PARENT/GUARDIAN COMMUNICATION………………………………………………………………..
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HYGIENE…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
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CALENDAR…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
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FunArtFaktory ASRP
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ASRP PURPOSE The FunArtFaktory After-School Recreation Program (ASRP) serves the needs of parents and families in Astoria and Long Island City - NY, by providing a safe and supportive environment for children of ages 6 - 10 in which they will develop creative skills, positive self-confidence and learn to get along with others throughout various recreational and entertaining experiences. Our purpose is to provide our community with the best quality recreational program for school-age children during their time out of school by providing a variety of interactive activities. Our program will enable children to experience different daily group activities, as well as receive a positive enrichment exposure in the field of visual and performing arts. Providing the highest quality of safety is our first priority. We will always and only partner with professional counselors, artists and organizations that are dedicated to providing age appropriate experiences and beneficial activities for the children in our program. ●
Our program has a limited amount of space and our program policy will allow only 20 seats maximum at all times. This will ensure individualized and personalized attention.
Most importantly, we want to assure parents that your children are safe, secure and having a lot of fun while in the program. Our staff and counselors are experienced and undergo a thorough background and fingerprint check through the New York State Central Register. Our FunArtFaktory After-School Recreation Program is administered by employees of the Arts & Fun Gallery – Okabaloo FunArtFaktory. Day to day operations are under the supervision of the FunArtFaktory Program Coordinator and staffed by qualified staff and counselors. ASRP PHILOSOPHY The philosophy of our After-School Recreation Program is in the providing of a program that will permit working parents/guardians to bring their children in a boutique after-school recreation program and be confident that their child is learning positive life-skills while enjoying a well-rounded joyful recreational program which will benefit their creativity, cognitive skills, knowledge and their overall wellbeing in the short and long run. The After-School Recreation Program is designed to allow children to gain new experiences through quality exposure to a variety of activities. We believe, it is very important not to impose a regimented structure in our program, as children need a chance to unwind, relax, be creative, play and have fun with their peers after a long day in school. The program will offer interactive entertainment each day. A multitude of activities will be offered to them such as: drawing and painting, arts and crafts, music, singing, creative movement, dance, shows, creative play, games and more. Any child who has or needs to do homework will and may do so in an area separated from the rest of the group during a scheduled quiet reading/story-telling time. The staff is aware that some children are keyed-up after school and need to run off their tension while others need a quiet place to relax. The staff will assist and support to ensure the individual needs of each child are met, and one-on one attention is being given at all times.
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ASRP DAILY PROGRAM
■Arrival Time: Upon arrival, children are checked in/signed in, and their belongings put in the designated area. ■Socializing & Snack Time: A few minutes are assigned to unwind from school and socialize with friends. A daily nut-free organic snack, including organic juice, and/or water is provided. ■Creative Movement & Wellness: Children will engage in daily physical activities, such as dance and free move. Our creative movement activities are designed to help kids to internalize concepts of self-awareness, body-language, balance, creativity, focus enhancement and overall wellness. ■Reading & Storytelling: Children will participate in 30-45 minutes of quiet reading and interactive storytelling activity, involving mind-challenging and curiosity-boosting games and dialog. ■Enrichment Group Activity: Children will participate in a different enrichment group activity each day of the week such as; drawing and painting, arts and crafts, music, singing, playing musical instruments, dancing, performing, theatre, language immersion activities, chess, board games and more. ■Free-Play, Peer-Play & Games: Children will play and have fun together every day, in their free play time. They can choose and pick from a variety of available games and toys or coloring, chalk-draw, free-draw, painting, hands-on crafting, and many more.
ASRP SCHEDULE This schedule is subject to change due to weather, seasonal and structural changes.
2:45 – 3:15
Arrival, Settling In/Socializing and Snack Time
3:15 – 3:30
Creative Movement/Dance
3:30 – 4:00
Reading & Storytelling
4:00 – 5:00
Enrichment Group Activity of the Day
5:00 – 5:45
Free-Play, Peer-Play & Games
5:45
Day Program Ends, Pick-Up Time.
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CONDUCT POLICY In our After-School Recreation Program, behavior rules are viewed as helping the child/children. This consists of both setting consistent limits and enforcing the limits, if necessary. The child is given guidance through such positive reinforcement as praise and special recognition. We work towards strengthening each child’s self-confidence and self-esteem, making them feel good about themselves and taking responsibility for their own behavior. Positive relationships are encouraged, as well as developing trust. Children and staff will be expected to treat each other with respect and dignity at all times. Behavior management policies shall be followed in order to protect the safety of all children and staff. Staff shall ensure that each child is provided with a positive model of acceptable behavior. Children are encouraged to practice those skills that will allow them to resolve conflicts and have their needs met without the use of aggressive or destructive behaviors. ASRP understands that children need to know the rules of the program, know what happens if they choose not follow the rules, understand their choices, talk about their feelings and use their words, be encouraged to cooperate, learn from mistakes and be encouraged to try again. When a conflict arises, children are given the chance to talk about what happened and how they feel. This will help them to use words, rather than physical action. If a situation occurs in which the child needs to take some physical space from an activity to calm down, it will be no longer than one minute per year of age. This is not viewed as punishment, but as an opportunity to practice self-control. No child shall be subjected to emotional abuse, cruel discipline, physical restraint (unless necessary to protect the health and safety of the child or other people), and/or corporal punishment. No child shall be denied light, warmth, clothing or medical care as a punishment for unacceptable behavior. No child shall be separated from the group as a means of behavior management, unless necessary to protect the health and safety of the child or staff. As staff, we feel these methods are both effective and the most respectful to the children. Given respect, children feel that they are an important part of the group and have a sense of self-reliance. The Okabaloo FunArtFaktory - The Arts & Fun Gallery reserves the right to suspend, expel or deny participation in any program, event or our facility, to any person whose behavior materially interferes with, or disrupts the quality of those offerings, the enjoyment of them by other participants, or the ability of staff to conduct or manage the activities or facility. If a child engages in behavior which poses a threat or bodily harm to himself/herself or to others, an immediate meeting with the parent/guardian may be called. If such behavior warrants it, immediate suspension or expulsion may result. FunArtFaktory ASRP reserves the right to refuse admission to any child at any time with or without cause. Possible reasons for the refusal of admission include, but are not limited to: ● Staff deems the child too ill to attend. ● Domestic situations that present a safety risk to the child, staff or other children enrolled at FunArtFaktory ASRP if the child were to be present in the program. ● Abusive or dangerous behavior on the part of the parent/guardian or child during the program.
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REGISTRATION FunArtFaktory After-School Recreation Program admits children without regard to sex, creed, race, color, ethnic origin or disability. Requirements: 1) The child must be between 6 and 10 years old at the time of registration. 2) Parent(s)/Guardian(s) must complete and have on file the following before the child starts the ASRP program: ■ Current Detailed Registration Application/Emergency Information, ASRP Terms & Conditions Form as well as the applicable waivers and agreements, all signed by the parent(s)/guardian(s). ■ Child’s physical examination within the last six months, showing all immunizations up-to-date. The medical form is to be completed by the child’s physician. ■ Arrival & Pick-Up Plan HOURS OF OPERATION The FunArtFaktory After-School Recreation Program is open Monday through Friday, from 2:45pm to 5:45pm and it follows the NYC Department of Education 2018-2019 Calendar Year. The After-School Program will be closed during National Holidays and/or school days off and/or Parent/Teacher Conference Half Days as well. Winter Camp, Spring Camp and School Days Off Camps are separate programs run by Okabaloo FunArtFaktory – The Arts & Fun Gallery and will be available during school vacation times for an additional separate fee. Please contact staff for more information. ■ FunArtFaktory After-School Recreation Program begins on Wednesday, September 12th, 2018 and ends on Friday, June 21st, 2019. ■ Parents must drop off their children on the first day of ASRP. Staff will be on hand to direct you. ■ In the event that the Okabloo FunArtFaktory- The Arts & Fun Gallery has to close due to severe weather conditions or emergencies, parents/guardians will be informed by the Center staff. We will not make-up days or refund for closures due to weather or other emergencies. ■ FunArtFaktory ASRP is closed for school holidays and parent/teacher conference half days as well.
Please see our 2018-2019 ASRP Calendar on the last page.
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PAYMENT SCHEDULE The After-School Recreation payment schedule is as follows:
■ 1 Day Program
Yearly Pre-Registration $850 (Save $350)
■ 5 Day Program
■ Drop-In Daily
Yearly Pre-Registration $3550 (Save $450)
Monthly Registration $120 Monthly Registration $400
Daily Registration $45
■ Pre-Registration Period: Starts on: 05/01/2018 (Registration and Drop-ins are available throughout the whole school calendar year 2018-2019)
■ One Time Non-Refundable Yearly Registration Fee - $45
■ *All Registrations and Daily Drop-ins are accepted during the whole school year based on need and availability. *Registration fee of $45 applies to all forms of Registration and is valid for the whole school year. Payments must be collected before or on the announced due date(s), in order for your child to start and/or continue participating in the program. A $20 late payment fee will be assessed for each uncollectable payment. All payments are non-refundable after the date they are due. Early withdrawal will result in forfeiture of the program payment plus the registration fee. Any unpaid amount will be due immediately. If a Yearly Program Registration was paid in full, a prorated refund shall be issued. Written notification of early withdrawal is required at least 2 school weeks before the student’s last day of attendance. Receipts will be emailed and are available at the Arts & Fun Center and the Administrative Office upon request. It is recommended that you obtain a receipt at the time of payment and save it for your records.
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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES An Enrollment Application/Emergency Information form for each family is maintained on file, so that we are able to reach you if necessary. It is your responsibility to keep this information current. Please let the gallery office know any time a phone number, e-mail, address or the names of the people on your child’s emergency list change. At least one staff member who is trained in First Aid/CPR is present at all times. Any child who is injured or ill will receive immediate care. If the situation is serious, the Coordinator or Supervisor will call the paramedics immediately and then notify the parents/guardians. If the Coordinator or Supervisor is unable to reach a parent/guardian, names will be called in the order found on the emergency card. If necessary, the child will be taken to the nearest hospital in the company of a staff member, and arrangements will be made to meet the parents/guardians at the hospital. The cost of any emergency medical treatment and related transportation for the child will be the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility. Staff will administer First Aid on a limited basis for minor accidents, such as scrapes, bloody noses, bumps, etc. You will be asked to sign a form giving OKABALOO FunArtFaktory - The Arts & Gallery staff permission to apply ice, to assist in cleansing a wound, or to apply a bandage. Any child who becomes ill during the program will immediately be isolated from the group. The Coordinator or Supervisor will call to notify the parent/guardian and request that the child be picked up immediately. If the parent/guardian is unavailable, someone listed on the emergency list will be called. A child who has become ill must be picked up within 45 minutes after notification and can return when symptom-free or has verification from a health-care provider that he/she is well and/or non-contagious.
REPORTING ABSENCES Reporting Absences: If a registered child will not attend the program on a particular day, parents are asked to notify the FunArtFaktory After-School Recreation Program Staff before 2:30pm on the day the child will be absent. It is of the utmost importance to let us know if your child will not be attending so that we know your child is safe at another location. If the child was ill the night before, or is ill the same day, parents are encouraged to keep their child at home. It is the responsibility of the parent to see that the child is feeling well before bringing them back to the recreation program. The child should be free of fever for 24 hours before returning after an illness. Please remember that when staff has to spend time locating an absent child, it takes them away from the children who have arrived at the program. If we have to locate your child, you will be charged a fee of $1 per call, due on the next day your child attends the program. Our first phone calls will be made to the parents/guardians’ best contact numbers.
MEDICATION FunArtFaktory After-School Recreation Program will only accommodate children who are not sick. Each child will be required to complete an Authorization to Release of Child and Emergency Medical form at the time of registration. At no time will ASRP Staff administer medication to children, prescribed and/or over the counter. The health and safety of each child is of paramount importance to FunArtFaktory ASRP. Therefore, students will not be allowed to carry any medication while participating in the recreation program.
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ARRIVAL Each program day, children will arrive and be signed-in, at 2:45pm or later, based on commute and registration. After-School Recreation staff will meet the children at the entrance area of the Arts & Fun Center and will accommodate them and their belongings in the designated areas of the gallery. Whoever drops-in the child must come INSIDE the facility and sign in the child. The sign-in consists of signing your name and what time the child enters the site. For those who need school-pick up and program drop-off bus service, please click on the links below for more information and forms to fill out. WWW.ASTORIAEXPRESS.COM http://www.astoriaexpress.com/sign-up-for-service/ http://www.astoriaexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Permission-Form-AstoriaExpress_2017.pdf Please note that there is no Bus Service at the conclusion of the FunArtFaktory ASRP. All children must be picked up and signed out at the end of the program. PICK UP Children may depart from the recreation program any time the parent/guardian, or a person authorized by the parent/guardian, arrives at the site. Whoever picks up the child must come INSIDE the facility and sign out the child. The sign-out consists of signing your name and what time the child leaves the site. Staff will not allow children to leave with someone who has not been authorized by the parent/guardian, nor will a child be allowed to sign themselves out of the program. Staff may also ask for identification if they are unfamiliar with the person picking up the child. If you are going to be late picking up your child, please call the FunArtFaktory After-School Recreation Program Director/Coordinator at (718) 274-2200, so we can prepare your child and arrange for his/her pick-up. If your child is not picked up by 5:45 - 6:00 pm, parents/guardians will be charged a late fee of $15 for every ten minutes after 6:00pm, beginning at 6:01pm. The fee must be paid immediately to the person in charge. If the child is picked up late more than three times, late fees will be doubled. If parents continue to be late, the child may be dropped from the program. Please do not park and/or double park in front of the Arts & Fun Center Entrance. If you do and your car is ticketed, we assume no responsibility for this action. SCHEDULING CONFLICTS If your child is enrolled in another program/activity in the Arts & Fun Gallery during After-School Recreation hours, the staff will see to it that your child gets to that activity. However, you must inform staff, in writing, of the times and dates. No child will be taken to another activity unless we have a written note. Normally, all the children will be at the ASRP Waiting Area by 5:35 - 5:45 pm. If you are picking your child up early, you must come into the building to sign him/her out. We cannot release a child to meet a parent outside of the center.
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RELEASE OF INFORMATION Any information pertaining to children enrolled in the FunArtFaktory After-School Recreation Program and their families, including pictures, audios and videos is strictly confidential, unless parents have given written consent to release information. Artwork, art-projects and other arts & crafts creations are considered ASRP’s property and may be used for advertisement and promotional purposes in our website, social medias and/or flyers.
BIRTHDAYS If you wish to bring a treat for your child’s birthday, you may do so. However, please do not send candy or other high sugar treats. Nutritious treats such as fruit and plain bakery items are preferred so that we maintain healthy eating habits. Children are not allowed to share home-baked goodies. Therefore, all treats should be nut-free, store-bought and in their original, unopened container. PARENT/GUARDIAN COMMUNICATION Ongoing communication between parents/guardians and staff/counselors is extremely important to help make your child's experience a positive one. Staff will inform parents/guardians daily of how their child's day program has gone, and parents/guardians are asked to share any information pertaining to their child and family that is of importance to the staff. Knowing when something significant has happened makes us aware of ways in which to help your child.
CLEANLINESS & HYGIENE It is the policy of OKABALOO FunArtFaktory - The Arts & Fun Gallery to incorporate the daily use of safe and non-toxic products for maintaining, cleaning, and disinfecting all areas of the center. Procedures are set in place in order to keep all areas of the center clean and provide a healthy environment that enhances the quality of life for our students, staff and others. We take the responsibility to notify students' parents/guardians and our staff of any upcoming chemical treatments when and if necessary. Notices will be posted in designated areas at the Arts & Fun Center and sent home with students. In addition to our routine maintenance and procedures, we require children to wear socks at all times. At our ASRP Program, we have a shoe-free environment policy. This helps maintain our hygiene standards, as well as protect the wellbeing and health of our students. We also suggest to pack and extra set of clothes and undergarments just in case of any unforeseen accidents that may happen.
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FunArtFaktory After-School Recreation Program Calendar 2018 – 2019 2018
September
12
Wednesday
September
13
Thursday
September
19
Wednesday
P/T Conferences - No ASRP Yom Kippur - No ASRP
October
8
Monday
Columbus Day - No ASRP
November
6
Tuesday
Election Day - No ASRP
November
12
Monday
Veterans Day - No ASRP
November
15
Thursday
November
22-23
Thursday-Friday
Thanksgiving Recess - No ASRP
24-1
Monday-Tuesday
Winter Recess - No ASRP
Dec 2018 - Jan 2019 2019
First Day of ASRP
P/T Conferences - No ASRP
21
Monday
Martin Luther King Day - No ASRP
February
5
Tuesday
Lunar New Year - No ASRP
February
18-22
January
March
14
Monday-Friday Thursday Friday-Friday
Mid Winter Recess - No ASRP P/T Conferences - No ASRP Spring Recess - No ASRP
April
19-26
May
15
Wednesday
May
27
Monday
Memorial Day - No ASRP
June
4
Tuesday
Eid al-Fitr - No ASRP
June
6
Thursday
Anniversary Day - No ASRP
June
11
Tuesday
Clerical Day - No ASRP
June
21
Friday
P/T Conferences - No ASRP
Last Day of ASRP
Please note that this calendar is subject to change due to inclement weather, and unforeseen circumstances.
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