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ActivKids – Handbook

Welcome to the Carol Stream Park District ActivKids Program. This Parent/Participant Handbook is intended to provide you with an overview of the policies and standards that have been put in place to ensure the safety and success of all the children who attend our programs. By registering, you and your child agree to abide by all procedures. All information is subject to change. The ActivKids Programs, in cooperation with Community Consolidated School District 93 (CCSD93), provide before and after school care for your elementary school children. There is a mutual consent for cooperative sharing of information between the CSPD and CCSD93 as it relates to the registered participants’ success in these programs.

The education and care of all children is an important undertaking. The goal of ActivKids is to provide a safe and structured environment which encourages personal growth and development, while having fun. ActivKids supports a healthy balance of work and play. Our program also offers flexible registration options and extensive hours in order to accommodate a variety of schedules.

In addition to the ActivKids Before & After Care program, our ActivKids Days Off Club offers fun activities for your child on non-school days.

Please note, operations and health/safety protocol may be updated as local, state, and federal guidelines change.

Contact Information

ActivKids Programs – Administrative Staff

Kelly Sisco – Recreation Manager – (630) 784-6119 – kellys@csparks.org

Allison Burns – Recreation Supervisor – (630)784-6185 – allisonb@csparks.org

Melissa Adamson – Superintendent of Recreation – (630)784-6113 – melissaa@csparks.org

ActivKids Site Coordinators

Site Coordinators at your child’s school are available during program hours by cell phone. During non-program hours, leave a message on their voice mail. Please note, all payment and registration questions should be directed to the administrative staff, not the Site Coordinators.

Carol Stream School               (630)936-5477

Cloverdale School                   (630)936-5478

Elsie Johnson School              (630)936-5479

Heritage Lakes School            (630)936-5480

Roy DeShane School               (630)936-5481

Western Trails School             (630)936-5482

Program Hours & Fees

BEFORE CARE

Monday-Friday 6:30-8:45am $13/day

 

AFTER CARE

Monday 2:15-6:30pm $23/day
Tuesday-Friday 3:45-6:30pm $15.50/day

The standard schedule is listed but hours may vary based on the CCSD93 schedule. Before Care students are not permitted to be dropped off before 6:30am. After Care students must be picked up by 6:30pm.

Registration Procedures

All registration requests are subject to acceptance based on program availability, proper completion of registration material, payment status/history, and the Park District’s ability to meet any special needs the participant may have. Registrants must sign up for the same schedule for the school year; for occasional care, register for daily flex passes. The Carol Stream Park District reserves the right to adjust minimums/maximums and locations based on the availability of space, staff, and enrollment in order to maintain the safety, structure and integrity of the program as a whole. Special needs accommodations can be made to assist your child (a minimum of two weeks’ notice is required).

In order to register, each participant must:

  • Complete ePACT and payment information a minimum of 7 days prior to start date.
  • Complete a Payment Authorization Form.
  • Pay non-refundable enrollment fee and first month’s payment.
  • Pay all outstanding fees due to any and all CSPD ActivKids Programs or any other CSPD programs and remain in good standing with the Carol Stream Park District.

Withdrawals

  • Enrollment fee is non-refundable.
  • A $30 cancelation fee is charged per child for all withdrawals.
  • If withdrawing, a credit (minus the $30 cancelation fee) or a refund (minus the $30 cancelation and a 10% service fee) are available.
  • Credits and refunds are not provided for previous dates or absences of any sort.
  • Notification to the Recreation Manager or front desk is required seven days in advance.
  • If a participant withdraws and re-enrolls in the same school year, the enrollment fee must be repaid.

Enrollment Changes

  • Notification of schedule changes is required seven days in advance to the front desk or Recreation Manager.
  • A $5 change fee is charged per child for any schedule changes.
  • Participants are not permitted to temporarily withdraw from the program.
  • Any participant withdrawing from the program:
    • Will not be guaranteed a spot if they wish to return.
    • Must re-submit registration form or re-enroll online upon return.
    • Must repay the enrollment fee upon return.

Payment Procedures

  • Completion of a Payment Authorization form is required at registration. Any registrations that do not include the required payment information will not be processed until the necessary information is received in full.
  • All program fees are per program/per child.
  • Payments may be paid in full at the time of registration or by automatic payment plan. Those selecting the payment plan must have funds drafted from a bank account or credit card and submit an Automatic Payment Request form.
  • A non-refundable enrollment fee is required for each participant. $70 on or after 7/1.
  • Fees vary each month based on the number of attendance days. A payment schedule with applicable monthly payments is listed on your receipt and in the Payment Schedule section of the Parent Handbook.
  • The first month’s payment and enrollment fee are due at registration. All subsequent payments are automatically drafted approximately one month in advance.

Payment Schedule

First month’s payment and enrollment fee are due at registration. All subsequent payments are automatically drafted approximately one month in advance.

PAYMENT DRAFT DATE ATTENDANCE MONTH
August 1 September
August 31 October
October 1 November
October 31 December
December 1 January
January 1 February
January 29 March
March 1 April
March 31 May
May 1 June

Late Payments

  • If payment is not received by the draft date (regardless of holiday or weekend), a late fee will be applied.
  • Accounts are not considered paid in full unless both the program and late fees are paid.
  • Consistent late payments and non-payment will result in suspension from CSPD programming. Any participant with an unpaid balance before the start of a month will be withdrawn and unable to participate in the program until balance is paid.

Financial Assistance

We offer financial assistance/scholarships for qualified Carol Stream Park District Residents. Confidential applications are available at Fountain View and Simkus Recreation Centers. Financial assistance is available for Before & After Care and Days Off Club but not for daily Flex Passes.

Childcare Expense Statements

Receipts and a Statement of Account which includes all registrations and payments to CSPD for a given period of time can be issued upon request. A Tax ID Letter is available. The Carol Stream Park District is not responsible or liable for determining childcare expenses.

Insurance

As with all Carol Stream Park District Programs, the ActivKids Programs do not provide insurance coverage for participants. Parents should check their individual insurance policy for coverage.

Special Needs

If your child has any special medical, physical, psychological, and/or emotional needs, or receives any special services from CCSD93, please list them in detail on your registration material. Lack of information may adversely affect the Park District’s ability to accommodate the needs of your child and may necessitate the participant’s removal from the program. The CSPD is not responsible for any injuries, complications, damages, or losses due to withheld information. All participants must be toilet-trained and are responsible for all of their own toileting needs (i.e., fastening own clothing). Please note – inclusion support (i.e. WDSRA services) requires a minimum four week notice prior to participant’s start date.

Flex Passes

Need a more flexible schedule or occasional care? Choose the dates your child will attend with a Before & After Care Flex Pass. 7 days advanced registration is required. Emergency Flex Passes may be available with supervisor approval for an additional $5/day. Payment is due at the time of registration. A completed registration packet is required for all enrollments. Cancelations and schedule changes are not accepted within 7 days of the program date. Registration may close at any time when maximum enrollment has been met.

BEFORE CARE FLEX PASS

2024/2025
Monday-Friday 6:30-8:45am $17/day

 

AFTER CARE FLEX PASS

2024/2025
Monday 2:15-6:30pm $31/day
Tuesday-Friday 3:45-6:30pm $20/day

Early Release Days

Several early release days are scheduled on days other than Monday throughout the fall. After Care will begin at 2:15 on these dates. No additional fee is applied for participants who are normally scheduled for attendance on these days. For participants who need care on an early release day they are not scheduled, a flex pass should be purchased. Flex passes will cover the full 2:15-6:30pm period on early release days.

Drop-Off Procedures

Although staff may arrive at a site prior to program starting times to prepare, they are NOT permitted to accept participants until their registered program time.

  • Call the program cell phone upon arrival.
  • ActivKids staff will meet participant and parent/guardian at the door.
  • ActivKids staff will escort participant to the program room.

Drop-off locations:

  • Carol Stream: Door 7
  • Cloverdale: Door 14
  • Elsie Johnson: Door 7
  • Heritage Lakes: Door 13 or main entrance
  • Roy DeShane: Door 2
  • Western Trails: Door 4

Pick-Up Procedures

Participants must be picked up by 6:30pm. Only those listed on the Authorized Contact & Release Form will be able to pick up your child from the program.

  • Call the program cell phone upon arrival.
  • ActivKids staff will bring participant to the door with their belongings.
  • Parent/authorized individual must be prepared at all times to show ID before the child is released.

Pick-up locations:

  • Carol Stream: Door 7
  • Cloverdale: Door 14
  • Elsie Johnson: Door 7
  • Heritage Lakes: Door 13
  • Roy DeShane: Door 2
  • Western Trails: Door 4

In the event that you will not be able to pick up your child by the designated pick up time, please notify the site immediately.

Late Pick-Up Fee

A $5.00 late pick-up fee for the first ten minutes (or any portion thereof) and $1.00 per minute after the first ten minutes will be charged per child if you arrive after 6:30pm. Your authorized payment method on file will be automatically charged. If late pick-up becomes habitual, you run the risk of your child being removed from the program.

Authorized Contact & Release Information

  • Only authorized individuals listed in e-Pact will be permitted to sign a child out. Parents/guardians are responsible for updating e-Pact and providing site instructors or program supervisor with any changes to individuals who are authorized to pick up their child.
  • All participants should have at least one authorized contact person that lives within a five mile radius of the program location, other than a parent/guardian, in case of emergency.
  • Only the custodial parent(s) or guardian listed in the child’s e-pact  may obtain, add, or change information in e-Pact. Financial information will only be communicated with the person named as responsible for the child’s account.
  • Parents/guardians are also responsible for updating e-Pact and informing instructors or program supervisor of any changes to primary custody, restraining orders, or any other situations or changes which may affect the participant.

PLEASE NOTE:  Custodial information that has been provided to CCSD93 will not automatically be forwarded to the CSPD ActivKids Program and the custodial information that has been provided to the CSPD ActivKids Program will not automatically be forwarded to CCSD93.

There is no obligation to provide or communicate any information provided in e-Pact to any parent or guardian. Parents and guardians shall be responsible to communicate information regarding the child’s completed e-Pact to all necessary persons. Disputes regarding the registration and completion of e-Pact must be settled off site and without any involvement of CSPD. If these requirements are not followed, then services to the child may be terminated.

Alternative School Arrangements

If your child (CCSD93 elementary student) attends an Alternative School, the ActivKids Before and After School Program may be available upon approval. A teleconference or meeting is necessary prior to registering for the ActivKids Programs to discuss the participant’s needs, transportation, etc. Please note ActivKids Before and After School hours do not vary and are not adjusted for arrival/departure to or from the Alternative School. Each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis. Program participation is not guaranteed.

Absentee Reporting

For the safety of the children enrolled in our programs, we require the following step any time your child will not be attending the program on a day they are regularly scheduled. Aside from illness, 24 hours’ notice is required. No refunds are given for participant absences or missed days from the program. Notify the ActivKids staff via site cell phone.

School Activities & Clubs

An Activity/Volunteer Permission Form must be completed for children participating in after school activities, clubs, etc. Participants must first check in with the ActivKids staff before going to their designated activity area.

Print the form and provide it to the Site Coordinator at your child’s school or email it to info@csparks.org.

School Closing – Program Cancellation

  • If CCSD93 announces an unscheduled late start, early dismissal, cancellation of all before/after school activities, or closes for any reason including weather, or emergency due to unforeseen circumstances, ActivKids Before and After School will also be cancelled or closed. No credits are issued for these days.
  • If you have not received notice from CCSD93 that school has been cancelled by 6:30am, you may assume that all ActivKids Programs will be in session. Should CCSD93 cancel school after 6:45am, or announce an unscheduled early dismissal, you will be required to return to school to pick up your child.
  • If a facility housing an ActivKids Program is closed due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be required to return to the facility immediately to pick up your child.

General Safety Considerations

Below lists precautions the CSPD is taking in the ActivKids program to keep participants and staff safe:

  • ActivKids staff will disinfect high-touch surfaces throughout the Program.
  • Participants will be encouraged to sanitize/wash their hands throughout the program time.
  • Program will incorporate additional outdoor time as weather allows.

Health & Medical Emergency Protocol

These standards have been put into place to coincide with the policies followed by CCSD93. In addition, we will attempt to contact you at any time upon your child’s request.

Notification of Medical Attention

The Carol Stream Park District continually strives to create a safe environment for your child. However, at times the occasional accident may occur. Below is our standard and procedure regarding notifying parents/guardians of any such incidents:

  • Minor Injury/Illness:
    • We will only administer basic first aid, a bandage and/or ice pack as necessary.
    • You will be notified when you arrive to pick-up your child.
  • Injury/Illness Requiring More Attention:
    • In addition to the steps above…
    • We will attempt to contact you or your emergency contacts in the event you are unreachable.
  • More Serious Injury/Illness:
    • In addition to the steps above…
    • Your child may need to be picked up as immediately as possible.
    • Paramedics will be called to handle serious injuries if necessary. If your child needs emergency medical care, we will accompany them and a parent/guardian must meet us at the medical facility as immediately as possible.

Healthy Kids Standards

  • Participants will utilize the services of the school nurse if available.
  • If a child is running a fever (99.9 or above) or appears sick, we request that they be picked up within an hour.
  • A child must receive appropriate treatment, depending on the condition, before returning to the program and may require a medical release from a school nurse or physician.
  • Please be considerate of other children and staff and keep your child home if they show signs of illness.

Medication Dispensing Procedures

Strict standards have been put in place regarding the dispensing of medication to participants. These standards have been established in cooperation with those standards followed by CCSD93. These steps must be taken if a participant is required to receive medication during the program. This includes restrictions for cough drops, vitamins, pain relievers, inhalers, epi-pens, and over-the-counter or prescription drugs. If your child uses medication that is stored in a school nurse’s office, you may need to provide additional medication since we do not have access to that medication before 8:30am or after 4:00pm.

Parents/guardians are required to complete a e-Pact for any medication to be administered to participants by CSPD staff or by the participant themself. Staff will review this information with the parent/guardian via phone.

Prescription Drugs /Inhalers – Controlled by Instructors

  • Parent/guardian must complete e-Pact.
  • Parent/guardian will provide the CSPD staff with the child’s medication in the original container with prescription label that includes patient’s name, physician’s name, pharmacy name, name of medication, and complete dosage information. Only a single dose should be sent in the original container each day.

Inhaler – Controlled by Child for Self-Administration

  • Parent/guardian must complete E-Pact and attach a self-administration of asthma medication  health care plan completed and signed by a Physician, Physician Assistant, or Advanced Practice R.N.
  • Parent/guardian will provide the CSPD staff with the child’s medication in the original container with prescription label that includes patient’s name, physician’s name, pharmacy name, name of medication, and complete dosage information.
  • This section does not apply to a life threatening situation (i.e. Emergency Asthma Inhaler or EpiPen). Please be sure to check off the box on the Permission to Dispense Medication Form in e-Pact for life threatening medications.

Essential Eligibility Requirements

  • Participants must comply with the established behavior code of conduct and be devoid of behavior necessitating physical intervention.

General Information & Rules

  • Only current CSPD staff, CCSD93 staff, current participants, parents/guardians, invited special guests, and individuals listed in ePACT are allowed on or around premises during program hours and must leave once the participant is signed in/out of the program.
  • ActivKids staff reserves the right to request picture identification at all times.
  • All school policies and rules that are specific to each school remain in effect during program hours.
  • Hats/visors may not be worn indoors. Clothing that depicts violence or inappropriate scenes or words is not allowed.
  • A snack is provided in After Care. Additional snacks are welcome and those with allergies should bring their own snack. Participants should bring a refillable water bottle
  • Movies may be shown during program hours. All movies will be rated G or PG.
  • Participants must maintain a professional relationship at all times with other participants and staff.

Code of Conduct

The following policies have been established for the benefit of our programs as a whole. The safety, structure and integrity of the program will take priority over those of any one individual. Behavior guidelines are not   limited to, but are based on the following overall rules and apply to all participants. The Carol Stream Park District reserves the right to take appropriate disciplinary action involving any person in violation of the Code of Conduct.

The term “participant” refers to children as well as their parents/guardians; accordingly, parents/guardians are also required to follow these policies.

Zero Tolerance Standards

  • Bullying, verbally, physically abusive, threatening, obscene, disrespectful behavior, and physical violence will not be tolerated by either parent/guardian or participant.
  • Parents and participants will be held accountable for their actions. All verbal and non-verbal threats and threatening behavior, including but not limited to, pretend motions, talking about or simulating guns or weapons, writing, or drawings, will be taken seriously. Participants using threats of death, violence, or suicide will be immediately suspended on their first occurrence. Participants will be required to undergo a professional safety evaluation at their own expense from a licensed professional or doctor. The participant may be eligible to return to the program upon receipt of said evaluation stating what they were seen for the specific infraction or that the participant is not at risk to himself/herself or others. It must also state they they can return to the program. Evaluation must be provided to the Program Supervisor for their review and approval prior to participation resuming. If a second Zero Tolerance Violation occurs, future participation will be determined by the CSPD on a case by case basis.
  • CSPD reserves the right to ban any individual from program premises (including buildings, parking lots, playgrounds, and surrounding areas) who represents a risk or danger to any parties.
  • Refunds will not be issued for suspensions.

General Code of Conduct

  • Participants should not make any physical contact with other children.
  • Participants may not place themselves or others in dangerous situations through their actions or behavior.
  • Weapons, or items which may be used as weapons, may not be brought to the program.
  • Participants must follow the staff’s directive and show respect to the instructors, other participants, and all property, equipment, and facilities.
  • Participants should refrain from harassment or intimidation through the use of words, foul language, gestures, body language, or menacing behavior. Participants should not make negative comments about staff or participants.
  • Participants are responsible for their actions and belongings.
  • Parents may not instruct their children to disregard rules and directions, or to respond or retaliate physically with violent/threatening behavior or language. The expectation is cooperation.
  • Parents may not direct, approach, discipline, or instruct children other than their own.

Behavior Management

Discipline is carried out in a way that will help children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own behavior. We encourage children to solve their own conflicts.  When necessary, staff will assist children in understanding each other’s actions. We will make every effort to correct unacceptable behavior through re-direction, reminders of expected behavior, time-outs, and parent conferences. Our approach focuses on positive reinforcement; instructors will act in a manner that is kind and caring, yet firm.

If unacceptable behavior occurs, the following steps will be taken:

  • Time-out given to the child with a Time-Out Worksheet or Verbal Warning.
  • If behavior continues after Time-Outs or Warnings, a Conduct Report will be issued for the participant’s file.
  • A Conduct Report may be issued immediately, without warnings or time-outs for any serious infractions.
  • On the occurrence of a third Conduct Report, issued within a three-month period, a child will be suspended from one or all ActivKids Programs.
  • Contingent on the severity of the infraction, suspension may be effective immediately. On a case by case basis, the CSPD may authorize a delayed start to a suspension following the infraction.
  • If upon return, inappropriate behavior continues, or three additional Conduct Reports are issued in another three-month period, the CSPD may permanently suspend a child from one or all ActivKids Programs. Future participation will be determined by the CSPD on a case by case basis.
  • Refunds will not be issued for suspensions.

 The Carol Stream Park District reserves the right to immediately and/or permanently suspend a participant from one and/or all ActivKids Programs for serious infractions.

Personal Belongings & Electronics

Personal belongings, cell phones and toys from home are not allowed in the Activkids program. Staff are not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items and reserve the right to restrict or confiscate inappropriate toys. There will be scheduled time for participants to use electronics. Participants may not take or share photos and videos, view inappropriate content, or use certain restricted apps or websites.

1:1 Personalized Learning Program, CCSD93

CCSD93 laptops may only be allowed during scheduled homework time only. Participants are expected to follow laptop storage procedures when required.

Days Off Club

ActivKids Days Off Club provides a safe, fun environment on most CCSD93 non-attendance dates. The primary facility is Simkus Recreation Center, but location may vary based on facility availability.

  • Registration is available online and in person at Simkus and Fountain View Recreation Centers.
  • All participants should be registered 72 business hours prior to the program date with complete forms and payment. Fees increase within 72 hours of the program date.
  • Non-resident CCSD93 students currently registered for the ActivKids Before & After Care program can receive the resident rate for Days Off Club but must sign up in-person to receive the discounted resident rate. CCSD93 students who do not participate in the ActivKids program, and are not residents of Carol Stream, will be charged non-resident fees for Days Off Club.
  • Registration may close at any time when maximum enrollment has been met.
  • Program fees are not prorated or refunded due to non-attendance, late drop-off, or early pick-up.
  • Parents/guardians are required to sign participants in and out. Children will only be released to those listed in e-Pact. Photo ID is required at pick-up.
  • It is required that you drop-off and pick-up your child within the time frame that you have registered and paid for. Staff cannot accept early drop-offs.
  • A $5.00 late pick-up fee for the first ten minutes (or any portion thereof) and $1.00 per minute after the first ten minutes will be charged per child if you arrive after 4:00pm or 6:30pm, based on the program your child is registered for.
  • Participants should dress for both indoor & outdoor activities as weather permits.
  • Special events and field trips may be planned. All activities and schedules are subject to change.
  • It is recommended that participants do not bring personal items or money. CSPD is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
  • An afternoon snack will be offered in After Care. Additional snacks from home are welcome.
  • All ActivKids code of conduct standards are applicable in the Days Off Club program. Participants must maintain a respectful relationship at all times with other participants and program staff.
  • Inclusion support (i.e. WDSRA) requires a minimum two week notice prior to the program date.
  • Additional information can be found in the current Digital Activity Guide.

Days Off Club Schedule

SONNY ACRES FIELD TRIP Friday, October 11
CASINO DAY THEME DAY Monday, October 14
FVERC – INDOOR POOL & GYM Tuesday, October 15
SKYZONE FIELD TRIP – *Waiver required Wednesday, November 27
GYMNASTICS SPECIAL EVENT Monday, December 23
MOVIE & PJ’S DAY Thursday, December 26
ENCHANTED CASTLE FIELD TRIP Friday, December  27
NEW YEARS EVE GLOW PARTY Monday, December 30
THE ZONE PARKOUR FIELD TRIP Thursday, January 2
MAGIC SHOW SPECIAL EVENT Friday, January 3
FUNWAY FIELD TRIP Monday, January 6

Days Off Club Fees & Hours

6:45-9:00am
$14R/$16NR

9:00am-4:00pm
$49R/$54NR (Early Bird Rate)
$54R/$59NR (Within 72 Hours of Attendance Date)

4:00-6:30pm
$16R/$18NR

ActivKids Days Off Club Guidelines

ActivKids Days Off Club offers fun and exciting activities for your child and accommodates your child care needs on most non-school days.

Attire & Personal Belongings

  • Dress your child for both indoor and outdoor activities.
  • Do not bring personal items or money.
  • Carol Stream Park District is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

  • Be prepared to show picture identification at all times.
  • It is required that you drop-off and pick-up your child within the time frame that you have registered and paid for. We cannot accept early drop-offs.
  • Late pick-up fees apply.
  • Before and After Care are available to extend the day. Before Care runs from 6:45-9:00am. After Care runs from 4:00-6:30pm.

Food & Drink

  • Participants must bring their own lunch and refillable water bottle.
  • A snack is provided in After Care. If your child has dietary restrictions, please provide your own snacks.
  • Additional snacks from home are welcome.

 

Registration

  • Enrollment is limited. Registration may close at any point. Program may be canceled if minimum enrollment is not met.
  • Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • All participants should be registered 72 business hours prior to the program date with completed E-pact and payment. Fees increase within 72 hours of the program, if registration is still being accepted.

Schedule

  • Activities and schedules may vary based on the availability of space and staffing. Promoted events and activities may change due to other unforeseen circumstances.
  • Locations may vary.
  • Program times cannot be modified or prorated.
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