WEM School Age Child Care staff would like to take this opportunity to welcome your family to our summer program. We would also like to thank you for letting us be a part of your child’s growth and development. We are excited to see many returning participants and meet some new families as well.

WEM School Age Child Care is a certified child care program for children entering Kindergarten through age 12. We offer children the chance to make the most out of their time out of school with opportunities to explore new interests, learn new skills, and develop new friendships.

Flexible and affordable school-age child care programs are essential to support working families and provide enrichment and care for students. Set Schedule and Flex Schedule options are available for both full and part time childcare

Take a look through the following pages that provide additional information, as well as some of the key components of our program. We are more than happy to answer all of your questions and would love to have your family join our program!

Contact

Jennifer Holicky

School Age Care Coordinator

507-362-4439 X235

jholicky@wem.k12.mn.us

Jeff Boran

Community Ed Director

507-362-4403

jboran@wem.k12.mn.us

Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday

6:30AM to 5:30PM

Location

Waterville Elementary Room #117 and #118

500 Paquin Street E

Benefits of the Program

Safety and supervision

Risks are more likely for children when they are unsupervised during the summer months while not in school. Keeping kids busy and providing quality supervision can keep them from engaging in risky behavior.

Create a sense of belonging

Being part of the S.A.C.C. program is a nice way for your child to connect with peers in a new setting. Kids who participate in programs outside of the school day are more likely to be included and feel like they’re part of a group.

Build Friendships

Teaching kids to be a good friend will help them make lasting friendships throughout their lives. Life skills like these are important to learn at an early age because it will become more natural for your child the more they practice these skills.

Improve social skills

S.A.C.C. promotes cooperation, support, and respect. This can help kids feel more secure about joining a game or starting a conversation. Staff members are able to encourage positive social skills.

Broaden learning opportunities

S.A.C.C. offers a variety of enrichment experiences. It’s a fun and meaningful way for kids to work with other kids in areas they enjoy and expand their interest areas.

Mission Statement

The mission of WEM School Age Child Care is to nurture and educate children in a safe and positive environment that will promote social skills, physical development and intellectual growth through age-appropriate play, projects and activities in accordance to the “Minimum Standards for School-Age Care Programs,” provided by the Minnesota Community Education Association (MCEA) as well as the guidelines set by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Minnesota Department of Health, fostering a solid foundation for lifelong success by focusing on the key areas of WEM's Bucs Pride: Respectful, Responsible, Safe, Positive and Kind.

Our Philosophy

WEM School Age Child Care is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing space where children can learn and grow while developing lifelong skills and creating friendships. Our program emphasizes the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of the children while also recognizing their individual talents and needs. We want to create a program where families and children feel at home and part of a warm, supportive community.

Goals

Social and Emotional Development: To develop an understanding of self and learn skills to successfully understand and interact with the world.
Approaches to Learning: To develop skills necessary for the successful acquisition of knowledge, for processing information and for thinking and reasoning.
Language and Literacy Development: To develop skills and use the knowledge for successful verbal and written communication.
Creativity and the Arts: To experience the creative arts through understanding and participating in the artistic process.
Cognitive Development: To use age-appropriate learning to practice and apply skills in academic areas and social systems understanding
Physical Development and Health: To develop skills to live a safe, healthy, fit and productive life.

Enrollment Requirements

Children must be enrolled in kindergarten or grades above in the fall of 2022
Children may attend up to age 12. (If child will be turning 12 during June, July or August 2022 they are ineligible to enroll in summer S.A.C.C)
All children must be toilet trained and be able to perform bathroom functions on their own. If the child has an accident, parents/guardians will be called to come and change the child if necessary and/or take them home. After 3 occurrences; services will be suspended until the child is toilet-trained.
Students must be willing and able to follow two step directions.
Students must be willing and able to participate in group activities.
Students must follow the program's daily schedule.
Students must safely and successfully transition from one activity to another.
Students must remain in the classroom or assigned area unless permission is given by staff.
Students must be willing and able to follow the program's discipline policy.

Programs Commitment to Serve Children with Special Needs

WEM S.A.C.C. welcomes all children and is committed to providing developmentally appropriate school-aged learning and experiences that support the growth of each and every child, within our abilities. We believe that each child is unique and work in partnership with families, staff and other professionals involved with the child to provide the support every child needs to reach their full potential.

If your child has special needs (including disabilities, behavioral conditions,medicinal requirements or child custody concerns etc.), there is a spot on the enrollment form for these to be listed. It is important parents provide full transparency so we are prepared to best meet the needs of your child. A copy of the child’s IEP is also requested to be provided by the parents to the school age child care coordinator to better serve your child and must be disclosed on the enrollment form. The IEP will only be shared with the appropriate staff members.

One-on-one paraprofessionals are not available within the S.A.C.C. program.

All children must possess the ability to meet enrollment requirements.

No child will be denied acceptance unless his or her presence would pose a significant risk to himself or herself, or to the general population or an overall disruption to the program, as determined by the staff. However, if S.A.C.C. cannot meet the child’s need through reasonable accommodations, the placement cannot be accepted. Decisions are made on a per case basis.

Bucs Pride

The school wide PBIS (positive behavioral interventions and supports) Bucs Pride program exemplifying our core values of: RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, SAFE, POSITIVE and KIND will be implemented throughout the S.A.C.C. program. The school age child care staff strives to provide an environment focused on these core values. Each child will be taught expectations of conduct and be reminded to follow these expectations while in the program. Teaching the core values will allow students in our care to form a foundation that they can build upon through all aspects of their lives.

Staff

S.A.C.C. is staffed by caring individuals who have experience in various fields. Background checks, first aid, CPR training, and continued staff development through workshops and training are required of all staff.

Under Minnesota State Law, all staff that work with children are required to report all suspected physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or neglect of children to authorities as mandated reporters.

Leadership

Mrs. Jennifer Holicky (known to the students as Miss Jennifer) has worked at the WEM district since 2013. This will be her 7th summer working with the Summer S.A.C.C. program. In October of 2018, she took over as the interim coordinator while finishing her third term as a Reading Corps tutor, accepting the School Age Child Care Coordinator position in June of 2019. She works full time year round in the S.A.C.C. classroom and behind the scenes of the program as well as additional duties within the elementary school during the school year.

As a mom of four, Mrs. Holicky has a good understanding and recognizes the importance and need for quality childcare in our local communities. She says one of her favorite things about working with children is their never-ending sense of curiosity and how they provide a different perspective to look at the world. During her time as the school age child care coordinator she has sought to develop solid relationships with the staff and participants of the program giving S.A.C.C. a welcoming atmosphere and a sense of belonging for those who attend.

More information about additional summer staff will be sent to enrolled families in the upcoming months.

Programs Guidelines for Supervision of Children

WEM S.A.C.C. maintains a student to staff ratio of no more than 15:1 and a maximum group size of 30 to ensure the ability of quality supervision for our students.

All staff are trained in Active S.M.I.L.E. Supervision techniques

Scan

Examine the environment frequently
Notice both inappropriate and appropriate behaviors

Move

Move around the entire childcare area
Visit areas frequently

Interact

Elicit conversations with students
Provide pre-corrections and reminders
Provide positive reinforcers

Learn

Learn from students what their interests are
Ask students questions. Show interest.

Encourage

Boost spirits! Promote positive behaviors.

Behavior Expectations

Staff will be encouraged to use positive techniques to guide the behavior of children by giving positive attention, setting appropriate limits, and using appropriate discipline methods following school wide PBIS. Some of the tools that we may use are; redirection, logical consequences, participation in the solution, conflict resolution, natural consequences and/or having the child take a break.

For behaviors that repeat throughout the day without change despite the attempts of staff to redirect and modify the behavior, a behavior slip will be given. If the behavior continues parents/guardians will be contacted to come and pick up their child for the day and a suspension from childcare may occur.

If the child continues the behaviors upon return parents/guardians will be contacted to discuss the behaviors and determine a plan to work through the issue. Childcare services may be terminated if the behavior continues.

WEM School Age Child Care reserves the right to request dismissal from the program if the child’s needs or those needs of the other children are being compromised.

Reasons for disciplinary action include but are not limited to

Children’s (their own or others) safety is at risk
Staff safety is at risk
Policies are not being followed
Child’s needs are not being met
Child is causing an overall disruption to the program.

Behaviors such as verbal or physical abuse to other children or staff; fighting; threats; bullying; “running away” from staff and/or leaving the designated area; outbursts; yelling; inappropriate language or actions; destruction of property; not listening to staff or following directions; unwillingness to participate in group activities and follow the daily schedule; the inability to follow the program guidelines or other behaviors that compromise a safe and positive environment for all students will result in disciplinary action which may include verbal warning, behavior slip, calling parents to pick up child, suspension or termination. Disciplinary action steps may be skipped depending on the severity of the behavior.

WEM School Age Child Care reserves the right to determine disciplinary actions on a case by case basis taking into account the safety of all participants.

Charges will be assessed following scheduled hours for behavior leaves resulting in required early pick up or suspension.

Activities

WEM S.A.C.C. provides a wide range of activities throughout the year. Activities will include opportunities for individual and group participation, while providing a balance between self-selected and staff-selected activities. Children will participate in activities focused on their social, cognitive, physical, emotional and language development. We focus on these domains of development through various activities carefully planned to accommodate the full age range of children we provide care for.

WEM S.A.C.C. is dedicated to quality development and engagement of children and youth in partnership with families, schools, and communities. The program aims to develop the whole child by providing age-appropriate learning experiences and opportunities with activities that include:

Arts and crafts
Music, movement and drama
Language, literature and writing
Fine and Gross Motor
Sensory
Card/Board Games
Dramatic Play
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
4-H
Outdoor play and sports
Small- and large-group activities
Personal and social development
Field trips

WEM S.A.C.C. believes in the importance of play. Children will get many opportunities for child led play. Allowing children to lead not only supports their curiosity and creativity, but also empowers them. We provide a safe environment for children to explore and to test out their ideas. Child led play also gives children ownership of their play and experiences. This is extremely important as it helps with the development of their sense of identity and self-esteem. It develops their belief in themselves as thinkers and learners. Through trial and repetition in play children initiate, they get to practice and master skills. They learn persistence and perseverance as they are more motivated to keep going when it’s something they’re completely into. Additional benefits children gain from child led play:

They learn to figure things out for themselves, to problem solve and take healthy risks
Develop innovative ways to think about the world and how it works based on their own interests
Through being creative and using their imagination, children can work through their emotions and are able to transform their feelings into actions
Gives them time and space to act out situations that are new or troubling to them and allows them to work through strong feelings in a safe way
When with other children, they can learn to plan and creatively problem solve together, to negotiate, share thoughts and feelings

Important information for day to day activities

The program is not responsible for lost or damaged personal belongings.

Each child should bring an extra set of clothes in a ziploc bag labeled with their name. If the need arises for clothes to be changed and child is without extra clothes, parents/guardians will be called to pick up their child.
All children must have a water bottle labeled with their name each day they attend. We ask that water bottles are taken home everyday to be washed.

If for some reason we need to be relocated, there will be a sign stating where you can find us and a message sent via SeeSaw
In the event of an emergency which would require S.A.C.C. to be closed, families will be notified as soon as possible.

Movies

G and PG ratings are approved to be shown at S.A.C.C.

Photography

By enrolling your child in S.A.C.C. you are giving permission for your child to be photographed or in video representing the WEM School Age Child Care Program. Images may appear on the district website, district social media, local newspaper, brochures and other advertising of WEM Community Education.

Field Trips

Field trip destinations and dates will be sent to all enrolled families as they are planned.

Field trips require a separate enrollment form and may include an additional cost.

*If a child has behavior issues attending field trips and following the bus rules, they will be dismissed from all future field trips. This is for the safety of that child and all participants.

Electronics

Electronics, unless otherwise noted, are not allowed.
Children may not use, activate or display cell phones and smart watches during childcare hours.
We encourage cell phones and smart watches to be kept at home. If brought to S.A.C.C. they must be turned off and kept in the child's backpack.
WEM School Age Child Care is not responsible for lost or damaged electronics.

"Smart watch" any watch that can send or receive text messages or phone calls

Dress Code

Children must be adequately dressed for activities and outdoor play.
Children must have athletic shoes (ie tennis shoes): enclosed with ties and/or velcro.
Clogs, sandals, flip flops and crocs are not allowed for outdoor activities. If a child arrives without the proper footwear, the child’s participation in activities will be limited.
Children may keep a pair of tennis shoes at S.A.C.C. if they choose.
It is recommended for children that do not know how to tie to wear velcro or slip on tennis shoes.
Going outside is a frequent activity. Children should be prepared everyday to spend time outside.
Participants must adhere to the district dress code while attending S.A.C.C. (a copy of the district dress code is available upon request)

Invitation to families

Parents/guardians are welcome to participate in activities, including snack and meal time, with their child. There may also be opportunities for volunteers to chaperone field trips (does require a background check)

WEM S.A.C.C. 4-Club

All S.A.C.C. participants have the opportunity to participate in the WEM S.A.C.C. 4-H Club. This program is a collaboration between WEM School Age Child Care, Le Sueur County 4-H and UMN Extension.

4‑H programs hands-on approach gives young people guidance, tools and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research proves the unparalleled impact of the 4‑H experience. Children build life skills by leading hands-on projects in areas like science, health, agriculture and civic engagement – helping them to grow confidence, independence, resilience, and compassion.

During the summer months, weekly meetings will be held. Day and time TBD

For children who are scheduled on meeting days there are no additional fees to participate. S.A.C.C. participants who don't meet the age requirements below and are scheduled to attend childcare during meetings will still get to participate in 4-H activities but will not be considered official 4-H members.

*Age Requirements:

(as of June 1st, 2022)

Cloverbud Member: ages 5-8 Cloverleaf Member: ages 9-10 Junior Member: ages 11-12

Parent’s Responsibilities

Parents are responsible for:

Completing the self screening before attending childcare each day
Keeping ill child(ren) home and following the S.A.C.C. illness policy.
Communicating with the S.A.C.C. coordinator any important information regarding your child
Sharing with the S.A.C.C. coordinator information regarding potential contagious illnesses within your household.
Addressing questions or concerns with staff in a respectful manner
Dressing your child(ren) appropriately for the weather
Notifying staff in advance if your child will be absent or attending at times different than scheduled.
Picking your child(ren) up on time
Keeping your contact information up to date
Checking family folders daily
Being aware of all information in the current WEM School Age Child Care Handbook

It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to inform all persons picking up and dropping off their child of all policies and procedures as written in the WEM School Age Child Care Handbook.

Parents: Please read and discuss the following items with your child:

1. Be kind.

2. Be responsible and accountable for your actions while making safe choices.

3. Respect the personal space of others – keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.

4. Respect school property and the property of others.

5. Use appropriate language at all times.

6. Tell the truth.

7. Listen and follow directions.

8. Remain with a staff person at all times.

9. Have a positive attitude.

10. Have fun!

Family/Staff Communication

WEM S.A.C.C. values the communication shared between us and the families of the program. This communication helps us in many ways. We hope that parents also value this communication as it helps provide the best experience possible for your children while they are in our care.

Drop off and pick up times work well for quick communication but are not ideal for in-depth conversations as staff main focus is supervision of children and privacy must always be maintained. Parents may request a meeting at any time with the school age care coordinator to share suggestions, ideas or concerns.

SeeSaw is a great tool for communication between parents and staff. All parents will receive instructions on how to use the app. Of course you are not required to participate but it is a highly effective form of communication and we strongly encourage all families to utilize the app.

Parents/Guardians may contact the school age care coordinator Monday - Friday between the hours of 5:00AM and 6:00PM. In the event of an emergency you may reach out after hours or on weekends, a response may not be received until 24 hours after the start of the following business day depending on the situation.

We like to hear how we are doing as well as if there is something that we can do to better accommodate your family. We will request that all families fill out a Parent Survey during the summer. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

We encourage input from all families. The staff/parent/guardian relationship greatly impacts the success of our program. Your suggestions, ideas and concerns are always welcome. In fact, all of these things help to improve our program. In addition to the family survey’s, parents may request a meeting at any time with the school age care coordinator or share your suggestions, ideas or concerns by emailing the school age care coordinator.

Child check in & release Policy

Enter through the designated entrance only, playground double doors located on the south side of the school.
If S.A.C.C. is not outside at the time of drop off, all students should report to room E117 (2nd to last door on the right hand side of the hall.)
It is the responsibility of the person dropping off children to either walk them to the classroom or wait at the parent station and watch until the child safely enters the classroom.
The parent station, which includes attendance sheets, is located by the entrance.
All persons dropping off and/or picking up must self screen prior to entering the building. People who answer yes to any of the screening questions must not drop off or pick up children.
Parents/guardians must check the self screening box on the attendance sheet verifying the self screening was completed with their child prior to arrival.
Children are not allowed to sign themselves in or out of the program.
For the safety and well being of each child, they must be signed in and out of the program each day by an approved person listed on the enrollment form.
The names indicated on the enrollment form will be the ONLY people allowed to drop off and pick up children from S.A.C.C. during the summer. Must be 16 or older, and able to provide photo ID
Persons listed on the enrollment form will be allowed to pick up children from S.A.C.C. at any time unless there is a court order stating otherwise. A copy of the court order must be provided to the school age care coordinator.
Students are not allowed to be signed in until their contracted drop off time without prior approval.
All sign ins and sign outs must include the accurate time and initials of the person dropping off/picking up a child.
Falsifying information on the attendance sheet could result in termination of childcare services.
If children are leaving and returning to S.A.C.C. for a school activity during the day, a permission form must be submitted in advance or staff will not be permitted to sign them out to attend their activity.
If a child has not picked up within 10 minutes of their scheduled pick up time staff will contact in this order 1. Parents/Guardians 2. Emergency Contact 3. Waterville Police
Multiple late pick ups after contracted pickup time without pre approval will result in termination of childcare services.
The S.A.C.C. coordinator should be notified in advance of changes in pick up and drop off times. SeeSaw works best for attendance messages. The appropriate attendance form must also be filled out when applicable.
Requests for early drop off and late pick up outside of contracted hours are subject to availability based on staff to student ratio.
Increase in weekly rate may be charged for childcare outside of contracted hours according to rates listed in the handbook and the late pick up policy.

“Contracted hours” hours submitted on set schedule and flex schedule forms

Persons dropping off and picking up children need to remain behind the blue tape line in the cubby area of the classroom.
If S.A.C.C. is not in the classroom, a note will be on the door of room E117 indicating the groups location.
School doors are locked from 5:30PM - 6:30AM
It is the parents/guardians responsibility to inform the persons listed on their enrollment form for drop off and pick up of the check in and release policies.

Transportation

WEM School Age Child Care does not provide transportation to and from childcare.
It is the parents/guardians responsibility to make arrangements to get their child to and from S.A.C.C.
In the event of field trips that are further than walking distance, transportation will be provided by bus drivers employed by the WEM School District.

Severe Weather

Tornado Watch
During a tornado watch, or other threatening weather, S.A.C.C. staff will be on alert for developing and dangerous conditions, and actions deemed necessary for safety will be taken per building procedures.
Tornado Warning
During a tornado warning staff and students will seek shelter following building procedures. It is recommended parents do not attempt to pick up children during a tornado warning. Disaster experts advise that automobiles are among the most dangerous places to be in a storm. If you are in route for pick up when a warning is issued you are welcome to enter the school and seek shelter with us. Students will not be permitted to be dropped off while a tornado warning is in effect, parents may seek shelter with their child at school until the all clear is given. Communication will be limited during a tornado warning due to the supervision of students and the limitations weather may present.

Food & Nutrition

We ask that children eat breakfast before arriving or they may bring breakfast to eat during the morning snack time.
Families will need to provide a bag lunch for their child.
No pop or candy.
WEM S.A.C.C. is not able to refrigerate food. Please be sure to plan accordingly.
Limited microwave use is available for quickly heating leftovers. Due to time constraints, cooking meals such as easy mac, ramen noodles, frozen meals, etc is NOT permitted.
WEM S.A.C.C. provides healthy choices for morning and afternoon snacks.
Snacks or treats may be brought in to share with the whole group, however, all items must be store bought and include the ingredient list. Please inform the S.A.C.C. coordinator in advance.

AM Snack 8:30AM

Lunch 11:00AM - 12:00PM

PM Snack 3:30PM

Sunscreen

All families must provide a bottle of sunscreen labeled with their child’s first and last name. (Permanent marker written on masking tape or a label, marker written directly on the bottle tends to disappear due to the oils in the sunscreen.)
Parents should apply sunscreen on your child before they attend each day.
Children will apply their own sunscreen mid and late afternoon under staff supervision
Children need to have a sunscreen permission form on file before they will be allowed to apply sunscreen at S.A.C.C.

Medication administration

Staff members are not allowed to administer medication to any child unless a parent/guardian has completed a medication authorization form (this includes over the counter medication). Children are not allowed to administer their own medication while at S.A.C.C.

The medication authorization form must be filled out properly and have both a parent/guardian and a doctor’s signature.
All medication must be in the original bottle that includes a label.
It is the family's responsibility to ensure that medications are given directly to a staff member on days medication is required.
Expired medications will not be given.

Allergies

If your child has an allergy, it is important that it is indicated on the enrollment form. This includes seasonal allergies. We also ask that if it causes a major reaction, an epipen is provided in case of exposure. An allergy form will be required to be completed before the first day of attendance. If a child is exposed to the allergen parents/guardians will be notified as soon as possible and proper care will be given to that child per an allergy plan.

Accident & injury recording and reporting

WEM School Age Child Care works hard to ensure the safety of the children in our program, however sometimes accidents happen. If an accident and injury happens an accident/injury form will be filled out and copied so that we have one in the child’s file as well as a copy for the family. These forms will be filled out for any accident and injury that may result in large bruise/bump, head injury, sprain, broken bone, or other serious injuries. All major injuries will result in parent/guardian contact.

If an injury is serious parents/guardians will be contacted as soon as possible to pick up their child. If a major incident happens which requires emergency care, 9-1-1 will be called.

WEM School Age Child Care does not have a registered nurse on staff.

All employees are trained in first aid and CPR.

Illness Policy

Parents are responsible for keeping ill children home and notifying the school age care coordinator when their child will be absent. If a child becomes ill while at S.A.C.C., they will be isolated from the other children. Parents are responsible for making arrangements to have their child picked up WITHIN THIRTY MINUTES. In the event that staff cannot reach a parent/guardian, an authorized emergency contact person (as indicated on the enrollment form) will be called to pick up the child.

All participants must complete the self screening thoroughly each day before attending.

The primary reasons for exclusion from child care are that the condition:

Prevents the child from participating comfortably in activities
Results in a need for care that is greater than staff members can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children
Poses a risk of spread to others

Children may return to S.A.C.C. following guidance below and when symptoms have improved.

A child with any of the following must be excluded from child care

Fever of 100 or above - 24 hours fever free without medication
Vomiting - 24 hours symptom free
Diarrhea - 24 hours symptom free
Abdominal pain - may return when symptom free
Strep throat - may return 24 hours after starting medication
Impetigo - may return 24 hours after starting medication
Pink eye - may return 24 hours after starting medication and no longer has discharge
Head lice - may return after treatment and is free of nits and lice
Scabies - may return 24 hours after treatment
RIngworm - may return 48 hours after treatment
Chicken Pox - may return after all lesions have crusted over
Unidentified and/or contagious rash - written note from a health care provider to return
Unexplained Lethargy - written note from health care provider to return
Respiratory distress; wheezing or difficulty breathing - written note from health care provider to return
COVID19 symptoms (listed below) - follow exclusion guidance
Not able to participate in child care program activities with reasonable comfort
Requires more care than the program staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children in care.

If a child is sent home sick from SACC, they will need to remain out a minimum of 24 hours. Children may return when symptoms have improved without medication.

“Symptoms have improved”

a person no longer feels ill; they can do their daily routine just as they did before they were ill, and any remaining symptoms, such as a cough or runny nose, are very mild, or infrequent.

Exposure to communicable diseases MUST BE REPORTED to the school age child care coordinator immediately. In the case of infectious or communicable disease, families will be notified the same day the program is made aware of a child’s contagious reportable disease as listed in MN statute 4605.7040

A child may not attend S.A.C.C. if any of the following are true

Has symptoms from the list above.
Tests positive for COVID-19
Lives with anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has recently tested positive for COVID-19 (if not fully vaccinated)

COVID19 more common symptoms

Fever 100.4 or above
Cough
Sore throat
Difficulty Breathing
Shortness of Breath
New loss of taste or smell

COVID19 less common symptoms

Nasal congestion
Runny nose
Chills
Muscle pain/body aches
Fatigue
Headache
Nausea/upset stomach
Vomiting
Diarrhea

For a person who is experiencing only one symptom from the list of less common symptoms.

Evaluate the symptom to decide if the person is well enough to attend.
If they are well enough, the person may attend or stay.
If they are not well enough, the person must stay home or be sent home.
If the person goes home and does not get additional symptoms, they can return 24 hours after the symptom has improved without the use of medication. If the person goes home, they should consider an evaluation from a doctor/health care provider and/or getting a COVID-19 test.
If the person gets an evaluation and/or a COVID-19 test, they must follow the isolation guidelines.

For when the person has one more common symptom or at least two less common symptoms, when a person has any symptom while under quarantine, or when a person who started in the first path decides to get an evaluation from a doctor or other health care provider and/or get a COVID-19 test.

The person stays home or is sent home, and their siblings or household contacts stay home or are sent home.
If the person does not get an evaluation from a doctor or another health care provider or get a COVID-19 test, they must stay at home away from others (isolation), including those who live in the house if possible, for at least 10 days starting from the time their symptoms started and until their symptoms have improved and they have no fever for 24 hours without medication.

Siblings and household members must also stay home during that time.

If the person is told by their doctor or other health care provider that their symptoms are from something else (alternate diagnosis), and not from COVID-19, they can return after their symptoms have improved and 24 hours fever free without medication with a written note from the health care provider that includes an alternate diagnosis explaining symptoms. A negative test result may also be required if there has been a recent exposure within the program. Siblings and household members can return once alternate diagnosis is received as long as they are symptom free. It is recommended but not required a mask is worn until 10 days after symptoms started.
If the person receives a negative test for COVID-19, they can return after symptoms have improved and 24 hours fever free without medication. Siblings and household members do not need to stay home once the negative result is known as long as they are symptom free. It is recommended but not required that they wear a mask until 10 days after symptoms started.
If the person tests positive for COVID-19, follow isolation guidelines. Siblings and household members follow quarantine guidelines. And th

For people who have close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 , follow quarantine guidelines. A close contact is ANY person who lives in the same household as a person who tested positive for COVID-19 OR someone who has been within 6 feet of a person who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more in a 24 hour period.

It is recommended all close contacts follow quarantine guidelines.
It is required household members follow quarantine guidelines.

To meet exclusion criteria to return a copy of the test result and/or alternate diagnosis must be provided to the school age care coordinator. Test result must include first and last name, date of test, and test result, alternate diagnosis must include child's first and last name, date seen by health care provider and alternate diagnosis for symptoms

WEM reserves the right to update the illness policy at any time

in accordance with new information from the Minnesota Department of Health.

By enrolling your child in S.A.C.C., you are agreeing to follow the WEM School Age Child Care illness policy and are required to notify the S.A.C.C. Coordinator of any symptoms listed your child has. Failure to complete the daily self screening may result in termination of childcare services.

If your child is fully vaccinated for COVID-19, WEM S.A.C.C. requires a copy of their vaccination card for their file. WEM School Age Child Care does not require students to be vaccinated for COVID-19

Important note: As a certified child care center WEM School Age Child Care is required to follow guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. These policies may be different from the general district policies. For questions relating to the classroom, please reach out to Amber Karels, the school nurse.

Pandemic Planning

Under the pandemic planning provision of the Minnesota Human Services Licensing Act, child care license holders are required to comply with the following MDH guidance and recommendations for child care settings:

Report cases of COVID-19 to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Minnesota Rule 4605.7070 requires any person in charge of any institution, school, child care facility, or camp to report cases of COVID-19 to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
Notify the parent/guardian of a child who is identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
Exclude children and staff with symptoms of COVID-19 and anyone who test positive for COVID-19.

All licensed child care providers are required to follow the directives listed above as a part of licensing compliance. DHS may issue licensing actions including correction orders, fines, conditional licenses, revocations, and suspensions to providers who do not comply with the MDH guidance and recommendations related to COVID-19 as specified above.

Face Coverings

Well-fitting masks are recommended but not required for all SACC participants (staff, students, and anyone dropping off or picking up children from SACC) regardless of vaccination status. The covering should cover the nose and mouth completely, should not be overly tight or restrictive, and should feel comfortable to wear.

Resources

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/youthiso.pdf

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/youthquar.pdf

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/plan.html

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/sick.html

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/close.html

Supplies

Change of clothes in a ziploc bag
Tennis Shoes
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

Lunch (daily)
Water bottle (daily)
Backpack (daily)

All items should be labeled with child’s name

Schedules

WEM School Age Child Care offers a variety of pick your own hours scheduling options to meet the individual childcare needs of families;

set schedule - same schedule all summer
flex schedule - varying days and times from week to week
drop in care - as needed basis

It is important you are as accurate as possible with your child's schedule to ensure proper student to staff ratios at all times, appropriate planning of the daily schedule, minimal disruptions during group activities, smooth transitions for children, correct weekly rates, and the ability for S.A.C.C. to continue to offer pick your own hour scheduling options.

S.A.C.C. will do our best to honor any schedule changes, but due to max group sizes and student to staff ratios we cannot guarantee spots will be available for additional days and times not on the enrollment form.

Families who select a set schedule will need to fill out the online set schedule form in addition to the registration form. Those selecting the flex schedule option will need to fill out online monthly schedule forms in addition to the registration form. Drop in care requires pre approval and is subject to availability.

For set schedule and flex schedule options, families will be required to provide a drop off and pick up time. These are your child’s contracted hours. Children may attend S.A.C.C. anytime within their contracted hours. Childcare outside of contracted hours requires pre approval and is based on availability. Additional fees may apply. On the third early drop off or late pick up outside of contracted hours, contracted hours will be adjusted accordingly and families will receive an updated schedule agreement which will include a new weekly rate if applicable.

If you have questions about which scheduling option is best for your families childcare needs, contact Jennifer before submitting the enrollment form to discuss what your families childcare needs are and she can help determine the best option to meet those needs.

Families must provide a two-week written notice in the event they decide to terminate the contract. Two weeks of child care fees will be charged if no notice is given.

S.A.C.C. is required to maintain accurate attendance records. All sign ins and sign outs must include the accurate time and initials of the person dropping off/picking up a child. Falsifying information on the attendance sheet could result in termination of childcare services.

Set Schedule

Set Schedule - Due May 6th

Same days each week, scheduled drop off and pick up times for each different day of the week.
You are committed to those days and times for the summer months.
Permanent schedule changes must be submitted by the 20th of the previous month. Additional days not selected on the enrollment form are subject to availability.
No credit given for days missed.
Families using a full time set schedule will be permitted to use 1 week (Monday-Friday) as a vacation week with 0 hours scheduled. Requires two weeks advance notice.
Families will receive a weekly rate sheet in their family folder at the beginning of the summer. This is the amount due each Friday. Modified weekly rate sheets will be given for weeks that include any early drop offs, late pick ups, or addition of drop in care. (Families will receive a modified weekly rate sheet for the weeks of June 1st and July 4th.)

Full time is defined as Monday through Friday childcare.

Flex Schedule

June Flex Schedule - due May 6th

July Flex Schedule - due June 20th

August Flex Schedule - due July 20th

Varying days/times from week to week.
Days selected on the enrollment form must be scheduled a minimum of two times per month. A $10/day fee for each child will be charged weekly for all registered days that are not scheduled to meet the minimum requirement.
No credit given for days missed once the calendar has been submitted.
Children will be considered drop ins if schedule forms are not received by the deadline or on any non registered day needing care.
Families will receive a weekly rate sheet in their family folder at the beginning of each month. These are the amounts due each Friday. Modified weekly rate sheets will be given for weeks that include any early drop offs, late pick ups, or addition of drop in care.

Drop in Care

Families needing care on an as needed basis only or who do not know their child needs by the schedule due date.
Families using the set schedule or flex schedule option who need care on a non registered day.
Subject to availability. There is no guarantee drop in spaces will be available on any given day due to student to staff ratios and max group sizes.

"Non registered day" - any day not selected on the enrollment form (and not scheduled by the schedule deadline)

Rates

Weekly rates are determined based on contracted hours. No credit given for days missed.

Hours Scheduled	Rate/Week for first child	Rate/Week for additional children
0	$25.00	$25.00
.01 - 10 hours	$32.50	$32.50
10.01 - 15 hours	$45.00	$38.25
15.01 - 20 hours	$59.00	$50.15
20.01 - 25 hours	$72.50	$62.00
25.01 - 30 hours	$85.50	$73.00
30.01 - 35 hours	$98.00	$83.50
35.01- 40 hours	$110.00	$93.50
40.01 - 45 hours	$121.50	$103.50
45.01 - 50 hours	$135.00	$114.75
50.01+ hours	$150.00	$127.50

Additional Fees

Additional fees will be added to registered weekly hours for drop off before scheduled drop off time according to the chart above.
Additional fees will be added to registered weekly hours for pick up after scheduled pick up time according to the chart above.
There will be a $1.00/minute late pick up fee charged for all children picked up after their contracted pick up time without communication from parents/guardians to the school age care coordinator of late pick up and any child picked up after 5;30PM.

On the third late pick up more than 30 minutes after scheduled time without advance notice services will be terminated.
On the third late pick up after closing time services will be immediately terminated.

There will be a $1.00/minute early drop off fee charged for all children dropped off before their contracted drop off time without pre approval. *If pre approval is not requested and the program is at max student to staff ratio parents/guardians will need to wait with their child until contracted drop off time.
Families who need care on a non registered day or do not fill out the schedule form by the deadline may request to bring their child(ren) as a drop in. Advance notice is required.

“Non registered day” is any day not selected on the enrollment form (must also be scheduled by the schedule deadline)

Drop-ins will only be accepted if we are not at maximum student to staff ratio.

Drop in Rates:

Full Day $40 (up to 10 hours)
Half Day $25

AM ½ day: pick up before noon

PM ½ day: drop off after noon

Payments

Payments are due every Friday by 5:30PM for the current week of care.
Payments can be made online through the “PaySchools” portal, or by cash or by check in the red payment folder. Payments made in cash must be in an envelope labeled with your child’s name.
There will be a $25.00/week late fee added to accounts not paid in full by 5:30pm on Friday.
It is the family's responsibility to know the correct amount due for each payment deadline.
If there are extreme circumstances that prevent a family from paying their account in full by the payment deadline, the school age care coordinator must be contacted before the payment deadline.
If payment is not received, payment arrangements must be made prior to the next time child attends or services will be discontinued until the account is paid in full.
After two late payments, families will be required to prepay their account for the remainder of the calendar year.
WEM School Age Child Care reserves the right to refuse checks as an acceptable form of payment from anyone who has had checks returned to the district for insufficient funds.

WEM School Age Child Care does accept CCAP payments from select counties.

Please contact the SACC Coordinator at the time enrollment form is submitted to set this up if needed.

Family Payment Ledger

All families will receive a family payment ledger for the 2022 calendar year by January 31st, 2023. Family payment ledgers will be sent home in family folders, through the child’s classroom teacher if no longer enrolled in S.A.C.C. or mailed to the address on the enrollment form if the child is not attending the district in January.

Attendance

Parents/guardians are responsible for communicating all schedule changes to the school age care coordinator. SeeSaw is the best tool to use for getting attendance messages to the school age care coordinator quickly and efficiently.

If a child is often absent or not following their schedule an updated schedule will be requested.

If an accurate updated schedule can not be provided any of the following may occur:

additional fees may apply
contracted hours may be modified
days may be removed from the families childcare agreement
family may need to switch to a different scheduling option (ie flex schedule, drop in care)
child care services may be terminated

“not following schedule” is defined as

childcare outside of contracted hours without pre approval,
drop off 30 minutes or more after scheduled drop off time without notifying the school age care coordinator in advance
pick up 30 minutes or more before scheduled pick up time without notifying the school age care coordinator in advance

24 hour advance notice should be for all absences (unrelated to illness). Notice prior to the child’s scheduled arrival time must be given for all absences. If a child does not attend on a scheduled day and advance notice is not given it is considered a no show. On the third no show childcare services will be terminated.

If a child is consistently absent on a registered day this day may be removed from the families contracted days as determined by the school age care coordinator. Drop in care will be used if childcare is then needed on said day. "Consistently absent" more than two consecutive weeks of not attending on a registered day.

Drop off before scheduled drop off time without prior approval will not be accepted due to student to staff ratios.

If students have not been picked up by their scheduled pick up time staff will attempt to contact parents/guardians and emergency contact if necessary.

S.A.C.C. closes at 5:30PM, if a child has not been picked up by 5:30pm we will contact the parents/guardian, if we are unable to get a hold of the parents/guardian we will then contact the emergency contact person listed. If the parents/guardian and the emergency contact person cannot be reached after 30 minutes, staff will notify the Waterville Police Department.

Families must notify the school age care coordinator in advance and fill out the appropriate form if your child will be attending at a time different than what is scheduled or absent for any reason.

Attendance Forms

absent form

Any scheduled day your child will not be attending (no credit given for days missed)
A "no show" is considered any time a child does not attend a scheduled day without advance notice. On the third no show, services will be terminated.

drop in care request form

When needing care on a non scheduled day *subject to availability

“Non scheduled day” days not selected on the enrollment form and days not scheduled on flex schedule calendars by schedule due date

adjusted schedule form

When needing care before contracted drop off time

*subject to availability based on student to staff ratio

When needing care after contracted pick up time

*subject to availability based on student to staff ratio

When drop off time will be 1 hour or more after contracted drop off time
When pick up time will be 1 hour or more before contracted pick up time

Important Dates

Wednesday, June 1st - First day of Summer S.A.C.C.

Monday, July 4th - Closed

Tuesday, July 5th - Closed

Friday, August 26th - Last Day of Summer S.A.C.C.

Example of Daily Schedule

6:30AM Free Play

8:30AM Morning Snack

8:45AM Morning Meeting

9:00AM Outside

11:30AM Lunch

12:00PM D.E.A.R. “drop everything and read”

12:30PM Outside

1:00PM Group Activities (music, yoga, stem, art, p.e., movie, etc)

3:30PM Afternoon Snack

3:45PM Outside/Free Play/Group Games

Stay Connected

SACC Website School Age Child Care (SACC) - Waterville-Elysian-Morristown School District

Facebook WEM School Age Child Care - SACC

SACC Parent Facebook Group WEM S.A.C.C. Parent Group

Important Links for Families document

Registration

Spaces are limited and are given in the order completed registrations are received

Registration opens on January 31st for full time childcare

“Full time” is defined as childcare in June, July and August weekly Monday through Friday

Registration opens for part time childcare for currently enrolled families on February 7th.
Registration opens for part time childcare for all families on February 14th.
Registration deadline is Friday, April 1st

After April 1st, email Jennifer at jholicky@wem.k12.mn.us to verify if spaces are still available before completing the online enrollment form.

Families must register a minimum of two weeks prior to the first day child care is needed.

After completing the WEM School Age Child Care Enrollment Form, pay the registration fee and any past due balance to enroll your child in Summer S.A.C.C.

By submitting the enrollment form, you are confirming you understand that it is your responsibility to read and comply with information contained in the 2022 Summer WEM School Age Child Care Handbook and are aware that failure to abide by the policies and responsibilities may result in termination of childcare services or the inability for WEM School Age Child Care to accept your child's enrollment.

Families may request an in-person orientation if they would like. These can be done during the school year between the hours of 9:00AM and 2:00PM Monday through Friday or during the summer months on Mondays or Fridays between 7:00AM and 5:00PM. Contact the school age care coordinator if you would like to schedule an orientation.

Activity/Registration Fee

$30.00 for one child, $25.00 for each additional child.

This fee includes a WEM School Age Child Care t-shirt. To receive a shirt the order form must be completed by Friday, May 27th.

Registration fees are non refundable and must be paid at the time enrollment form is submitted to complete the child's registration.

This handbook may be changed or amended at any time during the year.

Families will be notified of changes in writing.

What parents have to say:

Thanks for doing such a great job!
You guys do an amazing job. Our son absolutely loves going.
My kids have been going to sacc for a few years now and are very comfortable when they are there. Jennifer takes pride in making sure each child’s needs are met and also makes each child feel welcome when they are there. Jennifer always is responsive to any questions my family has had. WEM couldn’t ask for a better person to have running this program.
I am so happy this program is offered thru the community, makes life a little less hectic.
Thanks for the care you provide! It's fun and safe, everything a mom could want.
SACC is well structured and a consistent and fun routine. My child feels safe and knows what to expect and what is expected of them every day.
I like all the different activities SACC has
Our Kiddos get excited for the days they have SACC! So glad we are apart of the team!
SACC is a reliable, safe resource for both our kids and parents. Without SACC, parents may not be able to meet the expectations of their employers. We appreciate the support our district gives to the SACC program and its staff.
The friendships that are made have been great. My daughter has gotten to know kids of all ages. I believe it’s because Miss Jennifer is doing a variety of activities where they get to know one another. My daughter enjoys going to SACC and feels connected to the teachers since it’s obvious they care about their kiddos! Also, appreciate them following the Bucs Pride rules and behavior.
We love SACC! It is a great option for parents that work. Kids are able to do fun activities and learn social and emotional skills to increase problem-solving skills as well as how to get along with others.
I think this is a fabulous program for the children and their parents.
Reliable Resource for Area Families.
My daughter loves sacc!
My daughter enjoys interacting with the SACC staff.
We are grateful to have a reliable and age-appropriate child care option!
My kids love SACC and all the staff!!
Great job !
We are thankful for the flexible hours as we have variable work schedules.
My child loves all staff members and enjoys attending year over year.
We are happy to have such a great program available for our kids, I would definitely recommend it to others