Animal Crackers @ the Club

Please review this newsletter in its entirety for almost everything you need to know about Animal Crackers & Company Preschool @ the Boys & Girls Club of Tipton County, including registration. We offer AM Preschool, AM PreK, and PM PreK opportunities. The handbook and steps for registration are included in the content below. (There is a lot of content, but everything is so important to review for a successful year!)

• youth ages 3* - 6 are welcome to register for the Preschool program as appropriate
• 3 year-olds must be 3 by August 1st, all must be potty trained to attend class, no pull-ups
• youth ages 4* - 6 are welcome to register for the PreK program as appropriate
• 4 year-olds must be 4 by August 1st, all must be potty trained to attend class, no pull-ups
• if you register to participate in the afternoon PreK program and would like to utilize the after school program option, please select accordingly on the registration form

• participation is not restricted to youth of Tipton County

AM 3/4yo Preschool: Tuesdays & Thursdays per calendar from 9:00am - 11:00am

This is a readiness class designed for 3/4 year-olds. This class emphasizes socialization skills, listening skills (following directions, attention span, and listening comprehension), vocabulary expansion, and language development. Each week, activities are based around a different thematic unit beginning with the child and gradually spreading to their world; moving from concrete relationships to more abstract. The thematic approach is an excellent way to expand language by introducing new concepts, information and vocabulary as well as work with listening skills. This is a wonderful class for children to gain confidence in themselves and their achievements. The children will begin developing their fine motor skills by cutting, coloring, painting, and pencil skills.

AM 4/5yo PreK: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays per calendar from 9:00am - 11:30am

PM 4/5yo PreK: Monday - Friday per calendar from 12:30pm - 3:00pm*

"ALL DAY" PM 4/5yo PreK: Monday - Friday per calendar from 9:00am - 3:00pm*

This program is for youth 4 and 5 years old and who will be entering kindergarten the following school year. Our school days will be filled with fun, singing, discussions, experimenting, and learning. Our goal for each child in this class is that they leave PreK at the end of the year well prepared for elementary school, feeling successful, secure, and most importantly, that they have developed a love for learning. Social skills and appropriate classroom behavior are also emphasized.

*PM 4/5yo PreK participants are eligible to use early drop-off services beginning at 12:00pm at no additional cost.

*"ALL DAY" & PM 4/5yo PreK participants are eligible to use Boys & Girls Club After School Program (ASP) with an annual membership fee of $50.00, no additional monthly cost, 3:00pm-6:00pm.

Please CLICK HERE to see the curricular overview for Animal Crackers @ the Club.

While anticipated changes are minimal, note that there may be changes to this calendar.

Once registration is processed, you will receive a "Supply Fee" invoice through our Square system. The invoice may be paid with cash, check, or card on-site, or by card via the email invoice. This will secure your student's spot in the class you selected.

Tuition is to be paid monthly or by semester. Monthly tuition is figured as the daily rate times the number of days in the school-year program, divided by 10 months. This formula helps keep payment planning consistent for families and the Club. Invoices are due on the last Friday of each month, August-May. You will not be able to pay your Supply Fee or Tuition prior to the invoice being created.

If paying by semester, you will receive a 10% discount. Semester fees are due by July 31st and December 31st.

All transactions are non-transferable, non-refundable. Please keep the invoices and receipts as record for your accounting purposes. Animal Crackers @ the Club does not provide year end statements.

Fee Schedule

Animal Crackers @ the Club offers payment plans and is more than willing to work with families to make the program accessible to youth. Click HERE if your family would like to be considered for tuition assistance. We do not accept On My Way PreK vouchers.

Membership fees include all after-school programming; there are no additional daily/weekly/monthly fees. Fees are $50* per member, due within 30 days of registration. If a member has any form of ANTHEM insurance (BCBS, Medicaid, or otherwise), Anthem will cover the cost of the membership fee. Families will have the opportunity to indicate participation on the registration form.

The Club requires those carrying a fever, vomiting, or with diarrhea to stay home until symptom free for 24 hours. All other contagious illnesses are expected to follow the same protocol. If your participant becomes ill while at school, we will send them home. Families should have a plan in place for early pick-up as needed.

It is reasonable to expect that there will be days that a student will need to miss school due to illness. However, it is necessary to limit excessive absenteeism. If your student will be missing class for any reason, please call to let us know (765-675-1866). There will not be reimbursement of fees for absences.

Email is the primary means of distributing information. It is imperative that parents/guardians have a working email listed on the registration form or the family risks missing important information, reminders, and updates. The Club/Preschool is not responsible for missed communications.

Emails may come from

preschool@bgctipton.org (Marci Whitesell, Preschool Coordinator)

brittnij@bgctipton.org (Brittni Johnson, Director of Operations)

heatherm@bgctipton.org (Heather Maluck, Administrative Assistant)

messenger@messaging.squareup.com (Invoices - keep these for tax purposes)

receipts@messaging.squareup.com (Receipts - keep these for tax purposes)

Additional Communications:

Preschool Phone Line: 765-675-1866 (all preschool communications, direct line, may leave voicemail)

Club Main Phone Line: 765-675-9362, opt 2 (for GENERAL Club information and INVOICES ONLY)

Change in Pick-Up Person: If someone other than the original list of approved pick-up or emergency contact is picking up your child, you must call and let the teacher know. (765-675-1866)

Payment: The easiest way to make payment is online via invoice, but we also accept cash/check/card on-site. If calling in to make payment over the phone, call the Front Desk between the hours of 9a-3:00p (765-675-9362, opt 2) If calling between 3:00p-6:00p to make payment over the phone, parents/guardians may be asked to call back another time, or be placed on hold as this is a high-volume time for pick-up.

Questions: parents/guardians are encouraged to call the Preschool Director, Marci Whitesell (765-675-1866) with any questions. If email is easier, please use preschool@bgctipton.org.

Students will be welcomed into the building by preschool teachers. The airlock is a welcomed gathering area, however it will not be supervised, so please don't drop off your student without making contact with a program staff or teacher. Please do not enter the interior Club doors prior to the start of class. *Afternoon early drop-off will run from 12-12:30.

The participants may go on walking field trips within our community throughout the year. Notification of upcoming off-site trips will be made through the monthly calendar. We will have some on-site field trip experiences, and will have special guests visiting our classroom from time to time. All recurring visitors and or volunteers will be required to complete a mandatory training session and complete a Boys & Girls Club background check.

Items left behind are collected at the end of each day. Items are placed in cubbies and reminders are given. After the final call, items get donated to 2nd Blessings or a nearby Goodwill.

At the end of class time, participants will line up at the front interior doors. A parent/guardian, or identified pick-up individual, should come to the air-lock to pick up their student. Late pick-ups will result in an immediate $5/member fee. Three late pick-ups will result in an altered pick-up time. Continued late pick-ups may result in limited participation in the remainder of the program.

All Preschool/PreK members will exit out of entrance B (Club entrance).

*If PM PreK participants register for the afterschool program, you will receive alternate pick up procedures in Membership communications.

Restroom Policy: Participants must use the restroom facility one at a time. Children should ensure the restroom is empty prior to entering. In the event of several participants needing facility usage at one time, such as handwashing or class restroom break, a staff member will supervise the open space in the restroom. Participants are encouraged to close stall doors for privacy. Preschool teachers may assist with zippers, snaps and belts as needed, once the student has returned to the classroom.

One-on-One Policy: Preschool staff and participants are not permitted to be in a space one-on-one. Please see the policy depicted below. (3 pages)

Video Surveillance Policy: the Boys & Girls Club of Tipton County utilizes an in-house camera system. The cameras are present in all common areas. They are not present in the restrooms. Please see the policy depicted below. (2 pages)

Medication Policy: Animal Crackers & Company Preschool at the Boys & Girls Club of Tipton County will NOT administer medication during preschool hours. If your PreK participant is participating in the afterschool program, we will adhere to the Club's medication policy depicted below. (3 pages)

Non-Staff/Non-Member Entry: Parents/Guardians/Family are welcome to enter the Club Faclilty, but may not go beyond the reception area. Situations for accommodation require staff approval and may include, but are not limited to, assisting his/her own member with restroom issues, assisting his/her own member with collecting personal belongings, or volunteering for a specific purpose. Sign-In is required to go beyond the reception area.

Emergency Drills: the Club conducts emergency drills, specifically fire evacuation, tornado, lock-out, lock-in. If pick-up attempts take place during a drill, parents/guardians will be asked to wait until the drill is complete. Understanding and cooperation are appreciated.

Media Publication Information: Animal Crackers & Company Preschool at the Boys & Girls Club of Tipton County and local media may publish events in the Tipton Tribune, on the Club Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or other marketing platforms. If you would like to opt out of media publications, please select accordingly on the registration form.

Personal Belongings: Unless otherwise instructed, participants are not permitted to bring items from home to have out in the program. All school/personal items must be placed in a cubby, as assigned. Personal belongings must remain put away for the duration of day. Animal Crackers & Company Preschool @ the Boys & Girls Club of Tipton County is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items, and may confiscate the item to return at pick-up if it becomes an issue.

Personal Devices: Preschool staff and participants are not permitted to have personal devices out during program time. Animal Crackers & Company Preschool @ the Boys & Girls Club of Tipton County is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices, and may confiscate the item to return at pick-up if it becomes an issue.

While our senses were heightened by Covid, the Club continues to practice high levels of sanitization throughout the space. Aside from using a high grade disinfectant on all common hard surfaces, daily cleaning of high frequented areas, and regular mopping of the restrooms and eating areas, participants are also required to wash hands upon entering the facility. If your participant has a medical issue with handwashing, please communicate that on the registration form in order for accommodations to be made. The Club often sees an increase in chapped hands during the winter months, and while the Club cannot provide lotion, parents/guardians may keep lotion in the participant's backpack for individual use.

Refer to the 2024-2025 Animal Crackers @ the Club Calendar for specific, pre-planned dates. Club policy states that if Tipton Schools are closed due to inclement weather, Animal Crackers @ the Club will also be closed. If Tipton has a delay, there will be NO CHANGE to the AM or PM Class times. For updated weather information, follow the Club’s Facebook page. @BGCTIPTON

Participants will be asked to take turns bringing snacks. On their snack day, they will be the leader, helper, hold our flag, and they will also be allowed to "show and tell" on their special day. They can bring something special from home to "show and tell" with the children. Each snack leader is listed on the calendar passed out before the month begins. Sugarless snacks are recommended unless it is a special occasion. Snacks should be store-bought to minimize risk of digesting unknown allergens.

We will work on our manners during table time, the children will wait for everyone to receive their food before they say, "Thank You” and the Snack leader will say "You are welcome and you may eat."

If it is a birthday, please let us know, as we do like to celebrate! If providing a snack on your student’s snack day presents a hardship, the Club will provide a snack for the class. Parents/Guardians are not permitted to stay/be in the program space, including class-time celebrations. Exceptions include pre-planned events such as family days or graduation.

The Club is not responsible for snack choices made by the members. *If there are medically driven diet restrictions, please communicate that on the registration form.

Review these with your participant prior to registration.

Safety

I will check-in with the teacher when entering the preschool.

I will stay in the assigned program area at all times.

I will review and follow the Restroom Policy.

I will not share clothes, hats, brushes, or food with others.

I will always walk in program spaces outside of the gym.

Respect

I will show respect for the teachers, Club staff, classmates, and myself by following all expectations.

I will keep my hands and feet to myself.

I will use respectful language and tone.

I will work out conflict with patience and understanding. I will let preschool staff know if there is a conflict.

I will clean up after myself in all spaces.

I will keep all food and drink in the snack area. I will pick up all trash and belongings.

I will stay out of others’ belongings.

I understand that precautions are being taken to keep me safe and I will comply with staff requests and expectations.

As a participant, I understand that there are consequences for my actions.

I understand that I must follow all rules and policies at all times; demonstrating respect and safety in all situations.

I understand that there is zero tolerance for tobacco, alcohol, or other drug use or possession on-site or off-site. Participation may be affected by off-site offenses.

I understand that Club staff are expected to enforce the rules and expectations. While subject to change, typical response to disrespect, misbehavior, or compromise of safety will include:

*verbal redirection

*staff working with the participant to meet expectations.

*If non-compliance persists, the participant may be asked to sit in an alternate area. Preschool staff will check in with the participant to discuss behaviors prior to being released back to the group. Rule of thumb is for staff to check in with the participant in 3-minute intervals. If agitation or disrespect are evident, the participant will remain removed until ready to rejoin the group.

*If behaviors are physical, or repetitive even after intervention, the Preschool staff will address the concern, possibly resulting in formal documentation, discussion with Club Administration, discussion with Club Administration and parents, and/or possible suspension or expulsion as determined appropriate by Club Administration. Have a plan in place for early pick up just in case.

I understand that this document may not cover all situations that may need to be discussed.

See Response to Behavior Policy below.

Policy: Any behavior that results in injury, or intended injury to staff or other members, including verbal threats, may result in an immediate suspension, pending expulsion based on Club Administration and Board of Director’s review. Any behaviors that create a physically or emotionally unsafe environment, or perceived unsafe environment as determined by Club Administration, may result in suspension, or limited access to participate. Safety is the Club’s top priority while serving as a program opportunity: the Club has the right to refuse access to our programming at anytime if program safety is compromised.

The Club uses behavior slips to communicate with parents. These are filled out by staff and sent home at pick up. These are tracked and consistent issues or concerns may result in suspension. If a member gets sent home from the Club as a consequence for undesirable behaviors, it may result in suspension for the next day or set of days at the discretion of Club Administration. IF A MEMBER IS SENT HOME 3 TIMES FOR UNDESIRABLE BEHAVIORS, IT WILL RESULT IN SUSPENSION FROM THE CLUB FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEMESTER! Upon return, continued undesirable behaviors may result in an additional suspension or expulsion at the discretion of Club Administration.

While Animal Crackers & Company Preschool at the Boys & Girls Club of Tipton County strives to be accessible to all, if a participant cannot participate in the program as designed, families will need to find alternative plans for their child.

I, as the parent/guardian, understand my participant must follow all rules & policies at all times. I have read and understand that infractions may result in an age-appropriate intervention as listed within the Preschool/PreK Participant Agreement.

I, as the parent/guardian, understand I will be held accountable for the items within the handbook, and that the handbook may not contain all situations that may need to be discussed.

I, as the parent/guardian, understand Animal Crackers & Company Preschool at the Boys & Girls Club of Tipton County is not responsible for misinterpretation or misunderstanding as I know that I can ask Preschool staff or Club Administration for any clarification needed.

Click HERE to complete the registration form for Animal Crackers Preschool & Company @ the Boys & Girls Club of Tipton County.

Email: preschool@bgctipton.org
Website: bgctipton.org
Location: 341 West Jefferson Street, Tipton, IN, USA
Phone: 765-675-1866
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BGCTipton