ESS Parent Handbook 24.25 : simplebooklet.com

Table of ContentsWelcome & Vision, Mission, and Promise .........................................................................Program Dates of Closure ......................................................................................................Program Description ................................................................................................................ Program Location .................................................................................................................. Ages Accepted ....................................................................................................................... Our Staff ................................................................................................................................... Homework Procedures ........................................................................................................ Nutritious Snacks ..................................................................................................................Registration Process & Fees .................................................................................................. ESS Program Capacity ........................................................................................................ Fees and Payments .............................................................................................................. Academic School Year Fees ............................................................................................... Non-Refundable Registration Fees ................................................................................. Payment Options/Auto Pay ............................................................................................... Invoicing ................................................................................................................................... Past Due Balances & Returned Checks ...........................................................................Financial Assistance ................................................................................................................. Subsidized Childcare Programs ........................................................................................ After School Education and Safety Grant (ASES) ...................................................... ASES Attendance and Early Release Policy ................................................................. Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) ..................................................ESS Breaks ................................................................................................................................... ESS During School Breaks ................................................................................................. Field Trips and Assemblies ................................................................................................Conditions of Service ............................................................................................................... Sign In and Out Policy ......................................................................................................... Reporting an Absence ......................................................................................................... Children Who are Expected, but Don't Show Up to ESS ......................................... Attendance Policy and Vacation Requests ................................................................... Late Pick-Up Policy .............................................................................................................. Students Dropped Off Early or Not Picked Up After School ................................... Withdrawing from the ESS Program .............................................................................. Custody Agreements ........................................................................................................... Television and Movie Policy ............................................................................................... Personal Possessions and Cell Phones ..........................................................................Emergency Procedures ............................................................................................................ Disaster Preparedness ........................................................................................................ Illness or Injury ....................................................................................................................... Medication Administration ................................................................................................. Child Abuse Reporting and Confidentiality ...................................................................Students with Special Needs ................................................................................................Student Behavior ....................................................................................................................... Behavior Management System for Beyond the Bell (ElementaryTK-5) ............... Behavior Guidelines for Hang Time (Middle School 6-8) ......................................... Suspension from the Program ..........................................................................................ESS is a Voluntary Use Program ..........................................................................................Terms of Service ..........................................................................................................................Billing Calendar 2024/2025 ...................................................................................................ESS Program Phone Directory .............................................................................................12344444556666778888910101011111111121213131313141515151515161616-17181919202122

Page 3

Welcome to Extended School ServicesOur Vision, Mission, and PromiseOur VisionWe value and find strength in our diversity. Learning is meaningful and relevant,connected with each child's individual needs, ethics, culture, and experiences, and islinked with the world inside and outside of the classroom. We continually strive tocreate an equitable program that meets the needs of our LMSV students, families,staff, and community, leading every student to realize their fullest potential whilerecognizing their uniqueness.Our MissionTo provide the La Mesa-Spring Valley communities with a safe, inclusive, andnurturing expanded learning program for all students. To involve all stakeholders (students, parents and staff) in the continuous programdevelopment and improvement.To provide students with a wide variety of expanded learning opportunitiesdesigned to reinforce and complement the academic school day, including: art,sports and recreation, STEM, and performing arts.Provide programs that include academic assistance to lead students towardacademic achievement. Develop caring, responsible and respectful staff through ongoing professionaldevelopment and education.Build positive and trusting relationships within the school community throughcontinuous collaboration and partnerships.Our PromiseTo our students and families, we promise to provide a foundation of support sothat every student has the opportunity to succeed. We promise to involve familiesand students in the program culture and management and to check-in with youconsistently to ensure we are meeting your family’s needs.To our staff, we promise to share decision-making as we incorporate a team-based approach to create and maintain a culture that promotes student growthand learning. We will observe, encourage, coach, and give support to all staffmembers and provide continued professional development.To our community partners and collaborators, we promise to make everystakeholder feel valued and to serve in our positions with integrity and character.No child will be left behind because of their family background, race, orsocioeconomic status. Welcome to the Extended School Services (ESS) before and after school program. ESSprovides a safe, supervised setting for your child with a wide range of creative,recreational, and educational activities that assist in the social, emotional, creative andphysical development of your child. ESS is a pre-paid, fee-based and self-supportingprogram. It is governed and regulated by the La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools,Department of ESS.1

Page 4

Page 5

Although daily schedules vary slightly from site to site, the following is a typical dailyschedule:Roll Call and AnnouncementsCardio / Aerobic Activity / Health & WellnessNutritious SnackHomework and EnrichmentRecessSocial and Emotional LearningSports and Activity RotationsArts & CraftsExtracurricular Programming (ESSPN, Robotics, Chess, Music, Culinary, etc.)Critical Thinking Skills Reading and Board GamesThere are also a variety of special events that take place throughout the year includingfield trips, specialized camps, carnivals, assemblies, and parent input forums.The ESS Program also offers Academic Competitions that take place throughout theschool year for specific grade levels. These competitions are always exciting and providea stimulating way to enhance academic growth. The competition vary from year to yearand include Math 24, TEDEd, Chess, and Jeopardy.ESS offers a financial literacy program for 5th grade students provided by JuniorAchievement BizTown of San Diego. ESS staff members introduce students to economicsand business. The lessons are followed up by a daylong hands-on experience (field trip)where students apply learned concepts in a life like community.Another way for children to be involved is through our intramural ESSPN Sports League.Students in grades 3rd through 8th are able to participate and learn new skills throughkickball, flag football, and basketball, as well participate in weekly Social Worker leadsocial-emotional learning lessons. Each child must provide proof of health insurance toplay intramural sports. School insurance applications are available from your school officemanager and ESS staff.3Program DescriptionOur program provides childcare year-round from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm at all sites. Wecannot accept children before 6:00 am. We have 21 sites serving over 3,000 studentswith approximately 250 employees. We have been providing the La Mesa-Spring Valleycommunity with quality childcare for almost 50 years.

Page 6

Program LocationIn many cases, ESS is based in the school’s multipurpose room; however, other roomson the school site can be used. Check with the particular school your child attends orthe site phone directory on page 22.Ages AcceptedThe ESS program is open during the school year to students who are enrolled in the LaMesa-Spring Valley Schools, Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through eighth grade.Students attending school in districts other than LMSV may attend during break times.Students entering TK and/or Kindergarten for the first time in the 24/25 school yearmay begin ESS services the week school starts. Our StaffThe ESS staff has been carefully screened by La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools, andfingerprinted for clearance by the State Department of Justice and the Federal Bureauof Investigation (FBI). Potential employees are hired based on a combination ofeducation and experience that demonstrates a strong understanding and sensitivity tothe educational and social needs of school-age children. The staff is responsible forcreating and implementing age-appropriate activities for the children in their care. Eachsite has staff members who are CPR and First Aid certified.Homework ProceduresESS encourages the completion of homework in grades 1st-8th, but the ultimateresponsibility for homework completion lies with the student and his or her parents.The homework rotation at ESS is 45 minutes in length, 4 days a week, Monday throughThursday. Homework rotation in ESS is not a one-on-one tutoring service, but rather aquiet space and separate time of day for students to focus on and work toward theirhomework completion.When homework rotation begins in ESS, staff will ask students if they have homeworkand/or to show the staff their homework folder/planner. If a student states that he/shehas no homework, he/she will be provided with academic enrichment activities or willhave the option to read a book of his/her choice for the duration of the homeworkrotation. Staff will not go through a student's backpack to look for his/her homework.While ESS staff may spot-check answers, the responsibility of reviewing andcorrecting work belongs to the parent/guardian, ESS does not guarantee homeworkcompletion.Nutritious SnacksA nutritious snack is provided to each child every day while in the program. This snackis provided by the Child Nutrition Department. During "non-school" full days, we stilloffer one snack in the pm; therefore, children need to bring nonperishable snacks andlunch for the remaining parts of the day. Peanut disclaimer from our snack providers:“Some of the snacks provided, are manufactured with products containing peanutsand/or peanut containing ingredients, and while our stringent control practices shouldensure that all product residue is removed between runs, it is still remotely possiblethat a small amount of allergen may still be present.”4

Page 7

Registration ProcessThe ESS program uses the online billing and registration system, Eleyo. A registrationfee of $40 for one child and $60 for two or more children will be due upon registration.This fee is non-refundable and will be automatically processed upon approval of yourcontract (except for students identified by the district as homeless, foster, orsocioeconomically disadvantaged).To set up an account and register for the ESS program, go to lmsvschools.ce.eleyo.com.Families must register a contract each academic school year and for every break session.Registrations will be reviewed for approval. Once your registration has been approvedyou will receive an email confirmation. Please allow up to 5 business days forcontract/registration approval.Completed registrations that are submitted by the deadline during the initial registrationprocess will be reviewed for approval. Students will be accepted for participation basedupon the criteria below, up to the capacity of each school site’s program. Once capacityhas been reached, contracts that have not been accepted for participation will be placedon a waitlist, in the same order of priority, and will be accepted as space becomesavailable. Priority will be given to students in the following order:Students who are identified as homeless youth, in foster care, eligible for free orreduced-price meals based upon the results of the Income Eligibility Survey, orEnglish language learners.1.Students identified as needing academic remediation.2.Subsidized childcare assistance eligible (CDA/YMCA).3.La Mesa-Spring Valley School District employees.4.All other district enrolled families on a first come, first served basis. 5.Current participants will not be disenrolled in order to secure the enrollment of a studentwho has priority enrollment.Program CapacitySubmitting a contract for registration does not guarantee participation in the ESSprogram. The demand for ESS services may exceed the program capacity at severalschool sites; therefore, it is important to submit registration within the registrationtimeline. LMSV Families will be notified through the student information system whenregistration will open and close for each academic school year and school break. It isimportant that the school district and ESS have current parent contact information(phone and email). Registration information can also be found on our ESS website.The ESS program has regulated capacity at each school site. If the program at yourschool site is at capacity, your student(s) will be placed on a waiting list. Families will benotified when they are placed on a waiting list and again when space becomesavailable. 5

Page 8

Fees and PaymentsExtended School Services is a pre-paid, fee-based program. The fees are a flat, weeklyrate regardless of how many hours or days a student attends the program. Fees are tobe pre-paid every two weeks. Unpaid balances may be sent to a collection agency. For payment due dates please refer to the billing calendar on page 21 of thishandbook. For the 2024/2025 school year there are financial assistance optionsavailable to students who qualify. Refer to page 8, under financial assistance, of thishandbook.Site Leads and school office staff have been instructed not to accept payments at thesite. Payments must be brought to the ESS department at the LMSV Education Center.Payment options are listed below.Academic School Year FeesTK through 8: During academic year (AM and PM)……………...…………..........TK through 8: For each additional older sibling (AM and PM).……...………. TK through 8: AM only schedule (no sibling discount)…….…..……………....... TK through 8: PM only schedule (no sibling discount)………….……............... Non-Refundable Registration FeesThe annual registration fee is non-refundable and will be automatically processed uponapproval of your ESS contract (with the exception of students identified by the districtas homeless, foster, or socioeconomically disadvantaged)One child…………………………………………………..…….…..…………….................................Two or more children……………………………………………………………...........................Payment OptionsOnline at https://lmsvschools.ce.eleyo.com. VISA, MasterCard, Discover, AmericanExpress, E-Check, or debit cards are accepted. 1.By mail (USPS). Checks or money orders only.2.ESS drop box located on the west side of the LMSV District Office. Checks ormoney orders only.*3.Walk-ins at the District Office or call (619) 644-3800 (Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 4:30 pm). Credit cards, E- Checks, debit cards, checks, money orders andcash (exact change) are accepted. ** If cash is brought into the ESS District Office,payer will receive a written receipt from the ESS department. 4.Do not mail cash or put cash in the ESS drop box.5.What is Auto Pay?Auto Pay lets you pay your ESS bill without having to remember due dates, writechecks, buy stamps, or make special trips to the District Office. Your payment isautomatically charged to your VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express on thepayment due date. We also accept e-checks. You can terminate your Auto Payparticipation at any time.How do I sign up for Auto Pay? It’s simple. You can set up auto pay by logging ontoyour Eleyo profile. Just click on “Setup Auto Payments” to get started.$90.00/week$81.00/week$45.00/week$66.00/week$40.00/annually$60.00/annually6

Page 9

Page 10

Subsidized Childcare AssistanceFinancial assistance is available to those who qualify through San Diego Countyprograms. In order to apply for these programs (YMCA and CDA only) you need to dothe go to the website at www.childcaresandiego.com or call (800) 521-0560. Let themknow you need financial assistance to send your child to the La Mesa-Spring ValleyExtended School Services Program. Tell them you want to be added to the eligibility listfor the Alternative Payment Programs. They will ask you some questions to determine ifyou qualify for financial assistance. If they can help, they will advise you what to do next.ESS has no information regarding the status of your application until you are actuallyapproved.ASES Grant ProgramThe After School Education and Safety Grant (ASES) program is open to TransitionalKindergarten through 8th grade students who qualify and who are enrolled in the LaMesa-Spring Valley School District. This funding comes from the California Departmentof Education (CDE) through the After School Education and Safety (ASES) grant. Theprogram is a 5-day a week program with attendance requirements. The programincludes a nutritious meal, homework support, along with academic and enrichmentopportunities.The ASES program is offered at the ESS programs listed below. Families accepted havetheir fees waived and access the ESS program during the academic school year for free.Please speak with the ESS Site Lead for more information and to apply.Avondale Elementary Bancroft Elementary Casa de Oro Elementary Highlands Elementary Kempton Literacy Academy La Mesa Dale Elementary La Presa Elementary Rancho Elementary Spring Valley Academy STEAM Academy ASES ATTENDANCE AND EARLY RELEASE POLICY In accordance with the California Education Code Section 8483(a)(1)(2)(3), the followingattendance and early release regulations for the After School Education and SafetyProgram (ASES) are required. Also, a periodic review of attendance will be conducted toensure priority enrollment is given to students who attend daily.It is the intent of the California Legislature that elementary school pupils participate inthe full day of the after-school program for the full range of hours every day, theFinancial Assistance8(619) 668-5838(619) 668-5839(619) 668-5840(619) 668-5842(619) 668-5843(619) 668-5844(619) 668-8355(619) 668-5852(619) 668-8374(619) 668-8360

Page 11

parent/guardian must complete and submit for approval a request for early releasespecifying the days and hours the pupil will attend and the reason(s) for requesting earlyrelease. First priority shall go to pupils who are identified by the program as homeless youth, asdefined by the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. Sec11434a), at the time that they apply for enrollment or at any time during the school year,and to pupils who are identified by the program as being in foster care, and to pupilswho are eligible for free or reduced-priced meals. Second priority for enrollment will begiven to students who can attend the full day every day. Non-compliance with theattendance and early release policy may result in disenrollment from the after-schoolprogram.Expanded Learning Opportunities-Program (ELOP)For the 2024/2025 school year, the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P)provides funding for before and after school and summer enrichment programs fortransitional kindergarten (TK) through sixth grade. Once the program requirements aremet for TK-6th grade students, the program can allow access to middle school agedstudents. Families accepted have their fees waived and access the ESS program duringthe academic school year (and some breaks) for free.“Expanded learning” means before school, after school, summer, or intersession learningprograms that focus on developing the academic, social, emotional, and physical needsand interests of pupils through hands-on, engaging learning experiences. Expandedlearning opportunities does not mean an extension of instructional time, but ratheropportunities to engage students in enrichment, play, nutrition, and otherdevelopmentally appropriate activities. Families that qualify will be identified through the registration process and will receivenotification from the ESS department. First priority shall go to pupils who are identifiedby the district as homeless youth, as defined by the federal McKinney-Vento HomelessAssistance Act (42 U.S.C. Sec 11434a), at the time that they apply for enrollment or atany time during the school year, to pupils who are identified by the program as being infoster care, to pupils who are eligible for free or reduced-priced meals, and to pupilsclassified by the district as English language learners.As specified, the ELO Program intent is that students attend the program daily. Twoweeks of vacation (Monday-Friday) from ESS during the academic school year will bepermitted with at least a two-week notice to the ESS accounts department. The twoweeks do not have to be concurrent. If a student has not attended the program for morethan two weeks, they may be dropped from the program. Please refer to the ESSattendance policy on page 12 of this handbook.9

Page 12

ESS BreaksESS During School BreaksFall Break, October 7-18 .................................Thanksgiving Break, November 25-29 .......Winter Break, December 20-31 ....................Winter Break, January 1-6 ..............................Spring Break, April 7-21 ................................. Summer Break, June 23-August 1 ................Break seasons are optional and must be registered for separately. Register for breakseasons through your Eleyo account under “Register a New Contract.” If you try toreserve a spot and the site is full, your child will be placed on a waiting list until a spotbecomes available. If you register after the deadline, you will be charged a $20.00 latefee, if space is available. You may choose to use any or all of the break seasons. If youelect to sign up for any of the break seasons and then discover that you do not need themafter all, you must contact the ESS Billing Department at the District Office and cancel bythe cancelation deadline or you will be responsible for 100% of the fees, whether or notyour child attends. During breaks, sites will be combined. Your program may not be atyour home site. Fall, Spring and Summer Breaks: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (includes field trips and one t-shirtper school year).**TK through 8: During all breaks…………………………………….………….........$150.00/week**TK through 8: For each additional older sibling……………………………..$135.00/week**No AM and PM rates available during the breaks. (Rates are subject to change)Field Trips and AssembliesESS strongly believes that children should have opportunities to visit a variety of placesand participate in activities throughout San Diego County, including assemblies held atdifferent ESS sites. The cost is included in the base program fee during break times.Transportation is provided by school bus. each trip, students will be instructed on safetyprocedures. On walking field trips, students will be instructed on additional safetyprocedures, such as crossing at traffic lights and remaining on the sidewalks. ESS t-shirtsmust be worn on all field trips. One t-shirt per year is provided at no extra charge.Additional t-shirts may be purchased for $10.00 each. Field trips may be canceled orchanged due to inclement weather.10ESS is open October 7-18ESS is closedESS is closed December 20-27ESS is open December 30-31 ESS is open January 2-3 ESS is closed Wednesday, January 1 andMonday, January 6ESS is open April 7-17 & Monday, April 21ESS is closed Friday, April 18ESS is open (closed July 4)

Page 13

Conditions of ServiceParents will be informed in advance of all field trips. Permission slips for each event arerequired. Emergency situations are the only time permission by phone is acceptable. Onfield trip days, care is not provided at the site during the actual time students are on thefield trip. Therefore, parents will need to make alternative arrangements for childcare ifthe child will not be going on the field trip. It is also important to note that a child’sbehavior in the program and on field trips determines the privilege of attending thesespecial trips.Emergency forms and the daily roster will accompany the groups on all field trips. TheESS Site Leadership will always have an accurate field trip schedule, including thenames of students with the parents’ contact information.11Sign In and Out PolicyParents must sign their student in and out of the program daily. Students may leavethe program only with the persons authorized on the registration profile, or in the caseof an emergency, through handwritten notification from the parent/guardian. Expectstaff to ask for proper identification until they become familiar with those authorized topick-up your student. Please update emergency and contact information regularly.Emergency contact information can be managed by signing on to your Eleyo account.Attendance for the after school program will be taken promptly after students arereleased from school.We require that parents walk their children in to the program. Please make sure the staffacknowledges your student’s presence before leaving the program site. Students willnot be released to any authorized pickup that is perceived to be under the influence ofeither alcohol or drugs.Reporting an AbsenceIf you know your student will not be attending our program, please call the ESS SiteLead (see the ESS Directory page 19) to inform staff of your student’s absence. If astudent is absent without parent notification, we will check school attendance recordsand then call the home or parent's place of employment for verification purposes. If yourchild is absent from school for any reason, he/she will not be allowed to attend ESS forthat day.Children Who are Expected, but Don’t Show Up to ESSA child is considered unaccounted for when staff is unable to determine his/herwhereabouts. Every reasonable effort will be made by staff members to search theimmediate building and school grounds. If, after a search, the child’s whereabouts is stillundetermined, a staff member will call the child’s home, the parent’s place of work, andthe emergency contact person(s). If the child is still not located, ESS Supervisors, and/orthe ESS Manager will be contacted. The police will be contacted when all other attemptshave failed. This procedure will be followed in as brief a time as possible.

Page 14

Attendance Policy and Vacation RequestsStudents that are registered for ESS services but do not attend the program for twoconsecutive weeks, account holders will be sent a DROP NOTICE. The drop notice willinform the account holder that services will be terminated in two weeks if the studentdoes not utilize the program before the indicated drop date. Should there be extenuatingcircumstances (i.e., illness, medical concerns, family emergencies, etc.), account holdersmust notify ESS District Office personnel. Notifying the site is not sufficient. Uponreceipt of third drop notice, your ESS contract will be terminated. Should you wish tostart services again, you will have to register another contract and if the program is atcapacity, you will be placed on a waitlist.Two vacation weeks are allowed per academic school year, per student. A two-weeknotice is required before taking vacation time (two weeks allowed per academic schoolyear), dropping from the program, or making a schedule change; otherwise fees remainon the account.ESS is a voluntary use program. ESS is not a drop-in service. Account holders mustprovide a two-week notice prior to any of the following: Changing schedules (AM to PM, PM to AM and PM, etc.) Vacation request (up to two weeks non-participation per school year is permitted atno charge)Withdrawing child from the programIf a two-week notice is not provided, accounts will be charged corresponding feesaccording to the accounts selected schedule. For accounts receiving tuition assistance (i.e. ASES Grant Program, Expanded LearningOpportunities Program/ELOP), attendance requirements do apply and must be adheredto. Attendance will be monitored and for accounts not meeting the attendancerequirements as outlined in the Late Arrival and Early Release Policies may be droppedfrom tuition assistance program. Late Pick-Up PolicyWe understand there are situations that may cause you to be delayed; however, we askthat you be conscientious about being on time. If you know that you will be delayed,please contact the ESS staff. Phone numbers for your school site are listed on page 22.Please arrange for an authorized person to pick up your child prior to closing time.Students who are not picked up by 6:00 pm by you, or a person authorized by you, willbe properly supervised until they are picked up. Upon program closing, the ESS staff willattempt to contact the parent at home or at work. If the staff is unable to speak with theparent by phone, they will contact the authorized person(s) listed on the Eleyoregistration and school student information system. If the authorized person(s) cannotbe reached, the appropriate authorities will be contacted 30 minutes past the program'sclosing time. Students will never be left unattended.12

Page 15

If you are delayed past 6:00 pm, a late fee will be charged. Late fee schedules areposted at your ESS school site and can be found on the ESS website. Fees will be addedto your next invoice and will be due with your next regular tuition fee. This late pick-upfee will be used to help pay staff who must remain after their regular working hours tosupervise your child. Four late pick-up occurrences will result in a suspension of services from the programfor one week. You will be dropped from the ESS Program for the remainder of theschool year on the eighth late pick-up. A 6:30 pm pick-up time or later is an automaticminimum $25.00 fee. Fees will not be charged to families identified as homeless, foster, andsocioeconomically disadvantaged. However, suspensions and drops will be carried outfor all accounts.The time on the ESS signature iPad will be the official time that will be used to loglate pick-ups.Students Dropped off Early or Who Are Not Picked Up After School Families not currently registered in ESS whose children are not picked up after schooland are sent to ESS after the school office closes, will be charged the regular ESSweekly fee on the second occurance. Unregistered children who are dropped off early inthe morning will also be charged the regular ESS weekly fee on the second occurance.Nonpayment will result in the account being referred to a licensed collection agency.Withdrawing from the ESS ProgramA two-week notice is required to voluntarily drop from the ESS Program. You canaccess this through your Eleyo account or you may notify the ESS Billing Department atthe LMSV District Offices. If a two-week notice is not received, a two-week fee will bekept on the account. Non-payment will result in the account being sent to a collectionagency.Custody AgreementsThe parent/guardian must provide both the school and ESS with any court orders thatmight affect the check in/check of a student enrolled in ESS. As court orders are updatedand/or changed, the school and ESS must be given the updated copies. Parents withjoint custody and split payments must both have their account current in order for thestudent(s) to receive ESS services. One parent’s payment is not sufficient for thestudents(s) to attend any portion of the day. It is not the responsibility of ESS to settlepayment disputes between parents.Television and Video PolicyA television is available at all sites. Television viewing is restricted to early morningsand/or after 5:30 pm each evening. During hot and/or rainy weather, this restriction maybe waived at the lead’s discretion. On occasion, ESS will show videos. These videos areage-appropriate. PG movies are only viewed by children whose parents have givenpermission during the registration process for their student to see PG movies. 13

Page 16

Personal Possessions and Cell PhonesESS is not responsible for lost or stolen property. Although children are responsible fortheir own personal belongings, the staff will do everything possible to ensure that itemswill not be lost or stolen. We suggest parents consider the items they allow children tobring to the program to avoid problems that may arise. Student toys and games should be left at home and not brought to school. Unlessspecifically requested by the teacher for show and tell or other classroom activity, toyscan be disruptive to the learning environment and cause jealousy among the otherchildren. It's easy to lose a personal toy in a classroom full of kids. There have also beencases of theft and destruction of personal property. Principals and teachers do not allow toys on their school campuses. The sameexpectation extends to ESS. Students should not bring toys, trading cards, gameconsoles, or sports equipment to ESS. Some examples include, but are not limited to: Pokémon Cards Electronic Games Legos Beyblades Matchbox Cars / Hot Wheels At ESS we sometimes have events or activities that allow students to bring personalitems from home. For example, a teddy bear or stuffed animal for a teddy bear picnic ora Nintendo Switch for a video game day. Should you plan one of these events for yourprograms, you must collect the items the students are bringing in the morning whenthey arrive to ESS (or before they go to class) and keep the item in a safe place until theactivity starts. When the activity concludes, collect the items and return them to thestudents when they go home. According to Education Code 48901.5, students may not use cell phones duringinstructional time. This includes instructional time in Extended School Services beforeand after-hours care. This means that students are allowed to have cell phones oncampus; however, the cell phones must never be visible or used on school grounds,unless an emergency situation occurs.Middle School age students may have designated times throughout the school year,especially during breaks, to use electronics for music and games. Students must have asigned electronics permission slip on file with ESS. Cell phones can be used during thesetimes for music and games only. Music must be appropriate and students must listenwith headphones/ear buds. No social media, texting, or internet usage. If a student violates this rule, the consequences are as follows:1st Violation – Phone taken away and returned to the student at the end of the day.(Parents will be notified.)2nd Violation – Phone taken away and returned to parent upon pick-up.3rd Violation – Phone taken away and returned to parent with a meeting scheduled.14Bouncy Balls Fidget Toys Tennis BallsPlush ToysDolls / Action Figures

Page 17

Emergency ProceduresDisaster PreparednessSchool emergency procedures are practiced on a regular basis. In case of an emergency,those procedures will be followed. In an extreme situation where the building isdetermined unsafe, staff will remove children to safety and immediately contact parentsor emergency contacts. In case of fire, students will evacuate the building throughdesignated doors to assigned holding areas until the signal is given that the emergencyis over. Secure Campus/Lockdown procedures are initiated when there is a potentialoutside threat to the safety of the children and staff. All staff and children remain lockedinside a building until local law enforcement directs us otherwise. Please ask the ESSSite Lead for protocol specific to your child’s school site.Illness or InjuryThere are ESS staff at each site that are certified in CPR and First Aid. If a childexperiences a minor or non-emergency injury, a staff member will inform parents atpick-up time. In case of serious injury or illness, our staff will make every effort tocontact a parent or an authorized person. If a parent is unavailable, the designatedemergency person will be notified. If all designated emergency persons are unavailable,in severe cases, it may be necessary to contact emergency medical services (911) for theadministration of first aid and/or medical treatment that is in the best interest of thechild. The parent is responsible for payment of any emergency medical treatment. If you areinterested in obtaining Student Accident Insurance offered through the School District,contact your school office. These procedures will also be followed on field trips.Student's picked up from school due to illness cannot return to ESS that same afternoon. Medication AdministrationMedication should be given to students at home whenever possible. All studentsreceiving medication at school or ESS require a Medication Authorization and Plan.Prescription and non-prescription medications are permitted at ESS only when acompleted Medication Authorization and Plan is on file. If any of the conditions of theauthorization change, a new form must be completed and signed by the parent andhealthcare provider. These forms may be obtained at the school office from the HealthTechnician. During breaks, when a site is combined with another site, parents musttransport the medication to the host site.Child Abuse Reporting and ConfidentialityThe ESS staff, in compliance with the policies and procedures of the School District, isrequired by law to report known or suspected instances of child abuse to Child WelfareServices. Information shared with the ESS staff by a child or parents remainsconfidential and will be disclosed only for purposes legally permissible or directly relatedto the administration of ESS.15

Page 18

Students with Special NeedsESS provides care for students with special needs as long as their needs can bereasonably and safely accommodated. Before the student attends, there may be ameeting with appropriate staff, which may include the ESS Supervisors, Manager,Administrators, and parents. Discussion at this meeting will center on specifics aboutthe student’s needs and any additional information that parents consider important.Additional meetings may be necessary if the child has difficulty accessing the program,or if staff have difficulty with language, behavior, or physical issues.It is important to understand the ESS program is not part of the student’s instructionalday. ESS is a child care program offering a service to help meet the needs of workingparents. ESS staff will use the above agreed upon strategies to help the studentparticipate in the activities we offer. It may be determined that the ESS setting is not anappropriate placement for the student’s childcare needs.16Student BehaviorBehavior Management Procedures for ElementaryThe goal of the ESS staff is to provide a safe, fun, and educational environment for allparticipants. We expect all children to show respect for one another and for adults. ESShas developed a behavior management system in which the main goals are to ensureeach child’s success in every area that our program has to offer. Our focus is on usingpositive reinforcement to help shape behaviors. We understand that having a fun andexciting program eliminates most unwanted behaviors. Having a behavior managementplan helps our program to be consistent and fair. Please review the purpose andstructure of the ESS behavior management systems below.Purpose:To provide a behavior management system that will reflect each child’s behavior forthe entire day.To provide children with opportunities to reflect upon and restore relationshipsimpacted by past behaviors. To provide a system that is fair and proactive for children, parents, and staff.Rights and Responsibilities The Extended School Services Program implements program and school expectations ina fair and equitable manner. In order for each student to be safe, successful, and to havefun while at ESS, participants are required to abide by all program expectations and tobehave in a responsible manner, which includes self-control and self-discipline. Having set expectations will allow for every student to know what behaviors they are toexhibit in order to succeed in the ESS program.

Page 19

To guide our students and provide a better understanding of behavior expectations,every program participant will start off each school year by signing the ESS Rights &Responsibilities agreement.I have the right to a safe environment. I have a responsibility to follow safety rules.I have the right to be loved and respected.I have the responsibility to show love and respect to others.I have the right to be included whatever my ability.I have the responsibility to respect others for their differences.I have a right to be heard.I have a responsibility to listen to others.I have a right to access books, materials and equipment at ESS.I have a responsibility to take care of the ESS materials and the property of others.A Note Home or Behavior CommunicationA note home is a simple and highly effective behavior management strategy forkindergarten and beyond. The ESS team will send “A Note Home” or a “Glow Note” topraise positive student behaviors. These notes are an excellent alternative to thetraditional color chart. Communication between ESS team members and parents plays a vital role in studentsuccess. If a student is exhibiting recurring inappropriate behaviors while at ESS, theESS team will communicate those behaviors to the student’s parent/guardian.Think Sheets and Conduct ReflectionA great tool for having students reflect on inappropriate behavior is a Think Sheet orConduct Reflection. These sheets are used when a student doesn’t meet expectationsfor appropriate school/ESS behavior and is exhibiting significant inappropriatebehaviors. The student will go to an area away from the group, so they can think andreflect on behaviors before returning to the group.Staff members will not engage in any form of physical or humiliating punishment.Following these initial steps, contact with the parent may be made. If the unacceptablebehaviors persist, the child may be put on a temporary participation agreement. Thisagreement will include a plan involving strategy to be used by the child, staff andparents to help the child be successful. Exclusion from the ESS program follows if theagreement is not effective.** Note: Major behavior infractions may lead to immediate participation agreementand/or exclusion from the program. Determination will be made by the Site Lead andappropriate District Staff.17

Page 20

Behavior Guidelines for Middle SchoolSimilar to elementary schools, the goal at our middle schools is to offer a program thatengages the students and minimizes behavior concerns. To guide our middle schoolstudents and provide a better understanding of behavior expectations, every programparticipant will start off each school year by signing the ESS Code of Ethics (middleschool & academies).Code of EthicsRESPECT: PERSONAL SPACE: APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE: SAFETY: STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY: While all programs offer positive incentives for good behavior, the following are a seriesof consequences in the event students are unable to manage themselves:Verbal Warning – In most instances, each student will be given a verbalwarning/suggestion to correct a behavior.1.Conduct Reflection – This is an opportunity for the student to reflect upon behaviorand write down his/her plan for success.2.Parent Communication – A discussion between the Site Lead, parent, and student toensure a team effort is being made to allow for the child’s success.3.Participation Agreement – The implementation of a plan developed by staff, parent,and child that has a defined period of time. The child is to meet the expectations ofthe contract.4.Exclusion from the Program – This is a set period of time the child is not to attendthe ESS Program.5.La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools policies regarding alcohol, tobacco, and any form ofweapons or drugs will be adhered to completely. Conduct that disrupts the operation ofour programs, interferes with the rights of others, endangers the safety of any person, ordamages property will not be tolerated. These disciplinary measures have beenestablished to ensure each child’s right to a safe, fun and educational environment. 18Respect yourself, others, and all staff.Observe your own, and respect other people'spersonal space and property.Practice using appropriate language and respectfultones when speaking to others.Follow and observe all safety regulations from ESSand the school at all times.Understand and follow daily ESS and schoolexpectations. Be responsible.

Page 21

Suspension from the ESS ProgramIf your child is excluded for one or more days, or if the ESS Lead requests that you pickyour child up early because of inappropriate behavior, fees will not be prorated.If your child is suspended for an entire week, (Monday—Friday) your weekly fees will becredited to your account. If your child is suspended from school or unable to remain inhis/her classroom due to illness or behavior, he/she may not attend ESS that day.19ESS is a Voluntary Use ProgramESS is a voluntary use program and therefore reserves the right to exclude parentstemporarily or permanently for the following reasons:Verbal threats, physical aggression, bullying, inappropriate language, oruncooperative attitude toward staff or other parents.Continuous late pick-up of child.Continuous late payment or nonpayment of tuition or late fees.Inability to support the ESS Behavior Management Procedures.Failure to follow sign-in/out procedures.It is important to understand the ESS program is not part of the child’s instructional day.ESS is a child care program offering a service to help meet the needs of working parentsand to provide students opportunities outside of the school day. Expanded learningprograms are pupil-centered, results-driven, include community partners, andcomplement, but do not replicate, learning activities in the regular school day and schoolyear. The contents of this handbook and/or ESS policies and procedures may bechanged at any time to continue to meet the safety and needs of your child or the needsof the ESS Program.The La Mesa-Spring Valley School District is committed to equal opportunity for allindividuals in education. The District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidationor bullying based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality,ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital or parental status, disability,sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression or association with aperson or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.Complaints alleging unlawful discrimination maybe filed using the District’s UniformComplaint Procedures. (BP 0410 BP 1312.3)

Page 22

20ESS Terms of ServiceESS Terms of Service 2024-2025Please be advised that by enrolling in the Extended School Services (ESS) Program, you areconfirming that you have read, understand, and agree to the following terms of service:There is an annual registration fee of $40 to register one child, and $60 to register two or morechildren. This fee is non-refundable and will be automatically processed upon approval of yourcontract (with the exception of homeless, foster youth and socioeconomically disadvantaged).Fees for paying families is based on a flat rate fee, not actual attendance, and are invoiced on a bi-weekly basis. Payment due dates are every other Monday and must be prepaid one week inadvance. Fees are non-refundable and rates are subject to change. ESS reserves the right to denyservice for non-payment.Payments may not be left at the site or given to the ESS site staff. Only the ESS department at theLa Mesa-Spring Valley district office may accept payments. Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer break programs are optional and require a separate registration. Students will not be allowed to begin ESS services until the registration process has beencompleted and payment has been received by the due date.There is a $10.00 late fee for payments not received by the invoice due date. Late fees are to bepaid with the next scheduled payment. Continuous non-payment is cause for cancellation of ESS services. For accounts not paid by 4:30PM on the Friday before the first day of the service week, children may not be admitted to ESS.For children that come to ESS and the account has not been paid, they may be taken to the schooloffice and parents/guardians will be contacted to pick up the child. Unpaid balances could betransferred to an outside collection agency.When an account is sent to an outside collection agency, a $25.00 fee will be added to youraccount. The account must be cleared up with the collection agency and the ESS departmentbefore resuming ESS services.Checks or e-checks returned by the bank for any reason (i.e. non-sufficient funds, account closed,etc.) must be replaced immediately with a cash, credit card, or money order payment. A $25.00returned check fee will be charged to the account.Picking up a child from ESS any time after 6:00 PM, according to the parent signature iPad, isconsidered a late pick-up and a charge will be assessed to the account. The late pick up fee will bedue on the accounts next payment due date (with the exception of homeless, foster, and/orstudents documented as socioeconomically disadvantaged).ESS is a voluntary use program. ESS is not a drop-in service. Account holders must provide a two-week notice prior to any of the following: Changing schedules (AM to PM, PM to AM and PM, etc.) Vacation request (up to two weeks non-participation per school year is permitted - no charge)Withdrawing child from the programIf a two week notice is not provided, accounts will be charged corresponding fees according to theaccounts selected schedule. Students that are registered for ESS services but do not attend the program for twoconsecutive weeks, account holders will be sent a DROP NOTICE. The drop notice will informthe account holder that services will be terminated in two weeks if the student does not utilize theprogram before the indicated drop date. Should there be extenuating circumstances (i.e., illness,medical concerns, family emergencies, etc.), account holders must notify ESS District Officepersonnel. Notifying the site is not sufficient. Upon receipt of your third drop notice, your serviceswill be cancelled. Should you wish to resume ESS services, you will need to resubmit studentcontracts and may be subject to placement on a waitlist.For accounts receiving tuition assistance (i.e. ASES Grant Program, Expanded LearningOpportunities Program/ELOP), attendance requirements do apply and must be adhered to.Attendance will be monitored and for accounts not meeting the attendance requirements asoutlined in the Late Arrival and Early Release Policies may be dropped from the tuition assistanceprogram and services will be cancelled.

ESS Parent Handbook 24.25

Page 1

Page 2