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2024-2025 Extended Explorer Care Parent Handbook

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PARENTPARENTHANDBOOKHANDBOOKEXTENDED EXPLORER CARE2024-2025

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TABLE OF CONTENTSAbout Us & Our MissionCore Valuesdaily Schedule & RegistrationDrop-Off & Pick-UpCommunication & FeedbackMedical Policy2 week break CampsBehavior Managementstaff TrainingContact UsProgram FeesRefunds, Cancellations & Financial AssistanceDetails - FAQ's

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ABOUT USThe purpose of Washington Township Parks Department is to serve ourcommunity while contributing to the physical, mental and emotional well-being of all of our visitors. Washington Township Parks currently manages andmaintains approximately 275 acres of property with a vast array of recreationopportunities. Our facilities, programming, preserved wooded areas, trails,and open green space provide opportunities for both structured andspontaneous play. The park system has three developed parks: WashingtonTownship Park, Pecar Park (including Pock Woods), and Murphy Park. Withinthese parks, you'll find covered picnic facilities, playgrounds, a nature centerwith an array of animals, sand volleyball, basketball, pickleball, three stockedfishing ponds, an outdoor amphitheater, a splash pad, a three-sectioned dogpark, miles of trails, the historic 1876 Whipple Iron Truss Bridge, and our newestaddition, an outdoor aquatic facility.Washington Township Parks Department provides year-round programmingfor all ages. These programs bring the community together through sharedinterests. In addition to programs, we also offer summer, fall, spring, and winterbreak camps as well as our Extended Care program at Avon Schools. Thesecamps provide educational opportunities through hands-on exploration of ourtreasured natural resources. Our programs offer flexible options forenrollment, affordable childcare, and an extensive array of activities eachday.

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Washington Township Parks Department believes personal and professionalvalues play a fundamental role in a department’s culture. The characteristicsof a successfully driven organization are shared mission and vision, stronginherent core values and culture, ethical practices, and ethical leadership. Tomove forward successfully, and to do so in the best interest of the communitywe serve, we ensure all employees are aware of, accept, and integrate thedepartment’s values into all decisions and behaviors. The core valuesidentified and defined below are intended to clarify how the parksdepartment will conduct its activities to achieve the department’s missionand vision.The inclusion of and respect for avariety of cultures, lifestyles andindividuals with varying abilities.Diversity CreativityBeing imaginative and innovativeso as to possess the ability tocreate rather than imitate.Being with family to enjoy bothquality and quantity of time.Family EfficiencyProducing results in a timelymanner with minimal waste,expense or unnecessary effortA willingness to help others;improving societyHelpfulness AdventureNew and challenging experiences;participation in excitingundertakings or enterprises.OUR CORE VALUES

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AM SCHEDULE - times vary by school6:30-7:30Sign In - Games - Homework7:30-7:45AM Movement7:45-8:30Organized Play (Gym or Playground)8:30-8:45Club Rally Time (Get Excited!)PM SCHEDULE - Times vary by school3:15-3:30Sign In Club Chat (SEL)3:30-4:00Snack/Homework Time4:00-4:30Organized Game4:30-5:15Outside/Gym Time5:15-6:00Club TimeHow To RegisterTo log in or make an account in EZChildTrack please CLICK HERE If you do not have an account with EZChildTrack, please click on thepurple box to create your account. Choose the program you areregistering for and follow prompts to register.If you already made an account on EZChildTrack, then click the green boxfor existing parents. It will prompt you to enter your email address, thencheck your email for a message with a passcode. This is the first step toverify your EZChildTracK account.. If you forget your password please select the “forgot password” buttonand you can reset it.If you are having trouble with registration, please emailWTexplorer@avonfd.orgAfter every registration, change on account, payment, etc. EZChildTrackwill email a notification of what was done on your account.

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Fees for AM & PMMonthRegularPricew/Auto PayDiscountAugust$460$414September$360$324October$260$216November$360$324December$300$270January$360$324February$380$342March$300$270April$360$324May$400$360Fees for AM OR PMMonthRegularPricew/Auto PayDiscountAugust$230$207September$180$162October$130$117November$180$162December$150$135January$180$162February$190$171March$150$135April$180$162May$200$180Explorer Extended Care PricingPlease see our pricing details below. If parents/guardians choose to set upan auto pay account, they will receive a discount. This means that a savedcredit/debit card MUST be kept on file and used for payment. Pricing isbased on the number of days in the month.All Avon teachers and staff will receive a 20% discount on tuition fees. Pleasecontact WTexplorer@avonfd.org to apply discount.10 visit pass - $1205 visit pass - $60 e-learning- $38

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REFUND POLICYCLICK HERE to request a refund.All 5, 10, and drop in visit passes are final sale, no refunds will be given.Passes expire one year from the day they were purchased.When on the EEC monthly plan, if your student misses four or moreconsecutive days of EEC, a refund form may be submitted with adoctor’s note within (14) business days of absence and a credit will beplaced on your EZChildTrack account to be used for future use. Due to the discount that is given for the monthly plans - no refunds willbe given for single days due to being sick or absent.To transfer services in EEC care, please email WTexplorer@avonfd.org All refunds are subject to approval by the Youth Services Coordinatoror Youth Services Director. Late Pick Up Fee Late fees will be assessed to any pick ups after 6:00 PM - the charge is$1.00 for every minute late, per child. Example: one child picked up at6:04 PM equals a late charge of $4. This charge will be automaticallyapplied to your EZChildTrack account. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCEWashington Township Parks (WTP) seeks to provide opportunities forall to participate in the Explorer Extended Care (EEC) program byproviding scholarships to families currently attending the AvonCommunity School Corporation.Please use the link below to learn more and apply for assistance.Click to APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE!Finder's FeeTo ensure the safety and well-being of all students, it is crucial thatparents communicate with EEC staff regarding their child'sattendance. Failure to do so will result in a $5.00 finder's fee, whichmust be paid before the child can attend the program again. Youcan notify staff of your child's status or any transportation changesvia text or voicemail on the staff phone. However, please keep inmind that staff can only check the phone during program hours(6:15-9:00 AM and 3:15-6:00 PM). Leaving a message during off-hoursis fine, and the staff member will see it when they arrive. Keep inmind that searching for a student takes staff members away fromthe program and other students, which can pose a safety issue.Safety is our top priority, and if communication issues persist, itcould result in the suspension or termination of EEC programming.

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Each of the school sites will have the same core program componentswith each school customized to serve the best interests of the studentsand parents/guardians. Our program prioritizes a safe environment forevery student, thus providing parent/guardians a high level of confidencein our team. We also recognize that our program's success is driven bystudent voice and choice; therefore, we place a high level of importanceon listening to student input and acting upon student ideas. Students will have fun and build confidence in our Treehouse Clubs thatoffer fun ways to explore STEAM. After-school clubs can help studentsdevelop confidence, learn teamwork and cooperation, improve theiracademic performance and so much more. It is a fun and meaningful wayfor kids to work with each other in areas they enjoy. A few of our cluboptions will be Art Club, Lego Club, Mixed Sports Club, Card Game Cluband many more options!Curriculum & ActivitiesThe Explorer Extended Care program will provide time for your child(ren) towork on homework while at EEC every morning and afternoon. EEC willprovide supplies to students during the academic assistance portion ofthe afterschool program. EEC will provide alternative activities andoptions to students who do not have homework or have alreadycompleted their homework.Students are responsible for bringing the necessary homework with themto the EEC program. Trips back to the classroom to retrieve work that wasleft behind is not always an option. Students are responsible for knowingwhat homework needs to be completed. Please note that EEC does not offer one-on-one tutoring for participants,but staff are willing to step in and help when needed. Parents andguardians, please check your child’s homework at home to ensurecompletion and accuracy of work. Communicate with your child’s EECClub Supervisor if your homework preference has changed or if you haveany questions or concerns regarding your child’s homework. Academic Assistance TimePlease leave all toys and electronics at home. This includes cell phones,gaming systems, video games, toys, and trading cards. If a phone isneeded for emergencies it MUST be kept in the students backpack at alltimes or it will be confiscated by EEC staff. Electronics & Toys

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Each site will have a lost and found on site. Please ask your ClubSupervisor to check it if your student is missing an item. EEC is notresponsible to lost or stolen items. Students are responsible for keepingtrack of their items. Lost & FoundStudents report to school but school is cancelled: EEC will not run PMprogramming is school is canceled. We will work closely with ACSC staffand personal to ensure all students are sent home by the way of themethod their parent/guardian has indicated. 2 Hour Delay: EEC will also begin 2 hours later in the event of a 2 hourdelay. For example if we regularly begin at 6:30 AM, we will begin at 8:30AM in the event of a 2 hour delay. School is canceled and students do not report to school: In the event ofACSC school closure, EEC will not run AM or PM care. School’s Out Day Camps Delays and Cancellations: The decision to delayor cancel rests with the Youth Services Director. EEC staff will alert familiesof enrolled participants via email in the event of a delay or cancellation.Information can also be found on our park website and social media. Weather PolicyThere is one e-learning day for Avon Schools during the school year. EECwill offer programming for that day at Washington Township ParksPavilion Center. Students will be able to bring their laptop and completedschool work if they choose. If the student does not bring their laptopregular camp programming will be available. EEC staff will not be able toprovide one on one guidance with school work but will be available ifneeded for assistance. Limited spots will be available for these camps,and separate registration will need to be completed.E-Learning Days

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TRANSPORTATION CHANGESIf there is a change in transportation that is not your regular schedule youMUST notify the ACSC front office staff AND also text the site phone to letstaff know that your child(ren) will be attending. Please also text the sitephone to let staff know if your child will not be in attendance if theynormally attend EEC daily. COMMUNICATIONEach site has a site phone that the ClubSupervisor will check daily.Please note that site phones will stay onsite and only be checked during programhours: 6:30-8:30 AM and 3:15-6:00 PM(Monday- Friday).Parents/Guardians will receive a monthlynewsletter via the email on the account.Conformation emails for registration andbilling will be emailed directly fromEZChildTrack.If you need assistance during non-program hours, please email the YouthServices Coordinator atjdespain@avonfd.org. PARENT FEEDBACKFamilies who use our services will receive an email evaluation twice a year(December & May) to help us continue to improve our programming.In addition, we have requested a yearly review by the Avon CommunitySchool Corporation. This will ensure that we continue to provide the bestprogram to the students of ACSC. In true partnership, we encourage ACSCto come to us with any suggestions for improvement at any timethroughout the year. sitephonedoorhoursCedar317-504-3436Door 8 AM - 6:30am-8:25amPM - 2:45pm-6:00pmHickory317-502-0910Door 6AM - 6:30am-9:25amPM - 3:45pm-6:00pmMaple317-502-9661Door15AM - 6:30am-8:25amPM - 2:45pm-6:00pmPine Tree317-504-3783Door 6AM - 6:30am-9:25amPM - 3:45pm-6:00pmRiver Birch317-508-1369Door 7AM - 6:30am-9:25amPM - 3:45pm-6:00pmSycamore317-499-1695Door 6AM - 6:30am-8:25amPM - 2:45pm-6:00pmAISEast/West317-499-3417EastDoor 8NO AM CAREPM - 2:10pm-6:00pm

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Drop off and Pick up ProceduresEach EEC site will have a specific door where the drop off and pick up locationwill be. Please see the door chart on the previous page. Look for our sign aswell.Please make sure that all allowed parties to pick up your child(ren) have beenadded to your account as preferred pick-ups. If there is someone that is NOTallowed to pick your child up please make sure this is provided in yourEzchildcare account. In order to pick up your child(ren), the assigned pick upperson must be 16 years old or above. Staff will have a list on site of unauthorized pickups for your child(ren) safety.Parents/Guardians will be asked to park their vehicle, enter through theassigned door, and sign their child(ren) out on the tablet. Parents/ Guardianswill need to create a four digit PIN number in the EzChildTrack account beforethier child/rens first day. Be prepared to use that number each day. To create a PIN go into your account and on the left hand side , third buttondown you will select, change PIN. Please note that your PIN can’t be the sameas anyone else’s PIN in the system. NOTE: If you are in a hurry please be sure to text the site phone 5-10 minutesbefore you arrive to ensure a quick pick up. DROP OFF & PICK UP POLICY

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BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENTWe expect staff and participants to demonstrate principles of respect,integrity, caring, excellence and responsibility. Students who fail to exhibitthese character traits will be counseled by our staff. All staff will have trainingin how to use positive discipline approaches, to modify behavior includingredirection and removal from activity until more positive choices can bedisplayed. Our goal is to keep parents informed of their student’s choices, both positiveand areas of improvement. Chronic or severe behaviors that requireimprovement to safely participate in our program will be shared through anemailed behavior report and a subsequent phone call, if warranted.Students are required to follow our behavior expectations at all times. Ourprogram is not afflicated with the Avon School Corportation who providesstudents with behavioral staff and resourses to assist students who havespecial behavior issues. The Youth Services Coordinator reserves the right to remove any student fromour program if they are deemed a direct threat to any staff member orparticipant in the program. Any verbal or physical abuse directed at staff members or a student in theprogram by a parent/guardian will result in immediate removal from theprogram.Refunds will not be issued for students who are suspended or expelled due tonot following our havior expectations.In cases where chronic or severe behaviors are identified that requireimprovements to ensure safely and overall participation of the student in ourprogram, we will initiate a behavior report. This report will be shared withparents/guardians through an email from EZChildTrack.Depending on the nature of the behavior and the need for further discussion,a phone call may be warranted following the emailed behavior report. Thisconversation allows for more in-depth understanding of the situation and theconsequences assigned.

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BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENTStudents in the EEC program must be able to:Work collaboratively with counselors and fellow students to establish anatmosphere that is safe and inclusive for everyone.Understand that doing intentional harm or bullying another student,either physically or emotionally is grounds for expulsion.Participate in activites of the program.Remain with program participants and partake in the program activities. Use respectful and appropriate language at all times. Excessive ordeliberate use of profanity will not be tolerated and will result insuspension and or expulsion.Leave their cell phone and other electronic devices at home or in thierbackpack. If electronics are allowed for a specific reason, students mayonly have them out at staff’s request.Be respectful of the EEC and ACSC property and personal space of otherstudents and staff.Students who have possesion of smoking materials, lighters, matches, illegaldrugs, alcohol or weapons of any kind at ECC programming will besuspended and or expelled from the program.The EEC Program has a strict zero tolerance policy for any students who:Are unable to stay with the program participants at all times and be ableto transition from one activity or location to another without needing oneon one assistance. Show physical aggresion of any type toward another student, staffmember, or any individual.In the event that a student engages in these behaviors, parents/guardianswill be called to pick up the student within 30 minutes of being notified. TheYouth Services Coordinator will discuss with the parents/guardians the expulsion details.

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STAFF TRAININGStaff will receive training in the following areas:Redwood Group’s online counselor training videos in association with theAmerican Camp AssociationBehavior ManagementPlayground Safety and Programming at CampBullying PreventionPeer to Peer Sexual Abuse PreventionCPR/First Aid certified through Washington Township Fire Department Positive Behavior Supports: Setting Kids up for Success Training by AprilBarnes - Director of Special Education for KIPP IndyIndiana Department of Child Services- Report Child Abuse and Neglectonline trainingAll EEC sites will have a Club Supervisor and Club Counselors; staff ratiowill be 1 staff member to 15 students. Each staff member is required to passa background check through E-verify and a check through the NationalSex Offender registry.Each employee must pass a drug screen through Hendricks RegionalHealth. Any inconsistencies will be reported to the Park Director, TownshipTrustee, and Avon Community School Corporation.

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Illness/Injury:Whether a participant needs to take medication regularly after-school or needstheir emergency medicine close at hand during the program, our staff have itcovered.We request a parent/guardian to complete a Medication Permission Log(please download below, print, and return to site) which will serve as theparent’s permission to give the medication as well as serve as a log for whenstaff administer the medication.A copy of the medication permission log can also be found on our website. Any medication participants need while enrolled in EEC should be provided inthe original container. Unless the medication is utilized for quick-relief,emergency purposes, the medication will be locked and stored on-site at EEC.Emergency medications will stay with the adults supervising the child forwhom the medication belongs.With the parent’s permission, older children may self-carry emergencymedications. EEC must receive a child’s medication for exclusive use duringthe program.We are unable to access the nurse’s station after school hours.MEDICAL POLICYMedical Needs/Allergies: Staff keep a report on site of all participants with medical concerns andallergies and are diligent in keeping these children safe by monitoring them andall their EEC activities. Please contact the Club Supervisor if your child has any outstanding medicalneeds and/or allergies. We work with each family on a case-by-case basis toensure safe participation.EEC appreciates parents/guardians providing the Club Supervisor any schoolforms related to health (i.e., asthma action plan, seizure action plan, etc.).EEC does not provide over-the-counter (OTC) medication (e.g. Benadryl,Tylenol, etc). Parents/guardians may provide OTC medication for their child’sexclusive use at EEC with a completed Medication Permission Log. If your child is ill, has a fever, constant cough, vomiting or diarrhea within thelast 24 hours please keep your child home. Please do not bring children if theyhave lice, or an injury that will keep them from participating in activities. Ifyour student is absent from school they are not allowed to attend EECprogramming.

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Spring Break CampGrades: K-6Where: Pavilion CenterWhen: 7:00am-6:00pm | Mon-FriActivities: outdoor fun, hiking,playground time, outdoorobstacle course, crafts, boardgames, large group games,science experiments, cookingFall Break CampGrades: K-6Where: Pavilion CenterWhen: 7:00am-6:00pm | Mon-FriActivities: outdoor fun, hiking,playground time, obstacle course,gaga ball, large group games,cooking, crafts, and sportsWinter Break CampGrades: K-6Where: Pavilion CenterWhen: 7:00am-6:00pm | Mon-FriActivities: playing in the snow,sledding, hiking, playing classicboard games, large group games,crafts and science experiments2 WEEK BREAK CAMPSFor over a decade, we have grown our camp services with a focus on campsat an affordable rate to families. We take pride in our program and believethat the camp experience is essential to every child’s growth. We provide aninclusive space where campers can find their place in nature, explore, takerisks, embrace their unique selves, grow relationships with peers, learn newskills, build resilience, and be inspired by positive role models. As parentsourselves, we understand how hard it can be to find a program for your kidsthat is trustworthy, affordable, and a place your kids will love to go.Washington Township accomplishes all three with our camp programs.The Washington Township Parks Department offers several different campsthroughout the year. Below are our current camp options:

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Little Explorers'Preschool Camp Jr. NaturalistCamp Murphy AquaticSwim CampExplorerSummer CampSUMMER BREAK CAMPSLittle Explorers' Preschool CampAges: 3-5Where: Lower Park of Washington Township atthe BlueJay Shelter near the splash pad.When: 9:00 - 12:00 | Mon & Wed / Tues. & Thurs.Activities: organized games, story time, art,and nature exploration Master Jr. Naturalist Camp Ages: 9-12Where: Pecar Nature Center When: 9:00-3:00pmJune 10th-14thJune 24th-28thJuly 9th & 11th (volunteer days for Master Jr. Naturalist Certification, price included in weekly camp feeExplorer Summer CampGrades: K-3 & 4-6Where: Washington Township ParkWhen: 7:00am-6:00pm | Mon-FriDaily and Weekly Rates AvailableActivities: Ten themed weeks with activitiessuch as sports, health and wellness, crafts,nature, science and large group.Explorer Swim CampGrades: 2nd-6thWhere: Murphy Aquatic ParkWhen: 1:00-4:00pm | Mon.-Thurs.Activities: Explore our new water park.Children will be supervised by ourcounselors while having fun in the sun!Visit our camp website

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5203 East CR 150 N.Avon, IN 46123Nature center, campgrounds,and Pock Woods-753 South CR 625 E.Avon, IN 46123Outdoor aquatic facility andinclusive focused playground-115 South CR 575 EastAvon, IN 46123Trails, play features, splash pad,and event venues-Follow uson FacebookCONTACT USYouth Services Director: Melissa Brockmbrock@wtparks.org317-745-0785 Youth Services coordinator: Jennifer Despainjdespain@wtparks.org317-745-0785 ext. 421washingtontwpparks.org/explorer-extended-caresubscribe to ourPark eNewsletterRegister yourchild for EEC