Children and Youth Handbook

DEAR PARENTS and GUARDIANS:

It is our pleasure to welcome your child(ren) to The Center for Health Improvement. The Center children/youth programs offer a safe and inviting environment led by highly qualified staff who will ensure that your child(ren) will have a positive experience.

Our commitment to your child(ren) is to encourage their individual growth and learning through safe and enjoyable physical activity programs. Being active is an important part of your child’s life and has a tremendous impact on physical, mental, and emotional development. Our programs ensure that all children are receiving the opportunity, regardless of their athletic skill, to participate in lifetime physical activity.

Please read over our Parent’s Handbook for additional information. This handbook is a guide for all aspects of our facility and programs. We look forward to serving you and your child(ren) and making this an experience to remember!

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to give us a call at (785) 623-5900.

 

Sincerely, 

The Center Staff

The Center for Health Improvement Mission:

To Help People Get Well Sooner and Stay Well Longer

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday – Thursday: 5:00am to 10:00pm

Friday: 5:00am to 8:00pm

Saturday: 6am to 6pm

Sunday: 10am to 5pm

Phone Number 785-623-5900

Children/Youth Program Goals:

The Center for Health Improvement is committed to providing high-quality and developmentally appropriate programs for children/youth:

• Provide activities in a safe, caring and healthy environment.
• Provide opportunities for children/youth to experience success and failure

with healthy competition, enjoyment, fair play and teamwork.

• Encourage children/youth to develop and sustain a positive self-image.
• Promote children/youth’s physical development and skills through

movement experiences that will contribute to an active lifestyle.

• Provide children with positive social experiences and role models.

Children/Youth Program Objectives:

• 95% of participants will show a 10% improvement on physical activity tests from beginning to end of semester
• 95% of participants will enjoy the program they are participating in and the parents see positive changes in their child(ren). 

STAFFING

Programs are overseen by the Program Director that will plan, implement, and oversee the day to day activities of that particular program. All staff has previous experience working with children/youth and attends regularly scheduled training sessions. All staff are CPR/AED certified and are efficient in emergency procedures/drills. All staff and volunteers are thoroughly screened and evaluated on a regular basis to ensure continued high performance.

 

Child/Youth Program                                        Program Contact #:

PlayCenter                                                        785-623-6309

Athletic Edge                                                      785- 623-6369

Swimming Lessons                                               785-623-6324

Personal Training/Other Select Programs                          785-623-5900

CHILD-to-STAFF RATIOS

All children to staff ratios may vary according to age and location of activity with each program. We maintain a staff-child ratio of at most 1/14 is maintained to assure individual attention and proper supervision (pending on type of program).

LOCKER ROOMS/RESTROOMS

Men’s, Women’s and Family locker room facilities are provided for member use. All children under the age of 13 must use the FAMILY LOCKER ROOMS with a parent/guardian. Public and private groups should maintain an adult supervision ratio of 1:3 for ages 5 and under and a ratio of 1:12 for ages 6 and older, for adequate supervision of children while in the Center. 

POOLS

• Children 16 and under are not permitted in the whirlpool or therapy pool at anytime

except for Center sponsored events that permit such use (i.e. swim lessons).

• All swimmers must shower before entering the pool.
• No running on the pool deck.
• No pushing, dunking, “chicken fights,” or horseplay.
• No band-aids, bandages, or open wounds in the pool.
• No food, beverages, or gum in the pool area.
• No diving, unless in specified areas.
• Children under 4 feet tall must have an adult in the water with them.
• Children (toddlers) must wear a swim diaper.
• No street clothes in the water.
• No hanging on ropes or lane markers.
• Lifeguard has full authority over the pool and its activities.
• In the event of inclement weather, the Aquatics Manager or the Manager on

Duty has ultimate authority over pool closing decisions.

FEES

Fees vary depending on the program and how many children are being enrolled. Enrollment limits vary depending on program and is addressed on the registration forms

Payment Policy:            Two payment options available:

1. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT- members only) from a

checking account or credit card account. Your account will be drafted on the 5^th of every month. Drafts not honored by the bank or credit card company for any reason will be assessed a $30.00 service charge in addition to any bank service fees; or

2. Non-members or members can pay by check or credit card for program fees.

 TAX INFORMATION

The federal identification number for The Center’s Program is #48-0559088. This number is needed should you decide to claim the cost for tax deductions.

ATTIRE (dress code)

All participants will be expected to wear appropriate attire when using The Center and its programs. Closed toe supportive footwear and shirts are required at all times in all areas outside the locker rooms and pool areas. Participants who wear any attire that is thought inappropriate by the Program Director will be asked to change.

SNACK/FOOD (guidelines)

A nutritional snack may be served with certain programs pending on the time of day.

BUS TRANSPORTATION (regulations)

Busing from school to Center activities is provided by USD 489 (pending activity).

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

The Center strives to provide a welcoming, safe, supportive and enjoyable environment for program participants. We believe that all individuals have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to promoting positive participation to ensure a successful and fun experience for all.

Behavioral expectations for all program participants include:

* Respect staff and participants

* Respect property

* Follow directions

* Stay within program boundaries

* Make new friends and try new activities

Unacceptable behavior and actions include:

* Intentional verbal abuse; teasing/taunting, harassment and/or

profane language

* Hitting a person – fighting, pushing, shoving

* Intentional damage to property

* Possession of instruments either construed as a weapon or known as a

weapon (knives, blunt objects, sticks, etc.)

* Inappropriate touching

* Any action which exposes participants or staff to danger

* Consistent disregard of program procedures (i.e. not following directions)

DISCIPLINE PLAN

Disciplines may vary according to the age of participants in the programs. The philosophy of discipline is based on respect for the child’s self-esteem, setting reasonable limits and consequences, and encouraging increased self-discipline. Only constructive methods of discipline will be used to promote good behavior. The staff will work with the child and cooperate with parents to resolve any problems that may arise.

When inappropriate behaviors occur, we will:

• Redirect behavior
• Discuss the problem with the child to determine causes and help the child to find ways to resolve it
• Assign special tasks and responsibilities that will help to build their self-esteem

At times it may be necessary to:

• Separate a child from the group (with supervision) allowing him/her to think about the situation. The child may rejoin the group when he/she is prepared to cooperate with others
• Age appropriate programs will give a “time-out” from play periods, free time, or group activities

A misbehaving child will be given a “time-out” period, in order for him/her to calm down and think about their actions. If a second “time-out” is given to the child in a single day, a discussion will be scheduled with the parent or caregiver about the misbehavior.

Children will be given strikes for any form of disrespect to anyone or anything. When a child accumulates three strikes they will not be allowed back into the program for three regular days. We have found that the three strike rule holds the children responsible for their own actions. A child may be dismissed with no notice for the physical attack of another person.

If a child’s behavior consistently disrupts the flow of the program, physically or emotionally harms others, or otherwise conflicts with the program rules and guidelines, a conference with the parents will be scheduled. In the event that the problem persists after all reasonable attempts have been made, the child may be dismissed from the program with one day’s notice. Remember that we are here to provide a most pleasant, enjoyable experience for all, so don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns or suggestions that will help to achieve this goal.

Harassment

What is harassment? Harassment is verbal or physical conduct of an offensive nature.

It could be student-to-student, staff-to-student, student-to-staff, or staff-to-staff.

Harassment could be perceived as intimidating, hostile or offensive. It could also be

directed toward someone because of his or her gender.

Examples of harassment include but are not limited to:

– verbal “kidding”;

– suggestive remarks, gestures, or jokes;

– remarks about one’s appearance;

– defaming the reputation of an individual through verbal rumors, written notes

or graffiti;

– displaying offensive illustrations;

– intimidating behavior; and

– pulling at clothing.

Harassment will not be tolerated at The Center for Health Improvement. Regardless of whether they are reported or not, harassment problems have negative consequences in the workplace and classroom and can seriously affect the safety, health, and self-esteem of the individual.

DROP-OFF / PICK-UP (FEES)

No child will be released to any person other than the child/youth’s parent, guardian, or person designated by the parent (whose name may appear on the Emergency Contact & Medical form). The person picking up the child must sign-out to release the child(ren). Children/Youth will not be allowed to leave on their own unless they are of legal age to drive or if indicated on the form. If someone other than an authorized person is to pick up your child(ren), notify the CHI staff in writing or by phone. All children must be picked up by the end of their program. Additional fees will apply to late pick-up. We are allowing a five minute grace period. If a child(ren) is not picked up 10 minutes after the end of a program an additional fee of $1 per minute or a maximum of $15 will be initiated. Drop-off / Pick-up procedures may vary according to the age of participants in the programs.

HEALTH – ABSENT / SICK / INJURED / CANCELLATION

The health and safety of each child is our primary concern. A medical history of your child will be kept on file in case of emergencies.

The following are program guidelines to ensure proper health and safety of each child:

• All activities will be based on the level of each participant’s readiness for the activity based on age, skill, and physical condition.
• Parents will be contacted for pick up immediately for any of the following: contagious illness, vomiting, diarrhea, fever over 100°F, or an accident requiring immediate medical attention.

****The CHI staff cannot administer any medications! Youth may administer

their own inhalers, etc.

If your child will not be attending the program due to illness, doctor’s appointment, etc., please contact CHI at 785-623-5900 or the program contact number. Each child in a CHI Program must be accounted for each day.

There are two forms that we must have on file before your child begins attending a program at The Center. Those include:

• Emergency Contact and Medical Information Form
• A Waiver and Release of Liability Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement

Any changes to any of the above records need to be reported immediately!

PERSONAL ITEMS

Space will be provided for your child(ren’s) coat and other belongings. Parents are advised not to have their child(ren) bring valuables to the program. If you do, it is at your own risk. All items and belongings should be labeled with the child’s name. Any personal property that remains after the daily session will be put into a lost and found box. Although CHI attempts to help children stay organized we are not responsible or liable for items damaged, lost or stolen.

Clean up is part of all our programs. Consistency, cooperation and your support are needed in the clean up. When picking up your child, please urge them to clean up, put things away, and return toys, supplies, and equipment before leaving.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES (inside/outside)

Parents of all children in a child/youth program are required to sign a Emergency Contact and Medical Information form giving The Center permission to seek medical attention for the child in case of an emergency. In case of an accident, the following procedure will be used:

• A member of the staff will carry out immediate first aid for minor accidents
• In case of serious accidents, a member of the staff will notify the parents
• In case the parent or designated person cannot be reached, the program director will have the authority to call the designated physician and/or call the local emergency unit for treatment and/or accompany the child to the hospital and stay until the parent or guardian arrives 

• An incident report shall be made the day of the accident and remain on file at CHI for one year

WEATHER/OUTDOOR POLICY

We will only be outside for activities during appropriate weather conditions and will refer to the heat and wind chill index charts below when making those decisions.

Programs will not operate when the Hays School District (USD 489) closes for bad weather. Parents can listen to KAYS 1400 AM, KJLS-MIX 103.3 FM, or go to www.hayspost.com for listings of area school closings.

TORNADO POLICY

In the event of a Tornado Watch/Warning issue by the National Weather Service we will take all necessary precautions/preparations in accordance with our Tornado Safety Policy.

OPEN DOOR POLICY

Parents are ALWAYS welcome! We ask that if you can participate in any way that you would let us know. Any parent or guardian of a child(ren) enrolled in one of our Center child/youth programs is permitted unlimited access to the program during our hours of operation for the purpose of contacting their children, evaluating the care provided by the program, or evaluating the premises. Please notify the staff when entering for these purposes. Any parent who is in need of assistance concerning problems, complaints, or ideas related to the CHI Programs may contact the program director between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Please feel free to visit with us any time about your child(ren’s) needs and progress.