Page 5 - Homeschool Program Parent Handbook

Belongings
What to bring each week: Water bottle labeled with child’s name and a smile!
What not to bring each week: Electronic devices (cell phone, tablet, etc.), toys, stuffed animals and the like unless pre-approved by a Director. The YMCA is not responsible for lost, stolen or broken items
SWIM DAY
We will offer Swim Days during the year in which all participants will have the opportunity to swim. Each child under the age of 12 is required to take a swim test. Those who pass the swim test are permitted to swim in the large pool. Those who do not pass the swim test will enjoy their time in the splash pad. For those who do not wish to swim, we will have poolside activities they can do, such as chalk or coloring. What to bring:
• Arrive with swimsuit under clothing and sunscreen already applied
• Bring a towel and water bottle
• Goggles\swimmaskpermitted
TOWER DAY (Bob Sierra Location Only)
We will offer Tower Days during the year, most likely one in the fall and one in the spring. The minimum age requirement for climbing the tower is 8 years old. Participants will learn about safety and teamwork as our staff assists in their climb while being cheered
on by their friends! It is a wonderful team-building event! What to bring:
• Arrive with long hair tied back, sunscreen and bug repellant already applied
• Sneakers are required to climb
• Bring a water bottle
• Sunglassesand\orhatpermitted
Behavior
A very important aspect of our program is giving children the opportunity to learn how to get along in the world, enjoy being with other children and follow the direction of an adult other than their parent. We instruct our staff to set limits, help
children understand rules and give clear definitions of acceptable and unacceptable behavior at the start of every program.
A caring and positive approach will be taken regarding behavior management and discipline. Our goal is to help the children develop self-control and responsibility for their actions.
Our behavior management procedures will consist of the following strategic steps in order if the behavior continues:
Encouraging children to use their words to express feelings and frustrations.
Redirecting children to a positive appropriate behavior.
The child will have the opportunity to reflect on their feelings by completing a Think Sheet as a way to work through their issue.
Staff will complete an Incident Report/parent communication form to be discussed with the parent and signed at pick up.
The YMCA has a zero tolerance policy for hitting, fighting, bullying, verbal threats, destruction of YMCA property and elopement (leaving your group) during our program. YMCA staff will contact parent\ guardian for immediate pick up if these behaviors are exhibite and potential of expulsion from program.
TAMPAMETROPOLITANAREAYMCA|HOMESCHOOLPARENTHANDBOOK
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