2013 Summer Family Handbook - Community Services ...

Community Services
FAMILY
HANDBOOK
Summer 2013
www.kidssafari.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome……………………………………………………….page 1
Enrollment……………………………………………………..….2-3
Contracts, Enrollment Options, Summer Spectrum & Summer School
Financial Policies………………………………………………….3-4
Fees, Payments, Fee Assistance, Late Payments, Receipts,
NSF Checks, Vacation Credit, Withdrawal
Attendance Policies………………………………………...……..4-5
Absences, Late Arrival/Early Departure, Late Pick-Up,
Sign In & Out, Authorizations
Medical Information & Policies …………………………….…..5-6
Special Health Conditions, Special Needs, Medications,
Illness & Injuries, Child Abuse or Neglect, Accident Reports,
Energy Plan
Program Information……………………….……………………7-8
What to Bring, Kids’ SAFARI T-shirts, Parent Information,
Field Trips, Toys, Lost & Found, Weekly Activities,
Behavior Management
Directory…………………………………………………………...9
Administrative Office and Site Locations

Welcome to Camp SAFARI!
(Safe, Age-appropriate, Fun, Adventures in
Recreation and Imagination)
Bloomington Community Service’s Youth and Family Department would like to welcome your family to our
program. We’re pleased that you’ve chosen to spend your summer with us! We have been working hard to
ensure that your child has a safe and enjoyable summer. In this handbook you will find important information
about how our program operates. Please read it through carefully. If you have any other questions, please feel
free to contact us.
This family handbook outlines what you may expect from Kids’ SAFARI and what our program expects from
you in return. We hope your family’s experience with us will be an enriching and positive one. Please know that
Kids’ SAFARI reserves the right to amend its policies and procedures at any time.
Students eligible for enrollment
Camp SAFARI accepts youth entering Kindergarten through entering 6 th grade (Fall 2013).
Registration Fee (non-refundable):
New: $30
Returning: $20
Family Maximum: $60
Enrollment Options/Rates:
Full Schedule: $34/day
Pick Your Days: $38/day
Drop-In: $42/day
Summer Spectrum Care:
Students attending Summer Spectrum classes may only attend Camp SAFARI at Oak Grove Elementary. Bus
transportation will not be available back to other Camp SAFARI sites.
Summer School Care:
Students attending Summer School may only attend Camp SAFARI at Oak Grove Elementary. Bus
transportation will not be available back to other Camp SAFARI sites.
Extended School Year (ESY):
Students attending ESY may only attend Camp SAFARI at Oak Grove Elementary.
Bus transportation will be provided from Oak Grove Elementary to the ESY site and back to Oak Grove
Elementary. Bus transportation will not be available to any other Camp SAFARI sites. During the days/weeks
ESY is not in session, students will attend Camp SAFARI at Olson Middle or Valley View Middle.
Enrollment Dates:
Registration starts March 18, 2013. Registration is available on a first come, first served basis. Registrations
must be received by Friday, May 10 to guarantee space. Due to space limitations, sites may close earlier and
families may not get their first choice of site.
After May 10 th please check the website for registration options.
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ENROLLMENT
A minimum of three business days is required to process enrollments. Registration is available online at
www.kidssafari.org. If you do not have access to a computer, please go to the Community Services office for
assistance. In order for registration to be complete, we require the following:
Completed online account/contract, agreement to terms, and Family Emergency Information
$30 (new students) or $20 (renewal) non-refundable registration fee
A valid and frequently checked e-mail address
Once a contract is approved, all policies are in effect. Kids’ SAFARI reserves the right to delay enrollment due
to the need to increase staffing or to gather additional information about the student. Kids’ SAFARI also
reserves the right to deny or limit service due to non-payment of current or previous Kids’ SAFARI charges.
Enrollment Options
All rates are per child per day
Full Schedule: Consistent Weekly Schedule (may be 1-5 days) $34/day
Permanent schedule changes (representing a new consistent pattern of attendance) require a one-week
written notice to the Administrative Office and a $10.00 per child revised contract fee.
Vacation credit is available with a one-week written notice to the Administrative Office, once per
summer, equivalent to the child’s weekly schedule. Credit cannot be spread out between multiple weeks.
If space is available, drop-in days may be added at the drop-in rate.
Monthly invoices will be emailed on May 24, June 25 and July 25. Payments may be made in two equal
installments, due on the 5 th and the 20 th of each month.
Pick Your Days: $38/day
Pick Your Days for the entire summer. Once contract request is approved any days needed in
addition to initial request will have to be added as drop-ins at the drop-in rate.
Scheduled days may be cancelled for 50% credit by May 9, 2013.
Credit is not available for non-attendance.
No switching of days is permitted.
Vacation credit does not apply to Pick Your Day contracts.
If space is available, drop-in days may be requested at the drop-in rate.
Invoices are generated monthly from the Pick Your Days contract and sent via email on May 24, June
25 and July 25.
Drop-In: Space available only - $42/day
Parents must make an advance request on their online account for the date of care. Once the request is
approved, the parent will receive a notice of approval via email and the drop-in will be appear on your
next invoice at $42/day. Children may not attend until the request is approved online.
No switching or cancelling of days is permitted and no vacation credit is available. Credit is not
available for non-attendance.
Requests are on a first come, first served basis and we cannot guarantee that space will always be
available. Invoices are sent monthly via email.
Please contact the site if you have any questions about your drop-in approval.
2

Summer Spectrum
Summer Spectrum is a collaborative program of Community Services, the City of Bloomington’s Parks and
Recreation Division and the Bloomington Theatre and Art Center. Weekly classes will take place at Oak Grove
Elementary. Students must be enrolled in and attending a Summer Spectrum class and may only attend Camp
SAFARI at Oak Grove Elementary. Summer Spectrum care will operate from 6:30am to the start of Spectrum
classes and from the end of Spectrum classes to 6:00pm. When registering online for Camp SAFARI, please
answer question number five listing your weeks at Summer Spectrum.
Summer School
Summer School will take place at Oak Grove Middle School from 7:30am – 11:45am from July 8 – August 2.
Students enrolled in Camp SAFARI and Summer School may only attend Camp SAFARI at Oak Grove
Elementary during those weeks (no busing is available back to other sites). Please answer question number
five when registering online for Camp SAFARI.
Financial Policies
Program Fees
Charges are generated from the parent agreed and approved online contract. Payment is due in advance of
service. Full payment is due whether or not your child is in attendance. No refunds or deductions are made for
absences, including illness. Invoices will be sent via email on May 24, June 25 and July 25.
Payments
***Payments are not accepted at Camp SAFARI sites***
Check or Money Order: Make payable to ISD #271 and either mail or bring to our Administrative Office.
Credit Card (Discover, VISA and MasterCard): Families may sign up for monthly automatic payments via the
online account. The automatic payment will be charged on the 5 th of the month.
Cash: If you wish to pay in cash, please deliver to our Administrative Office so that we can provide you with a
receipt. Exact amount only; no change is available.
Fee Assistance
Kids’ SAFARI has a current contract with Hennepin County, which enables families who need childcare
assistance in Hennepin County. Please call Hennepin County at 612.348.5937 for more information. Parents
are responsible for reading and understanding all Hennepin County guidelines and procedures.
Late Payments
Kids’ SAFARI is a non-profit, self-supporting organization and needs your prompt payment to meet expenses.
There is a $10 late fee for installments received after each due date (5 th and 20 th ). The total late fee per month is
$20. Late fees apply to any unpaid balance. Kids’ SAFARI reserves the right to discontinue or limit service due
to failure to meet payment obligations as defined by the contract. Accounts in default are placed with a
collection agency. Clients with defaulted accounts incur all costs relative to collection, including legal fees.
Families who have been in collection with ISD #271 will be required to use a credit card for their Kids’
SAFARI account.
Receipts
Families can manage their own accounts online at any time. This includes printing any necessary receipts. For
assistance, please contact KidsSafari@bloomington.k12.mn.us or 952-681-6128.
3

NSF Checks
Bloomington Public Schools uses PayTek to electronically recover any insufficient fund checks returned to the
school district along with a $30 state allowed fee. If repayment is not made within 5 business days of
notification, Kids’ SAFARI services may be suspended. To reach PayTek directly, please call customer service
at 1.800.641.9998. Families will be required to go to credit card payment if they have previously given ISD
#271 an NSF check, for any future transactions.
Vacation Credit (applies to Full Schedule only)
Vacation credit is available with a one-week written notice to the Administrative Office, once per summer,
equivalent to the child’s Full Schedule. Credit cannot be spread out between multiple weeks. Children may not
attend the program during the requested time off. If a child arrives, you will be charged at the drop-in rate and
the vacation credit will be voided. Please call 952-681-6128 or email KidsSafari@bloomington.k12.mn.us for
more information.
Withdrawal from the Program
Withdrawal from the Kids’ SAFARI program requires:
1. A one-week written notice to the Administrative Office.
AND
2. Cancellation of your online contract. The weekly program fee will be charged for the one week following the
date in which the Billing Department receives written notice. Payment in full is due upon withdrawal.
Please call 952.681.6128 or email kidssafari@bloomington.k12.mn.us with questions.
Attendance Policies
Absences
If your child will not be attending on a regularly scheduled day, please call their Camp SAFARI site by 9:00am.
Credit is not available for any absence.
Late Arrival/Early Departure
A late arrival is anytime after 9:00am, and early departure is anytime before 3:00pm. Please notify your site in
advance if your child will arrive late or depart early. On field trip days you must notify the site before 9:00am to
avoid a $5.00 finders fee.
Late Pick-up Procedures
Camp SAFARI ends promptly at 6:00pm.
Our procedures are as follows:
1. A late fee of $1.00 per minute per child will be assessed
beginning at 6:00pm (according to the iPad clock).
2. If we have not heard from a parent/guardian by 6:15pm the emergency
contacts will be called.
3. If we have not heard from a parent/guardian by 7:00pm and the emergency contacts cannot be reached
we will notify the Bloomington Police Department.
It is understood that conditions beyond one’s control exist (i.e. inclement weather). If these conditions arise you
must notify the site as soon as possible and make arrangements for someone else to pick up your child.
Continued late pick up will result in termination of your contract.
4

Sign In & Out
A parent/guardian must sign your child in every morning and out every afternoon. You will sign via an
electronic system which automatically time stamps your signature. Failure to comply may result in termination
of your contract.
Authorizations
When you register your child for Kids’ SAFARI, please name all persons authorized to pick up your child and
anyone who is not allowed to pick up your child. In order for us to legally stop a non-custodial parent from
taking a child, a copy of the current court order must be on file with the Kids’ SAFARI site. Staff cannot
physically stop a parent from taking a child at any time.
You must inform the staff in advance, preferably in writing, if someone other than a parent/guardian is to pick
up your child. We ask that you remind the authorized person that we will ask for picture identification if we do
not already know him or her. We will accept your child’s verification regarding identification, if needed.
Medical Information and Policies
Special Health Conditions
It is the parents’/guardians’ responsibility to inform Camp SAFARI upon enrollment (question number four) or
at appropriate times of any special health conditions and/or needs such as asthma, severe allergies, diabetes,
seizures, heart conditions, disabilities, etc. so that we can provide for appropriate care. Please notify staff if your
child is on any medication that might cause any side effects. Parents/guardians are welcome to review snack
choices for allergy concerns and are free to send an alternative snack from home for their child.
Special Needs
If your child needs a special accommodation, please indicate this in the Special Needs section when registering
your child. Please also answer question number four. If you would like to discuss a special accommodation
please call our Inclusion Liaison at 952.681.6105. We will do our best to accommodate these requests.
Medications
We are not permitted by law to give any medication, including over the counter medication, without a doctor’s
order. Camp SAFARI staff can administer medication if all of the following conditions are met:
1. A medical permission form signed by the parent/guardian and doctor. Forms are available upon request,
or a doctor’s permission may be faxed to the site.
2. Medicine is brought in the original container. Your child’s name, directions and dosage must be clearly
marked. Ask your pharmacist to divide the medication between two bottles: one for home and one for
Camp SAFARI.
3. Staff are informed of any possible side effects. Answer question number four when registering via
online.
Illness
Children who are ill are not to be brought to Camp SAFARI. Please keep your child home if they have any of
the following symptoms: fever of 100 degrees or higher, diarrhea or vomiting within the last 24 hours, an
undiagnosed rash, inflamed eyes, severe cold or sore throat.
A student may return to Camp SAFARI after:
1. Temperature is normal for 24 hours.
2. 24 hours after the last occurrence of vomiting and/or diarrhea.
3. 24 hours of treatment.
5

If a child becomes ill at Camp SAFARI we will isolate the child with proper supervision, and notify the
parent/guardian listed on the student’s account to immediately pick up your child. If you cannot be reached, the
staff will contact the emergency contacts listed on your child’s account.
If your child develops a communicable disease such as chicken pox, head lice or strep throat, contact the Camp
SAFARI site immediately.
Injuries
Camp SAFARI makes every effort to maintain a safe environment. Staff are trained in First Aid and CPR. If
your child becomes injured at Camp SAFARI, the staff member’s first duty is to provide first aid; second to
notify parents/guardians. Emergency information must be completed online when registering for Camp
SAFARI. Please keep this information updated and current.
Accident Reports
If a student is involved in a minor injury that requires first aid, you will be notified when you pick up your
child.
If a student is involved in a serious injury, which may include medical attention, the staff will call the
parent/guardian immediately to arrange an immediate pick up and visit to the doctor.
If a student is involved in an emergency situation, the staff will call 911 and then contact a parent/guardian.
After 911 is called, it is up to the medical emergency team to decide what action will be taken. If a student
needs to be transported, the emergency medical service will transport him or her to a medical facility as
designated by emergency services. A parent/guardian or alternate listed on the child’s account will be contacted
as soon as possible. The parent/guardian will be responsible for all medical charges.
Child Abuse or Neglect
We are required by law as mandated reporters to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.
Energy Plan
Camp SAFARI works in partnership with the building and district custodial staff to provide a safe and healthy
environment for your children throughout the summer. On days in which energy curtailment is necessary and
restrictions on usage are in effect, our staff will use creative measures to achieve the most possible level of
comfort inside the building. Our priority during these times is to maintain a safe environment for your children
and closely monitor their health. Please be advised that our efforts to maintain comfortable temperature inside
the entire building are limited during periods of energy curtailment.
6

Program Information
Each day, children should bring:
Please label all of your children’s belongings.
Lunch: children should bring their own lunch with a beverage from home. We are not able to provide
access to a microwave or refrigerator. A water bottle is recommended daily.
Tennis Shoes: Children should wear tennis shoes daily for playing in the gym and outside.
Sunscreen: A sunscreen with SPF of 30 or greater is required anytime your child is outside. Please send
a bottle of sunscreen and label it with your child’s name. If your child does not have sunscreen, staff
may have extra, but may not help children apply it. Insect repellent is optional. Lotion only, please (no
spray).
Plastic Bin/Tote
Please label and send a small storage container for your child’s personal belongings. An extra set of clothing for
younger students is recommended.
Kids’ SAFARI T-Shirt
Each child is given a Kids’ SAFARI t-shirt on their first field trip day. Children must wear their shirts for all
field trips except for pool/beach days. If you wish to purchase an additional t-shirt for $10, please see site staff.
Parent Permission
Upon registration, parents/guardians authorize the following:
Permission for the use of the name, photographs, video and quotes of your child(ren) for use at open
house events, scrapbooks and orientation.
Permission for the use of the name, photographs, video and quotes of your child for the purpose of
publicizing the program (i.e. newspapers, flyers, brochures, internet and TV).
Permission for your child(ren) to participate in neighborhood walking excursions.
Permission for your child(ren) to take part in any field trip on a day they will be in attendance.
Permission for exchange of information between Bloomington Public School personnel and the
Youth and Family Department whenever it would be beneficial for your child(ren).
Field Trips
Each site will have at least one field trip or special event per week. Children will wear a Kids’ SAFARI t-shirt
on all field trips except pool/beach days. If you wish to purchase an additional t-shirt to keep at the site, please
see the staff. Field trips will usually occur between 9:30am and 4:00pm. Children need to be at the site by the
time the bus departs for field trips in order to attend. We cannot make accommodations for children to stay
behind on field trip days. Children will be responsible for carrying whatever they bring along. We recommend
that lunches be sent in a disposable bag on field trip days.
When a field trip is to a pool or beach, children will need their swimwear, towel and bottle of sunscreen. Please
make sure that all items are clearly labeled with your child’s name.
7

Toys
Camp SAFARI is not responsible for lost, stolen or broken personal belongings or toys. Occasionally Camp
SAFARI will have a special toy day where toys are allowed. You will be notified when these special days are
to occur.
Lost & Found
To minimize our lost and found collection, please label all of your child’s belongings. All lost and found items
that have not found a home by Monday, August 26 will be donated to a local charity.
Weekly Activities
The Camp SAFARI staff plan a summer full of engaging opportunities. Every week, grade level groups will
participate in activities that may include:
*Tactile, hands-on activities
*Active play & team games
*Drama, creative play, imagination
*Music and rhythm
*Science exploration & experiments
*Literature and story time
*Environment and outdoor education
*Arts & crafts
*Creativity and self-expression
*Team building & leadership
*Problem-solving, mind games & trivia
In addition, each team will also be participating in projects such as:
*Youth Service Learning and volunteerism
*On-going art projects
*Guest speaker(s)
Behavior Management
We maintain appropriate behavior through clear consistent guidelines, consequences and positive staff
interaction. We utilize parental assistance and school staff when dealing with inappropriate behavior. When a
child displays a pattern of consistent inappropriate behavior, Kids’ SAFARI reserves the right to evaluate
whether the child can best be served by our program. Kids’ SAFARI reserves the right to suspend any child
based on school district policies. In the case of a suspension, a mandatory meeting will be attended by the
parent, child and staff before the child can return to our program. Tuition credit is not available for suspension
from our program.
8

Directory
Kids’ SAFARI Administrative Office
Community Services Campus
2575 W. 88 th Street, Suite 200
Bloomington, MN 55431
Phone: 952-681-6128
Fax: 952-681-6101
Email: KidsSafari@bloomington.k12.mn.us
Website: www.KidsSafari.org
Summer Kids’ SAFARI
Camp SAFARI Sites:
Olson Middle School
Valley View Middle School
4551 W. 102 nd St. 8900 Portland Ave. S.
Site phone numbers will be determined in June.
Please refer to the Kids’ SAFARI website for more information.
Summer Spectrum Care: Oak Grove Elementary
Extended School Year Care (ESY): Oak Grove Elementary
Summer School Care: Oak Grove Elementary
Camp SAFARI Dates:
Tuesday, June 11- Friday, August 16
(closed Thursday, July 4)
*Super SAFARI runs August 19-23 and requires additional registration
Program Hours: 6:30 am – 6:00 pm
The 2013-14 Kids’ SAFARI school year program will begin on Tuesday, September 3.