South Salem Presbyterian Church

2008 Summer Program FAQ

Summer Adventure Program Frequently Asked Questions

What does my child bring daily to the program? On days that we have scheduled water fun, your child should wear his/her bathing suit and bring a towel and change of clothes.

We strongly suggest that every day you also bring a filled plastic water bottle, labeled with your child's name. We will be outside so a hat or visor may also be appropriate.

What is water fun? A sprinkler and small pool is set up and we play water games. This is not swimming but hand and feet exploration. Children should come dressed in their bathing suit on scheduled water fun days with a change of clothing available.

Will you put sun block on my child? You should send your child into the program with an initial application of sun block. Should the situation warrant we will apply additional sun screen as needed.

How will I know what to expect each week? In this package there is a calendar indicating daily events. If there are any changes or additions to the schedule, there will be notes and information shared during the week. If we have visitors in the classroom such as a special music or enrichment program, we will let you know ahead of time on our calendar or we will post the information at pick up for the next day.

What will a half-day be like for my child? A sample day would include a Welcome Activity, Story time, Theme related craft, Play time, Snack, Organized game or activity, Outdoor play and Circle time for dismissal. This will change based upon water play days, themes and weather.

Does my child have to be toilet trained: Yes, your child should be able to use the toilet without assistance. Plan to store a change of clothing at the program. Please bring this change of clothes on the first day your child attends the program and label with your child's name. Children may wear "pull up" training pants.

Will there be a snack time? Yes, snacks will be provided during the morning. We do suggest you pack a water bottle due to the hot summer weather. A sample of our snacks (but not limited to the following) are fruit, cheese, vanilla wafers, pita bread, pound cake, string cheese, graham crackers, gold fish, muffins, banana bread, and dried fruits such as cranberries, blueberries. You are welcome to pack a snack but please no nuts, popcorn, soda or hot liquids.

What if my child has a birthday during his/her week and I want to bring in a treat? We welcome birthday celebrations! Please speak to one of the adult leaders about your plans. We have children with food allergies and ask that you not bring in anything with nuts or the possibility of any nut by-product in the ingredients. Our summer program is a" nut free" zone which says we will not permit food with nuts on the premises for health and safety reasons. If your child has had peanut butter or something similar for breakfast, please make sure their hands are scrubbed clean. Oil residue from nuts is a potential hazard for some of our children.

What is a nut free or peanut free zone? Our summer program does not permit nuts especially peanuts, in our facility due to health and safety reasons. Some children with food allergies have severe reactions to nuts. If your child has eaten peanut butter or something with nuts for breakfast we ask that you wash their hands. Oil residue from the nuts is a potential hazard for some of our children.

My child has special needs, who should I talk to? Please call our Summer Adventure Leader, Jillian Abisch at (914) 645-3499.

What should I bring in that first day? Please plan on leaving a change of clothes at the facility in case of an accident, extra "pull ups" if needed and an old t-shirt or art smock which we will use during arts and crafts activities.

What are the hours of the program? The Summer Sessions start at 9:15 a.m. and ends at noon.

What is the drop off and pick up routine? Please park your car and walk your child in each day. You will need to sign in your child at the time you arrive. At pick up time, park your car and walk into the school to sign your child out. This will give the camp leaders and/or yourself to talk about any concerns or answer any questions that might come up. If someone other than yourself is picking up your child, you must let us know in advance. Notes are provided during drop off time for this purpose.

How many adults are there with each group of children? In each group you will find one lead teacher and, based upon age and group enrollment the number of assistants will vary. Our child/staff ratio follows Department of Health guidelines.

How can I make the drop off easier on my child? Please say goodbye to your child in the car or parking lot and then walk him to the door. If your child is upset, you are welcome to follow up with a phone call. If you prolong the good bye it makes it difficult for the adult leaders to help your child transition to the activities and routine of the program. Ultimately you must do what you feel is right for your child however, based upon our experience, staying often makes it harder for the child to get used to new friends and our staff. One of our staff will stay with your child until they are comfortable and settled.

What if someone other than a mother or father is picking up my child? We have to have a letter on file for pick-up's, car pools and other arrangements. Please drop off a letter the morning of the planned pick up. If you have a regular sitter or pick-up arrangement, please submit a letter at the start of each week.

When do you need my child's medical form? We must have a complete medical form prior to the start of the 1st session, Friday, June 27, 2008. We can not allow your child to participate in ay activities without a completed medical form on file.

What if my child takes a medication? We prefer not to dispense medications. Please speak to Jillian Abisch at (914) 645-3499 about your particular situation.

What if I am interested in additional sessions? Please call the church office at 763-9282 and they will let you know if there are any openings.

What is your refund policy? There will be no refunds after June 1 and before June 20 except for medical reasons verified with a physician's note. Refund requests made prior to June 1 will be honored less a $25 administrative fee. You may "transfer" from one week to another week within the sessions without penalty, if space permits. There are no refunds after June 20.

What if my child is almost 3 or almost 4? If your child will be entering in a preschool program in the fall for 3 or 4 year olds your child is eligible to participate in this program.

What if my child is ill? Please call our Session Leader, Jillian Abisch at (914) 645-3499 and leave a message at 9:00 am to report his/her absence or leave a message at the church office at 763-9282. Please do not send your child into the session with a fever or if your child had an upset stomach the night before.

If my child misses a day, can they make it up another day? No, we do not allow make up days.

What is your policy about animals on the property? We ask your cooperation in keeping your dogs at home. Even friendly dogs become excited when near children and we are concerned about their safety and comfort. The Dog Warden will be called when a domestic animal is loose on the property.

What if I need to contact the Session Leaders or my child while the program is in progress? Please call Jillian Abisch at (914) 645-3499. Please do this only in the event of an emergency. Our church office has summer hours and you may leave a non emergency message at 763-9282 for any of the Summer Adventure Leaders.

What is a returned check fee? If your bank returns your check for any reason you will incur a $30 processing charge from the Summer Adventure Program. This fee is required to be paid prior to your son or daughter entering their first weekly session.

Is the Summer Adventure Program open on July 4th? No, we are not open July 4th.