BAC Policy and Parent Handbook

Tuition

Rockford Before and After Care is a PREPAID PROGRAM. The BAC program is tuition-based; it is not funded by Rockford Public Schools. We do not offer sibling discounts. Tuition is charged on the basis of enrollment, not attendance, i.e., illness, vacation. If BAC is open, you will be charged if your child was scheduled to attend. 

payment

Services scheduled for the next month is generated in your Arux account when the schedule is being entered. Tuition will be invoiced and must be paid in full by the 26th of the month for those services which are scheduled to occur in the following month. A late payment charge of $25.00 will be applied to any accounts over 7 days late. Payments are made through your Arux account. 

Making Payments Through Your Arux Account: Log into your Arux account and select "Your Invoices". Follow the prompts to pay your bill. 

Non-payment of tuition will result in dismissal from the program.

In the event of a dismissal, a dismissal notice will be sent via email and must be paid in full within five days to remain in the program. If a dismissal email is issued more than twice in one school year, you will be asked to find child care elsewhere. 

tuition rates

• Registration Fee: $40 per child
• AM BAC: $10 per child 
• PM BAC: $15 per child 
• Early Release BAC: $20 per child
• Full Day BAC: $45 per child
• AM Delay of School Care: $13
• Returned Check Charge: $15
• Late Payment Fee (over 7 days late): $25

scheduling

At the time of registration, parents will commit their child to a schedule; a minimum of either 1 AM or 1 PM per week. If your child/children are not scheduled for the required minimum amount of days, they will be automatically disenrolled. Re-enrollment will not be an option. 

Parents/guardians are responsible for entering each child's schedule by the 25th of the previous month. The BAC calendar remains open until the 25th to add or make changes to your schedule. After this time, the calendar will lock- schedules cannot be modified or cancelled, and all charges will apply. Please note that we do not offer credits or exchanges for cancelled scheduled days. 

If your child/children's schedule is not entered by the 25th, the Child Care office will need to enter it on on your behalf. A late entry fee will apply on an increasing scale: the first and second occurrences will be charged $25 each, the third and fourth occurrences will be $35 each, and any additional occurrences will be charged $50 each. 

The calendar for the entire school year will be available for entry at any time. However, you are only required to submit your schedule one month at a time, and invoices will be issued monthly on the 26th of the month prior. 

If you add AM or PM care for the current day or current week of care, a $5 Add-In Fee will be added to the daily AM or PM BAC charge. Otherwise, you may add a day at no extra cost ONLY if called in or requested through the online portal by 10:00 am on the Thursday before next week's scheduled days of care. DO NOT send add-in requests via email. All same day add in requests must be called in by 2:15 pm to the Child Care office. 

If your child is sent to BAC without a schedule or without contacting the Child Care office, a $10 Unscheduled Add-In Fee will be added to the daily AM or PM BAC charge. 

scheduling fees

• Calendar Input Fee: $25 for the first and second occurrences, $35 for the third and fourth occurrence, $50 for any additional occurrences. 
• Add-Inn Fee: $5
• Unscheduled Add-In Fee: $10

days and hours of operation

The BAC program begins on the first day of the school year and ends on the last day of school. AM BAC is available from 7:00 am until 8:25 am and PM BAC is available from 3:30 pm until 6:00 pm. Care is NOT available on district snow days.

If your child is not going to attend BAC on an afternoon that he/she is scheduled to attend, a phone call must be made to the BAC office by 2:15 pm, in addition to notifying his/her classroom teacher. Emails or text messages to child care staff will not be accepted. It is crucial that both the BAC and school staff know exactly where students should be. If your child does not arrive at BAC and the BAC staff has not been given that information, school security begins looking for that child. If your child is on a bus, she/he will be taken off the bus and brought back to BAC. If the BAC office hasn’t received a call and a child shows up unexpectedly, due to district safety concerns, the child will not be sent home on the bus they will remain at BAC. An Unscheduled Add-In Fee will be added to the standard PM charge for the day.

Communication to Parents

The child care office will be sending communications to families by using the Arux messaging system. It is important you read these messages thoroughly. 

parent information boards

Parents can learn more about the program from the parent information boards when they drop off or pickup their child. Advanced notice of upcoming events will be posted. It is the parent’s responsibility to check the board for information.

arrival, departure and Late Pick Ups

Arrival/Drop Off:  If your child is in DK, Kindergarten, or 1st grade, please escort your child to the front door until your child is comfortable enough to do this on their own. 2nd Grade and higher can be dropped curbside and make their way to the front door without a parent.

Departure/Pick Up:  Parents are to remain in their vehicles with their parking pass visible. A BAC staff member will escort grades DK through 1st to the vehicle for the first month. Grades 2nd through 5th will be signed out and released at the front door. If you do not have a sign/parking pass, an ID will be requested before a child will be released.

Late Pick Ups: Parents who arrive after 6:00 pm to pick up their child from care will be charged a progressive late pick-up fee. The fees are as follows:

• 1-15 minutes late: $1.00 per minute
• 16-30 minutes late: $2.00 per minute 
• 30+ minutes late: $5.00 per minute

Continued late arrivals could result in dismissal from the program, so please make every effort to be punctual. After 5 late pickups your child/children will be dismissed from the BAC program. 

school closures and delays

If the district advertises “all evening activities cancelled”, this does not include BAC. When the district website, PowerSchool, radio or TV announces that Rockford Public Schools are closed, this includes the BAC program. You will receive a credit for that day if the closure is a regular scheduled day for your child.

In case of a school “delay”, BAC will still open at 7:00 am and remain open until the start of school. For an additional fee, you can drop your child off at BAC on a delay of school day. If the “delay” turns into a school closure, BAC will close and parents will be called to return to school and pick up their child. If school is closed during the school day (8:40 am - 3:40 pm) there will be no BAC for the afternoon. You will receive a credit, if the closure is a regular scheduled day for your child.

As the occasion warrants, you will be notified via PowerSchool. An automated phone call may include, but are not limited to: reminders to sign up for care for an upcoming scheduled delay. scheduled closures, etc.

full day and early release days

Prior to enrolling for any scheduled non-school days, holiday, spring break and/or the summer program, your student’s BAC account needs to be paid in full (i.e. no outstanding balance). The full-day program for scheduled non-school days and holiday breaks will be held at a location to be announced closer to each date. Full day care is offered from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm and Early Release Days are held at your home school.

If care is needed for Full Day Care you will sign up under “non-school days” in your Arux account. Early Release Day sign-up is available your monthly child care calendar in Arux. Students must be in good standing with their elementary school to attend on these days and must be completely independent in the bathroom. If you sign up and cancel after the cutoff date, you are responsible for payment. Your child will need to bring a morning snack, lunch with a drink, and appropriate clothing for playing outdoors.

behavior policy

The Rockford BAC Program has been developed to provide a warm, positive environment that meets children’s daily needs. Students must be in good standing with their elementary school in order to attend BAC. There are times when behavior problems may occur and need to be managed. The following
guidelines have been developed to support this environment. The Child Care Bill of Rights outline the behavior expectations for our program:

1. We have the right to be safe in Child Care: This means do not hit; do not push; do not hurt anyone.

2. We have the right to be treated with kindness and respect in Child Care: This means be kind to all; be fair to all; do not hurt others’ feelings.

3. We have the right to hear and be heard in Child Care: This means be a good listener; do not interrupt; do not disturb others.

4. We have the right to have personal property respected in Child Care: This means be careful with all things; do not take or mistreat anything that belongs to others.

5. We have the right to attend a clean and orderly Child Care Site: This means to show respect for school property; do not litter and help put away toys and supplies that have been used.

6. We have the right to know that everyone is respected in Child Care: This means to be considerate and cooperate with adults and children. 

Our staff will use positive methods of discipline, which will encourage self-control, self-direction, increased self-esteem and cooperation. The staff will explain to the child why certain behaviors may be inappropriate and focus on what the child should be saying or doing rather than focus on the negative behavior. Rules will be explained to the children.

progressive discipline plan

Children are entitled to a pleasant and harmonious environment while participating in the Child Care program. The program cannot serve a child who displays chronically disruptive behavior. Chronically disruptive behavior is defined as verbal or physical activity that may include; but is not limited to: behavior that requires constant attention from the staff and behavior that ignores or disobeys the rules that guide appropriate behavior. If a child cannot adjust to program setting and behave appropriately, he or she maybe dismissed.

Step 1 – 1st Warning – Child is given a verbal warning specifically stating the inappropriate behavior. Depending on the age of the child, the child will either be told or will be asked to display more appropriate behavior.

Step 2 – 2nd Warning – Child will be reminded of inappropriate/appropriate behavior and a logical consequence to take place if misbehavior occurs again. An older child may be asked to write down the nature of the misbehavior and what corrective measures he/she plans to take.

Step 3 – Parent Communication – Child receives the logical consequence as described to him/her in Step 2. Parent communication takes place in person, by telephone, and/or in written form. The Child Care office will contact the parent/guardian that the next step will be suspension.

Step 4 – Suspension- Child is placed on a one week suspension by the child care director. A letter is sent home to parents from the Child Care Services, a copy will be given to the school’s principal.

Step 5 – Dismissal - Permanent dismissal shall take place if the behavior continues upon reinstatement from suspension.

medication and emergency care

BAC staff does not have access to the school office for medications and/or inhalers. Medications must be given prior to the start of BAC.

It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility for transporting medication to and from school and/or BAC. Students may not carry medication to or from school and/or BAC. If necessary, arrangements and procedures for using inhalers or Epi-pens will be coordinated by the school Principal, Child Care Director and BAC staff in consultation with the District Nurse. All medication must be signed on the medication form and needs to be in a labeled Ziploc bag. It must be in the original prescription bottle and have a pharmaceutical label providing the following information: date, student name, type of medication, dosage,and instructions for administering medication. Please make sure that if your child is attending the BAC Program, he/she is well enough to participate in all indoor/outdoor activities.

Parents will be called in the event a child requires emergency care. If parents are unavailable, persons indicated on the Child Information Sheet will be notified. In the event none of the above can be reached and it is an extreme situation, the child will be taken to the hospital listed on the child’s information sheet.

health policy

We cannot provide care when your child is ill. If your child becomes ill while in our care, we will notify parents/guardians to come to school and take your child home. The child will be separated from the group and supervised until a parent/guardian can pick up.

In consideration for our child care providers and children in our care, please keep your child home if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:

• Fever

• Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea

• Rash

• Persistent cough

• Communicable disease

• Any Covid-19 symptoms

Children must be fever free without medication for 24 hours before returning to the child care program. For the health and safety of your child(ren) and others, communicable diseases must be reported to the staff so families can be informed and be aware of symptoms.

child abuse and neglect policy

Staff are trained in abuse and neglect and staff are mandated by law to report any suspected abuse or neglect.This includes the importance of never leaving a child unattended, by an adult, in the car. Our staff is required by law to report any instances of neglect. Under Michigan law, leaving children unattended in a vehicle, even for a short period of time, (i.e., pickup and/or drop off times) is considered neglect. No staff with a protective service or felony criminal conviction involving harm or threatened harm will be hired in compliance with the State of Michigan Department of Human Services Office of Children and Adult Licensing Administrative Rule.

handwashing policy

All staff and children will clean their hands with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds when entering the classroom. They will also wash their hands during the following times:

1. Before, during and after preparing food.

2. Before eating food.

3. Before and after handling medications.

4. After blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing.

5. After playing outside

6. After touching pets or other animals

7. After cleaning up potentially hazardous materials, including bodily fluids.

8. After taking out or touching garbage.

cleaning and sanitizing 

Tables will be cleaned after each use using the 3-step method per state licensing regulations posted at each site. All toys and washables will be sanitized on a regular basis.

food policy

Children may bring a breakfast/snack from home for morning BAC. We provide snack for afternoon BAC. If your child has any food allergies, it must be listed on the BAC Enrollment Forms. That form will be on file at each site. If there are any other dietary needs, please feel free to send a snack with your child.

dress and personal belongings

Children are expected to go outside daily, weather permitting. Please send clearly labeled outerwear for your child. Children will also use the gymnasium. Hard soled shoes and boots are not permitted in the gym. Children are required to wear shoes while in our care. All personal property should be labeled with permanent marker. Rockford Child Care is not responsible for lost items.

student cell phone policy

The program is not responsible for lost items. Valuables and electronic items should NOT be brought to the program. Student cell phones are not allowed. If a student is found using their phone, it will be confiscated and put in the office. Parents/guardians will need to pick it up at the end of the day. Watches,Gizmos, and any other smart watches may not be used for phone calls, videos, and picture taking. If students are found to be using their watches in this manner, the watch will be confiscated and parents/guardians will need to pick the watch up at the office.

licensing notebook requirement child care organizations act 1973 Public act 116

All child care centers must maintain a licensing notebook which includes all licensing inspection reports, special investigation reports and all related corrective action plans (CAP). The notebook must include all reports issued and CAPs developed on and after May 27, 2010 until the license is closed.

• This center maintains a licensing notebook of all licensing inspection reports, special investigationreports and all related corrective action plans.

• The notebook will be available to parents for review during regular business hours.

• Licensing inspection and special investigation reports from the past two years are available on theBureau of Children and Adult Licensing website at MICHIGAN CHILD CARE WEBSITE.

michigan "out of School" time model standards

The Department of Education requires Before and After School Programs to make public, which of theirstandards each program follows and which are deviated from.

Healthy, Safety and Nutrition

Our Before and After Program is in compliance with each of the 8 standards.

A. The health, safety, and security of children and youth are protected.

B. Written policies and a training system are in place for emergencies.

C. Staff members are all trained to handle emergencies.

D. Positive policies and procedures ensure child and staff health.

E. Appropriate transportation rules are followed.

F. Proper procedures for the administration and handling of medication and individual medical procedures are developed.

G. The program serves foods and drinks that meet the needs of children.

H. Food is stored and prepared safely

Human Relationships and Staffing

We are in compliance with 10 of the 11 standards, due to Standard H, which we are in partialcompliance with.A. Adult and Child Relationships are authentic and positive.B. Child management is handled with care and respect, focusing on prevention and usingmethodology, which promotes positive self-esteem.C. Staff to child ratios and group sizes are established to insure authentic, helpful, and caringrelationships that can be established and maintained between children in the program and thestaff. We meet the high-quality ratios of 1:12 for grades DK-5.D. Staff develop open and supportive relationships focused on the needs of the program.E. Staff compositions and relationships with each other and the children regularly reflectsensitivity to diversity and gender equality.F. Policies and standards are developed and written related to staff qualifications for each position,including written job descriptions used in recruiting and hiring.G. A written plan for recruitment, orientation and retention of staff is developed and implemented.H. Each site has an adult site supervisor or director with decision-making responsibilities. (Themodel standards would like each site supervisor to be 21 and have college level classes in childdevelopment, child psychology, recreation, social work, youth development or a closely relatedfield. Our lead teachers are 21, but not all of them have college level classes in the designatedareas.)I. A written, board-approved compensation plan is developed to retain qualified staff and maintainquality programs.J. All staff who work with children are physically/mentally able to perform outlined job duties andare free of criminal convictions.K. Staff evaluation is established and used for ongoing professional development.Indoor and Outdoor EnvironmentWe are in compliance with 7 of the standards.A. The indoor environment is established to offer a safe, comfortable, age-appropriate, stablefacility with adequate space in which to carry out the program.B. The outdoor environment is established to offer a safe and age-appropriate area for dailyoutdoor play and sports.C. All materials and equipment, both indoor and outdoor, are purchased and maintained to providelearning and play experiences that are age-appropriate, individually supportive and regularlyoffer multiple choices.D. Materials and equipment provide an enriched environment with regularly refreshed materials.E. The environment is accessible to children and families with disabilities.F. The environment reflects the diversity represented in the population of the community andgender equality.
G. The environment reflects various learning styles and abilities of all children.Program and ActivitiesWe are in compliance with 8 of the 9 standards.A. Activities are planned and supported through resources which reflect the interests and abilitiesof the children enrolled and provide support for the school-day activities, especiallysupplementing the areas of development not regularly provided during the school day.B. The comprehensive curriculum addresses the needs of the whole child, individual as well asgroup needs, and supports the school curriculum.C. Materials are of sufficient quality and type to support the curriculum for all ages.D. Program development and implementation is carried out in such a way to include significantchild choice and involvement in planning.E. School day and OST activities are linked in ways that support the academic development ofeach individual child.F. Staff is educated on the character education curriculum components and can demonstrate theirpresence in annual planning.G. Computer technology experience, which helps children become comfortable with both skills andmaterials should be available to all ages.H. The OST daily schedule provides for regular outdoor activities.AdministrationWe are in compliance with each of these standards.A. Prior to developing a new program, a comprehensive needs assessment is conducted and theresults are used in planning.B. Stakeholders are involved and/or informed of the program, its benefits to the children andfamilies, and the impact of the program on the community as a whole.C. The budget established reflects input from appropriate stakeholders, utilizing a process that isinclusive and comprehensive.D. Fund development, revenue, and fiscal management systems are planned for and implementedto provide for a high-quality program supporting these standards.E. The program has developed a policies and procedures handbook for parents and staff.F. A system of regular program evaluation is established and used for on-going programimprovement.G. Program management training is in place for site directors.