Welcome to Summer Days!
We are so excited to offer another year of high-quality AYS camp to Hoosier children and families while school’s out for summer!
Camp is one of the most exciting and memorable times in a child’s life. Ensuring that your child’s experience is a positive one involves both preparation and planning. This handbook is designed as a guide to help parents make AYS Summer Days an enjoyable and rewarding experience for your child(ren). Our camps are all about betterment, not babysitting, and we will have STEM activities, field trips, sports, and more to keep students engaged and learning.
Please help us impress upon your child that this is a special program designed to meet their needs and interests, where cooperation and teamwork with other children and counselors are vital for safety and fun.
Our staff is trained, dedicated, and excited to provide a camp that gives children the opportunity to learn, grow and have fun in a safe, caring environment.
We look forward to seeing you this summer!
AYS FEELS Like Home at Summer Days
At Summer Days, kids will try new activities, make discoveries, and learn through a variety of experiences! Throughout the summer kids will go on field trips to local attractions, either virtually or in person, depending on potential restrictions. Kids will participate in active games and hands-on projects, while having fun with friends. All AYS staff members are first-aid certified and pass thorough background checks.
Mutual Expectations
Parent Responsibilities
- Respectfully follow AYS and school policies including sign-in/sign-out procedures to ensure the safety of each child.
- Any changes in your child’s schedule, including withdrawals from the program, will be submitted through the online parent portal.
- Communicate anything that may affect your child’s well-being in the program with your Youth Development Leader. This will be held in confidence.
- Demonstrate courteous behavior and conversation when interacting with AYS staff both at your program site and with the administrative team at all times.
- Keep information about the family and child current, and communicate often with AYS staff.
- The primary guardian/parent should communicate with the Youth Development Leader any circumstances that relate directly to the care of the child in our program. Additionally, they should also communicate relevant information to the child’s other guardians, parents, or authorized pickup persons.
- Payments will be made on-time and accounts will be kept current.
Child Responsibilities
Listed below is the set of characteristics, known as “The AYS Way”, that each AYS student should demonstrate. These characteristics will help children develop a positive identity, more awareness, and more self-control. The AYS Way is made up of the following characteristics:
- Adventurous: I can be brave, try new things and have fun!
- Honest: I can tell the truth, be sincere and play fair.
- Kind: I can be friendly, forgive others and help people.
- Respectful: I can be polite, show concern for others and resolve differences.
- Responsible: I can follow the rules, do my best and set a good example.
AYS Locations
Summer Days locations can be found at www.ayskids.org/summer.
Operating Hours
Summer Days doors open at 7:00am and close at 6:00pm*. Late arrivals or early pick-ups should be communicated with the Youth Development Leader in advance.
*A fee will be charged for late pick-ups.
Holidays
All Summer Enrichment sites are closed on the following holidays during the summer:
- Juneteenth (Wednesday, June 19, 2024)
- Independence Day (Thursday, July 4, 2024)
Food & Beverage
Lunch
Please pack* a nutritious, balanced lunch and include a healthy drink (hydrating, not carbonated). Sites do not have refrigeration for lunches, so please do not send milk or mayonnaise-based products. A lunch box or personal-sized small cooler with the child’s name works best for packing lunches and drinks. Please do not send soda or microwaveable items. A refillable water bottle labeled with your child’s name is required. Children will have access to water bottle filling stations during the day.
*Please note: some locations may have access to free lunch through the school district’s summer servings program. Please see your Youth Development Leader for more information once the program has started.
Snacks
AYS serves nutritious morning and afternoon snacks, and children are encouraged to try new foods. A snack menu is posted at each program site.
Children with food allergies must have a completed Plan of Care form on file with AYS. Staff members will work with parents to provide a suitable snack substitution when necessary.
Logistics & Accommodations
Field Trips
At least one field trip is planned per week, and each requires a signed permission form. Information about field trips will be shared in the weekly newsletter as well as at the program site. On field trip days, children are required to be checked in at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Sack lunches are required on field trip days, unless otherwise instructed.
Any changes made to field trips are for the benefit of the participants and at the discretion of AYS, including unforeseen delays or inclement weather. You will be notified with as much advance notice as possible.
Items to Leave at Home
Each school and Summer Days site has unique rules regarding types of personal items allowed within the school building. AYS families should follow guidelines set by the school as well as the AYS Youth Development Leader. AYS is not responsible for loss or destruction of personal items, including but not limited to cell phones, other electronic devices, books, games, and all other personal items. AYS is not responsible to cover any costs incurred due to the misuse of personal items. AYS recommends that all children leave valuables at home. If a special circumstance makes it necessary for a child to bring personal items to AYS, please make arrangements with your Youth Development Leader.
Special Needs
If your child has a special need or requires additional assistance or accommodation, please communicate that information to your Youth Development Leader and include it in your registration. AYS may require a parent meeting prior to your child attending the program to review the information and develop the best plan for your child. AYS may consult with its special needs consultant for assistance in developing this plan. If you have questions, please call our administrative office at 317-283-3817.
Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C . 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 10-2 It is the policy of the Indiana Department of Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability, in its programs, activities, or employment policies as required by the Indiana Civil Rights Laws (I.C. 22-9-1), Title VI and VII (Civil Rights Act of 1964), the Equal Pay Act of 1973, Title IX (Educational Amendments), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 USCS § 12101,et.seq.). Inquiries regarding compliance by the Indiana Department of Education with Title IX and other civil rights laws may be directed to the Human Resources Director, Indiana Department of Education, 151 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204, or by telephone to 317-232- 6610, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 111 North Canal Street, Suite 1053, Chicago, IL 60606-7204. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Registration
Summer Days is designed for rising Kindergartners through rising 8th grade children who attend school in the district where Summer Days is offered (except IPS). Please see our individual camp pages on our website for age restrictions. Registration for Summer Days is required each summer. Registering is easy and parents are encouraged to register online at www.ayskids.org/summer.
Registration Requirements
- Completed registration online including child and parent information, emergency and authorized pick-up contacts, health record for each child, and signed terms agreement.
- Immunization record for each child.
- Plan of Care and/or Medication Consent information (if applicable).
- Bank account/credit card authorization for auto-pay (recommended) or other payment method selection. Please note, AYS does not accept cash.
- Non-refundable $35 registration fee per child (unless registered during free registration promo period).
Emergency Contacts & Authorized Pick-Up
Emergency contacts, as well as persons authorized to pick your child up from the program, must be at least 18 years of age and have a photo ID ready to present. Please provide the names, relationship to the child, and phone numbers for these individuals when you register your child. You may change, add, or delete contacts online. If you believe you have an extenuating circumstance and are not able to meet the age requirement, please talk with your Youth Development Leader. A waiver may be available for older siblings in some circumstances.
Immunizations
AYS requires immunization records for all children in our programs. The purpose is to prevent the spread of vaccine preventable communicable diseases. These records will be kept in confidence. AYS must have a copy of any parental objection for religious reasons or a physician’s objection for medical reasons.
Medication Consent Form
Parents must provide any applicable Medication Consent and/or Non-Prescription Medication Consent information with their registration. If your child must take any prescription medication during AYS program hours, parents must provide Prescription Medication Consent information, which includes written instructions, dosage information, potential side effects for AYS to monitor, and a doctor’s signature. The medication must be provided in its original prescription bottle with the child’s name, dosage, prescribing doctor, written instructions, and expiration information. If non-prescription medication is to be administered during AYS, a Non-Prescription Medication Consent form must be completed. Medications cannot be sent with the child.
Plan of Care
If your child(ren) has health conditions and/or special needs, Plan of Care information must be submitted with their registration. A parent meeting may be required to follow up on the information.
Updating Information
Parents are asked to keep contact information including mailing address, email, phone, emergency contacts, and changes to authorized pick-ups current. Simply log into your online AYS account to make changes.
Summer Days Cancellations
Registration cancellations will be accepted before May 12. After May 12, there is a $50 cancellation fee per week per child.
Privacy
Confidential Information Disclosure
AYS does not sell or rent customer information to any company. As a matter of standard practice, AYS will not release confidential information or allow access to that information without prior written, signed, and dated consent that specifies the information to be disclosed, the party to whom the records are to be disclosed, and the purpose of the disclosure. However, there are times when AYS may disclose at AYS’ discretion confidential information without consent if the disclosure meets one or more of the following conditions:
AYS Official AYS staff members may disclose confidential information to other AYS staff members whom they have determined to have a legitimate interest in the information.
Educational Institutions AYS may disclose confidential information upon request to the school, school system, or other applicable institutions so long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the child’s education, safety, and/or well-being.
Health or Safety Emergency If AYS determines there is a significant threat to the health or safety of a child or other applicable individual, AYS may disclose confidential information if disclosure of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the child or other applicable individual.
Federal, State, and Local Officials To comply with federal and state agency audits, evaluations, and other legal requirements AYS may disclose confidential information to authorized representatives of those agencies.
State and Local Juvenile Justice Officials AYS may disclose information to whom the information is specially allowed to be reported or disclosed pursuant to state statute or other laws.
Court Order or Subpoena AYS may disclose confidential information to comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena. In most cases, AYS will make reasonable efforts to notify the parent of the order or subpoena.
Lawsuit AYS may disclose confidential information in the context of a lawsuit that the child or parent brought against AYS or that AYS brought against the parent or child.
Accrediting Agencies AYS may disclose confidential information to accrediting organizations to carry out their functions.
Media Release
AYS uses and releases photographs, audio recordings, and/or video recordings (collectively media) taken or recorded at its programs and events for educational, instructional, and promotional purposes as determined by AYS. These items are for AYS use in broadcast and media formats now existing or created in the future. These media often include depictions of AYS children and/or parents engaged in instruction, activities, or other functions. Any such media is the sole property of AYS and may be used or disclosed by AYS for any purpose without express written consent. To withhold your consent for the disclosure of your and/or your child’s media, you must notify AYS in writing during the registration process. If you wish to withhold your consent for the disclosure of media of your child after registration is complete, please notify AYS in writing by sending a letter or email (from the account owner’s email) to the AYS registrar at registrar@ayskids.org. Please note that AYS will not be responsible for and cannot control media captured by individuals who are not employed by, affiliated with, or under contract with AYS. AYS will not identify children by last name in its use of media.
Money Matters
Tuition
Summer Days weekly tuition is based on the full week and is due regardless of your child’s attendance. Credits are not available for absences. Invoices are issued each Thursday, and tuition is due in advance and no later than Saturday for the upcoming week. Please see the Summer Days page for pricing: www.ayskids.org/summer. Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Registration Fee – $35 per child
Payments
Tuition payments are accepted weekly (processed on Saturday for the following week). Billing is processed each Saturday and if a balance is due, an invoice with that week’s balance due will be emailed. Weekly tuition payments are due in advance and no later than Saturday for the upcoming week, and tuition is due regardless of your child’s attendance. Credits are not available for absences. Registration fees are non-refundable. If you know you’re going to be out for a vacation, please let the Registrar’s Office know at least five (5) business days in advance.
Overpayment will result in an account credit. Account credits will be held for one additional semester. After that time, the credit will be forfeited.
Payment Options
- Automatic deduction from a bank account or credit card (recommended)
Set this up when you register online. - Online
Easy login instructions can be found at www.ayskids.org/pay-my-bill - Check or money order
We are unable to accept payments at the program site. If you wish to pay via check or money order, please contact the business office at registrar@ayskids.org to make arrangements.
Please note: AYS does not accept cash. Tuition is due in advance and no later than Friday for the upcoming week.
Returned Payment Fee
Returned checks and declined bank/credit card transactions will result in a $25 returned payment charge. After two returned payment charges, other payment arrangements will be required.
Payment Responsibility
The parent/guardian who enrolled the child is responsible for the payment of tuition and fees and ensuring all balances on the account are paid in full. There will be one account for the child attending the program. AYS cannot and will not get involved in financial, custody, or personal disputes between parents or guardians.
Late Payments
Summer Days tuition is due no later than Friday for the upcoming week and is due regardless of your child’s attendance. There are no credits for absences. Late payments will result in a $10 late fee. Each week that an account is not current will result in an additional $10 late fee. Repeated late payments or failure to make these payments will result in the forfeiture of your child’s participation in Summer Days. If your family has an emergency that may affect prompt payment, please contact 317-283-3817 or registrar@ayskids.org.
Financial assistance or special payment arrangements may be available. Late payment fees are not covered by CCDF vouchers or discounted by any financial assistance program.
Late Pick-up Fee
Summer Days ends at 6:00pm. Anyone arriving after the end of the service time they are registered for, per the AYS clock, will be charged a late pick-up fee. Within the first five minutes, an automatic flat $10 late fee is charged. After five minutes, an additional $1 per minute fee is charged.
Example 1: If a child is picked up two minutes late, it is a flat $10 late fee.
Example 2: If a parent/guardian arrives at 6:12pm, the charge is $10 for the first five minutes, and $7 for the additional seven minutes. The total late fee charge would be $17 (only one charge per family of multiple children).
Late pick-up fees will be added to parents’ billing statements and are due with the next regularly scheduled payment. Repeated failure to pick up children in a timely manner will result in forfeiture of your child’s participation in AYS. If you have an emergency and will be late to pick up your child from AYS, call your Youth Development Leader as soon as possible.
Promotions
Please see the Summer Days 2024 page for promotional details.
Discounts
Limit one discount per family. If you qualify for more than one, the best offer will apply. Discounts apply to camp tuition only. Not valid for enrollment or late fees, NSF charges, or other charges.
Multi-Child Discount
Families with three or more children enrolled in Summer Days will receive an automatic 5% discount per child.
Full Summer Payment
AYS offers a 7% discount to parents who pay tuition in full for the entire Summer Days semester. Payment must be received prior to the start of the program. Please contact 317-283-3817 or registrar@ayskids.org for more information.
Military Personnel
AYS offers a 10% discount for direct dependents* of current military service members. To receive this discount, please provide information with registration.
*AYS defines a direct dependent as a child living in the household of the service member or a child for whom a military service member is listed as the primary or secondary payer on the AYS account.
Partner School Personnel
AYS offers varying discounts for direct dependents* of current partner school personnel. Discount percentages can be found on the individual Summer Days site pages located at www.ayskids.org/summer. To receive this discount, please provide information with registration.
*AYS defines a direct dependent as a child living in the household of the partner school personnel or a child for whom partner school personnel is listed as the primary or secondary payer on the AYS account.
CCDF and Financial Assistance
CCDF Vouchers
AYS accepts CCDF vouchers and recommends that families who meet the CCDF guidelines apply. Information about CCDF eligibility and the application process can be found at www.intakechildcare.com. Please note, regular tuition payments are due until AYS receives notice of an approved CCDF voucher from the state. Families with CCDF vouchers are required to swipe their Hoosier Works child care card every day at their AYS program site to record their child’s daily attendance. If parents fail to swipe each day, they will be responsible for payment for the full tuition cost.
AYS Summer Financial Assistance
AYS offers limited financial assistance through the Ellen Clippinger Fund on a first come, first served basis. Families are required to apply for CCDF and either be wait listed or denied before they are eligible to apply for AYS financial assistance. Please contact our registrar for more information at registrar@ayskids.org or 317-283-3817. Please note, regular tuition payments are due until a financial assistance award decision is made.
Health & Safety
AYS works with and follows all local, state, and CDC guidelines for camp safety. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AYS reviews and updates its individual site safety plans on a regular basis. Please speak directly with your Youth Development Leader for information about AYS safety and our plans to keep students safe all summer long.
Communication
Parents are required to inform AYS staff about their child’s participation in Summer Days. Please make sure to inform staff of any vacations, appointments, or other events that may affect your child’s schedule.
AYS utilizes email, texts, and phone calls to communicate with Summer Days parents.
Drop-off & Pick-up
To ensure the safety of all children, AYS requires that every child is signed in and signed out by a parent or another authorized adult each day. Children cannot be dropped off on school grounds and may not sign themselves into the program. Only persons authorized during enrollment may pick up a child from Summer Days. In the event of a custody situation, you must provide court documents showing proof of legal restrictions. Only individuals 18 years or older may be listed as authorized pick-ups. Photo ID is required until staff become familiar with faces. ID will be required if there is someone picking up that staff or substitute staff do not recognize.
In the case of an emergency where no previously authorized individuals are available to pick up the child, the parent/guardian may contact the Youth Development Leader in advance by telephone to make special arrangements. A verification will also need to be faxed or emailed. The new authorized individual must show picture ID to sign the child out.
Outdoor Adventures
Summer Days includes both indoor and outdoor play. During the hot summer months, water consumption, sunscreen, and appropriate precautions are important. AYS staff will use their judgment and heat index information in determining when outdoor activities will occur and how long they will remain outside. Please be aware children may still get sunburned despite the precautions taken.
Accidents & Injuries
Accidents, injuries, and other significant occurrences may occur while your child is under AYS supervision. AYS strives to prevent these situations, but even with substantial preventative efforts taken, these events may still occur. AYS staff will document and notify parents if such situations occur.
Medical Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency, AYS staff will contact emergency medical services and the parent(s) of the child. If a parent or designated substitute cannot be immediately reached, AYS will reach out to each emergency contact(s) listed until someone has been notified.
Behavior Management
AYS strives to enhance the social development of each child we serve. All AYS staff and volunteers work to develop positive relationships with children based on mutual trust, honesty, and respect. AYS staff and volunteers appreciate and support the uniqueness of each child and will interact with children in a positive manner including: helping them feel welcome, comfortable, and supported; engaging them; recognizing their positive accomplishments; listening to what they say; responding to them with interest, acceptance, and appreciation; sharing skills and resources to help children solve problems; involving children in programming decisions; using positive language; and encouraging children to take on leadership roles.
AYS program policy prohibits negative approaches to child engagement, such as: corporal punishment; aversive stimuli; withholding nutrition or hydration; inflicting physical or psychological pain; demeaning, shaming, or degrading language or activities; unnecessarily punitive restrictions; forced physical exercise to eliminate behaviors; punitive work assignments; punishment by peers; and group punishment for individual behavior.
If a child’s behavior requires discipline, AYS staff will handle the inappropriate behavior by redirecting the child to another activity, guiding them through conflict resolution, allowing space and time, and communicating with them in a way that allows them to identify feelings and develop an understanding and respect for the feelings of others. AYS staff will discuss the behavior problem with the parent(s) and complete a report as needed. If the behavior continues, the Youth Development
Leader will schedule a meeting to discuss strategies for improvement. If the behavior persists, the parent(s) will be notified of a suspension or permanent removal from Summer Days. If at any time AYS determines that the safety of any person or property is in question, AYS has the right to dismiss the child from Summer Days immediately. If a child deliberately damages any property or equipment that AYS is responsible for, the child/parent will be responsible for the cost of replacement. For additional information on related AYS policies, please see your Youth Development Leader.
Visits from Guests & Non-Parents
AYS believes that our programs are strengthened by greater parental involvement, and parents are encouraged to visit and participate in the program at any time during regular hours. AYS requires a parent to be present with any guests who visit their child and that their interactions are limited to only their child. While it may be tempting to correct or engage other children, AYS asks parents to notify AYS staff and allow them to address any concerns. AYS does not allow parents to discipline or question children who are not their own. This applies to Summer Days programs or activities on or off site. Failure to adhere to this policy could result in parental suspension or expulsion from Summer Days.
Transportation
Transportation for field trips is arranged through local agencies from the school districts AYS serves. AYS will ensure that drivers are at least 18 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license, and that the vehicle has the proper safety features and all other items as required by Indiana law. AYS staff will be responsible for the supervision of all children while they are being transported. Permission slips are required for all field trips and must be signed by an authorized parent/guardian prior to the child being transported. Parents may not drop off or pick up their child(ren) while AYS is on a field trip. Any exception to this policy must be requested and approved in writing 48 hours prior to the scheduled field trip. In the event of an emergency requiring a child to be transported to another location, transportation will be arranged through the school district if possible or a transportation service. Any fees incurred in this service will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
AYS may coordinate with other local programs to provide off-site enrichment activities. Parents must complete and sign a Field Trip Permission slip before the child can participate. Parents will be notified of field trips in advance through communications from the Youth Development Leader. AYS may or may not be able to offer alternative activities for those children who are unable to participate in the field trip.
Safe Conditions
The following steps will be taken to ensure the safety of children in AYS’ care:
- Children will be actively supervised by qualified AYS staff at all times in accordance with the following Child/Staff Ratio Chart and other accreditation-based ratios as applicable but not greater than the numbers listed below:
Age of Youngest Child in Group | Maximum Number of Children Supervised by One Caregiver | Maximum Number of Children in One Group |
5 Years | 15 | 30 |
6 Years and Above | 20 | 40 |
- All AYS staff members pass through an exhaustive screening process, including a comprehensive criminal history check, checks against the national sex offender list, and drug screening. In addition, staff participate in New Employee Orientation, receive Child Abuse Prevention training, Safety and Risk Management training, CPR/First Aid, and other ongoing trainings to ensure that they are qualified to work with children.
- AYS will not provide services in areas that are being remodeled and/or repaired. The schools that AYS partners with are responsible for maintaining all interior and exterior surfaces; however, AYS staff will conduct routine and regular inspections of relevant indoor and outdoor spaces to ensure AYS is not exposing any child to an identifiable safety hazard or other unsafe conditions. These inspections include, but are not limited to, visual inspections of the relevant spaces.
- In addition to the interior and exterior surfaces where services are provided, AYS will inspect all equipment and furnishings to ensure safe conditions. This includes making sure that there are no sharp points or jagged edges, protruding nails or wires, loose and/or rusty parts, and/or other unsafe materials. If at any point AYS staff has a concern, AYS will work diligently with school personnel to ensure all children are in a safe environment.
- As part of AYS’ routine practices, AYS staff members clean and sanitize the areas in which AYS provides services. This includes, but is not limited to, sweeping/mopping, wiping down surfaces, discarding trash, and other regular sanitary measures. These actions occur daily, weekly, and as needed when items become soiled or contaminated.
- AYS has worked cooperatively with the schools where AYS provides services to ensure that AYS staff members have and follow the school’s approved evacuation methods in the event of fire, severe weather emergency, or other threats. AYS conducts regular drills to ensure all children are prepared for such emergencies.
- AYS prohibits the use of toxic substances by either the staff or the children and further prohibits the following items from AYS program sites: alcohol, guns, drugs, smoking, and violence.
- To ensure all children are free from confusing and/or unsafe encounters with strangers, AYS does not allow strangers near children. When necessary, AYS staff will ask for the identification of any unknown individuals who are attempting to contact children. If unable to ascertain an approved purpose, AYS staff will ask them to leave the area or will contact the authorities, whichever is necessary.
- If an AYS staff member suspects the person picking up a child to be intoxicated or impaired, AYS will separate the individual from the child, discourage the individual from leaving with the child, and let the individual know that if they leave with the child AYS must contact the police pursuant to state law.
Abuse & Neglect Reporting
AYS staff members are considered mandatory reporters for child abuse and/or neglect. AYS staff members will, if they have a reason to suspect a child is a victim of abuse and/or neglect, notify CPS by calling the CPS hotline at 1-800-800-5556.
Parents may contact Family and Social Services Administration/Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning with any questions or concerns: 402 W. Washington Street, Room W-361, Indianapolis, IN 46204, 317-234-4056 or 1-877-511-1144 or
Illness & Contagious Diseases
If a child becomes ill while at AYS, a staff member will contact parents/guardians to pick up their child. Children must be picked up promptly, within one hour. If you are unable to do so, please indicate which emergency contact will be arriving to pick up your child. Children who are experiencing symptoms of illness must be kept at home. These symptoms include but are not limited to: Fever (Above 100 Degrees), Chills and/or Chills with Shaking, Loss of Taste or Smell, Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing, Cough, Congestion or Runny Nose, Sore Throat, Muscle Pain or Fatigue, Headache, Nausea, or Vomiting/Diarrhea. It is important for a child to be free from all symptoms for 24 hours before returning to any program.
Emergencies
All AYS sites practice emergency drills, and AYS has implemented emergency procedures that include moving children to safe locations, checking attendance, notifying authorities, checking for injuries, and notifying parents. Evacuation procedures for persons with mobility challenges are included in the site’s emergency plan. For specific details for each location, please see the Youth Development Leader. In the event of an emergency, please contact the
Summer Enrichment site at the designated cell phone number located in the front of this handbook. If a parent is unable to contact Summer Enrichment staff during the emergency, AYS provides a secondary number that should be called. If during an emergency a parent is unable to be reached, AYS will coordinate any necessary care with the authorities until the parent is contacted.
Sunscreen/Sun Protection
Children will spend a portion of their day in outdoor activities. Children must arrive to camp having already applied sunscreen. Parents please be sure to apply sunscreen to your child every morning before drop off. Parents must provide one 12 oz. or larger bottle of waterproof broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen per week per child (SPF 50 or higher is recommended). Sunscreen must be labeled with child’s name. It is the child’s responsibility to apply sunscreen as needed. AYS will remind children to reapply sunscreen regularly. If your child will need staff assistance applying sunscreen you must provide written permission.
Additional Sun Smart recommendations:
- In addition to sunscreen, provide a suitable hat, lightweight long-sleeved shirt, and footwear for your child’s use when outdoors.
- On water play or pool days, provide an extra shirt for your child to wear over their swim suit.
- Encourage your child to wear sunglasses that block 100 percent UVA and UVB rays whenever they are outside.
Please be aware children may still get sunburned despite the precautions taken.
Connect With Us
Parent Surveys & Feedback
AYS wants to hear regularly from all the parents and children it serves. To assist in gathering feedback, AYS may conduct a parent satisfaction survey during the summer. If you ever have any questions or suggestions for Summer Days programming, please feel free to speak directly with your Youth Development Leader or contact the administrative office at 317-283- 3817.
Parent Conferences
Parents may request a conference with their Youth Development Leader or a member of AYS’ administration as needed. AYS may request a parent conference to work with families and learn how to best serve their children. AYS asks that parents make themselves available within two business days of any request for a parent conference.
Text Message Updates & Reminders
In the event of an urgent situation, AYS will reach out to parents via phone and/or text message with details. AYS will also send text messages regarding upcoming school/AYS program closures due to holidays, professional development days, e-learning days, teacher workdays, etc. Please be sure you have an updated phone number on your account to receive these messages.
Social Media and eNews
Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube. Our E-News will keep parents informed of program happenings. Email addresses provided at enrollment are added to our mailing list.
Sharing Policy Changes
AYS strives to keep parents informed about policy changes. We may send emails and/or provide handouts at the program site to communicate any changes. Questions should be directed to your Youth Development Leader or you may call the AYS administrative office at 317-283-3817.
Donations
AYS, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit, and donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. If you would like to make a donation, visit www.ayskids.org/donate. Thank you for helping us further our mission to enrich the learning and well-being of children in a safe, caring and fun environment outside of the school day.