GOAL
The purpose of the Lower Elementary Day Care Program is to provide parents/guardians of students attending the Lower Township Elementary Schools with a solution for before-after-hours school care that is affordable and provides for their child's safety and comfort.

The program is staffed by Board approved personnel who are committed to providing a safe, enjoyable environment for the district's children.


OPERATIONS
Children who are four years of age by October 1 and are enrolled in the Lower Township Elementary School District are eligible to attend Day Care. All children must adhere to the district's policies and procedures, including the Student  Code of Conduct, and be potty-trained.

Day Care utilizes two sites to accommodate the before-school needs of the students. The David C. Douglass Veterans Memorial School serves students in Preschool and Kindergarten. The Mitnick School site serves the students in grades 1 through 6. Buses transport the students from Mitnick to Maud Abrams and Sandman Schools for the start of their school day. Both sites operate from 7:00 a.m. until school begins, every day school is in session.

Each site has a designated Day Care entrance. Parents/guardians must escort their child to the Day Care door and insure safe entry. Under no circumstances should a student be dropped off alone at the front of a building or before the 7:00 a.m. starting time.

All four of the district's schools provide after-school care on-site. The afternoon sessions operate from the school's dismissal until 5:45 p.m., each day school is in session.  On the school day prior to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and the last day of school, Day Care in all buildings will close at 4:00 p.m.

In accordance with district safety procedures, students are to be picked-up at the designated Day Care "Safe Zones."  Parents/guardians are required to sign out their children with the proper identification. Children must be picked up by 5:45 p.m. each day. Failure to do so results in a $15.00 late fee. If lateness occurs more than three times, the parent/guardians will be advised to find another Day Care provider. Children dismissed from the program may not be re-admitted until the next school year.  The staff will begin to call the emergency contacts listed on the registration form.  If a child remains in Day Care after 5:45 p.m., it will be assumed that an emergency exists at home.  If none of these approved contacts can be reached, the Lower Township Police will be notified.

Parents/guardians are responsible for completing the Day Care attendance contract, indicating the days their child will be using the program.  Staffing will be based on these contracts to allow sufficient supervision.  If parents/guardians have indicated that a child will be attending Monday through Friday, the Day Care staff will expect him/her.  All permanent changes to the contract must be made in writing.   Additionally, a phone call must be made to the Day Care Office at 898-9008. A note must be sent in with the student to the school office. If there is a permanent change to a student’s Day Care schedule, a two school day waiting period will be effected to allow notification to Transportation, building offices, teachers, and Day Care staff.

For the safety of the students, Day Care transportation arrangements must be consistent.  Students may participate in Day Care less than 5 days/week and be transported home by the district on the other days. The schedule must be a permanent one; daily changes cannot be honored. For students whose Day Care schedules vary from week to week, the parent/guardian will be required to transport the student home each day.  This is consistent with the district’s transportation policy, as outlined in the Student-Parent handbook.

In the event of inclement weather, Day Care operates as follows:

There are no Day Care services when school is closed.
On late opening days, Day Care will begin at 8:55 unless the buildings cannot be accessed.
If school is dismissed early or closed due to weather or an emergency situation, parents/guardians are required to pick up their child as soon as possible.

COST
 The Day Care program is a self-supporting endeavor. The monies generated are used for staff salaries, snacks, and materials needed for projects, activities, and presentations.  In order for a child to receive Day Care services, payment must be made prior to attendance.  Monthly payment is preferred.  Parents/guardians needing an alternate payment plan should contact the Day Care Office to make these arrangements.  Any account delinquent for two weeks will result in termination of Day Care services.

For students in Kindergarten through Grade 6:

• The cost for the before-school session is $15.00 per week regardless of the number of days the service is used.
• The cost for the after-school session is $35.00 per week, regardless of the number of days the service is used.
• If a personal aide is required, the current rate will be charged.
• A variety of services are available for Pre-school students.  Please contact the Day Care Office for sessions and costs.

SNACKS
Day Care provides a light morning and afternoon snack during the program hours.

Parents/guardians should make the Day Care staff aware of any known food allergy.

TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Please keep these numbers handy to use after 4:00 p.m. when the Day Care Office (898-9008) is closed.  All calls must be made to the Day Care Office during the school day.

• Memorial – 898-9008 (same)
• Mitnick – 884-9426
• Maud Abrams – 898-9472
• Sandman – 898-7990