The University of Missouri-Columbia – Adventure Club sets forth these values to be the foundation of our program.  We pledge ourselves to upholding these values each and every day.

Education
Opportunities to learn are ever-present.  We strive to educate our children, parents and the Adventure Club team through enriching activities and on-going professional development.

Relationships
Strong relationships between families, staff, and the community exist through communication, teamwork and support.  Building these connections enables us to reach our full potential.  By modeling respect, supporting positive interactions, and creating additional opportunities for involvement, we enhance the experiences of all involved with the program.

Diversity
Because diversity is the difference between a good program and an excellent program, we embrace it by offering a variety of activities inspired by the combined knowledge from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and cultures.

Discovery
Discovery is an essential part of one’s growth and development.  Through innovative programming, life-shaping opportunities, and interactions with others, children discover the world around them while the staff and families gain experience in the adventure of guiding children toward discovery.

Pride
The pride of an organization is revealed in the caliber of staff, the quality of programming, and the extent of community contributions.  We continually exhibit great integrity and thoughtfulness in the services we provide to instill a feeling of pride in all individuals involved with the program.

• Their children are cared for in a safe, supportive environment.
• They will be respected.
• They may visit with the Site Facilitator about concerns related to their child.
• They will be informed about any misbehavior on the part of their child and be able to visit with the Site Facilitator to establish and carry out a plan to target certain behavior at home that will correct and enhance behavior at Adventure Club.
• They will be informed promptly if their child does not arrive at Adventure Club according to his/her enrollment form.
• The Site Facilitator will regularly inform them about program activities.
• They will have opportunities to give input about the program.
• They will be able to complete an evaluation of the site, Site Facilitator, and Site Assistants once a year.

• Communicate with all Adventure Club staff respectfully.
• Discuss difficult issues away from earshot of children in the program.
• Support staff with discipline situations.
• Follow all policies outlined in the Parent Handbook (i.e. sick policy, payment policy, etc.)
• Contact the Site Facilitator or Adventure Club’s main office if their child will not be attending on a scheduled day.
• Update contact information with the Site Facilitator and office immediately after a change has been made.
• Keep the child’s records up-to-date on enrollment forms through Adventure Club’s main office.
• Have alternate pick-up arrangements in the event you are unable to pick up by 6:00 p.m.
• Respect school rules.
• Turn in IEP/Health forms.
• Pay attention to any communications from the Site Facilitator regarding their child’s behavior, and cooperate in efforts to bring about improvement in the situation.
• Sign your child(ren) in and out daily.
• Read all the information distributed such as handbooks, newsletters, and messages on the parent board.
• Support program’s decision of not having programming during particular dates (i.e. Thanksgiving week, parent-teacher conference days, etc.)

• To have a safe, nurturing, and consistent environment.
• To use all of the program equipment, materials, and facilities on an equal basis.
• To receive respectful treatment from adults and other children in Adventure Club.
• To be disciplined fairly and in a non-punitive manner.
• To receive care from staff members who are actively involved with them.
• To experience success.
• To make choices and take responsibility for actions.
• To have a GREAT time!

• Participate in Adventure Club activities.
• Be responsible for their actions. Treat staff and other children with respect.
• Respect the school rules that guide them during the day while attending Adventure Club.
• Remain with the group and Adventure Club staff at all times.
• Take care of materials and equipment properly and return them to their proper place when finished.
• Arrive at the program promptly, according to the enrollment form.
• Share equipment, take turns, and cooperate with others. Be responsible for all personal belongings.
• Develop and use social skills.
• Choose appropriate options when solving problems.
• Express emotions in an appropriate manner.
• Participate in activities within a 12:1 child to staff ratio.

• The Adventure Club curriculum is based on state and national accreditation standards. The schedule combines structure and choices. Each schedule is site specific but will always include the following: snack time, recess, Jump Start Our Learning Time (JOLT), and free/choice time.
• JOLT is unique to Adventure Club in that we provide a structured learning time with a creative approach. Children may participate in the following:
  • Clubs: Weekly, theme-based learning activities. Children participate in activities that incorporate science experiments, arts/crafts, manipulatives, big/small motor skills, music and chants, reading, math solving, and even foreign language. The clubs change weekly and activities correspond to the monthly newsletter and calendar announcements.
  • Technology: Children may choose to play educational games on the site’s laptop, V-Smiles, Leapsters and other electronic equipment.
  • Literacy Activities: Children may also sit in the quiet area and enjoy a book, work on writing or listen to others reading.
  • Homework Help: Children may work on homework with the assistance of a staff person. Parents and teachers may request children to complete homework during this time or children may voluntarily make this choice. Adventure Club staff will assist children with homework by helping the child problem solve and asking the child questions to guide them to an answer. Please note: Children may work on homework at any time during Adventure Club, morning and/or afternoon. Staff will be able to assist children with their homework during JOLT time.
    • Please note that Adventure Club cannot force your children to do homework, but we will encourage it if you request.

• Staff will follow these basic guidelines as given by the Columbia Public School District
• Support learning versus getting it right
• Ask questions versus giving the answer
• The work should represent the student’s efforts, not the helper’s
• Teachers want and need evidence of what the child can do so that they know what to do instructionally
• Writing assignments:
  • Students might ask...
    • What should I write?
    • Can you write this for me?
    • Is this long enough?
  • Staff may ask…
    • What do you think?
    • Give it a try.
    • Tell me your ideas/story.
    • What would your teacher say?
    • How did you do this in class?
• Reading assignments:
  • Students might say...
    • What’s this word?
    • What does ----- mean?
    • I don’t understand.
    • This is too hard
  • Staff may ask…
    • Where did it last make sense?
    • What word would make sense here?
    • Would you read that part aloud to me?
• Word Study assignments:
  • Students might say
    • How do you spell….?
    • Is this spelled right?
    • Would you spell….for me?
  • Staff might say
    • How do you think it is spelled?
    • What sound does it begin with?
    • What sounds do you hear in the middle?
    • What sound do you hear at the end?
    • Does it look right?
• Support problem-solving strategies: Teaching a student what to do when they are confused or stuck is important work
• Show enthusiasm for the work of learning versus praise for getting something correct
  • That was smart of you.
  • I like how you tried.
  • What a good strategy.
  • This is very hard work. I’m proud of you for…

• FAQs
  • What if I don’t know the answer?
    • You don’t need to know the answer in order to support the student’s learning.
  • Should students work in groups on homework?
    • Not unless specifically indicated.
  • Should I offer a different way of solving a problem?
    • First support the teacher’s strategy; if you share another, be careful not to contradict the teacher’s
• FAQs specific to Word Study/spelling
  • Should you spell a word if asked?
    • Invented spelling is acceptable for K-2.
    • Encourage students to record as many sounds as they can.
    • What sound do you hear at the beginning?
    • What sounds do you hear in the middle?
    • What sound do you hear at the end?
    • Can you think of a word that sounds similar?
  • Should I correct the spelling if the student asks if it is correct?
    • Praise the sounds and/or patterns that the student has represented.
    • You might offer that “Most people spell that word this way….”

• In Math…
  • When a student asks for help, try some of the following questions or prompts:
    • What have you come up with so far? Can you tell me what the problem is asking you to do? What information is useful in solving the problem
    • Where do you think you should start?
    • Does this remind you of other problems? Have you done something similar in class? What do you know about the problem?
    • What is the problem asking you to do? What part of the problem is confusing to you? How can you organize the information in the problem to help you?
    • Would drawing a picture or diagram help?
    • How can I help you? (Without giving the solution.) Do you see any patterns or relationships?
    • Explain your strategy to me.

• Remember:
  • To use your own pencil when you are asked to help. Don’t get caught taking the child’s pencil and doing his/her work for them.
  • Do not take his/her paper away or turn it towards you.
  • Never value your strategy over his/hers
  • Listen to what the child says. Repeat what you hear.
  • To ask questions about strategies. Let them know you are interested.

• Enrollment is open to children in grades K-5 who are currently enrolled in the Columbia Public Schools.In the summer, your child must be five by stated date and attend CPS Summer School/Enrichment Programs.

• Enrollment Changes: Contact the main office at (573) 884-2582 in the event that you need to change your child’s enrollment. You will need to provide the last four digits of your social security number or 4-digit password for security purposes. Two enrollment changes are allowed per child per year, with a maximum of 3 per family per year. A $30.00 charge will be assessed to your account for any additional enrollment changes (examples: dropping from the program or changing from AM/PM to AM only counts as 1 change each)

• List of Needed Paperwork for Enrollment
  • Individual Education Plan (IEP) Information and Care Form
  • Special Needs Information and Care Form
  • Custody paperwork
  • Approved pick-ups
  • Doctor’s phone number & address
  • Emergency contacts
  • Birth Certificate (if attending summer program and entering Kindergarten)

• Within Adventure Club, confidential and sensitive information will only be shared with staff of Adventure Club who have a “need to know” in order to most appropriately and safely care for you child. Confidential and sensitive information about staff, other parents and/or children will not be shared with parents, as Adventure Club strives to protect everyone’s right of privacy. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to: names, addresses, phone numbers, disability information, and health information.
• Outside of Adventure Club, confidential and sensitive information about a child will only be shared when the parent of the child has given express written consent, except where otherwise provided for by law. As indicated on the enrollment form, staff may consult with school administrators and teachers at your child’s school regarding your child’s development or behaviors. As stated on the enrollment form, Adventure Club will also share generic information regarding the children in the program with the Columbia Public School District and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This statistical data regarding attendance, outcomes, etc. assists in recognizing trends and patterns in education and the after school field.
• Staff may also discuss your child if making a report of child abuse as a mandated reporter (see section entitled Reporting of Child Abuse) or if requested by the Department of Health and Senior Services Section for Childcare Regulations, Social Services or local authorities for an investigation or inspection.
• You may observe children at Adventure Club who are disabled or who exhibit behavior that may appear inappropriate. You may be curious or concerned about the other child. Our Confidential Policy protects every child’s privacy. The staff is strictly prohibited from discussing anything about another child with you.

• If your child has an IEP for behavioral or developmental purposes, Adventure Club requires you have a qualified professional complete an Adventure Club IEP Information and Care Form for your child. This form will enable Adventure Club to create a more successful environment for your child. It is required that we have this on file before he/she begins attending the program.
• If your child’s IEP is for educational purposes such as reading, speech, or math, no form is needed.
• These forms are available at the Adventure Club Administrative Office.
• As this is a licensing requirement, your child may not attend Adventure Club until the form is returned to the Administrative Office.

• If your child has a special need (health concern, physical, cognitive, behavioral, developmental, takes medication, etc.), a qualified professional – doctor, therapist, teacher, PT, OT - MUST complete an Adventure Club Special Needs Information and Care form, indicating any adaptations Adventure Club may be able to implement within the staffing ratio to help your child succeed. This includes filing a medical form for medications even if they are not administered at Adventure Club.
• These forms are available at the Adventure Club Administrative Office.
• As this is a licensing requirement, your child may not attend Adventure Club until the form is returned to the Administrative Office.

• Parents of a child in Adventure Club are entitled to immediate access, without prior notice, to their child whenever they are in the care at Adventure Club, as provided by law.
• In cases where the child is the subject of a court order (e.g. Custody Order, Restraining Order, or Protection from Abuse Order), Adventure Club must be provided with a Certified Copy of the most recent order and all amendments. The orders of the court will be strictly followed unless the custodial parent(s) requests a more liberal variation of the order in writing and it is approved by the court. In the case where both parents are afforded shared/joint custody by order of the court, both parents must sign the request for more liberal interpretation of the order
• In the absence of a court order on file with Adventure Club, both parents will be afforded equal access to their child as stipulated by law. Adventure Club cannot, without a court order, limit the access of one parent by request of the other parent, regardless of the reason. If a situation presents itself where one parent does not want the other parent to have access to their child, Adventure Club suggests that the parent keep the child with them until a court order is issued.

• Adventure Club is offered in the morning from 7:00 a.m. until the children are released to the school at 8:30 a.m., and again directly after school at 3:45 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Adventure Club follows the Columbia School system calendar except the week of Thanksgiving. Because 99 percent of our assistants are MU students, we will not be providing programming that week. This has already been adjusted in your tuition.
• Adventure Club offers summer programming at specific sites, dates, and times during the summer.Summer programming information is usually available the first week of March.
• Full Day programming will be offered in cooperation with CPS. Information will be given out during the school year.

• Parents and other authorized individuals must sign the child(ren) in and out everyday with initials and a time. Only authorized individuals, 16 years and older, will be allowed to pick up a child from the program. No child will be released to leave with someone who is not an authorized pick up person on your child(ren)’s enrollment form. We check for photo identification if necessary. No child will be released to leave with someone who refuses to show identification when asked. Under no circumstance will Adventure Club allow a child to walk to Adventure Club or walk home without an authorized individual. The child must be signed in and out by an authorized individual each day. Once a parent signs their child out, the parent is then solely responsible for supervising the child.
• If your child will be attending a special activity (choir, safety patrol, math club) on a regular basis, an attendance waiver must be signed and kept on file for each activity. Note: The form cannot be used as a blanket waiver for release at varied times or activities.  It must specify dates and times for release. You child will not be released or allowed to attend the activity without this signed form.

• Adventure Club will be closed most days the schools close, including snow days, heat days, early out days due to inclement weather, etc. Adventure Club will offer several days of full day programming during teacher work days. See the Full Day Programming section of handbook for more information.

• Your child may only attend the days he/she is enrolled. Drop in care is not available for those days your child is not enrolled. To change enrollment, please contact the Administrative Office at 884-2582.

• In the case of severe snow/ice/heat or other emergency, Adventure Club may decide to close early. If this should happen, parents will be notified. Please be sure to keep your contact information up to date. If you have any questions, please contact your Site Facilitator.

• Adventure Club opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. Adventure Club staff members work very hard each and every day and want to feel confident that they can leave at or before 6:00 p.m. Many staff members have evening commitments, and parents who arrive late often interfere with these plans.
• What frequently happens in the evening is that parents arrive shortly before 6:00 p.m. and by the time they find a place to park, gather up all of the child’s belongings, and chat with the teachers and other parents – it is well past 6:00 p.m. In these situations the late policy is difficult to enforce. Therefore, we are proposing that parents who have lengthy departure routines arrive early so that they can manage to get everything accomplished and still leave before 6:00 p.m.
• In addition to the monetary stipulations, the late policy will also include the following:
  • The school’s clock will serve as the "official clock". Please synchronize your watch with this clock.
  • Please do not bring your children before 7:00 a.m. Staff utilizes this time to plan, clean, organize, and discuss issues regarding the program.
  • Please arrive early enough so that you and your child have enough time to depart and do not feel rushed or pressured to leave.
  • Please make sure that you depart by 6:00 p.m. Arriving before the closing time, but lingering after closing time still interferes with the evening plans of teachers.
  • There will be no exceptions or warnings. If you are early or late for any reason (flat tire, miscommunication regarding who was picking up the child, etc.) a charge will be issued. A "no exceptions policy" makes it easier for us to apply the late policy to everyone consistently and fairly. We do not want any parent to receive special treatment or favors whereas other parents may not.
  • The Adventure Club early/late policy is as follows: $5.00 early/late base charge plus $1.00 for each minute early/late per family. A bill will not be sent to you. Payment must be made to the Adventure Club Administrative Office within five working days of the infraction or your family may be dismissed from the program.
  • A form, indicating the child's name and at what time the parent arrived, has been developed with the policy clearly stated. The parent and Site Facilitator will sign this form. The Site Facilitator turns the signed form into the administration office. The office will send a letter to the parent restating the policy.
  • If this becomes a frequent problem, Adventure Club reserves the right to remove a family from the program. A third infraction may result in dismissal from the program.
  • As we are guests in the building, we must be out at a reasonable time; therefore, if your child has not been picked up within 30 minutes of closing, the police or sheriff’s department will be called to pick up your child.

• In the event your child will be absent from Adventure Club or when you are notifying the office or site of an alternate person picking up your child, you will be asked to provide the last four digits of your social security number or 4-digit passcode. This is to ensure the safety of your child.
• All absences, even partial (i.e. staying after class for special projects, clubs, etc.) must be reported by the parent to Adventure Club.
• If your child will not be attending Adventure Club for any reason, you must let the facilitator know by 3:00 p.m. by any of the following ways:
  1. Write down the changes in schedule or routine in the parent notebook near the sign in/out sheet.
  2. Put a note in the Adventure Club mailbox located in the school’s main office.
  3. Call the Adventure Club main office at 884-2582.
• Calling the school’s phone number and talking to the secretary or teacher and having him/her forward a message is not the most effective way to inform us of an absence. A child may still be mistaken for a missing child if the message does not get to us. You must utilize one of the three methods mentioned above.
• Absences without prior notification may be mistaken for a missing child and unnecessary concern and time spent searching for the child may occur.
• If prior notice of absence is not given by 3 p.m., a $5.00 fee will be charged. This fee is applied per family. A form will be completed and signed by the parent and the Site Facilitator. If this becomes a frequent problem, Adventure Club reserves the right to remove a family from the program.
• For Enrichment Summer Camp, if prior notice of absence is not given by 11:00 a.m., a $5.00 fee will be charged. A form will be completed and signed by the parent and the Site Facilitator. If this becomes a frequent problem, Adventure Club reserves the right to remove a family from the program.
• For the Newton Summer Adventure Club Programs, if prior notice of absence is not give by 3:00 p.m., a $5.00 fee will be charged. A form will be completed and signed by the parent and the Site Facilitator. If this becomes a frequent problem, Adventure Club reserves the right to remove a family from the program.

• Adventure Club will operate on early release days as soon as the children are released from class until 6:00 p.m. Your child must be regularly enrolled in the afternoons in order to be allowed to attend the early release day. If your child is enrolled for AM only or an early release day falls on a day your child is not enrolled, your child may not attend.
• On early release days, your school may be taking a field trip to a variety of locations such as parks, bowling, the movies (rated G or PG), or places to tour in the community. If your site is attending a movie, you will be notified in advance the title of the movie.  It is the responsibility of the parent to determine if you want your child to view it or not.  It is possible on rare occasions that a movie selection may be changed last minute due to shipping issues for the movie theater. If your child does NOT attend a scheduled field trip, there will be no alternative care provided by Adventure Club for that day. You will be notified in advance of where your school will be going as well as a departure and arrival time. You will be required to sign a permission form allowing your child to go.  We utilize First Student as our means for transportation.  It is a privilege for children to attend field trips.  We reserve the right to not allow a child to attend if there are behavioral concerns.  A parent attending the field trip with his/her child must provide his/her own transportation.  If the child rides with the parent in his/her personal car, the parent must sign the child out on the sign in sheets first.  The child must follow the same expectations as the other children.

• Thanksgiving Week, November 24-28, 2008:
  • As stated on the registration form, Adventure Club does not have programming during the entire week of Thanksgiving. Because ninety-nine percent of our Site Assistants are college students and do not have class during that week it is impossible to adequately staff the programs. The safety and well-being of your children is our number one priority and thus we always strive to maintain the standard staff/child ratio of 1:12.
  • Rates are based on the number of days Adventure Club is in session divided by 9 months, giving an equal monthly tuition. As many of our families utilize their employer’s cafeteria plan, this system was put in place to keep monthly fees consistent.

• Programming is offered the Monday through Wednesday during the week of Spring Break. Programming is available for all Adventure Club families and is held at different schools each year. There is an additional fee for the three days of programming and enrollment is limited and on a first come first serve basis.

• Programming will be offered to current Adventure Club families several times during the school year on days school is not in session. The enrollment information will be provided after the school year begins. There is an additional fee for each of these days. Enrollment is limited and on a first come first serve basis.

• In the afternoon, Adventure Club provides milk or juice and a snack. On Mondays, milk is served.  A menu will be posted at the school. We must provide pre-packaged food items.  If the child does not like the snack or has different dietary needs, food will need to be sent with the child on a daily basis.

• Personal items from home, such as toys, must be approved by your Site Facilitator and are the child’s responsibility.  No trading cards are allowed at Adventure Club (i.e. Pokémon, Yu-gi-oh, sports card, etc.). It is important for Adventure Club to remain consistent with the school rules so some decisions may be based on the school’s current policies. However, there are times we allow children to bring items from home on special days or for special events.

• Because of interference with the school environment and security problems, children are not allowed to have electronic equipment such as, but not limited to, the following: radios, video games, beepers, iPods, MP3 players, and cellular phones.  The use of personal radios, electronic equipment or headsets in the building is prohibited.  Adventure Club accepts no responsibility for loss or theft of student property.  Special consideration will be given to children for special events.

• Adventure Club will share generic information regarding your child with the Columbia Public School District and the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education for statistical purposes.
• Adventure Club works with the school staff (i.e. principal, counselor and teachers) in order to provide the best, most consistent experience for your child. Information regarding your child may be shared and communicated with school staff in order to accomplish this.

• All Adventure Club programs are licensed by the Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Childcare.  A copy of the licensing policies is available for review at the parent’s request.

• Adventure Club adheres to the accreditation standards at all programs as set by the National After School Association. These standards include the following:
  • Indoor Environment
  • Human Relationships
    • Staff relate to all children and youth in positive ways.
    • Staff responds appropriately to the individual needs of children and youth.
    • Staff encourages children and youth to make choices and to become more responsible.
    • Staff interacts with children and youth to help them learn.
    • Staff uses positive techniques to guide the behavior of children and youth.
    • Children and youth generally interact with one another in positive ways.
    • Staff and families interact with each other in positive ways.
    • Staff works well together to meet the needs of children and youth.
  • Indoor Environment
    • The program’s indoor space meets the needs of children and youth.
    • The indoor space allows children and youth to take initiative and explore their interests.
  • Outdoor Environment
    • The outdoor play area meets the needs of children and youth, and the equipment allows them to be independent and creative.
  • Activities
    • The daily schedule is flexible, and it offers enough security, independence, and stimulation to meet the needs of all children and youth.
    • Children and youth can choose from a wide variety of activities.
    • Activities reflect the mission of the program and promote the development of all the children and youth in the program.
    • There are sufficient materials to support program activities.
  • Safety, Health, & Nutrition
    • The safety and security of children and youth are protected.
    • The program provides an environment that protects and enhances the health of children and youth.
    • The program staff tries to protect and enhance the health of children and youth.
    • Children and youth are carefully supervised to maintain safety.
    • The program serves foods and drinks that meet the needs of children and youth.
  • Administration
    • Staff/child ratios and group sizes permit the staff to meet the needs of children and youth.
    • Children and youth are supervised at all times.
    • Staff supports families’ involvement in the program.
    • Staff, families, and schools share important information to support the well-being of children and youth.
    • The program builds links to the community.
    • The program’s indoor space meets the needs of staff.

• We want to ensure a safe and fun environment for your child(ren). We have established expectations to help us meet these goals. The expectations and regulations are for the safety and well being of all the children. We appreciate parental support when you are informed of a discipline situation.
• It is the goal of Adventure Club to provide a fun and educational environment that supports the growth and development of its participants. Positive behavior management methods are used. The program’s philosophy of discipline is based on respect for the child’s self esteem, setting limits and consequences, and encouraging increased self-discipline. The staff will work with any child and parent to resolve any problems that may arise. Privileges may be taken away at Adventure Club to assist in modifying behavior (i.e. gym time, outdoor play, clubs, or social time with other children.) We appreciate and encourage parent participation.
• The goal in discipline is that children will regulate their own behavior. This can be accomplished by talking through situations with children and setting up necessary limits so unacceptable behavior patterns do not develop and/or continue. If these expectations are not followed, we will ask the child to identify the misbehavior and the appropriate action to be taken. At times the child may be asked to “cool down”, before discussing the situation or he/she may be asked to complete a “Think Sheet.” Continued misbehavior will be discussed with parents. If a child’s behavior has a negative effect on other children or the staff, the child may be placed in detention. Additionally, suspension may occur for one to three days with the understanding that the child may be withdrawn from the program with the next occurrence. Field trip privileges may also be revoked if behavior does not meet expectations.
• If you have concerns about disciplinary actions, we encourage you to speak to the Site Facilitator first.

• Respect Others: Children are expected to respect staff, other children and themselves at all times. Any child who physically or emotionally harms others will be reported to parents and consequences will occur.
• Follow Directions: Children are expected to follow building and playground rules and listen to. instructions.
• Practice Safety: Children are expected to stay with the group in a designated area and ask for permission to leave an area.

• If any of the above expectations are not followed, one or more of the following actions may be taken.
  1. Verbal warning and discussion of expected behavior. This may include re-direction or cooling down before continuing the activity.
  2. The child may complete a “Think Sheet” with discussion with a staff member after it has been completed. “Think Sheets” provide the child an opportunity to take responsibility for his/her actions and determine other choices for positive behavior. This may be shown to the parent.
  3. Discuss re-occurring or serious behavior concerns with the child and the parent. An incident form may be required.
  4. The child may be given an In-Adventure Club detention.
  5. The child may be suspended from Adventure Club.
  6. In any situation where we cannot gain control of a child, the parent will be asked to immediately pick up the child.

• Adventure Club requires the parents of enrolled children at all times, to behave in a manner consistent with courtesy and respect. One of the goals of Adventure Club is to provide the most appropriate environment in which a child can grow, learn and develop. Achieving this ideal environment is not only the responsibility of the staff of Adventure Club but, is the responsibility of each and every parent or adult who enters the program. Parents are required to behave in a manner that fosters this ideal environment. Parents who violate the Parent Code of Conduct may be dismissed from the program.
• Swearing/cursing: No parent or adult is permitted to curse or use other inappropriate language at Adventure Club, whether in the presence of children or not. Such language is considered offensive by many people and will not be tolerated. If a parent or adult feels frustrated or angry, it is more appropriate to verbally express the frustration or anger using non-offensive language.
• Threatening of staff, children, or other parents or adults: Threats of any kinds will not be tolerated.
• Other children: Parents are prohibited from addressing, for the purpose of correction or discipline, a child that is not their own.  Of course, no parent or other adult may physically punish another parent’s child.  If a parent should witness another parent’s child behaving in an inappropriate manner, or is concerned about behavior reported to them by their own child, it is most appropriate for the parent to direct their concern to the staff.
• Confidentiality: It is inappropriate for one parent to seek out another parent to discuss their child’s inappropriate behavior. All behavior concerns should be brought to the staff’s attention.  The staff will address the issue with that other parent. Although you may be curious about the outcome of such a discussion, staff are strictly prohibited from discussing anything about another child with you. All children enrolled in Adventure Club have privacy rights and are further protected by our Confidentiality Policy.  You may be assured that Adventure Club will not discuss anything about your child with another parent.
• Violations of safety policy:  Parents are required to follow all safety policies at all times. These procedures are designed not as mere inconveniences, but to protect the welfare and best interest of the children and staff.

• Immediate suspension may be necessary in the case of a child or parent becoming physically violent with a staff member or another child or for repeated incidents of a serious nature. A parent/guardian may be contacted and required to immediately pick up the child for the day with no reimbursement of tuition. Discussion with the Adventure Club Director, Assistant Director, or Program Coordinator may be necessary before the child or parent can return to the program.
• A child or parent may be dismissed from the program when incidents jeopardizing the physical or emotional safety of any child or staff in the program become frequent or repeated or when disrupting the flow of the program becomes frequent or repeated. Dismissal may also occur at any time for a student or parent who is harmful to himself/herself or others.
• If a child is written up for disciplinary action one to three times, the child may be suspended for a one to three-day period. Further write-ups may result in dismissal from the program. At the time of a write-up, the parent/guardian will sign a written statement which states in full the process leading up to the child’s suspension. In certain circumstances a child may be released from the program without notice. Safety is always our main priority!
• A family may be dismissed from the program in the case of verbal or mental abuse from a parent, defiance and disrespect of program policies, or physical violence towards staff or other children in the program.

• Enrollment is valid for one school year and requires a non-refundable, non-transferable processing fee due at the time of enrollment. Parents must re-enroll each school year. The primary parent is responsible for all fees and tuition. Priority is given to families currently enrolled during the designated re-enrollment time. Open enrollment for the public will begin after priority enrollment ends for current families. Waiting lists will be formed if program is full and a deadline will be given to those who are called off the list. Due to the volume of last minute registrations, we cannot guarantee any enrollments after mid-August.
• Partial enrollment will not be available at Derby Ridge, Fairview, Mill Creek, Paxton-Keeley, Russell or Shepard. Only full-time enrollment (such as AM full-time, PM full-time, and AM/PM full time) will be permitted. Priority consideration will be given to AM/PM full-time enrollment.
• Enrollment and other paperwork are kept confidential at the main office and at the site and will only be shared as necessary.

• Rates are based on the number of days Adventure Club is in session divided by 9 months, giving an equal monthly tuition. August/September and May/June are considered one billing month. Adventure Club does not offer partial payments for days missed.
• For families with more than one child enrolled, a 5% discount in tuition is given for the second child (third, forth, etc) enrolled. Each 5% is deducted from the original tuition amount.
• Families have the option of choosing a pre-payment plan of paying the year’s tuition in full and receiving a 5% discount.
• Monthly tuition is due on the 5th of each month. Accounts are subject to a $10 late fee if an account has a balance after the 5th of each month. This fee is assessed per family not per child. Families will receive a notice that their account is delinquent and will be given two weeks to pay their balance in full. If payment is not paid in full, your child will be subject to termination. 
• Re-enrollment will be determined by availability and requires payment at the time of enrollment.
• Tuition increases usually occur in June and average approximately four to eight percent.
• Monthly rates for the 2008-2009 School Year:
  • AM/PM Full Time: $239
  • PM Full Time: $182
  • AM Full Time: $119
  • PM Part-time:3 days/week: $145
  • 2 days/week: $111
  • AM Part-time:3 days/week: $93
  • 2 days/week: $73

• The primary responsibility of the Site Facilitator is to ensure a safe and educational environment for your children. The Adventure Club main office is here to provide assistance to the parents regarding tuition payments and other questions regarding enrollment and registration. For this reason, payments for tuition cannot be accepted at the sites. This is for the security of your payment and to ensure it is processed in a timely manner.

How to make payments . . .

• Mail to:
  • Adventure Club
    P.O. Box 1383
    Columbia, MO 65205
• Call (573) 884 2582 with your credit card information or use your statement to fax your credit card information to (573) 884-0737.
• Payments are accepted at the Adventure Club Main Office only. An after hour drop box is available at our front door entrance.
  • Adventure Club
    2620 Forum Blvd. Suite E
    Columbia, MO 65203
• Indicate child’s name and school on the payment.
• Employees of the University of Missouri may take advantage of payroll deduction in which your monthly tuition is taken directly out of your paycheck. Payroll deduction has to be renewed at the beginning of each school year, it does not carry over.  This is an option until August 1st.  Contact Adventure Club if you are interested in this and we will send you the necessary forms.  However, it is important to let us know, throughout the year, of any departmental changes and/or payroll schedule changes.  Payroll deduction is not available for summer programs.
• If payroll deductions are not setup prior to August 1st, parent must pay first months tuition.
• MasterCard, Visa and Discover Card are accepted.
• All accounts must be paid in full before the close of the school year.  This includes payroll deductions.

• All parents receiving FSD childcare subsidy must initial in and out on the attendance sheet each day as well as sign the form each month. Failure to do so may jeopardize your child's enrollment.
• If your child misses more than five days per month, FSD will not reimburse Adventure Club for the full-cost of tuition. If you exceed the five days per month, you will then be charged the standard daily rate.

• Parents will receive a monthly invoice at their site. This will list any transactions that have occurred on your child(ren)’s account during the previous month and the monthly tuition charge for the current month. Parents are notified of their tuition rate upon enrollment. If you do not receive a statement and do not request one, payment in full is still expected by the 5th. Contact the office as soon as possible for another copy of your statement if necessary.

• We encourage families to be proactive and contact us to make payment arrangements or seek assistance if you are having problems with your account. Our goal is to keep your child enrolled in our program, but if you do not let us know that you need assistance, we must follow protocol. If you are better able to pay at a different due date other than the 5th of the month, contact our office as an extension may be granted. It does not help, however, to continue to extend the payment due date as the next month’s tuition will be due soon after. We are also glad to adjust your due date to match your payday.
• Adventure Club accepts childcare subsidies from the FSD or Family Support Division, formerly known as DFS. Their web address is http://www.dss.mo.gov/dfs/ or they can be reached at (573) 882-9180. If you are already approved for daycare assistance, you will need to contact your caseworker and let him/her know your children will be a part of Adventure Club and what school they attend. All parents who are approved for daycare assistance must complete a child attendance record each month by signing and initialing on the days their children attend. Finally, it is Adventure Club policy that a family who receives assistance from the state misses no more than five days a month.

• A one half month written notice or a phone call to the Administrative Office is required when withdrawing a child. You will be responsible for the tuition for the half month. Any unused tuition will be refunded once the half month notice is complete.  Your child is welcome to attend until the half month is complete; if you child will not be attending the half month, please let the Administrative Office or the Site Facilitator know so the child will not be thought missing or lost. 
• Students enrolling at Adventure Club from the 1^st through the 15^th of the month will be billed the full month's tuition.
• Students dropping Adventure Club from the 1^st through the 15^th of the month will be billed one-half month's tuition. You must call prior to the last day of the previous month in order to drop your child by the 15^th of the following month. You will be charged until the 15^th.
• Students enrolling in Adventure Club from the 16^th through the 31^st of the month will be billed one-half month's tuition.
• Students dropping Adventure Club from the 16^th through the 31^st of the month will be billed the full months' tuition. You must call prior to the 15^th day of the month in order to drop your child by the final day of the current month. You will be charged the full months tuition.

Example. If you would like to drop the program on the 11^th of October, you must call the administrative office by the 30^th of September. You will be charged ½ month tuition for October. 

If you would like to drop the program on the 28^th of October you must call the administrative office by the 15^th of October. You will be charged the full amount for October.

 Refunds

• A one half month written notice or phone call to the Administrative Office is required when withdrawing your child. Please review our drop policy for clarification.  We will refund any unused tuition once the half month notice has been completed. For families that have been dismissed from Adventure Club for behavioral issues you will be refunded any unused portion of the tuition. We will require the parent's social security number and middle initial to refund payments made by checks, cash, or money order. Once processed, a check will be mailed to you in 2-3 weeks. For tuition payments made by credit or debit card we will need the credit card number and expiration date that the charge was originally made on.

• University policies and procedures require that returned checks be charged a $20 returned check charge and that all checks be forwarded to the prosecuting attorney’s office for collection. Inquiries regarding returned checks must be directed to the Cashier’s Office, 15 Jesse Hall, (573) 882-9137. In the event that a second insufficient check is received, future payments will be accepted only in the form of money order or cash.

• Adventure Club’s Federal Tax ID number is 43-6003859. Our office will supply you with a tax statement each year.

• The Parent Table is a good source to find this information:
  • Parent Mailbox:  Each child/family has a folder located in the parent mailbox.  Folders contain monthly newsletters, statements, artwork, child updates, etc.  Folders should be checked each day.
  • Parent Notebook: At each site, a parent notebook is available at the sign in/out table for parents to leave important information regarding their child.  Please sign and date your notes.  Example entries may be . . . “child is riding bus home, child has student council every Wednesday, and child will be absent on Friday, child has homework they need to do, someone else is picking child up today.”
• Parent Surveys: Each semester parents will be given the opportunity to provide feedback by filling out an evaluation. Please take advantage of this to tell us of any suggestions, concerns, or things you are happy with. We value your opinion and find these surveys extremely helpful in improving our program.
• Verbal Communication: Please communicate with the Adventure Club staff at any time. If you have an important issue or concern to discuss with the Site Facilitator please set up an appointment in order to get the necessary time needed for discussion.

• Parents are invited and encouraged to be involved in their child’s Adventure Club activities.  There are many different ways in which parents can participate and volunteer at Adventure Club. Parents may volunteer to attend field trips, read to the group, or assist with special events.  Other ways to be involved include but are not limited to…
  • Open visitation, play a game with your child, do an art project
  • Complete parent surveys
  • Donations for special events (i.e. staff appreciation banquet held in April)
  • Sharing special talents/careers
  • Bringing in recyclable items
  • Participate on the ASQ Accreditation team.

• Completed accreditation materials submitted
• State licensing requirements
• Enrollment forms for their family
• Permanent records for their family
• Adventure Club Website: www.adventureclub.missouri.edu

• If your child is ill or experiences any of the following, please do not bring them to Adventure Club. Should your child become ill while in the program, you will be asked to make arrangements for the child to be picked up as soon as possible.
  1. Contagious disease
  2. Fever 100 degrees or higher
  3. Vomiting and/or diarrhea
  4. Contagious skin rashes
  5. Head lice
  6. Accident requiring medical attention
• If a child has been exposed to a communicable disease within Adventure Club, parents/guardians of enrolled and incoming children will be notified.

• It is very important that we attempt to control the spread of communicable disease for the sake of all of the children we serve as well as the staff at our site. We would appreciate your consideration in following these guidelines:
  1. 1.Students should be fever-free: temperature under 100 degrees (without the influence of fever reducing medication) for 24 hours before returning to school.
  2. 2.Students should be free of contagious coughing.
  3. 3.Students should remain at home for 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.
  4. 4.Students should remain at home for 24 hours after taking the first dose of an antibiotic for any infection.

• Immediate first aid will be provided for a child who sustains a minor injury (scratch, scrape, insect bite, etc). In addition, the child’s parent/guardian will be notified and a staff member, child, and parent/guardian will complete an Accident/Injury Incident Form. In case of a head injury, or a more serious accident, parents/guardians will be called. In serious cases, 911 will be called and an emergency vehicle for treatment will take the child to the hospital and the parents/guardians will be called immediately.

• All medication must be approved in advance by the Site Facilitator and follow the District and licensing guidelines for medication. Parents of students who require the use of medication are encouraged to give medication to their child before attending Adventure Club each morning. If this is not feasible, proper medication forms must be completed and medication must be stored properly with Adventure Club staff. A Special Needs or Health Form must be completed and on file for children on medications.
• Parents of students requiring the use of inhalers, emergency medication, etc. will need to discuss this with the Site Facilitator for proper access and storage procedures. Inhalers will need to be provided for Adventure Club, independently from those distributed to the school. Adventure Club staff does not have access to individual school nurse’s stations for medication.
• Medication must be provided in the original labeled container with instructions listed. Medication should be presented to the Site Facilitator. Please do not place it in the child’s backpack.

• Outdoor play is an important part of our daily curriculum, as weather permits. It is important for parents to provide the appropriate clothing and outerwear for the weather conditions (e.g., coat, snow pants, boots, gloves, etc.). The staff members use the following general guidelines when determining whether to go outside:
  • Winter: As temperatures/wind-chill approach 20 degrees F, staff will determine the latest temperature and weather conditions. Staff will also check our playground wind factor. Typically, staff members wait until later in the day to take the children outside when temperatures are warmer. Children spend a shorter amount of time outside in cold temperatures and are monitored closely.
  • Summer: As temperatures/heat index approach 100 degrees F, staff will determine the latest temperature and weather conditions. Children often participate in play activities outside in shady areas of the playground. Children are also encouraged to get plenty of drinks to replenish body fluids. Parents are encouraged to provide sunscreen. Typically, the length of time spent outside is reduced and often the children wait to go outside until late in the day or early morning when the sun is less intense.
• Please note that if your child is not well enough to participate in outdoor play, he or she is not well enough to attend Adventure Club.

• Adventure Club prides itself on providing a safe environment for all children in our program. The following steps are in place to ensure this safety expectation:
  1. Staff/Child Ratios: Adventure Club strives to maintain a one to twelve staff/child ratio for each site. This ratio exceeds the one to sixteen staff/child ratio which is required by the Department of Health Licensing Standards, Missouri State Accreditation Guidelines, and the National Afterschool Association Standards.
  2. Walkie-Talkies: Staff utilizes walkie talkies to communicate between different areas. Children are allowed to transition from one area to another without an adult after the teacher in one area has communicated to a teacher in another area that the child is going to transition.
  3. Accidents: Adventure Club requires all Site Facilitators and Site Assistants to hold current CPR and First Aid Certification for the safety of your children. For minor accidents, staff will carry out immediate and necessary first aid and parents/guardians will be notified with an Accident/Injury Incident Form. In case of illness, head injury, or more serious accidents, parents are contacted immediately.
  4. Emergencies: The program has immediate access to a working telephone in case of an emergency. In the event of a serious emergency, (i.e. life threatening accident, allergic reaction, head injury, etc.) 911 will be called and the child will be taken to the hospital by an emergency vehicle for treatment and parents/guardians will be called immediately.
  5. Drills: Fire and tornado drills are held monthly throughout the year. Emergency procedures are posted at each program.
  6. Release of Children: In the event that a parent/guardian appears to be impaired by drugs or alcohol, Adventure Club will contact the other parent/guardian, emergency contacts, or police department to transport the child home.
  7. Persons Appearing to be Impaired by Drugs or Alcohol: The staff of Adventure Club will contact the local police and/or the other custodial parent should a parent appear to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. The parent’s right to immediate access does not permit Adventure Club from denying a custodial parent access to their child even if the parent is or appears to be impaired. However, Adventure Club staff will delay the impaired parent as long as possible, while contacting the other parent, the local police and Family Support Division. Any other authorized person who attempts to pick-up a child and appears to the staff to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol will be denied access to the child. Staff will contact the child’s parents.
  8. Reporting of Child Abuse: Under the Child Protective Services Act, mandated reporters are required to report any suspicion of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. Staff of Adventure Club are considered mandated reporters, under the law. Staff of Adventure Club are not required to discuss their suspicions with parents prior to reporting the matter to the appropriate authorities, nor are they required to investigate the cause of any suspicious marks, behavior or condition prior to making a report. Under the Act, mandated reporters can be held criminally responsible if they fail to report suspected abuse or neglect. We at Adventure Club take this responsibility very seriously and will make all warranted reports to the appropriate authorities. The Child Protective Services Act is designed to protect the welfare and best interest of all children.

As mandated reporters, the staff of Adventure Club can not be held liable for reports made to Child Protective Services which are determined to be unfounded, provided the report was made in “good faith”.

• Chapter 574/Offenses Against Public Order/Section 574.075. Drunkenness or drinking in certain public places prohibited – violation a misdemeanor (574.075). It shall be unlawful for any person in this state to enter any schoolhouse or church house in which there is an assemblage of people, met for a lawful purpose, or any courthouse, in a drunken or intoxicated and disorderly condition, or to drink or offer to drink any intoxicating liquor in the presence of such assembly of people, or in any courthouse within this state and any person or persons so doing shall be guiltily of a misdemeanor.

• As stated on the registration form, Adventure Club will share generic information regarding the children in the program with the Columbia Public School District and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This statistical data regarding attendance, outcomes, etc. assists in recognizing trends and patterns in education and the after school field.

• Adventure Club reserves the right to cancel, combine, change dates, times, fees, change staff or make any other revisions in the program, that may become necessary during the school year.

• Employment opportunities are available – great experience for college students, parents, or retired persons – flexible hours and benefits. Contact the Adventure Club office at 884-2582.

• If a parent/guardian would like to appeal a final decision made regarding a specific issue, please call the Administrative Office to obtain the protocol for the appeal procedure within 3 working days of the occurrence.

• In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the MU College of Education will honor requests for assistance made by persons with disabilities. Requests made with significant advance notice can be accommodated more effectively. MU is an equal opportunity institution.

Parent’s Name: __________________ Child’s Name: _______________

Date: _________________________

Staff Member: __________________

• Introduce self and other staff

• Give tour of facility including information regarding parent center

• Familiarize parent with sign-in and out procedures

• Confirm receipt of Parent Handbook and answer any questions regarding the handbook

• Review
  • Daily schedule
  • Calendar of upcoming events/newsletters
  • Parent mailbox
  • Available resources
  • Important policies

Adventure Club Administrative Office

Adventure Club
2620 Forum Blvd. Suite E
Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 884-2582
Fax:  (573) 884-0737

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 1383
Columbia, MO 65205

Or visit us on the web at: www.adventureclub.missouri.edu

School Phone Number
Benton 424-9489
Blue Ridge 214-3582
Cedar Ridge 214-3512
Derby Ridge 999-7673
Fairview 214-3592
Grant 864-4780
Lee 673-2125
Midway 214-3543
Mill Creek 214-3282
New Haven 214-3640 x 56480
Parkade 214-3630 x 55482
Paxton Keeley 214-3572
Ridgeway 214-3550 x 59480
Rock Bridge 673-2026
Russell 214-3650 x 67480
Shepard 214-3660 x 71481
Two Mile 673-7395
West 214-3670 x 79480