	After School Programming and Services

Introduction

Registration

Certification

Accreditation

ASP-PS 2: Registration and Orientation

The program enrolls, orients, and collects relevant information from children and youth and their families.

ASP-PS 2.01

During registration or orientation, children and youth and their families are informed about:

program goals, activities, and hours of operation;
their rights, including any obligations the program has to them; and
rules, responsibilities, expectations, and any factors that can result in discharge from the program.

Interpretation: Children and youth and their families should also receive a written summary of the rights and responsibilities addressed in elements (b) and (c) of the standard. This information may be included in the program’s guidebook or handbook for families. A written summary of rights and responsibilities should also be posted at the program.

ASP-PS 2.02

Prompt, responsive registration practices:

support timely program enrollment; and
provide for placement on a waiting list, if desired.

Interpretation: Children and youth who cannot be served, or cannot be served promptly, should be provided with information about other appropriate programs, if available in the community and desired by the child or youth and family.

ASP-PS 2.03

The program collects relevant information from children and youth and their families, including:

identifying information, including name and date of birth;
address;
emergency contact information;
information about and consent forms related to special needs, including medical needs;
additional consent forms or permission slips, as needed;
authorizations for pick-up, if applicable; and
relevant school day data, if applicable for the program.

ASP-PS 2.04

Children, youth, and their families receive a schedule of any applicable fees and estimated or actual expenses, and are informed prior to program participation about:

the amount that will be charged;
when fees or co-payments are charged, changed, refunded, waived, or reduced;
the manner and timing of payment; and
the consequences of nonpayment.

Note: As referenced in ASP-PS 11.02, the program should seek to access all possible sources of subsidy, from scholarships to tax credits, that could help make the program affordable for families.

NA The program is free of charge.

ASP-PS 2.05

The program states in writing circumstances under which it will allow participation by minors without consent from a parent or legal guardian, and provides this information upon request.

NA The program does not allow participation by minors without consent from a parent or legal guardian.

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	PURPOSE: Children and youth who participate in After School Programs gain the personal and social abilities and attitudes needed to form positive identities, boost self-esteem, build skills, navigate challenging situations, avoid negative behaviors, assume leadership roles, embrace diversity, and establish healthy connections with others in the community.

RELATED FILES


	COMMUNITY The area where the program is located (i.e., the neighborhood, city, town, or county). The term may also refer to a group of people who are defined by and/or share a common culture, values, norms, language, race, religion, ethnicity, age, occupation, political status, tribal affiliation, interest in particular problems or outcomes, or other common bonds. Often, many smaller communities coexist within a city or town.


	PRACTICE Established actions or ways of proceeding in the regular performance of program duties. Policies and procedures often guide practice.


	FAMILY Two or more people who consider themselves family and who assume obligations, functions, and responsibilities generally essential to healthy family life. Child care, child socialization, income support, and other aspects of caregiving are among the functions of family life. There are a number of types of families, and the definition of “family” will rest with an individual’s indication of who plays a family member role. For example, families may include children, youth and adults living in the home; adults who are responsible for the care and well-being of children and youth; parents who may not live in the same household as the children and youth; current or former foster families; adoptive families; extended family members; and legal guardians. Programs that believe family attachments are of primary importance for human development will strive to work with staff to develop a common understanding of “family.” Successful providers recognize and value a child or youth’s definition of “family", even if it is different from the provider’s experience.


	SPECIAL NEEDS A designation used in reference to conditions or characteristics that may reflect a need for special care or assistance. These needs might be physical, behavioral, medical, emotional, or cognitive. Although each child or youth is unique, in some cases programs may need to develop a plan to meet the special needs of an individual child or youth. The plan might include providing special materials, defining a behavior plan, training staff for medical needs, adapting space to permit wheelchair access, etc.


	LEGAL GUARDIAN In the case of a minor child or youth, a guardian is charged with the legal responsibility for the care and management of the child or youth and his/her estate.