This handbook provides important guidelines and expectations for all children and families who are members of our center. Our goal is to ensure a consistent, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone.
Attendance
Though class seats are limited, we strive to place every child in a specialty class to foster an enriching afterschool experience for all. These classes build skills progressively, so regular attendance is required. Once you’ve accepted a class placement, your child must attend our program on the same weekday their class meets. You may not switch your child’s attendance days, even if the total number for the week matches your enrollment plan. This consistency helps us maintain stable class rosters, support friendships, and allow our instructors to plan and teach effectively.
For example, a child enrolled in a 2-Day plan with classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, may attend afterschool only on those days.
DAYS ATTENDING AFTERSCHOOL
Classroom teachers dismiss their students from the school day following your instructions. They either bring your child outside for dismissal or they bring them to afterschool. You are responsible for letting your child's teacher know which days of the week they will be attending the afterschool program. Any changes in your afterschool routine should be emailed to your child's teacher and the afterschool executive director. If there is a one off change - send one email to your child's teacher, the afterschool executive director and the parent coordinator to ensure your instructions are received.
ABSENCE
Afterschool is an extension of the school day. Your child cannot attend afterschool if they have not attended the school day. Any child arriving for the school day from 12noon onward is marked absent and therefore cannot attend afterschool that day.
DOCTOR/DENTIST APPOINTMENTS
Children must transition from their school day classroom to afterschool. If your child is removed from school for a doctor visit, they must return from any outside appointment by 2:15pm in order to attend afterschool.
Behavior
To maintain a safe, supportive, and positive environment for all, we require every member of our community to conduct themselves in a calm and respectful manner at all times.
We are committed to upholding the PS 107 Community Standards, which serve as our shared code of conduct. Staff and caregivers are expected to follow these standards and model appropriate behavior for the children in our care.
We also ask caregivers to discuss these expectations with their children and help them understand that inappropriate behavior has consequences. Children who do not follow these standards—or whose behavior negatively impacts others—may be dismissed from our program.
Communication
From Us
Our Executive Director sends updates and announcements to the primary email you have on file with us in 6crickets.
To Us
Our Executive Director is your primary resource for all afterschool issues. Please contact as directed below:
By phone
For timely issues, such as a change in your child’s pickup arrangements or to purchase a drop-in day.
By email
- To alter your child’s participation, like making a change to their class schedule or enrollment plan.
- To ask questions or address concerns about any aspect of PS 107 Afterschool.
Health + Safety
PS 107 Afterschool is part of the PS 107 community, but we are a separate organization and do not have access to your child’s Blue Card or any school records. That’s why it’s very important to keep your child’s medical information and emergency contacts up to date in your 6crickets account.
If you choose to send your child with any toys, they must be easy to disinfect with cleaning wipes. Please avoid sending favorite or irreplaceable items, as they may get damaged or lost.
Pickup
Families are able to pick up their child anytime between 2:50pm and 5:55pm except during their specialty class.
If your child needs to miss their program for any reason, families must email director@ps107afterschool.org with their child's full name and grade to let us know and we will not send them to their class that day.
FRONT DOOR PICKUPS: All Kindergarten and PreK pickups are via the front door. Enter > Line Up and wait your turn > Show ID > Announce the first and last name of the child you are picking up and their grade and sign out the child in the binder for their grade. Leave a little extra time in the beginning of the year as we are getting to know all parents and childcare providers.
BIG YARD GATE PICKUPS: All Grades 1-5 pickups are via the Big Yard gate from 4pm-5:45pm during nice weather. Line up outside the gate > Show ID > Announce the first and last name of the child you are picking up and their grade > Sign out the child in the binder for their grade. During inclement weather or at all other times, Grades 1-5 will be via the Front Door.
LATE FEES
Afterschool CLOSES at promptly 5:55 PM.
There is a $10 late fee per child to be paid at time of pickup via cash, Zelle or Venmo.
Afterschool staff are not your backup plan if you cannot make it on time. Please make arrangements with a friend, neighbor or family member who you can call if you are stuck in traffic or on the train. Add these emergency contacts to your account in 6crickets so we can reach them in case you cannot make it to pick up on time.
Supplies
Please send your child with a few essential items to support their comfort, health, and readiness for the day.
Appropriate Dress
Dress your children in layers, with a warm coat, hat, and gloves during winter with your child’s name clearly written on each item. If your child is signed up for a class in the park make sure they have appropriate clothes and shoes for sports and hiking.
Backpack
A sturdy backpack with your child’s name clearly marked to hold all supplies, including writing. Children have accidents so we encourage having an extra pair of underwear and bottoms in the backpack.
Water + Snacks
A water bottle. We provide a daily snack, but we ask that families send individual snacks as well in case your child remains hungry or our snacks are not to their liking.