School Age Services
 

Mission Statement:

 School Age Services mission is to provide a fun, safe, and mentored environment where children/youth and families learn skills in physical fitness, recreation, life skills and citizenship which enable them to become well-rounded and productive.  We:

• Provide dynamic school-age programs that are developmental, accredited and meaningful.

• Provide instructional classes, family programs, clubs, education activities, social events, and special events.

• Vigorously promote children and youth involvement in the planning process of their activities.

• Encourage sportsmanship and lifetime physical fitness.

Program Philosophy:

The Fort Greely's School Age Services is committed to quality care for school age youth.  Our program reflects the philosophy of the National-After School Alliance (NAA) which means that we recognize the importance of accepting children and youth as individuals – each with unique strengths and talents.  Our program strives to create a positive and nurturing environment which fosters self-confidence, a joy of learning, positive communication, body awareness, and the ability to make choices and decisions.  These skills will benefit the children and the world in which they live.  In doing so, we see our role as building and facilitating children's experiences rather than directing and instructing.  Our goal is to provide a wide range and variety of experiences to enhance individual growth and development
 

SAS Location and Hours:

The program is located in the Child & Youth Services (CYS) Building #847
Before School Hours are 6:00-8:00am
After School Hours are 3:45-6:00pm, Mon.-Tues.-Thurs.-Fri., and 2:45-6:00pm Wed.
School In-Service and Vacation Hours are 6:00am-6:00pm
SAS is closed on all Federal Holidays
 

What does my child need?

The SAS program will supply almost everything that your child will need to fully participate at the program with the following exceptions that we ask that you supply:

• Tennis shoes for use in the gym

• One complete change of clothes

• Backpack or bag to carry items in

• Jacket (snow gear during winter)

• Swim suit (summer)

• Water bottle labeled with child's name

Sandals and open toed shoes may not be worn for safety reasons.   No food from home may be brought to the program to include gum and candy.  Please do not allow your child/ren to bring personal items such as toys, CD's, video game, and cartridges unless previously coordinated with SAS staff.  Personal items may be taken from children and held at the front office for a parent to pick up if necessary.  Please label all your children's belongings with their name.  We are not responsible for items of clothing children have misplaced at the center or on field trips. 
 

Fees and Fee policies:

The fees for the School Age Services Program are based on Total Family Income and the Army fee scale per DOD policy.

A 20% discount is given for each additional child from the same family in the CYS programs, which include children enrolled at the Child Development Center full day and/or part day program and Family Child Care.

Subsidies:

If you are in need of child care subsidies please stop at the Central Registration desk.  They will be more than happy to assist you.  They have information about the child care subsidy assistance program
 

Breakfast, Lunch and Snack:

The SAS program operates in accordance with the US Department of  Agriculture policies.  The children will receive nutritionally balanced meals, including breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack.  Any food allergies or special diets need to be brought to the staff's attention and be documented with a physician's statement.  Due to health regulations
no food may be brought to the program from home.

Activities:    

SAS provides a variety of activities in the four core areas:  Sports and Fitness, Arts and Leisure Recreation, Life Skills and Leadership, Mentoring and Community Service, Character Counts, 4-H Club and will soon be offering Boys & Girls Club of America activities.

Scheduled meal times:

School year (Sept-May) 
Breakfast 7:30am
Snack 4:00pm

Summer (June-Aug) 
Breakfast  8:00
Lunch 11:30
Snack 2:30
 

Parent Involvement:

The SAS program is serious about providing the highest quality of care for your children.  To accomplish this goal, it is necessary to have frequent and good communication between the staff, management and parents.  A program that parents are enthusiastically involved in tends to be of a higher quality than those that are not.  We operate with an “open door” policy encouraging parents to meet with staff or management at any time to discuss any concerns that may arise.

The Child & Youth Services Parent Advisory Support Council, which meets the 3^rd Friday of each month, is held from 4:30-5:30pm at the Child & Youth Services program, Bldg. #847.  All parents are encouraged to attend.  The SAS program has an elected representative who is required to attend the meetings.

Parents are encouraged to attend field trips, activities at the center and away from the program and to share with us their own culture.  Some other suggestions include; reading stories on tape, to repair broken items or toys, mend books, build items, put together photo albums, suggesting guest speakers or field trip ideas, and etc.  We ask that all parents complete the parent involvement form when they enroll their child/ren in the program.  Ask the CYS clerk about the 10% fee reduction that a parent can earn by participating in their child’s program.  This process is called earning Parent Participation Points and 5 points must be accrued in a month in order to earn the fee discount. 

Staff Qualifications:

All staff working with children go through a series of background clearances.  Staff is also required to work through the Army designed School-Age Training program .  This training benefits both the staff member and the program ensuring quality care is being provided.

Training classes and workshops are also opened to parents.  These will be advertised in the newsletter, and on bulletin boards. 

Child Abuse Reporting:

All staff is required by State of Alaska and Army regulation to personally report the suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the State of Alaska Office of Children's Services and the Department of Army police Desk.  By law, this includes discipline which leaves a mark on the child.

Parents are encouraged to attend staff child abuse prevention, identification, and prevention training.  Parents can also request to read the CYS Child Abuse Reporting Standard Operating procedure (SOP).  For additional information call the:
Post Safety Office: 873-5031
DOD Hotline: 1-800-336-4592