Child & Youth Program Registration Information

Registration documents can be collected from the MFRC. Visit us soon for on-line forms.

All registration documentation must be completed in full. Incomplete documentation will not be accepted. Parents/Guardians are asked to pay particular attention to the areas discussing 'Medical Attention', 'Participation' and 'Discpline/Removal from Program'. If you have any questions regarding the registration documents, please contact the Child or Youth Services Coordinator.

Registration documents have an expiry date. Parents must complete new registration documents for start of each September school year. (2007 annual registration week takes place August 21-24th, 9 am - 12 noon at Ralston School). In a transient community, renewing your child/youth registration allows us to maintain current work and emergency contact information.

Child & Youth Development & Parenting Support Policy: Enhance family well-being by fostering positive parenting and providing optimal care, thereby supporting the development of children and youth.

Program Philosophies: Our philosophies are ‘children learn through play’ and 'youth learn through positive peer interaction, adult role modeling and social activities.’ Social interaction is a vital part of a child or youth’s emotional, social, intellectual and physical development. Through recreation and social activities, children and youth can investigate and experience new realms of learning, which will encompass all areas of their development. Staff and volunteers work closely with the children and youth in order to build trusting relationships, encouraging children and youth to explore their skills and interests in a setting away from the home environment. Through interactive program planning staff, volunteers, children and youth plan programs to aid in the development of strong, healthy skills.

Program Registration: To attend programs, parents must complete an annual child and youth registration form and submit to the MFRC. (Youth may submit completed documents to the Youth Club). Youth Club registrants are required to pay an annual $5.00 registration fee at the time of attending their first Youth Club event.

Arrival and Departure Expectations: Children and youth meet staff at the beginning of the activity at the designated location. Supervision will not be offered prior to the start time. Children and youth who have written permission to walk home alone are released upon completion of the activity. Parents are expected to collect participants on time. Children and youth will not be released without consent. Staff will phone both the home number and the emergency contact person(s) for instruction. If staff is unable to contact the above, the Military Police/Royal Military Police will be contacted. If an adult other than a parent is to collect your children, written consent is required prior to event. Staff will not assume responsibility for unsupervised children and youth in their transition to and from the program facilities.

Clothing Requirements: Please ensure all children and youth are dressed appropriately. Indoor footwear is to be provided on wet, snowy or muddy days. Parents will be contacted and requested to bring additional clothing if the staff determine that the children or youth do not have appropriate wear.

Discipline: There are rules in place to ensure the safety of participants and to create a supportive and non-threatening environment for all. Rules of the Youth Club are developed in partnership with the children and youth and posted in the Youth Club. Inappropriate behavior will be dealt with in a firm, but diplomatic manner. If an individual’s behavior is disruptive, staff will attempt to change the behavior in a positive manner. The Junior Youth Club is run with the discipline system of 1,2,3 Magic and the Senior Youth Club is run with the belief that they are utilizing the system as a privilege not a right and staff will not hesitate to ask them to leave.All staff undergo training in the use of 1, 2, 3 Magic strategies for disciplinary measures.

The discipline system is as follows (Child Services Programs):

Two warnings will be given stating that the behavior exhibited is inappropriate and should not be repeated. Staff will help child come up with a more appropriate behavior.
After two warnings, the child will be given a time-out; the length of the time-out is dependent on the activity and age of the individual.
If the behavior continues, the individual will receive a second time out. At this time the parents will be contacted and forewarned that if their child continues with similar patterns of behavior, they are at risk of removal from the program, for a period of time agreed upon by the Coordinator and parents.
If the behavior persists, and a third time out is issued, parents are contacted and are responsible for the immediate collection of their child from the program (this includes all offsite activities). If need be, parents and Coordinator will fill out a behavior contract prior to the child rejoining the program.
The following behaviors will be considered inappropriate and will not be tolerated at anytime:
- Aggression in the physical or verbal form
- Disrespecting or not listening to staff
- Inappropriate language including swearing
- Theft or interference in other participants/leaders/program equipment
- Drug or alcohol use

The discipline system is as follows (Youth Services Programs):

Youth who do not adhere to the agreed upon rules and policies of the Suffield Military Family Resource Center Youth Club will be asked to leave the Youth Club immediately and will be allowed to return after the agreed upon time set out by the staff and youth.
If the behavior of the youth warrants, parents will be contacted and asked to participate in a meeting prior to the youth being welcome back at Youth Club.
The Military Police/Royal Military Police will be contacted if the behavior exhibited warrants immediate action to protect the safety of the youth, staff and other participatants.

Incident and Accident Reports: All incident and accidents will be documented and signed by the staff, coordinator and parents.

Program Cancellation: All child services programming requires two weeks written cancellation notice. In the absence of written cancellation notice, parents will be billed accordingly for any missed programming. It is the policy of the MFRC that all programs have at least one staff and one volunteer supervising the programs. In the event that proper supervision cannot be found, the activity will be cancelled. The programs will also close on short notice due to severe weather warnings or if the Base Commander issues a ‘shut-down’ order. In the event of a closure, staff will make every effort to notify the participants.All activities and special events have a one-week prior to deadline registration cut-off, to ensure the plans are not cancelled. Payment is due at time of registration. A refund will be given before the week deadline or if we are able to fill your spot.

Child Services Fee Payment: ‘Statement of Accounts’ are payable at the MFRC main office, on or before the due date. Parents are required to contact the Coordinator prior to the due date if they wish to make alternative payment arrangements.

Youth Services Fee Payment: Fees are due upon entering the Youth Club, however for those youth who do not have the means to pay that night, staff will start a ‘Youth Statement of Accounts.’ These are payable at the Youth Club, on or before the end of each month. Statement of accounts are only accepted for user fees and not canteen purchases.

Late Collection: Late fees of $10.00 /child / 30 minutes (or part thereof) will be added to your account in the event that your child is not collected on time.

Kiddie Kare: (Newborn – 3 Years)
This program allows children to “learn through play” in a pleasant and safe environment. Children will engage in age appropriate games and activities that will enhance all areas of development. Parents to provide strollers, formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and required clothing.

Located in the Ralston Community Centre
Daily sessions from 8:30 am-11:40 am
Fees - $10.00 / child / session
          - $16.00 / 2 siblings / session
          - Snack Fees: $0.50 / child / snack
          - Late Fees: $10.00/ half an hour or part thereof

Permanent Placement:
     A ‘Statement of Account’ issued one month in arrears
     Guaranteed place for continued attendance
     Entitled to two weeks vacation per school year

Drop-In:
     Fees due at end of session
     Offered on first come first served basis
     Priority given to permanent placement registrants

Lunch Program: (Kindergarten – Grade 6)
This program provides children supervision during the lunch hour. If you wish for your child to remain in school over the lunch hour, please have them bring a bagged lunch. Staff members do not have access to microwave facilities. Ralston School does not pass on absence information to the MFRC; it is the parent’s responsibility to notify the MFRC of all absences. Unexcused absences will result in a $3.00 / child / day administration fee.

Pre and Post School Care: (Kindergarten – Grade 6)
This program is for children requiring extended hours of supervision. The children have an opportunity to participate in various cooperative games, crafting and sporting activities. It allows children to build upon their skills of socialization and decision-making in a positive environment. Program calendars are available from the MFRC and are to be completed for all sessions (drop-in service is not offered). Children are to be pre-booked by Friday lunch for any sessions during the following week. Sessions can be booked up to one month in advance. Call the MFRC for current fee information. Flat session fee and monthly attendance reduced fees are offered. Those families opting for the 'monthly attendance reduced fee option' will receive ten bills/school year regardless of attendance. Statement of Accounts are issued one month in arrears, and either given to the parent upon collection of child or placed in child’s school bag or lunch box. Kindergarten children cannot attend the post care sessions until they are in full time education. Sessions run on all school days. In the event the school has an unexpected closure, sessions will be cancelled. Small canteen service available. Canteen cards can be purchased from the MFRC.

Located in basement of Ralston School
Daily sessions from 7:00-8:30 am, 2:30-4:00 pm and 4:00 -5:00 pm

Junior Youth Club: (8 – 11 Years)
This program provides opportunities for members to further develop their skills in sharing, decision-making, cooperation and social skills, while promoting their self-esteem in a caring and nurturing environment. We offer monthly fieldtrips, special events such as overnight trips, dances and fundraising events. Canteen service available. Canteen cards can be purchased at the MFRC. Youth Club members may bring a guest three times before the individual is required to formally register with the MFRC. Members and members’ parents are responsible for guests. Event costs apply to guests. See posters and newsletters for more information.

Located in the CAN-UK Centre at 16 Edgewood Road
Monday and Wednesday Evenings: 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Annual Registration Fee: $5.00
Nightly attendance fee: $1.00, unless otherwise stated

Senior Youth Club: (12 – 17 Years)
This program incorporates the development of social skills and self-esteem through youth directed activities. Fun and interesting activities will ultimately enable youth to develop skills in leadership, citizenship, decision-making, cooperation, group dynamics, fundraising and volunteerism. We offer monthly fieldtrips, special events such as overnight trips, dances and fundraising events. Youth have the opportunity to sit on our local Youth Advisory Committee. Canteen service available. Canteen cards can be purchased at the MFRC

Located in the CAN-UK Centre at 16 Edgewood Road
Tuesday and Thursday evenings: 6:00 pm-9:00 pm

Annual Registration Fee: $5.00
Nightly attendance fee: $1.00, unless otherwise stated