OSCAR Program Handbook

The OSCAR program provides a safe, quality programming experience with an emphasis on academics, health and wellness, community service and fun! At OSCAR we work on instilling in your child the core values set by the Sycamore School District.

Our Commitment to Parents:

• Your children will be supervised in a safe, supportive, healthy environment.
• Communication is vital. You are always welcome to speak with the OSCAR director, assistant director, site director or staff about concerns related to your child or the program.
• We will always provide a variety of recreational opportunities, as well as enrichment time for academics.

Our Expectations of Parents:

• All enrollment information should be kept current. Please inform the OSCAR office if there is a change of address, phone number, emergency phone number or email address.
• All fees will be paid on time.
• Notify the OSCAR staff of any issue that may cause changes in the behavior of a child in our program.
• Sign the Parent Handbook Acknowledgment page. By signing you acknowledge and become responsible for complying with the policies set forth in this document.

Our Expectations of Students:

• Follow the Sycamore Community School District core values.
• Respect the OSCAR staff.
• Participate and engage in a group that includes a staff member and up to 10 students.
• Independently transition between activities every 30 minutes.
• Independently participate and engage in community partnerships in a group that includes a staff member and up to 10 students (e.g., swimming, walking to local parks and museums, etc.).
• Work on/finish homework independently.
• Use all aspects of the restroom independently.
• Change clothes independently.

OSCAR provides an environment where all children feel safe and respected. We hold the same behavior expectations as those during the school day. Children and parents/guardians who participate in the program are required to sign our behavior contract. The contract contains basic rules and regulations required to ensure that all children participating feel safe and comfortable.

Our promise to parents:

• Staff will act as positive role models.
• The needs of the group and of each individual child will be taken into consideration.
• Rules will be appropriate for each child’s age and development.
• Rules will be consistently implemented.
• Rationale for rules will be explained and related to the child’s well-being and to the rights and safety of others.
• Consequences prior to written warnings will be logical, such as redirection to other activities or limiting choices.

OSCAR Rules:

• Follow all staff directives.
• No hurting others, physically or verbally.
• No inappropriate language.
• Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
• Respect other’s personal space.
• NO leaving the room or area of activity without permission.
• Stay within sight of OSCAR staff both indoors and outdoors.
• No running in the room or hallways.
• Stay in your seat while eating.
• Use good manners while eating.
• Clean up after yourself-snacks, toys, games, etc.
• OSCAR materials are to be used appropriately.

OSCAR Discipline and Guidance:

The goal at OSCAR is to have a safe learning environment for ALL students and staff. In order for this program to be successful for all students, cooperation, respect and self-control must be our expectations for every child. OSCAR staff is dedicated to working with you and your child(ren) to provide interventions and make sure we are delivering the best care for every student.

When a child demonstrates that he/she has not followed the rules/expectations of OSCAR the following interventions will take place:

1. Intervention 1: verbal warning and conversation with students about expectations. If the behavior continues the Site Director will speak to parents/guardians.
2. Intervention 2: written warning that must be signed by a parent before the student can return to the program, and/or a phone call to a parent for an immediate pick up.
3. Intervention 3: 1 day suspension from the program as well as a written report to be signed by a parent and/or a phone call to a parent for an immediate pick up.
4. Intervention 4: 2-5 day suspension from the program as well as a written report to be signed by a parent and/or a phone call to a parent for an immediate pick up. The suspension will be followed by a discussion between the Site Director, OSCAR Assistant Director and/or Director and the parent(s) before the students return to OSCAR.
5. Intervention 5: Dismissal from the program. This is at the discretion of the OSCAR Director. When dismissal becomes necessary, a parent will be notified by phone and/or in person, followed by written communication.

Interventions are cumulative and may not reset. Depending on the severity and/or nature of each individual situation, disciplinary actions from prior school years may be taken into consideration when making determinations for disciplinary action/dismissal.

The following actions may result in a student’s immediate dismissal from the program:

1. Physical attack or assault of a staff member
2. Threat to a staff member or to a staff member’s property
3. Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco or Electronic Cigarettes: It is illegal in Illinois for anyone under 21 to be in possession of alcohol. It is also illegal for anyone to possess, sell, manufacture, use, or solicit drugs, look-alike drugs, or unauthorized prescription drugs. The possession or use of electronic cigarettes is prohibited on school property, school buses, and at any school related activity.
4. Bringing weapons, or look-alike weapons, such as guns, clubs, chains, knives, brass knuckles, spears, and any other device that could be used to hurt or harm a student, staff member, or anyone else on school grounds or at a school function is strictly prohibited.

The following is prohibited conduct, behavior, or activity at OSCAR:

• Insubordination is defined as failure to comply with requests from OSCAR personnel. OSCAR personnel include interns, assistants, Site Directors, OSCAR Administration, school bus drivers, other school district employees, and students (where the term is appropriate).
• Endangering the physical or psychological well-being of the OSCAR Program population by acts including, but not limited to:
  • Improper release of a school fire alarm
  • Tampering with fire extinguishers.
• Intimidating or attempting to intimidate (threaten) students or OSCAR personnel.
• Bullying is severe or pervasive physical or verbal conduct, including written or electronic communications, directed to a student or students that can reasonably be expected to:
  • Place them in reasonable fear of harm to their person or property
  • Cause a substantial detrimental effect on their physical or mental health
• Vandalism is the intentional damage to or destruction of school property or property of OSCAR personnel.
• Theft: Stealing or possession of stolen school property, school funds, student or faculty property.
• Electronic Devices/Cell Phones: In order to maintain a quiet and orderly learning environment, students are not allowed to use or have turned on any electronic signaling and cellular telecommunication devices during OSCAR hours, unless authorized by the Site Director and/or OSCAR Assistant Director & Director. Electronic signaling devices include but are not limited to cellular telephones, Personal Assistant Devices, i-pods or mp3 players, laptop computers, and devices that can communicate by voice or text communication. OSCAR is NOT responsible for a lost or stolen cell phone. OSCAR staff will confiscate electronic devices that are visible, in use, or turned on during OSCAR.
• Fighting or any other type of physical abuse will not be tolerated at OSCAR. The school community views this as an unacceptable means to solve a conflict, no matter what the circumstance. In addition to OSCAR disciplinary action, OSCAR staff may make a police referral in the event of a physical altercation. If students see such actions occurring, they should report it immediately to the nearest OSCAR Site Director. Students are prohibited from involving themselves in a fight for any reason.
• Assaulting OSCAR personnel will result in an immediate police referral in addition to OSCAR disciplinary consequences.
• Acts which directly or indirectly jeopardize the health, safety and welfare of students and/or OSCAR personnel are strictly prohibited. This includes willfully obstructing an investigation by the OSCAR Director and/or Leadership by giving false information or by withholding information in response to questions.
• Inappropriate use of computers/technology: All student use of technology must be in accordance with the District #427 Acceptable Use Policy. Use must be for the purpose of education or research and must be consistent with the educational objectives of the district. Students are not allowed to access or tamper with teacher, student, and/or staff files, user files, user areas, system software, or system hardware. Students will not be allowed to utilize school technology to generate material for personal (not related to education or research) use or distribution. In addition, students may not use school technology to access, generate, view, submit, post, publish, transmit, or distribute inappropriate material which may include, but is not limited to, material which is defamatory, intentionally inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal. Students must abide by the Acceptable Use Policy at all times, including using only their own personal log-in information. Students found to have committed a technology violation may suffer disciplinary consequences including, but not limited to, the suspension of their technology privileges. The district has the right to request personal login information in connection with any discipline matter related to the use of technology.
• Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is interpreted to be any unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Such conduct is a violation of OSCAR procedures and will be handled through disciplinary action. Any student who believes that they have been subject to sexual harassment or any person who believes that they have witnessed an incident of sexual harassment should make a complaint. The initiation of a complaint of sexual harassment will not result in retaliation, bias or intimidation against the complainant. All complainants shall immediately be referred to the school Site Director for investigation. If the Site Director is the subject of the complaint, the complaint shall be referred to the OSCAR Director, or his or her designee.
• Acts of intolerance for diversity, either physical or verbal, which may include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, sexual preference, religious belief, gender, disability, etc. All students should have respect for one another and all OSCAR personnel.
• Use of inappropriate or offensive language will lead to disciplinary action. This language includes, but is not limited to, profanity.

Admission:

OSCAR is offered to students in kindergarten through fifth grade who attend a Sycamore School District 427 elementary school. Enrollment is satisfied when the following are completed and submitted online:

• All registration forms
• Payment of the registration fee (registration fee only for summer)
• Submission and verification of 4C paperwork.

Inclusion:

Parents of students with special needs should contact the OSCAR Leadership prior to registering for the program. OSCAR programming is not part of a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) or an extension of the academic day. The same support available to a student during the academic day is not available during OSCAR. The OSCAR staff will meet with parents to discuss the student’s needs, requests for OSCAR participation and the OSCAR program and services and supports included in the program to determine if the student’s needs can be addressed within the OSCAR program.

The intent of OSCAR is to provide flexible programming to meet the needs of your family’s changing schedule and therefore does not require a full time commitment to participate. Please indicate on the registration form the times your child will need to attend. Our programs are staffed based on expected attendance. Once your child’s schedule is determined, please notify the OSCAR Director of changes to the schedule.

You will be charged based on the schedule of attendance given to the OSCAR leadership. If your child will not attend OSCAR after school please call or email your child’s OSCAR site as well as the OSCAR office to inform them of the absence.

OSCAR offers extended programming for children during early release days at your child’s home school.

During breaks and holidays when school is not in session OSCAR offers occasional full day programming at Southeast Elementary School, 718 S. Locust Street.

Please register for Early Dismissal & Full Day separately on the website and indicate on which days your child will need to attend on an early release day and/or full day sessions.

Hours of Operation:

Before School:

• All elementary schools offer before school programming beginning at 7:00 a.m.

After School:

• All elementary schools offer after school programming from 3:30-6:00 p.m.
• All students are to be picked up no later than 6:00 p.m.

Late Pick-Up, Fees and Procedures:

The OSCAR program closes at 6:00 p.m. A late charge of $2.00 per minute will be assessed for each child remaining beyond 6:00 p.m., based on the school clock. Staff will remain with your child until he/she is picked up. However, if a child has not been picked up by 6:30 p.m. AND attempts to make contact with the parent, and/or designated emergency contacts are unsuccessful, the local police department will be contacted and the child will be released to their custody.

Daily OSCAR Schedule

Morning OSCAR

7:00 AM	OSCAR opens at home schools
7:00-7:30	Free play/game time
7:30-8:15	Structured activity i.e.: Indoor/outdoor games, crafts, science experiments, etc.
8:15	Breakfast
8:45	Students dismissed from program

Afternoon OSCAR

3:30 PM	OSCAR begins
3:30-3:45	Recess or Snack
3:45-4:30	Homework and academic time
4:30-5:30	Structured activity i.e.: indoor/outdoor game, craft, science experiment, etc.
5:30-6:00	Free play/game time

Full Day Programming

Full day OSCAR is held at Southeast Elementary School, 718 S. Locust Street, Sycamore. Children should bring a sack lunch as well as any necessary supplies needed to participate in activities with the community partnerships. Community Partnerships vary from presentations at the school to trips to the bowling alley, Kishwaukee YMCA, local parks, etc. Parents will be notified well in advance of what the partnership for the day is and the expectations of that partnership.

Students are grouped according to their current grade level:

• Junior Spartan- K
• Spartan Black - 1st
• Spartan Gold - 2nd & 3rd
• Senior Spartan - 4th & 5th

Below is a sample of a typical full day program schedule. Changes may occur without notice.

Full Day

7:00-7:30 AM	Free Play in Multi-Purpose Room
7:30-8:00 AM	Breakfast
8:00-8:30 AM	Gym Recess
8:30-9:00 AM	Computer Lab
9:00-9:30 AM	Activity/Game in Gym
9:30-10:00 AM	Free Play in Multi-Purpose Room
10:00-10:30 AM	Structured Activity
10:30-11:00 AM	Craft
11:00-11:30 AM	Recess
11:30 AM - noon	Lunch
Noon-12:30 PM	Rest and Read Independently
12:30-1:00 PM	Coloring and Academic Worksheets
1:00-1:30 PM	Community Partnership Presentation
1:30-2:00 PM	Community Partnership Presentation
2:00-2:30 PM	STEM Activities
2:30-3:00 PM	Free Play in Multi-Purpose Room
3:00-3:30 PM	Snack
3:30-4:00 PM	Go Noodle
4:00-4:30 PM	Recess
4:30-5:00 PM	Academic Worksheets & Coloring
5:00-6:00 PM	Pick Up/Free Play

Summer Programming

OSCAR offers summer programming for children who have completed kindergarten through fifth grade who were enrolled in and attended Sycamore Community School District 427 schools during the school year preceding the summer session. OSCAR Summer Programming offers children a safe, quality summer experience with an emphasis on academics, health and wellness, community service and summer time fun!

The program offers academic opportunities, outdoor recreation, arts & crafts, themed activities, as well as swimming and field trips. The program partners with Sycamore Park District as well as many other community partners to provide special programming throughout the summer at their facilities. Breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack is provided daily.

• Cost is $40.00 per day/per child
• One time, non-refundable fee of $15.00/per child
• Fees include regular programming from 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., swimming at the Sycamore Park Pool and food items listed above. Other optional field trips may be available at an additional cost. Rate is subject to change.

Summer Programming Registration Information:

• An application must be completed. A $15.00 non-refundable registration fee per child. Only the deposit will be applied toward your childcare fees. School year balance must be paid in full to attend Summer OSCAR.
• Submit completed registration forms along with deposits to: OSCAR Program, 245 W. Exchange Street, Sycamore, Illinois, 60178.
• Below is a sample of a typical summer program schedule. Changes may occur without notice.

Summer (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

7:00-8:30 AM	Free Time/Games
7:30-8:30 AM	Breakfast
8:30-9:30 AM	Morning Stretch (Review Expectations, Theme & Activity)
9:30-11:30 AM	Rotations (Crafts, Academic Worksheets, Reading, Science Experiments, etc.)
9:30-10:00 AM	Choice 1
10:00-10:30 AM	Choice 2
10:30-11:00 AM	Choice 3
11:00-11:30 AM	Choice 4
11:30 - noon	Lunch
Noon - 12:30 PM	Recess
12:30-1:00 PM	Read and Relax Independently
1:00 PM	Travel to Sycamore Park District for Programming
1:00-4:00 PM	Park District Fun (Swimming, Sports and STEM)
4:00-4:15 PM	Board busses and head back to OSCAR
4:15-4:45 PM	Snack
4:45-5:30 PM	Recess
5:30-6:00 PM	Free Time/Games

 

Summer (TUESDAY, THURSDAY)

7:00-8:30 AM	Free Time/Games
7:30-8:30 AM	Breakfast
8:30-9:30 AM	Morning Stretch (Review Expectations, Theme & Activity)
9:30-11:30 AM	Rotations (Crafts, Academic Worksheets, Reading, Science Experiments, etc.)
9:30-10:00 AM	Choice 1
10:00-10:30 AM	Choice 2
10:30-11:00 AM	Choice 3
11:00-11:30 AM	Choice 4
11:30 - noon	Lunch
Noon - 12:30 PM	Recess
12:30-1:00 PM	Read and Relax Independently
1:00-4:00 PM	Open Swim for some students OR Rotations (Crafts, Academic Worksheets, Reading, Science Experiments, etc.)
1:00-1:30 PM	Choice 1
1:30-2:00 PM	Choice 2
2:00-2:30 PM	Choice 3
2:30-3:30 PM	Recess
3:30-4:00 PM	Snack for Rotations Students
4:00-4:30 PM	Choice 4 or Snack for Swim Students
4:30-5:30 PM	Recess
5:30-6:00 PM	Free Time/Games

 

Closings Due to Weather or Non-Weather Emergencies:

All before and after school programs will be closed if the Sycamore Community School District is closed due to inclement weather. Please check the district’s website, www.syc427.org, and Facebook page or listen to local radio/television stations for announcements.

It is important that parents have alternate childcare plans in place on days when school has been canceled.

Should the weather worsen during the school day, or another non-weather emergency arises which necessitates school to be released early, parents will be notified and OSCAR will be canceled. This is for the safety of all children as well as staff. If a parent is unable to pick up their child, they should arrange for a designated emergency contact to do so.

Before School:

• Children need to be signed in on the daily attendance sheet along with the time of their arrival. We ask that parents accompany their students into the building and sign them in.

After School:

• Children must be signed out on the daily attendance sheet by a parent, guardian or other authorized adult (as shown on the registration form). The time of pick-up should also be noted.
• Only those listed on the registration form or with direct notification from the child’s parent will be authorized to pick up your child from OSCAR. We will check ID’s of people that we do not know. We assume that all people listed on a child’s emergency form such as parents, guardians, and emergency contact people are authorized to pick up your child. Any special pick-up arrangements must be made in advance with the school site director.

Please note: We cannot legally prevent a parent from picking up a child unless a copy of court documentation which definitively states custody arrangements is filed with the OSCAR office.

Registration and Fees:

Every OSCAR student must have completed registration prior to the first day of the school year and/or summer camp in order to attend. A new application needs to be filled out every year. These can be found online:

Summer:

• The registration fee is a $40.00 one-time fee per child. Only the deposit will be applied toward your fees. The daily fee for summer OSCAR is $35.00. Field Trips are an extra fee.

Daily Fees:

• Before school only: $16.00
• After school only: $18.00
• Before and after school: $24.00
• Early dismissal days: afternoon only $22.00
• Early dismissal days both morning and afternoon: $30.00
• OSCAR Jr.: $38.00
• No School Full Day Programming: $40.00

Invoices:

Invoices for the school year and summer are emailed to parents every two weeks.

Invoices (including any 4C co-payments) must be paid in full by the time the next invoice is sent out.

To register for summer OSCAR you need to be up to date on your school year balance. All summer invoices should be paid in full by the end of the summer in order to register your child for school year OSCAR.

Delinquent Accounts:

No one will be allowed to attend OSCAR with an unpaid balance from the previous school year or from the summer program. Invoices are expected to be paid in a timely manner. Balances that are in arrears may result in your child being terminated from the program.

Financial Assistance:

Financial Assistance is determined through 4C (Community Coordinated Child Care) and they must be contacted directly. OSCAR also accepts payment from the state for children in the foster care system.

• 4C
• 155 North Third Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
• (815) 758-8149

Payments:

Payments can be made in person to the OSCAR office (245 W Exchange Street) or during the summer can be made at South Prairie Elementary School (820 Borden Ave) or by mail to:

• OSCAR
• 245 W Exchange Street, Sycamore, IL 60178

Payments may also be made online at the district's web store

Refund Policy:

In order to be exempt from paying for a day your child is scheduled to attend OSCAR, you must fill out a change of schedule form at least two weeks in advance of the missed day. OSCAR deposits are non-transferable and non-refundable. We also cannot refund fees if your student is sick or cannot attend a day of camp.

Tax Information:

Tax information can be requested from the OSCAR office at any time.

OSCAR follows the same guidelines as the Sycamore School District regarding illness. Keep your child home if:

• Your child’s oral temperature is 100°F or higher.
• The child vomits or has diarrhea and/or continues to experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
• Your child shows signs of upper respiratory infection serious enough to intervene with the child’s ability to learn.
• There are signs of conjunctivitis with matter coming from one or both eyes, itching or crusts on eyelids.
• There are signs of live lice.

All students must be fever, vomit and diarrhea free for 24 hours before returning to OSCAR.

If your child becomes ill during OSCAR, a parent will be contacted immediately and arrangements for the child to go home will be made.

In case of a true emergency, 911 will be called and then the parent. OSCAR staff will allow the attending paramedics to make decisions regarding the child.

All OSCAR Site Directors and staff are CPR certified, however, there are no Sycamore School District medical personnel working in the buildings during OSCAR hours.

Injury:

It is not unusual for a child to sustain a bump or scrape during normal routine play in the gym or on the playground. When these types of injuries occur, OSCAR staff will tend to the injury appropriately. The parent will be notified and receive an ‘ouch’ report upon their arrival. If the injury is more serious, the parent will be called to discuss further treatment.

In case of a true emergency, 911 will be called and then the parent. OSCAR staff will allow the attending paramedics to make decisions regarding the child.

Medication:

OSCAR is authorized to only give prescription medication from its original container with the original label printed with the medication name, child’s name and dosage. The OSCAR medication authorization form will also be required. Medication must be turned into the site director. The medication will be held in a secure location out of reach of children.

All over the counter medication requires a note from the parent and should be given to the site director.

Breakfast & Snacks:

Breakfast will be served at each elementary school at 8:00 a.m. The breakfast is provided by the school district food service. The menu can be found on the district's food services webpage. The after school snack includes a grain, fresh fruit and milk.

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to make sure the OSCAR staff is aware of all known allergies of their child/children. Any child that is allergic to what is being served it is the responsibility of the parent to provide breakfast/snack.

Change of Contact Information:

It is important to be able to reach parents/guardians at all times. If your phone number (personal or work), work schedule or emergency contacts change you must notify the OSCAR Leadership and site staff director immediately.

Child Abuse Reporting:

As per Illinois State Law all OSCAR personnel are mandated reporter for suspected child abuse or neglect.

Confidentiality:

All information regarding children and their families is confidential. OSCAR maintains a policy that only a parent/guardian and appropriate staff members can discuss issues relating to their child or family. If you have a concern regarding another child enrolled in the OSCAR program please bring it to the attention of the school Site Director or the OSCAR Director and/or Assistant Director.

Homework Assistance:

OSCAR stresses the importance of homework and schedules time every day for students to complete assignments. Staff members will supervise homework and assist as needed. Children requiring individual assistance with homework must ask. Please note staff members will be unable to check each child’s homework for accuracy or provide the type of one-on-one help that is available from a private tutor.

The OSCAR staff will encourage children to do their assignments during the scheduled homework time but it is the responsibility of the child to complete the work. If you prefer to have your child complete his/her homework at home please discuss your preference with the site director. Children who do not use homework time to complete their assignments will play academic games or read a book.

Lost and Found:

All lost and found items will be placed in a lost and found area located near the reception table. To help minimize lost items, please write your child’s name on all possessions. OSCAR is not responsible for any lost items.

Photographs:

As a program participant of the Sycamore School District OSCAR program, your child may be photographed during his/her activities. The OSCAR program may use their photos periodically in our brochure or other publications. If you wish not to have your child photograph, please check the no box on the registration form.

Toys and Technology:

The OSCAR program is well supplied with toys and play equipment. All personal toys (including recess balls) and technology should remain at home. The OSCAR program cannot guarantee the safety of any personal items. All items that simulate violence are strictly forbidden and will be confiscated until parent pick-up.

OSCAR does not allow the use of cell phones by children. All cell phones must be stored in a place that is not visible to staff members or other children. In certain situations a child may use the device with teacher approval. Unpermitted usage of a cell phone will result in confiscation until parent pick-up.

Please call your specific school’s OSCAR phone in the event you must reach your child either before or after school.

Reminder: All dates are subject to change and may be canceled. If OSCAR will be canceled due to weather, the district sends out notification to all parents/guardians. Thank you!

No School - OSCAR Open Full Day

• October 27, 2023
• November 20, 2023
• November 21, 2023
• January 2, 2024
• January 3, 2024
• January 4, 2024
• January 5, 2024
• February 16, 2024
• March 25, 2024
• March 26, 2024
• March 27, 2024
• March 28, 2024
• March 29, 2024

No School - OSCAR Closed Full Day

• September 4, 2023
• October 30, 2023
• November 22, 2023
• November 23, 2023
• November 24, 2024
• December 25, 2023
• December 26, 2023
• December 27, 2023
• December 28, 2023
• December 29, 2023
• January 1, 2024
• January 15, 2024
• February 19, 2024
• April 1, 2024

Early Dismissal - OSCAR Open

• December 22, 2023
• March 24, 2024

Early Dismissal - OSCAR Closed

• Last Day of School (Date TBD)