Empire Union School District's Latchkey Program provides a quality day-care program for children whose parents are working, are in job training, or are attending school and want their children's time away from home before and after school to be safe and productive.  The Latchkey Program strives to provide a safe and secure environment in which the child can grow, learn, and explore to his or her own potential.  Guided and supervised by caring adults, this program is designed to provide children with opportunities to participate in arts and crafts, sports, games, and special events.  Activities foster social interaction, development of motor skills, creativity, and curiosity while promoting sound behavioral development.

The Empire Union School District offers the Latchkey Program at three locations:

• Hughes School - 512 North McClure Road – (209) 524-6325

• Stroud School - 815 Frazine Road – (209) 491-2470  

• Sipherd School - 3420 E. Orangeburg Avenue – (209) 524-7360

 The Latchkey Program is made possible by parent fees; therefore, the program is contingent upon enrollment. Children, as young as four in the Empire Union School District are eligible to participate in the program regardless of family income. Children are eligible regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, creed, or sex. This program refrains from religious practice or instruction.

Empire Union School District's Latchkey Program provides a quality program for children whose parents are working, are in job training, or are attending school and want their children's time away from home before and after school to be safe and productive. If there is a waiting list for the program, parents who have signed up on the waiting list will have first priority for enrollment in the program. The Latchkey Program strives to provide a safe and secure environment in which the child can grow, learn, and explore to his or her own potential. Guided and supervised by caring adults, this program is designed to provide children with opportunities to participate in arts and crafts, sports, games, and special events. Activities foster social interaction, development of motor skills, creativity, and curiosity while promoting sound behavioral development.

Enrollment

As space permits, the site supervisor will enroll children. No child will be admitted without an interview with the parent. Priorities Children who will attend the program on a regular daily basis are enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis.

 “Contracted” Hours/Days

Parents will sign a contract specifying number of days and hours needed. Parents will be charged based on these “contracted hours/days” rather than actual days attended. This will allow us to project budget and schedule staff. Parents will NOT be charged on days when their child is absent from school, even if it was one of their contracted days. However, if their child is at school, and does not attend Latchkey, they will be charged as per their contract schedule.

A completed and signed contract will be required from all parents PRIOR to enrollment in the program.  Children are registered on a “first come, first served” basis, reservations are not permitted.

 Absences

This program is affected by irregular child attendance and absences. Parents are required to notify Latchkey whenever a child will be absent. Parents will be charged for the contracted day(s)/hour(s) if Latchkey is not notified of a child’s absence from the program.

 Fees/Hours

Parents are required to prepay for the month. Parents will be notified in writing whenever your account falls behind. This notification will request that the balance be brought up to date within two (2) days, or services will be terminated.

Payment is to be made by cash, check, or money order. Any returned checks from the bank will be charged an amount equal to bank charges. PARENTS WHO ARE USING COUNTY, STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCIES FOR PAYMENT OF CHILDCARE EXPENSES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY BALANCE NOT COVERED BY THE AGENCY.

Fees are charged in 30 minute increments, with a five (5) minute leeway. (Example: If your child attends Latchkey for 10 to 30 minutes, you are charged for 30 minutes. If your child attends Latchkey from 40 to 60 minutes, you are charged for one (1) hour). Starting and ending times may vary slightly by school site.

 Deposit

 A non-refundable $35 prepaid registration fee per family is required annually before your children can start the Latchkey Program

 Vacation

 One week vacation will be granted per student providing at least one week notice is given to the Latchkey Program prior to vacation.  During this time you will not be charged.  If one week notice is not given, you will be charged.

 Morning Hours

                                                                                    1st Child                                   2nd Child
Morning Hours:            6:30 am – 7:50 am                  $2.50 per day                     $2.40 per day
                                                                                    These are flat rates, per day charges, regardless of the amount of time your child attends each morning.

                                                                                     No one is to arrive before 6:30 am.  Latchkey staff is not available prior to 6:30 am and children cannot be
                                                                                    present without supervision.

                                                                                     1st Child                                   2nd Child
 Afternoon Hours:         2:05 pm – 6:00 pm               $2.50 per hour                    $2.25 per hour

Afternoon Hours
Kindergartners              1:20 pm – 6:00 pm                $2.90 per hour

Latchkey Forms

• Parent Handbook (English/Spanish)

• Latchkey Handbook Acknowledgment Form

• Latchkey Handbook Acknowledgement Form (Spanish)

• Latchkey Contract for Services (English/Spanish)

• Latchkey Student Emergency and Identification Information

• Latchkey Student Emergency and Identification Information (Spanish)

• Latchkey Summer Registration Form