Frequently Asked Questions
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How can I enroll my child into Castleton Kids?
Visit the “After School Program” tab. Download the handbook to find out all of the details of the program including pricing, policies and schedules. Download and print our application and fill it out. There is one application for each child. Therefore if you have 2 children to enroll, please fill out 2 applications. Next you will need to contact Scott at Castleton Kids (518-470-3646) to notify him that your child will be starting. He will tell you the best way to get him the application. The last step is to notify the school that your child will be attending Castleton Kids and their schedule (i.e. everyday, MWF, etc.).
What should I do if my child will be absent due to sickness, vacation, a field trip, religion class, boy/girl scouts, etc.?
Please notify the program in advance by writing a note in the parent binder by the sign out clipboard. If you don’t know of the absentee until the day of, please leave a message at 518-470-3646.
What is the program's policy on half days?
>Please click here to read the FULL POLICY on half days<
Children who are enrolled in full-time after-school care are automatically enrolled in half day programs with no additional charge. Children who are enrolled in part-time after-school care will be automatically enrolled ONLY if the half day falls on a day they would normally attend. If the half day does not fall on a day that your child attends, you can register your child at an additional cost by notifying Scott @ 470-3646.
Children who are enrolled in full-time after-school care are automatically enrolled in half day programs with no additional charge. Children who are enrolled in part-time after-school care will be automatically enrolled ONLY if the half day falls on a day they would normally attend. If the half day does not fall on a day that your child attends, you can register your child at an additional cost by notifying Scott @ 470-3646.
What is the program's policy on vacation days?
>Please visit here to read the FULL POLICY on vacation days<
Any child that has an active application on file at Castleton Kids is eligible to attend vacation days that the program is open and can do so by signing up their child on the corresponding sign up sheet, or by calling Scott @ 470-3646. The sign up sheet is located on the sign out table and will be pulled about a week prior to the date for staffing purposes.
There is an additional cost of $30 per day (See parent handbook for sibling discounts)
Any child that has an active application on file at Castleton Kids is eligible to attend vacation days that the program is open and can do so by signing up their child on the corresponding sign up sheet, or by calling Scott @ 470-3646. The sign up sheet is located on the sign out table and will be pulled about a week prior to the date for staffing purposes.
There is an additional cost of $30 per day (See parent handbook for sibling discounts)
What is the program policy on snow days?
Castleton Kids will not be open on snow days.
What is the program's policy on weather-related early dismissals?
>Please visit here to read the FULL POLICY on weather-related dismissals <
Please note - If the School District announces that "all after school programs are cancelled," Castleton Kids will operate a normal day.
Please note - If the School District announces that "all after school programs are cancelled," Castleton Kids will operate a normal day.
How can I become more involved in the program?
Castleton Kids has several Fundraising Opportunities, some are ongoing and some are annual events. Whether you have time, money or promotional skills to donate, there is ALWAYS a way to get involved. Visit our "Fundraising" tab to learn more.
In addition to fundraising events, Castleton Kids is run by a Parent Advisory Board. All parents having children enrolled in the Castleton Kids Program are encouraged to be involved with the Board. Meetings are held once a month and each family is given a chance to provide input toward making program decisions. Those who choose not to attend meetings are expected to abide by Board decisions.
The Board nominates and votes on officers and chairs for the Parent Board, Personnel, and Finance Committees at the end of each school year. Anyone interested in serving on the Board or participating on any committee should contact the Program Director, Scott.
In addition to fundraising events, Castleton Kids is run by a Parent Advisory Board. All parents having children enrolled in the Castleton Kids Program are encouraged to be involved with the Board. Meetings are held once a month and each family is given a chance to provide input toward making program decisions. Those who choose not to attend meetings are expected to abide by Board decisions.
The Board nominates and votes on officers and chairs for the Parent Board, Personnel, and Finance Committees at the end of each school year. Anyone interested in serving on the Board or participating on any committee should contact the Program Director, Scott.
Is Castleton Kids affiliated with the Schodack Central School District?
No. Castleton Kids is a private municipality organization that is under the umbrella of the Village of Castleton. The program has a rental agreement with the school district.
Who is allowed to pick up my child from Castleton Kids?
All persons who are authorized to pick up a child must be at least 16 years of age and must be listed on the child's application. (Changes in the authorization list can be submitted in writing to the Program Director, Scott.) Please ensure that anyone picking up a child must also carry identification.
How can I make a payment?
All monthly fees are due by the 5th working day of the month. Payments must be made out to the Village of Castleton. Payments may be dropped off at the Program or mailed to Castleton Kids.
Will my child have the opportunity to complete his/her homework during the after school program?
Yes. Children may find opportunities throughout the day to complete their homework and may ask for help from staff members.
Can my child bring in toys from home?
Yes. Children can bring in toys at their own risk. Castleton Kids does not accept responsibility for belongings brought from home and CK reserves the right to ask that children put away their belongings from home if deemed necessary.
Does Castleton Kids accept donations?
Yes. Monetary donations are always accepted and are tax deductible. Anyone who would like to donate items such as toys, games, furniture, etc. may contact the Program Director to make arrangements.
What type of training does the staff receive?
Castleton Kids direct care employees receive numerous hours of training in the following topic areas: First Aid/CPR, behavior management, special needs, recreational activities, healthy & safety, child abuse & maltreatment identification/prevention, nutrition, child day care program development, principles of child development and statutes & regulations pertaining to child day care. Some staff members have additional educational college degrees in fields related to aspects of the program.
Will my child receive a snack at the after school program?
Yes. Snack will be provided during the program. Each afternoon are children are served a snack with juice or water. Children are offered snack twice, in the morning and the evening on sign up vacation days.
