Frequently Asked Questions

What is the membership fee, what does it get you?

The $50 membership fee is an annual fee that helps support the operations of the Revelstoke After School Society (RASS). Your membership is valid from July 01st until June 30th for the year. This fee includes…

• Access to register in RASS programs such as after school care, camps, and special events
• Voting rights at our Annual General Meeting (AGM), giving you a say in the direction of our non-profit organization
• Support for the ongoing development and sustainability of affordable child care and enrichment programming in Revelstoke

Are there any discounts for multiple children or low-income families?

• Yes if your household is below the threshold there is a government subsidy you can apply for. We can send you a form upon registration for the Affordable Child Care Benefit. For more information, click here
• Unfortunately with the nature of the program being a not for profit we do not have the capacity to offer discounts for multiple children

Are there any specific requirements for enrollment (age, grade level, etc.)?

• We provide after school care to children in kindergarten through grade 5. Children in our care must be enrolled in kindergarten for the current school year (year of care)

Can my child continue to attend after grade 5?

• The short answer is yes, but it is to the discretion of the parent. We advise the 10 year old to take an at home course to feel more comfortable staying at home on their own.

What documents do I need to provide for registration?

• For registration, please have ready a recent photo of your child, your child’s care card number, and emergency contact details.
• If your child has any medical conditions or requires medication of any kind we ask that you please fill out a medical care plan.

Do you offer field trips or special events? If so, how are these managed?

• Yes, we do offer various field trips throughout the year. RASS will contact you prior to any higher risk field trips (ex. Swimming) to ensure you have time to withdraw your child at your own discretion. You will be notified of trips to any alternative locations such as the Green Belt or the Okanagan Library prior to pick up on the day of.

What safety measures are in place to ensure the well-being of the children?

• All our staff members are required to hold a valid Emergency Childcare First Aid Certificate, have completed a 20h responsible adult course, as well as have cleared a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector.
• We have various safety procedures in place when walking with children through the community, while children are biking/scootering/rollerblading, as well as specific boundaries for the children in different areas which we review whenever we change locations. 
• Should we encounter inclement weather, RASS has set in place various procedures to ensure children are able to take shelter and/or shield themselves from the elements.

Are background checks conducted for all staff members?

• Yes, each staff member and volunteer needs to clear a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening. Each staff member is also required to have at least 2 completed references on file.

What is the policy for picking up children? How is security managed to ensure that children are released only to authorized individuals?

• Children are ONLY able to go home with authorized individuals. If your child is to go home with another parent, relative, or friend, RASS staff MUST have obtained written (text) or verbal (phone) consent for the said individual to be able to pick up your child. RASS staff will ask for a government issued ID in this case. 

What is the staff-to-child ratio?

• Our licensed ratio is 1:12 however, we do our best to have a consistent ratio of 1:6. With a maximum of 24 kids.

Is there a program director or point of contact for parents with questions or concerns?

• Should you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child(ren)’s center manager by emailing to centermanager@revyafterschool.ca

Can I provide my child with their own snacks?

• RASS provides a daily snack of a fruit, vegetable, dairy product, and treat once per day. You are welcome to pack your child(ren) with additional snack items, however, please refrain from including items with nuts.

How do you communicate with parents about program updates, events, or issues?

• All program updates and events will be communicated to parents via email from our Executive Director. Issues will be managed depending on severity. You may receive a phone call and/or email from a center manager, or the executive director. You may also receive a phone call from a program facilitator.

What is your policy on discipline and behaviour management?

• Staff will focus on the following strategies when responding to misbehaviour:
  • Redirection
  • Logical Consequences
  • Participate in the Solution
  • Natural Consequences
  • Take a Break
• If these actions do not help in reducing or changing behavior the following will take place: 
  • 1. Staff will report behaviour and what strategies have been attempted to the Center Manager
  • 2. The Center Manager will observe the child and meet with the Lead Facilitator(s) to develop a behavior management plan.
  • 3. The behavior management plan will be discussed with the parent and then put into practice.
  • 4. The Center Manager, facilitator and parents will evaluate the behavior management plan. If needed, adjustments will be made. 
• If a child’s behaviour becomes threatening to themselves, other children, staff or teachers; the child will be either removed and/or suspended from the program. This decision will be made by the Executive Director.

Click here for more information on our behaviour management strategies