Explorers

The Explorers program provides child care primarily for the children enrolled in the school ages three through five years of age. Children of kindergarten age who are former Ruth Washburn students and siblings from three through six years of age of current students are eligible to attend.  Children from non-Co-op member families may also utilize the program as space permits with Guaranteed Option at a non-discounted rate.

The Explorers program is an extension of the preschool program in philosophy and in activities. The Explorers day typically consists of:
·         Outdoor Play offered 3x daily
·         Lunch brought from home. Snack is provided for Afternoon Explorers.
·         Rest or nap (Please fill out attached “Getting to Know You” sheet.)
·         Circle Time
·         Open Exploration

Guaranteed Option
A Guaranteed Option is available for current RWCNS families at a discounted hourly rate and is offered to help those families who depend on regularly scheduled care on a monthly basis.   The Guaranteed Option Explorers Sign-Up Sheet available online and at the front desk. It must be completed by the 25th of the month prior to your desired start date. Each month thereafter, monthly charges will be added to your account.  You will be billed in advance on the first of each month.  If you need to make changes to your child’s schedule, please do so by the 25th of the month for the following month (i.e. if you need to make changes to March’s schedule, please do so by February 25th).  Reminder:  Refunds will not be given for missed days when using the Guaranteed Option – you are responsible for payment for your child’s scheduled time in Explorers including illness-related absences or school-wide snow days.  You will not be billed for pre-scheduled school closures.

Explorers Fees

The Rate for Explorers Guaranteed Option is $4.00 for each half hour or portion of a half hour and of course the space is “guaranteed.”

The Rate for RWCNS families if not using the Guaranteed Option is $4.75 for each half hour or portion of a half hour on a space-available basis. Non-current Ruth Washburn families will pay $6.50 per half hour or portion of a half hour on a space-available basis with Guaranteed Option.

Cancellations to hourly care must be made by 10 a.m. on the day of service. No shows or cancellation after that time will be charged a $10 no show fee. Families who pick up later than 5 pm will also be charged a $10 late fee. Three late pickups will result in withdrawal from the explorers program. No refunds will be given upon administrative withdrawal.

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* 1. Child's Full Name

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* 2. Child's Date of Birth

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* 3. Parent/Guardian Full Name

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* 4. I understand I will be responsible for all scheduled charges, including late cancellation/late pick up fees during the month and that hours are billed in half-hourly increments.

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* 5. I have read the lunch guidelines below and agree to provide my child with an appropriate lunch:

Lunches sent for the Afternoon Explorers program should be sent in non-breakable containers with each item, including the containers, and bag clearly labeled with the child’s name.  Children need a well-balanced meal containing a variety of foods.  The following guidelines are suggested:
·         Milk – 1 to 1 ½ cups daily, including whole milk, or skim milk.  If juice is substituted, please send 100% fruit juice.
·         Meat or other Protein Foods – 2 to 4 tablespoons daily of lean beef, pork, fish, chicken, egg, seeds, or beans (no nuts allowed).
·         Vegetables and Fruits – a total of 3 servings daily (a serving equals 2 to 4 tablespoons cooked, 2 to 4 tablespoons raw)
·         Breads and Cereals – 2 to 3 servings daily of whole grain bread, rice, macaroni, noodles or cereals.
       One third of the daily allowance of each food group should be included in the lunches brought to the Afternoon Explorers Program.  Candy, Soda, and other sugary snacks will be put back in the child’s backpack to enjoy at home. Again, remember that no peanuts or tree nuts are allowed at RW.

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* 6. Which month(s) would you like to sign up for? If you would like to sign up for the same schedule for the entire year, please check Full School year.

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* 7. Which days/times would you like to sign up for?  Please check all times you need care. Billing will be done at the beginning of the month in advance of utilizing Explorers. The rate for Explorers is $4.00 per half hour or $8.00 per hour. Children picked up later than their scheduled time will be charged $4.75 per half hour for the first half hour and then a $10 late fee. Children must be picked up by 5 pm as the building closes at that time. After 5 pm you will be charged a late fee of $10.00. Reminder that Owls ends at noon and all other morning classes end at 11:30.

  11:30-12:00 12:00-12:30 12:30-1:00 1:00-1:30 1:30-2:00 2:00-2:30 2:30-3:00 3:00-3:30 3:30-4:00 4:00-4:30 4:30-5:00
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* 8. Morning Explorers is available before class begins. The rate for Morning Explorers is $4 per half hour for Guaranteed Option.

  7:30-8:00 8:00-8:30
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday 
Friday

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