iPlanets Academy
SUMMERTIME LEARNING
iPLANETS ACADEMY is a year round hybrid homeschool. Our Summertime Learning (Our Summer Camp with with Educational Field Trips) offers indoor and outdoor activities, plus opportunities for fun, friendships, and exploration. Our programs encourage their growing ability to make choices, work with others, and assume responsibilities.
iPLANETS ACADEMY works collaboratively to develop a fun curriculum that takes advantage of all that the summer offers. We use playgrounds, the surrounding communities, special visitors, and Educational Field Trips as an extension of our Summertime Learning; helping children to discover science, explore nature, and engage in the creative arts, while learning about the vast opportunities in the world around them.
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Enrollment in our Summertime Learning is limited and not all children are accepted to become members. It is open to those who are 8 years old to 13 years old ONLY and they must be at least 48' inches tall. Please respect our age limits when registering. We sincerely appreciate your interest in your children attending, and we would love to have them when the time is right. We hold to this age range, due to the curriculum taught and so that we are able to provide activities that are developmentally appropriate for them. If the child is too young, the content may be over the child’s head and if the child is too old, the content will not be challenging for them or a good experience. We also consider the social impacts of a child being the youngest or oldest in the group.
Please be aware that we are not trained or qualified to support campers with emotional and/or behavioral needs or limitations. Thank you for your understanding! We are also not nut free due to us traveling all over DFW and beyond. If your child has a serious food allergy, please list in the medical section when registering online, and we can discuss if iPLANETS ACADEMY is going to be a good option for them, in some cases we may not be able to accommodate their needs, sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
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SUMMERTIME LEARNING MEMBERSHIP DUES PROCESS TO ENROLL:
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Up to April 28, 2024 -Enroll Early, Secure your Spot, and SAVE by enrolling by this date!
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$160.00
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After April 28, 2024 Regular Enrollment Dues
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$200.00
SUMMERTIME LEARNING:
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May 21, 2024-August 3, 2024
Tuesday-Friday w/the opportunity to attend Sabbath School on Saturday. They are required to wear their uniforms and to bring their swim clothes.
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1 Kid $160.00
2 Kids $200.00
Payment Schedule
May 24
June 10
June 24
July 8
July 22
They must also purchase the following passes:
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If you elect to not purchase the pass, they will have to purchase tickets every single time we attend these events. Make sure to check Groupon before you purchase because sometimes they go on sale and may be even cheaper. No child will be allowed to attend on the days they have no pass and no money to purchase a ticket.
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*BOARDING $800 monthly
*NON-REFUNDABLE/NON-TRANSFERABLE
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All Membership Dues are set according to your contracted schedule for the entire session despite how many days you decide to attend. You are paying to hold your spot for the Summertime Learning session, not for your attendance. ​Consistent and dependable membership dues are important in maintaining a strong organization. All membership dues are based on the session time you sign up for. iPLANETS ACADEMY must make substantial financial commitments so for this reason all membership dues will be billed for the entire session in order to maintain a sound financial operation. All dues are non-refundable/non-transferable. ThEIR dues covers their Accommodations, Transportation, Learning, and Supervision. All children must bring their own non-perishable lunch according to our diet guidelines as seen HERE.
Some Educational Field Trips are not included and must be paid separately.
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WHAT IS THE WAITLIST PROCESS? 
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If we are full at the time you try to register, you can add your child to the waitlist, and follow all waitlist guidelines GO HERE. If an opening occurs, we will notify you by Facebook inbox and/or email. Openings only occur if someone is termed or cancels their registration.
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Once notified via email, the first person on the waitlist will have 24 hours to fill our online registration, pay their registration, and membership dues, before the next parent on the waitlist is notified.
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Due to the physical limitations of our classroom spaces and our required adult-to-child preset ratios, we cannot add spaces once we are full.
OUT OF TOWN SPECIALS ON SUN-MON:
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Are paid separately only if you decide to attend these trips. They would be for drop off Sunday morning by 7:45 AM. Pick up Monday 7:45 PM. All Trips Out of Town are all-inclusive and are $100.00. Monies for souvenirs are not included. Should we have to cancel the trip due to weather-related issues that may arise, but your child still stays over, you will be charged only 1/2 and issued a credit for the other 1/2 to be used within the year. Any child unable to pay for their out of town Educational Field Trips will not be able to attend during that weekly session.
**PLEASE NOTE: ALL SPECIALS ARE PAID IN CASH ONLY AND AT THE TIME OF DROP OFF, NO EXCEPTIONS!
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1. THEMED STREAMS (STEM)-INFUSED LESSONS~~Teaching age-appropriate STREAMS (STEM) lessons.
2. WATER PARKS~~We will be visiting a Water Park 1-2 times a week to cool off.
3. PARKS~~We will visit theme parks, amusement parks, and playgrounds.
4. WE WILL BE ACTIVE!~~It could be Frisbee, Bowling, Skating, Soccer, Laser Tag, Fishing, etc.
5. EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIPS~~We will be everywhere, from one side of DFW Metroplex to the other, and everywhere in between!
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**PLEASE NOTE SUMMERTIME LEARNING HAS FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING: IT MAY SHOW A SCHEDULED TIME OF 9:00 AM-10:00 AM. SOME DAYS CLASSES WILL TAKE PART AT THOSE EXACT TIMES. OTHER DAYS, WE MAY BE OUT IN THE COMMUNITY LEARNING HANDS-ON FOR 4-7 HOURS. BELOW IS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT WILL HAPPEN EVERY DAY.
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FREE PLAY: All children are allowed time for exploration, creativity, quiet time, group activities, gaming, etc.
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CRAFT/ACTIVITY: The crafts go along with each week’s theme and are a great learning opportunity. These activities help the kids get creative and help them work on their fine motor skills.
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STRUCTERED PLAY: This time is one of the kids’ favorite times of the day. This is when they practice following directions while also getting to be active and work on their large muscle coordination and gross motor skills along with friends.
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STORY TIME/READING: It is so important for kids to be reading during the summer, so we make this a priority. Almost every theme will have a story time attached to it, some themes may require them to read to complete projects.
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​Parents can help to prevent the dreaded academic “Summer slide” through our inclusion of science experiments, strategy activities, and reading challenges. During the Summertime Learning session, we will have a safe, fun, and stimulating program designed to enrich and strengthen your child's learning abilities to discover their hidden talents, encourage their creativity, and spark their critical thinking skills.
Participants will develop self-esteem, independence, and, social skills through highly active indoor and outdoor play, cooperative games, fitness, free choice activities, water activities, adventure, hands-on experience in nature, creative activities that emphasize self-expression, crazy explorations, problem-solving, imagination, and mindfulness as a means of engaging with ourselves, each other, our planet, and the world around us!
Before the Summer ends, we will give your child the opportunity to build their confidence and spirit while making lasting meaningful friendships.
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PLEASE NOTE:
No credits, discounts, or refunds will be given for unused, sick, or vacation days. Please note we will be closed on the days we are traveling out of town. If your child has not returned within 4 days, they will be dropped, their membership during that session will be terminated, and they must pay their Membership Registration Dues again in order to return. Their spot is not guaranteed in this case and can be filled.
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You will receive your confirmation and instructions through Facebook Messenger. Your child is not officially enrolled as a member until this has been done.
“Above all, children need our unconditional love — whether they succeed or make mistakes; when life is easy and when life is tough.” ~Barack Obama, 2011
SCIENCE
EXPERIMENTS
If your child uses sunscreen then parents and/or guardians are required to fill out a sunscreen authorization form that is within the membership enrollment forms, this will give them permission to apply sunscreen. Sunscreen must be applied at least 2 times previously to ensure they are not allergic to it before you drop them off.
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​On sunny days, parents need to apply sunscreen to each of your children before leaving your home to come to iPLANETS ACADEMY. Parents are to provide sunscreen within a zip lock bag to be kept in their cubbies for daily use. It needs to be one that doesn’t irritate their eyes with at least SPF 30 or higher and labeled with your child’s name on it.
Please check daily to make sure they have enough because we do not provide or use any sunscreen other than what you send for your child. ​Each child needs to have it applied to his/her face, torso (stomach and back), legs, arms, scalp (especially when the child has short hair), feet, ears, necks, tops of hands, etc. We also encourage extra clothing (hats, sunglasses, swim shirts, etc).
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To make certain your child is suitably protected from the sun, please provide them with the following items: A sun–safe hat that protects your child’s face, neck, and ears. A legionnaire, broad-brimmed, or bucket hat is suitable. Baseball caps do not have broad brims or cover your child’s neck so they do not provide sufficient protection and would not be a suitable hat for outdoor play. Protective clothing that covers as much of your child’s skin as possible.
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If your child has known skin allergies to certain sunscreens, we ask you to provide a suitable alternative to ensure they are comfortable and that you have peace of mind.
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We DO NOT apply sunscreen on your child at all. NO EXCEPTIONS!
You agree to release iPLANETS ACADEMY from any liability from sunscreen or the lack of sunscreen application. The Permission to Administer portion in the membership form must be filled out for all those wanting to use sunscreen. ​​
If you are using a sunscreen, apply that first then put on the insect repellent. Children may have insect repellent applied sparingly to the back of their necks, legs, and arms.
But don't apply it here: ​Avoid the hands so that repellent does not get rubbed in children’s eyes. Don't put it near the mouth, eye areas, or nose. Only use a small amount around the ears, do not apply to any irritated areas or scraped skin.
Children can re-apply it to themselves if you have filled out the Administer Insect Repellent portion of the membership form and given them permission to do so.
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In the event of an insect bite we will follow the following guidelines and information by Nemours KidsHealth:
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F.Y.I.
DON'T USE COMPRESSIONS ONLY USE CPR FOR DROWNING VICTIMS
Any child showing evidence of ANY communicable skin disease, sore or inflamed eyes, cold, nasal or ear discharge, sunburn, blisters, cuts, bandages, have lice, or any other communicable disease shall not be able to attend or go on any swim or aquatic activities until 72 hours have passed and they have completely healed. If a child has no sunscreen or has sunburn due to not having enough sunscreen applied they will not be able to attend any Educational Field Trips until they have completely healed from it. A doctor's note may be required. NO EXCEPTIONS!
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Please understand that a volunteer may act in a direct supervisory capacity for swimming and or aquatic activities. They are not allowed to enter the restroom with any child. No child is to ignore warnings from staff, volunteers, lifeguards, etc. Please walk at all times.
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There is to be no running, roughhousing, foul play, or unsafe behavior. Extended periods of holding their breath or hyperventilating are not allowed. Anyone breaking these rules may lead to your child being suspended from some or all swimming and or aquatic field trips or termination of enrollment.
There will be NO REFUNDS, NO EXCEPTIONS!
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Goggles and earplugs for children with eye or ear sensitivities are acceptable.
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There are free lifejackets at all the water parks and the aquatic centers we use. But you are welcome to provide a U.S.Coast Guard Approved Life Vest or Jacket appropriate for their age and weight. No other flotation devices may be used.​
ONLY properly fitting Takinis covering midriff and bottoms, or One-pieces allowed as shown below.
Female Summertime Learning Uniforms at iPlanets Academy-They will need a beach towel, their water bottle, and a mesh bag to carry their items in. No personal items allowed in the water including floatation devices.
Females with shoulder-length hair or longer must wear a swim cap or their hair must be confined in such a way that it can not catch onto something. It also must be out of their eyes so they can see clearly as well as off their ears so they can hear clearly.
The children must be able to dress/undress themselves when changing into swimwear for all water activities.
Females are allowed to wear water shoes or Crocs ONLY to be worn into the water for Water Educational Field Trips. All ages MUST also have a pair of tennis or leather-soled pair of shoes they can wear to run, jump, and play in with socks to wear once we leave from water activities.
Females are allowed to wear a one piece or takini swimsuits ONLY. No bikinis, thongs, or tankinis with bare midriff showing allowed. Swimsuits with flotation inserts must be U.S. Coast Guard approved.
The children will be able to change into swimwear for all water activities. This can be worn under their clothes or in their Mesh Bag until they are ready to participate in a water activity.
The above dress code rules applies to all Female parents and guardians as well. If there are any questions on the acceptable Summertime Learning Swimwear Guidelines, please ask.
No trunks without shirts! See below for acceptable examples.
Male Summertime Learning Uniforms at iPlanets Academy. Males with shoulder-length hair or longer must wear a swim cap or their hair must be confined in such a way that it can not catch onto something. It also must be out of their eyes so they can see clearly as well as off their ears so they can hear clearly.
The children must be able to dress/undress themselves when changing into swimwear for all water activities.
Males are allowed to wear water shoes or crocs ONLY to be worn into the water for Water Educational Field Trips. All ages MUST also have a pair of tennis or leather-soled pair of shoes they can wear to run, jump, and play in with crew socks to wear once we leave from water activities.
Males must wear board or swim trunks ONLY. No bikini swimwear, jeans, street clothes, cut-offs, or other shorts allowed. They must have on a swim shirt to help protect their skin at all times. Boys may wear either a long or short sleeved swim shirt. Swimwear with flotation inserts must be U.S. Coast Guard approved.
The children will be able to change into swimwear for all water activities. This can be worn under their clothes or in their Mesh Bag until they are ready to participate in a water activity.
The above dress code rules applies to all Male parents and guardians as well. If there are any questions on the acceptable Summertime Learning Swimwear Guidelines, please ask.
ESSENTIALS
They will need a beach towel, their water bottle, and a mesh bag to carry their items in. No personal items allowed in the water including floatation devices.
SUN , SUNSCREEN, SAFETY, SWIMWEAR & SWIM RULES
PREPARE FOR
OVERNIGHT
EDUCATIONAL
FIELD TRIPS
One of the best ways to prepare your child for our Educational Field Trips is to talk about what to expect, and to involve them in the process of getting ready. Pack for their Educational Field Trips with your child, (not for them) so they know what has been packed and where to find it. Mark all clothing and belongings with their name. Place their name on all of their items with a permanent marker. We will not be responsible for lost or damaged clothing or belongings.
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Bring enough clothing to last a week. Laundry is done only for those who pay for laundry service. We will be using Gain Washing Powder on Cold Setting and drying their clothes. All others will be sent home with their dirty clothes tied up in a trash bag.
If they wear glasses, send a backup pair if you have them.
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Do Not Bring:
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Cell phones or Wi-Fi devices, if they are found to be in possession of a Cell phones or Wi-Fi devices it will be confiscated and the child will be dismissed immediately.
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Money, each child instead will need prepaid gift cards that can be used as a credit card to pay for their personal purchases.
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No food, drink mix, candy or gum allowed. Water is the ONLY food item allowed.
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Radios
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Electronic devices of any kind
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Skateboards
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Rollerblades
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Valuables
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Knives or anything that can be used for a weapon.
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Please think about any nice clothing or shoes you pack – they can be worn pretty hard, and often do not look the same at the end of the session.
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Homesickness:
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Homesickness is a normal part of being away on our Educational Field Trips. Most experience homesick feelings the first few days until they learn the routine and feel comfortable and then it lessens as the session moves forward and they adjust.
There are several things you can do to help your child avoid homesickness:
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Prepare letter writing materials with them so they know where their materials are, and how to write a letter home.
Provide some practice time away from home. Going away for one week is a long time for a child who has never been away from home without a parent. Provide opportunities for your child to be away from home for one or two nights with friends or relatives without either of you calling to check in. Remember, you will not be communicating with your child by phone. Make sure your child understands this and is okay with it.
The more opportunities your child has to be away from home, the easier it becomes for both of you.
Talk with your child about homesickness. Prepare them for homesick feelings by explaining that these are normal feelings that everyone experiences and that homesick feelings go away as they become familiar and
participate in activities.
Share stories of your first time away from home and how you felt. Show your confidence in their ability to have a positive experience.
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Don’t make deals for early pick-ups or phone calls: If you find yourself doing this, it is a strong indication that you or your child is not ready for Educational Field Trips away from home.
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Have confidence in our ability to take care of your child: It is essential that you feel comfortable with your decision to send your child with us. Your child will sense your confidence and this will help them feel comfortable.
Rest assured they are important to us and we will work hard to make sure they enjoy their experience. We will contact you if your child is unhappy, and will work with you to find a solution. We are always available for you by phone or Facebook Messenger if you have concerns about your child.
"There is a great man who makes every man feel small. But the real great man is the man who makes every man feel great."
~G.K. Chesterton
BEHAVIOR
GUIDELINES
iPLANETS ACADEMY respects the idea that not all Overnight Educational Field Trips are for all children. In spite of all the fun, it can be a little scary being away from home. It is possible it may not be the right fit for your child, so if you are having doubts, please include us in the conversation.
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Here are some clear indicators that they are ready to successfully enjoy Overnight Educational Field Trips:
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Can ask for help when needed.
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Can follow directions in a group setting.
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They are comfortable being outdoors in nature.
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They have been away from home overnight at least twice before without any contact with their family.
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They can take a shower and brush their teeth by themselves.
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They can keep track of their personal belongings.
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They are good at using their own equipment (i.e., water bottle, mess kit, sunscreen, etc.)
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They can have effective interactions in group-based activities
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Are able to meet their own personal needs (eg: able to walk distances, participate in their self-care, use the bathroom independently, advocate for themselves…)
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They are able to have and live and cooperate in a close, community-based environment.
We expect all of our children to behave in a way that contributes positively to the community; the children pretty quickly learn that our guidelines help everyone have a fun and safe time. GO HERE for our guidelines.
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We help all the children learn from mistakes and peacefully solve conflicts. Parents will be notified if a problem is developing with their child(ren), so we can work together to find a solution.
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A child will immediately be dismissed and must be picked up within two hours if they do the following:
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Harmful, disrespectful, unsafe or antisocial behavior
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Physical, sexual, or mental abuse, or bullying
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Willful destruction of iPLANETS ACADEMY or someone else property
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Gross misconduct
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Possession of Cell Phone or
Wi-Fi devices​ without
permission
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Depending on the offense, they may be sent home for a day, week, or the entire session.
As always, iPLANETS ACADEMY reserves the right to send them home at their discretion depending on the offense.
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iPLANETS ACADEMY DECISIONS ARE FINAL IN SUCH CASES AND DUES ARE NONREFUNDABLE, NO EXCEPTIONS.
SAFETY
Safety:
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Providing a fun, safe environment is our primary goal. We plan to be outdoors and we do run around all day long. Bumps, scrapes, and bug bites happen. We do our best to minimize accidents and injuries by maintaining our premises and by teaching and following established safety guidelines. All the children are taught about some of our natural hazards, including scorpions, snakes, and insects, and are instructed what to do. They are encouraged to put on sunblock a minimum of twice a day. Please instruct your child in how to use sunblock and insect repellent; and be sure to pack these items (please no aerosol cans).
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With active, outdoor activities and communal living, they sometimes become injured or sick. In this case we shall separate them and you will be called to pick them up within two hours. Unfortunately, no refunds will be given if this should happen. If there is a serious injury or illness iPLANETS ACADEMY will provide first aid and symptom relief as best we can. Please understand that we are not a doctor’s office. We will do our best to contact a parent or guardian at the emergency numbers provided in a timely fashion, but our first priority will be to transport them to a nearby hospital or medical clinic to ensure they are okay. We will act in the best interest of your child until you can arrive or provide instruction over the phone. We will expect you or your emergency contact to meet us at the hospital within a hour to pick up your child and collect their personal belongings when we are able to give them to you.
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No one will be allowed to return until they have been home and symptom free for at least 72 hours and have received a clearance form detailing instructions from a Doctor ONLY.
HEALTH
Every parent/legal guardian warrants that their child is physically fit and able to participate in all Summertime Learning events and activities.
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Here are just SOME examples of conditions for which we would expect a child to be picked up:
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Fever over 101.5°
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Unable to participate in activities for a full day due to sickness or injury
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In need of specialized care or to visit a specialist
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Any contagious or infectious condition
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Illness or sickness that is making their experience miserable or causing him/her distress
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Lice or bed bugs
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Bedwetting
You are expected to check your child(ren) for head lice and his/her belongings for bed bugs. No child shall be admitted if they have scabies or lice. There will be no refunds in this case. We also need to know if your child has been sick within the last 24 hours or has been in contact with any communicable diseases.
All medications must be given to us upon check-in. No medication is to be left with a child. If your child has an inhaler or epi-pen that they are accustomed to carrying with them, please contact
iPLANETS ACADEMY prior to enrolling.
All prescriptions must come in the original container with the child’s name, drug name, and instructions. If you no longer have the original box or bottle, your pharmacy will reprint the slip for you.
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We will not deviate from the listed instructions of the prescriber, this includes dosage, timing, etc. While we agree that kids are sometimes able to monitor their own healthcare needs, we will not follow instructions such as: “She knows when she needs her medicine and how much to take.” if it conflicts with the instructions from the prescriber.
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We have on hand over-the-counter medicine for headaches, stomach aches, allergies, etc. If your child takes a daily antihistamine please bring a supply for your child’s session to Check-In, in the original packaging. Please double-check that all allergies are listed on the health form.
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We do our best to accommodate everyone medication needs, but we generally have a set medication administration time. They are before each meal and at bedtime. GO HERE to see our scheduled meal times.
Make sure you go over your child’s medication schedule with us and them prior to coming with us, it will make their experience that much easier. Please contact
iPLANETS ACADEMY prior to go over special medication considerations before enrolling and only send medically necessary medications to be used by them.
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Your participation agreement includes a release to allow us to communicate health care information to you via Facebook Messenger, E-Mail, Text and Voicemail. This policy is in place to allow more efficient communication between busy parents, and iPLANETS ACADEMY.
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Medical bills for doctor visits, emergency hospital care, and prescriptions for routine treatments are the responsibility of each family. All families must have an insurance card on file before dropping off their child(ren). It is the responsibility of each family to seek reimbursement from their private insurer.
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You are required to enroll at least 48 Hours before we are scheduled to leave on an Educational Field Trip, so your membership form can be reviewed. We will not assume care of your child without this and adequate time before-hand to review his or her health history.
iPLANETS ACADEMY requires all children to be immunized who are enrolling to become a member.
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MEDICAL BILLS
HEALTH HISTORY
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. "
~Martin Luther King, Aug 28, 1963