4K Wrap

Please note: Families are varied and the use of the word Parent(s) refers to the adult(s) who are responsible for the child(ren).

Program Description

Wisconsin Youth Company offers 4K wrap programs for young learners to have opportunities to explore, create, and nurture their academic and developmental skills. Children must be four years old by the first day of attending school. 4K wrap programs are convenient and flexible for family’s schedules. Classrooms are in the school buildings, making transitions easy for the children. Daily activities consist of group time, stations, group games, indoor/outdoor active play, and planned projects based on the children’s interests.

Licensing and YoungStar

State licensing standards are available for review at each licensed 4K wrap location. The terms of applicable licenses and any licensing violations are posted within the program. Our 4K wrap programs participate in Young- Star, a quality rating system implemented by the state of Wisconsin.

Daily Physical Activity

Wisconsin Youth Company adheres to the quality standards set forth by YoungStar (quality rating system) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) State of Wisconsin Licensing Regulation in regards to daily physical activity offered to children participating in our programs. Children will be offered a minimum of 20-30 minutes each day for large motor activity outdoors, weather permitting and when the temperature is above 0 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter months. Children may use the gym spaces within our schools during inclement weather when available.

Supervision and Staffing

In the interest of safety and quality programming, staff are required to know the whereabouts of each child at all times. All program locations use an organization-approved system to track children within the program that includes knowing the location, names and number of children in attendance. Parents are encouraged to become familiar with this system and to discuss questions and concerns with the program supervisor.

Wisconsin Youth Company maintains a 1:13 staff-to-child ratio in 4K Wrap programs in order to support quality programs while aligning with state licensing standards.

Staff Training

Wisconsin Youth Company staff play an important role in the safety and quality of each before and after school program. All staff working with children are trained on all Wisconsin Youth Company policies and procedures as well as CPR and First Aid. Additionally, staff meet all required background check, health and orientation requirements that are mandated by DCF. Wisconsin Youth Company is committed to providing on-going professional development including online courses and access to local collaborative training opportunities.

What to Bring to 4K Wrap

Rest time & Lunch

Rest time occurs daily at 4K Wrap. All children should bring a blanket. A small pillow or comfort toy are optional. Wisconsin Youth Company will provide sheets for rest mats. Rest items, including Wisconsin Youth Company’s provided rest sheet, will be sent home at the end of each week to be washed and returned to program. Parents should also send extra clothes to be kept at program. Depending on the school, Parents may sign-up for school lunch service or send a nut-free bag lunch that does not require refrigeration or microwaving.

Appropriate Dress Attire

Wisconsin Youth Company asks that all children wear closed-toed shoes during program hours, so that they can safely and fully participate in all activities offered during program hours without danger of accidental injuries. Appropriate clothing must be worn daily for the weather conditions, i.e. winter coat, hats, gloves, snow pants, and snow boots. Extra clothes and outdoor gear can be kept in your child’s locker in case they are needed at After School. Please see the attire and weather chart located in the Health and Safety section of this handbook for appropriate clothing needs.

Personal Property

Please make sure to label all items clearly with your child’s name. Children are discouraged from bringing items beyond what is needed during program hours. Wisconsin Youth Company is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal property, including clothing, cell phones, cameras, and other electronic devices.

We don’t allow the use of toys and equipment from home because of the effect it has on the community we are trying to build. If children bring items from home, it can create an environment of exclusion for other children. If you feel some toy or piece of equipment would enhance the program, please discuss the possible purchase with program staff.

Electronics in Program

• Cell Phones: Wisconsin Youth Company does not allow children to use personal cell phones or personal electronic devices when participating in our programs. Children carrying cell phones will be asked to place them in their backpack during program time.
• Computer Access: Computer access may be granted at individual programs and used only for academic purposes. Children will be limited to 20 minutes of screen time per day.

4K Wrap Regular Enrollment

Children who are registered for regular enrollment are securing a set schedule in 4K Wrap. There is a two-day minimum for regular enrollment.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate a rotating weekly schedule Parents have the option to add an additional day when program space is available and pre-payment for the day is made in full. Added-day fees vary by program location which can be found on our website, within your program location page. Once scheduled, added-day fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Added-days cannot be requested more than two weeks in advance. Parents may call the administrative office to request and schedule an added-day. Parents should notify their school office of any scheduled added-days.

Any registrations received less than two weeks before program starts cannot be guaranteed to start the first day of program.

If space in the program is not available, Parents are contacted and offered a place on the waitlist. Parents who accept a place on the waitlist are then contacted if and when space becomes available.

In order to provide a quality experience for your child, we need to have sufficient enrollment to operate a program. If we are unable to offer the program you registered for, we will contact you to discuss possible alternatives.

4K Wrap Arrival and Departure

The program supervisor will sign children into program upon arrival. At the end of program, children can either take the bus home or wait for an authorized pick-up person in the classroom. Where applicable, 4K children are escorted to their classroom. Program staff are not permitted to transport children from our programs in their personal cars.

If Parents authorize their child to arrive independently (by walking or biking, including walking from the parking lot) to program, they must indicate an arrival time when registering. Parents must call program staff on the program site phone if their child will be arriving later and/or departing earlier.

Extracurricular Programs

An extracurricular permission form is required for all children who participate in extracurricular activities that occur during their scheduled program time. The extracurricular permission form provides Wisconsin Youth Company with written Parent permission for children to leave the program (e.g., to help a classroom teacher, scouts, sports practice, music lessons, etc.). All children participating in an extracurricular activity will need to come to their 4K program to check-in with staff prior to attending. This process helps to ensure that the child is properly checked out from 4K and ensures the safety of children. The extracurricular permission form is available on our website, through the administrative offices, and at all program locations.

Early Release Days

4K Wrap program is not offered on early release days (mid-day release).

Last Day of School

If there is no 4K class held on last day of school, there will be no 4K wrap program. If the last day of school is an early release, there will not be a 4K wrap program. All personal belongings will be sent home on the last day of 4K Wrap.

School Cancellations and Closings

If school is canceled, delayed or closed early due to bad weather, physical facility problems or other emergencies, programs will not operate. School closing announcements will be made on the radio, TV, email, incoming message and/or our website, wisconsinyouthcompany.org. In the event of inclement weather, if schools are open but the weather is worsening, after school will operate, but we ask that Parents pick up their child(ren) as early as possible.

4K Wrap Fee Structure

Wisconsin Youth Company 4K Wrap programs correspond with school district calendars and fees are based on operation costs for the entire school year. Our weekly fees are calculated based on the annual expenses of hours of program, number of days, facility fees charged by each district and support expenses. Winter and spring break periods are not included in this calculation. Current fees for specific sites are available on the program page on our website, under the fees and payment schedule. Weekly fees are consistent through the school year and do not change based on early release days, non-school days or holidays. Fees will not be pro-rated for missed days, non-school days, holidays, school closures (due to weather or other reasons) or schedule changes that don’t coincide with billing period start dates. Billing periods are bi-weekly. Payment is due on the Monday prior to the start of each bi-weekly billing period.