Mission Statement
        School Age Services mission is to provide a fun, safe, and mentored environment where children/youth and families learn skills in physical fitness, recreation, life skills, and citizenship which enable them to become well-rounded and productive.  We:

•       Provide dynamic school-age programs that are developmental, accredited, and meaningful.

•      Provide instructional classes, family programs, clubs, educational and leadership activities, social events, and special events.

•       Vigorously promote children and youth involvement in the planning process of their activities.

•       Encourage sportsmanship and lifetime physical fitness.

Program Philosophy 
        The Fort Richardson’s School-Age Services is committed to quality care for school-age youth.  The program offers before school care, after school care, and a full day summer camp, Camp Hoowah, on a monthly or drop-in basis based on Total Family Income.  SAS strives to provide youth with positive individual and group activities with adults and peers that complement rather than duplicate the school day.  We provide educational and recreational activities, which support positive social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.  Our guide is the National After School Association (NAA) standards for quality, Character Counts, 4-H, Boys & Girls Club of America curriculum.  By providing youth with activities from the four service areas: sports & fitness, leisure & recreation, mentoring & support, and life skills & leadership, we build well-rounded future citizens and stronger families.

SAS Location and Hours
        The program is based in School Age Services (SAS), Bldg. 337, corner of 5^th Street and Hoonah Street.

        Before School Hours are 6:00-9:00am
        After School Hours are 3:30-5:30pm
        School In-Service and Vacation Hours are 6:00am-5:30pm
        Summer program hours are 6:00am-5:30pm
        SAS is closed on all Federal Holidays.

Breakfast, Lunch and Snack
        The SAS program operates in accordance with US Department of Agriculture policies.  Children will receive nutritionally balanced meals, including breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack.  Any food allergies or special diets need to be brought to the staff’s attention and must be verified with a physician’s statement.  Due to health regulations, no food may be brought to the program from home. 

        Scheduled meal times:
        School year (Sep – May) Breakfast 7:30am & Snack 4:30pm.
        Summer (Jun-Aug) Breakfast 8:30am, Lunch 12:00pm, Snack 2:30pm

Fees and Fee Policies
        The fees for School Age Services Program are based on Total Family Income in a sliding scale per DoD policy.
        A 20% discount is given for more than one child in the program, which also includes children enrolled at the Child Development Center or the Part Day Program and Family Child Care.

Subsidies
        If you are in need of child care subsidies please stop by at School Age Services front desk, they will be more than happy to assist you.  They have a list of organizations that assist with child care subsidies.

What does my child need?
        The SAS program will supply almost everything that your child will need to fully participate in the program with the following exceptions that we ask that you supply:

•   Tennis shoes for use in the gym
•   One complete change of clothes
•   Backpack or bag to carry items in
•   Jacket (snow gear during winter)
•   Swim suit (summer)
•   Swim towel (summer)
•   Water bottle labeled with child's name

      Sandals and open toed shoes may not be worn for safety reasons.  No food from home may be brought to the program to include gum and candy.  Please do not allow your child/ren to bring personal items such as toys, CD’s, video games, and cartridges unless coordinated with SAS staff for a special activity.  Personal items may be taken from children and held at front office for parent pick up if necessary.  Please label all your child’s items with their name.  We are not responsible for items or clothing children have misplaced, lost or left behind at the center or on field trips.  A lost and found area is located at end of the first hallway when entering SAS.  Please check it occasionally for personal possessions

Parent Involvement
        The SAS program is serious about providing the highest quality of care to your children.  To accomplish this goal it is necessary to have frequent and good communication between the staff, management, and parents.  A program that parent’s want to be and are involved in tends to be of higher quality.  We operate with an “open door” policy meaning that parent’s can meet with staff or management at any time to discuss concerns.

       The Children and Youth Services Parent Advisory Support Council (PASC) meets the second Wednesday of every month.  The meetings are generally held at Bldg. 337 Room 9 from 11:45-1:00.  Lunch is provided and free.  All parents are encouraged to attend.  The SAS program has an elected representative who is required to attend the meetings.

        Parents are encouraged to attend field trips, activities at the center or away from the center, and share their culture. Some other suggestions include; reading stories on tape, repairing broken items or toys, building items, putting together photo albums, suggesting quest speakers or field trip ideas, etc.  We ask that all parents complete the parent involvement form when they enroll in the program.

Staff Qualifications
        All staff working with children go through a series of background clearances.  Staff are also required to work through the Army designed School-Age Training program.  This training program benefits both the staff member and the program ensuring quality care is being provided. 

        Training classes and workshops are also opened to parents.  These will be advertised in the newsletter, on the flip charts, or the bulletin boards.  Army Community Services also offers parenting classes and workshops throughout the year.

Child Abuse Reporting
        All staff is required by State of Alaska and Army regulation to personally report the suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the State of Alaska Office of Children Services and the military police desk.  By law this includes over discipline which leaves a mark on the child. 

        Parents are encouraged to attend staff child abuse prevention, identification, and reporting training.  Parents can also request to read the CYS Child Abuse Reporting Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).  For additional information call:

Activities
     SAS provides a variety of activities in the four core areas: Sports and Fitness, Arts and leisure recreation, Life Skills and Leadership, Mentoring and Community Service, 4-H clubs, Character Counts, Boys & Girls Club of America activities.