Student Age Child Care (SACC) » SACC Policy

SACC Policy

Mission Statement

The mission of the Western Academy Charter School is to provide a quality program that supports children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development in a safe, secure environment before and after school hours.

 

Daily Activities 

Daily schedules for the After-School Program include arts and crafts, board games, computer time, homework time, movies, special events, in-house field trips, and outside play (weather permitting).  If a child wishes to do so, they may study independently or read quietly.  A 15-20 minute snack time is allocated indoors every day.  

 

Start Date: Monday, August 11, 2025

 

Days Available: Monday-Friday, school days only

 

Hours of Operation

Before School Care

Western Academy Charter School offers Before-School Care services from 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. To ensure the safety of our students, all children arriving on campus before 7:30 a.m. must enroll in the program.  The cost per hour is $3.60 per child.  Free breakfast is available from the Palm Beach County School District Food Service (based on a grant and is subject to change).

 

After School Care

Western Academy Charter School offers an After-School Program from 2:45 PM – 6:00 PM, at $3.50 per hour for the first child, and $3.00 per hour for each additional child.  In addition, a $5.00 activity fee is included each month.

 

We offer two options, and they MUST be designated by the 1st of every month:

Part-time till 4:00 PM

Full Time till 6:00 PM

 

Registration

Upon acceptance into the After-School Program, a completed registration form and $25.00 registration fee are due to secure a student’s place in the program.  

 

The $25.00 registration fee (per student) is non-refundable.

 

Snacks

Every day, one snack and one drink will be provided.  You can look at our school website to see the daily snack schedule.  Please let us know if your child has any food allergies or any other special requirements.  If your child does not like the snack provided, you may send in an alternative. According to PBCSD, all snacks must be consumed during designated snack time in the cafeteria. 

 

Withdrawal

Please notify the school as soon as you know you will no longer need the program.  Please be aware that once your child is withdrawn from the program, there is no guarantee that space will be available should your child need to return.  There will be NO REFUND FOR UNUSED or MISSED DAYS.

 

Payment Schedule/Options

Fees are based on the number of school days in each month. All students enrolled in the program will be automatically billed through Biller Genie on the first of each month, according to their selected plan. Payments are accepted in the form of cash (exact amounts only), personal checks, money orders, cashiers’ checks, or online payments (linked to the monthly invoice). Cash, checks, money orders, or cashier's checks must be handed in during drop-off or pickup from the program.  There is a dropbox in the front office where payments can be made. The front office or your student’s teachers CANNOT accept these payments.  Make all checks payable to “Western Academy Charter School” or WACS.  Please place your child's name (s) on all checks, the month it relates to, and whether FT, PT, and/or AM.

 

All fees are considered late if not received by the 5th calendar day of each month (excluding August).  Tuition must be paid in full for the entire month; it cannot be paid for by the hour.  Any fees not received by the 5th calendar day of the month will receive a 10% late penalty.  Any accounts with an outstanding balance on the 15th calendar day of the month will receive a $25.00 reinstatement fee (per child) on the account, and your child/children will not be allowed to participate in the program until all outstanding fees have been paid.   If these due dates fall on a weekend, holiday, or school break, they will be due on the next school day.  If payment is not made within the 15th calendar day of the month, your child will be removed from the program.

 

If a check is returned due to insufficient funds, payment must be made by money order or cash for the remainder of the year. A $25.00 fee is charged for all returned checks.

 

Parents are obligated to pre-pay total charges monthly, and payment is expected by the first of the month.  Once your child/children have started the month, payment must be made for the ENTIRE month, even if students are withdrawn before the month is complete.

 

These collection procedures will be strictly enforced.  Failure to comply will mean the removal of your child/children from the program.

 

Western Academy Charter School is an authorized provider of services through the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County (ELCPBC).  They can be reached at 561-514-3300.   However, failure to pay the parent fees and file all the necessary paperwork with ELCPBC for reimbursement to WACS will result in the removal of your child/children from our program unless alternative payment arrangements have been made. 

 

Attendance Policy

As a result of our need to ensure the safety of our students, the following policies must be followed:

  1. Students enrolled in the After-School Program are expected to attend/report on all school days. 
  2. If your child is not going to be attending on a regularly scheduled day, you must notify the school's Aftercare office, not the Main Office, by 1:00 pm that day or provide notice in writing, prior to the absence. The Aftercare phone number to call in the event of your child’s absence is 561-795-2186.  
  3. Failure to notify may result in the student’s name being removed from the Aftercare Program.  Notification of removal must occur via written correspondence.

 

Students will NOT be dismissed from Aftercare between 2:45 PM and 3:30 PM due to the interference it causes during our normal dismissal.  Students will start being dismissed at 3:31 PM.

 

Discipline

Discipline is followed to the fullest extent possible, in accordance with the Western Academy Charter School's Discipline Plan.  However, Before- and After-School Care is not a required educational program; therefore, students with repetitive behavior issues that compromise their safety or that of others may be involuntarily withdrawn from the program at the Administration’s discretion.  If a student is removed from the program due to disciplinary reasons, any prepaid funds will be refunded as a prorated amount based on the number of days the student was in attendance during that month.

 

Health Procedures

Students unable to stay with their groups due to injury or illness will be held at the Afterschool Office or the sign-out location.  This program adheres to school day guidelines in addressing emergencies.  If necessary, qualified staff administer minor first aid, and parents/guardians are notified at sign-out. For serious illness or injury, the Afterschool Office contacts parents/guardians immediately, and immediate pick-up is necessary.  To avoid injury, students are expected to follow the school's dress code and wear closed-toe shoes at all times for safety.

 

Afterschool personnel cannot administer any type of medication unless a Medical Authorization Form, signed by a parent/guardian and the physician, is on file in the Afterschool Office.  Students are not allowed to possess any medication at any time, except for prescribed medicines that the child has been permitted to carry by their physician. 

 

Drop Off (Before School Care)

To ensure the safety of all children, every child participating in the Before School Program must be signed in daily by an authorized adult.  Students should NOT be dropped off in front of the school as the front office will be closed until 7:30 a.m.

 

Release of Students

To ensure the safety of all children, every child participating in the After School Program must be signed out by an authorized adult.  Only those persons listed in JupiterGrades as authorized persons will be permitted to sign out your child.  Any additions to the authorized pick-up list must be made through the Main Office during regular business hours. Aftercare staff do not have access to add, delete, or change this information.

 

If there is a custody issue, a custody order from a Florida Court must be provided to the Administration, who will give a copy to the After-Care Director.

 

YOU MUST RING THE AFTERSCHOOL DOORBELL. NO CHILD WILL BE RELEASED UNLESS YOU SHOW PROPER ID AND SIGN OUT. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!  

 

Anyone signing out a child must provide proper identification (picture ID) before the child is released.  Please be prepared to present identification upon request.  This is for your child’s safety.  Please do not feel offended if asked to show photo identification.  The school requires that anyone signing out a child must present ID, use their full signature, and accurately record the time.

 

Late Fees

The collection of late fees will be strictly enforced. The official time is the time displayed on the clock at Western Academy Charter School.

 

For Part-Time Program

4:00 – 4:05    Grace Period

4:06 – 4:15 $5 late charge (per child)

4:16 – 4:30 $10 late charge (per child)

4:31 – 4:45 $15 late charge (per child)

4:46 – 5:00 $20 late charge (per child)

5:01 – 5:15 $25 late charge (per child)

5:16 – 5:30 $30 late charge (per child)

5:31 – 5:45 $35 late charge (per child)

5:46 – 6:00 $40 late charge (per child)

 

After 6:00 pm, a $5 fee per minute will be charged (per child). After 6:01 pm, the police will be notified to arrange transportation for the student.  

 

For the Full-time program

There will be a $5 fee per minute charge (per child). After 6:01, the police will be notified to arrange transportation for the student.  

 

The authorized adult picking up the student will be given a late form to sign. The school will send a payment notice, and payment is required within five business days.   

 

Exceptions will be made for parents who call in advance to inform us of an emergency.  Every attempt will be made to contact someone on the emergency card to pick up the student. 

 

The official time is the time shown on the clock in the Western Academy School office.  These collection procedures will be strictly enforced.  Failure to comply will mean the removal of your child/children from the program until payment is received.

 

Influenza

The Florida Department of Health (the Department) monitors influenza, or “flu,” activity levels throughout the school year. The flu is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as young children, the elderly, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious complications from the flu. The Department is encouraging families to get vaccinated for the flu now. 

 

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against the flu and its severe complications. Vaccination is most crucial for children with underlying health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions. The flu vaccine is available at many locations, including pharmacies, clinics, workplaces, and schools. Contact your health care provider, county health department, or visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/findaflushot to find a flu vaccine center near you. 

 

The flu vaccine is safe. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that all individuals aged six months and older receive the flu vaccine annually. Since infants under six months of age are too young to receive the influenza vaccine, family members (including pregnant or breastfeeding mothers) and other caregivers for these children must be vaccinated to help protect them from the disease. 

 

It is especially important for parents to keep sick children at home to prevent the flu virus from spreading to others. Additional flu prevention steps include staying away from people who are ill, covering sneezes or coughs with a tissue or your elbow, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and washing your hands frequently. 

 

If your child becomes sick with flu-like illness, contact your health care provider as soon after symptoms begin as possible. Symptoms of the flu often include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, or fatigue.  Antiviral medication for the flu has been shown to reduce the severity and length of the disease, decrease the risk of complications from influenza, and reduce the risk of death among hospitalized patients, particularly in those who start treatment early in their illness. Health care providers can prescribe antiviral treatment if appropriate. Treatment is most effective when started within 48 hours, so contacting your health care provider as soon as your child becomes ill is important, especially if your child has underlying health conditions. 

 

The best way to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy during flu season is to: 

  • Get vaccinated; 
  • Keep sick family members home; 
  • Contact your health care provider if you or your child are experiencing flu-like symptoms; and 
  • Follow your doctor’s guidance on treatment. 

 

For more information, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/parents/index.htm.

 

Open Door Policy

Western Academy’s Aftercare policy is based upon the belief that a child’s development is best promoted through a partnership between home and school. Parents and legal guardians are encouraged to visit our Aftercare Program without a prior appointment and observe their child. While we maintain an open-door policy, the safety and security of our students are our top priority. As a safety feature, all parents or guardians will have their photo ID scanned and entered into our Raptor system under the Florida State Jessica Lunsford Act for pre-approval and clearance. Photo identification will be required.  At visitation, all parents or guardians are required to check in at the Aftercare desk and sign in on the visitor computer. Only parents or guardians who are pre-cleared will be allowed to enter the Aftercare Program.  To avoid disruptions to the program, only approved parents or guardians are permitted to enter.  Additional visitors or children are not allowed.  

 

Personal Items

Our program, school, and our staff are not responsible for lost or stolen items.  Children should be careful with the items brought to school and leave these items in their backpacks.  Expensive items should NEVER be brought to school.

 

Tax Information

For filing your annual income taxes, our FEIN is 56-2316078.  Western Academy Charter School, upon receipt of a written request, will provide a printout of the payments received.  This printout is informational only.  The IRS will not accept this printout as acceptable documentation during an audit or when filing your tax return.  They will require bank copies of canceled checks.

 

Upon written request, we will also provide payment verification for employer child care reimbursements.

 

Prime Time Palm Beach County

Western Academy Charter School participates in Prime Time Palm Beach County, Inc.

 

Prime Time is a non-profit, intermediary organization dedicated to out-of-school time (OST) programs. Prime Time oversees a system for reaching quality standards through assessment, program improvements, and quality coaching. They also provide professional development, career advising, and network opportunities to our staff, and through partnerships, support a range of enrichment activities available to OST programs.

 

Prime Time partners with local organizations to offer Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELOs) to our students at no additional cost. They provide programming in STEAM, academics, health and wellness, integrated arts, and positive youth development. 

 

Cellular Telephones and Other Wireless Communication Devices

Purpose

Western Academy Charter School is committed to providing a safe and positive environment. This policy implements the provisions of Section 1006.07(2)(f), Florida Statutes, which permit students to possess cellular phones and other wireless communication devices on school property and authorize the School to regulate their possession and use. To maintain a secure and orderly environment, students' use and possession of cellular phones and other wireless communication devices are subject to the limitations outlined in this policy. 

Definitions

As used herein, the terms below are defined as follows:

  1. "Wireless communication device" means a handheld or wearable electronic device having the ability to receive and/or transmit voice, text, or data messages without a cable connection, such may include, but is not limited to, cellular telephones, digital wireless phones, radio-phones/walkie-talkies, telephone pagers, PDA phones (personal digital assistants with wireless communications capabilities), iPhones, iPads, iPods, smartwatches, activity trackers or RIM ("research in motion") wireless devices. This definition also includes any current or emerging wireless handheld technologies or portable information technology systems developed for similar purposes. 
  2. Although Florida Statutes allow students to “possess a wireless communication device while the student is on school property or in attendance at a school function,” there are restrictions relating to the use of these devices during this time.  Due to disruptions, all wearable electronic devices are prohibited on school grounds.  This includes smartwatches and activity trackers such as Fitbits.
  3. "School property" means any school center, bus, facility, or grounds owned or occupied by the School.
  4. "Kept in the 'off' position" means powered completely off and is not simply set on vibrate, silent, standby, hibernation, or airplane mode. 

Policy Statement

In accordance with state law, students may possess cellular phones and other wireless communication devices on school property, provided they adhere to the restrictions outlined below. Any unauthorized use of cellular phones and other wireless communication devices during the SACC program, while on school-sponsored transportation, or at such times as not authorized by the school principal or designee. 

 

Those attending before or aftercare may possess cellular phones and other wireless communication devices on school property and school-sponsored transportation, provided such devices are not visible, used, or activated, and are kept in the "off" position throughout the day. Students must keep their cellular phones and other wireless communication devices stored in a purse, backpack, or other non-visible, secure location during the program, just as they are required to do during the instructional day.   

Unauthorized Use of Devices

A student’s possession, display or use of a cellular phone and other wireless communication devices on school property contrary to the provisions of this policy shall be viewed as the unauthorized use of the cellular phone or other wireless communication devices when such possession, display or use of such devices results in conduct which includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Interference with or disruption of the instructional or educational environment. 
  2. Use that violates academic integrity, such as the reproduction of images of tests, communication of test or examination contents or answers, to provide access to unauthorized school information, or assistance to students in any aspect of their instructional program in a manner that violates school policy or the Student Code of Conduct. 
  3. The communication of the marks or grades assigned to students resulting from evaluation or the actual contents, or parts thereof, of any evaluation activity being completed by an individual(s).
  4. Used to commit a crime, under federal or state law. 
  5. Violation of a student's or other person's reasonable expectation of privacy by using such devices with photographic capabilities in student locker rooms, restrooms, any other student changing area, or the classroom, whether such use occurs during the instructional school day or on school property. Cellular phones and other wireless communication devices may not be utilized to take "photographs" or "videos" while on school property, while on school-sponsored transportation, or while a student is engaged in school-sponsored activities. 
  6. Use in a manner that is profane, indecent, obscene, threatening, discriminatory, bullying or harassing language, pictures or gestures. Cellular phones and other wireless communication devices that have the capability to take "photographs" or "moving pictures" shall not be used for such purposes while on school property, while on school-sponsored transportation, or while a student is engaged in school-sponsored activities. 

Other Acceptable Uses

Cellular phones and other wireless communication devices are permissible in the following circumstances:

  1. Instructional or Educational Purposes. Cellular phones or wireless communication devices may be used during a class period or school activity when specifically approved by the Principal in conjunction with educationally appropriate objectives. 
  2. IEP, 504, or Health Care/Medical Plan. Students may use cellular phones, wireless communication devices, and other electronic devices during class time when authorized pursuant to an Individual Education Plan (IEP), a Section 504 Accommodation Plan, or a Health Care/Medical Plan, provided that supportive documentation from the student's physician is submitted. 
  3. Health, Safety, or Emergency Reasons. Exceptions to the restrictions in this policy, in part or its entirety, may be made for health, safety, and emergency reasons by the Principal. 
  4. School Trips or School-Sponsored Activities. The use, display, or activation of cellular phones or other wireless communication devices during school trips or school-sponsored activities shall be at the discretion of the Principal or designee, but shall not be disruptive to the activity.
  5. Other reasons determined appropriate by the Principal. 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

 

PAYMENT POLICY

Tuition must be paid in full for the entire month.  Payments must be made before services are rendered.  If students enroll after the first day of the month, the total monthly tuition must be paid upon registration.  Payments not made on or before due dates are subject to a late fee and a reinstatement fee.

 

Signature of Parent/Guardian: _______________________________ Date: __________

 

WITHDRAWAL/LATE PAYMENT FEE/LATE PICK-UP  POLICY

I understand and agree that a two-week written notice is required to withdraw my child from the after-school program.  Additionally, I understand that no refunds or credits will be given for absences due to vacations, illness, withdrawal, or removal for disruptive behavior. 

 

I further understand that if payment is not received by the due date, a late payment fee will be assessed and that my child will be automatically withdrawn from the program. I understand there is no guarantee space will be available at a future date should I wish to re-enroll my child.  

 

I understand that late pick-up fees apply.  If my child is picked up late more than three times, my child may be dismissed from the program, with no refunds or credits given.

 

Signature of Parent/Guardian: _______________________________ Date: __________

 

DISMISSAL/SIGN-OUT PROCEDURES

I understand that, for my child’s safety, any person I assign through JupiterED to pick up my child is required to produce a photo ID upon request at sign-out each day.  I further understand that I, or anyone I authorize, are required to use official full legal signatures on all aftercare documents, including registration forms, sign-out sheets, and parent/guardian notes.  Furthermore, every sign-out sheet must include the time of pick-up.  

I understand that Aftercare uses the exact authorized pick-up contacts listed in JupiterEd as the school. Any updates to these contacts must be made directly with the school, in writing or in person.  I understand that my child’s information must be kept up to date.

Inappropriate behavior- such as hostile or threatening language from a parent or guardian- may result in having to make alternate arrangements for student pick-up.  Failure to follow these policies will result in immediate dismissal from the program. 

 

Signature of Parent/Guardian: _______________________________ Date: __________

 

TEACHER/STAFF SIGN-OUT

I give permission for my child to be signed out of the after-school program by Western Academy Charter School teachers or staff to participate in classroom help, extra academic support, tutoring, sports, clubs or other school-related activities. I understand that during this time, my child will be supervised by school staff.

 

Signature of Parent/Guardian: _______________________________ Date: _________

 

BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

Behavior reports indicate ongoing concerns that need to be addressed.  Support from parents/guardians and teachers will be requested, and a behavior plan will be developed as needed.  Age-appropriate consequences will be assigned.

 

Any student who receives three behavior reports during the school year may be dismissed from the after-school program.  Behavior reports may be issued for, but are not limited to, violence, aggression, failure to follow directions or safety rules, inappropriate language, or disrespect toward aftercare staff or others.

 

If a student’s behavior is determined to be harmful to themselves or others, immediate dismissal from the program will occur.

 

Signature of Parent/Guardian: _______________________________ Date: __________

 

INFLUENZA (flu) VACCINE NOTIFICATION LETTER

I have read and understand the information provided regarding the importance of the influenza (flu) vaccine for children.

 

Signature of Parent/Guardian: _______________________________ Date: __________

 

PARENT STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

I have read, understand, and accept all rules, policies, and procedures of the Western Academy Charter School Before and After School (SACC) Program.  A copy of the complete handbook can be located on the school website.

 

Signature of Parent/Guardian: _______________________________ Date: __________